Good Schools of India
Joy of Learning Weekly #56
An Afternoon with Dr Supriya Bansal
Tuesday, March 10, 2026, I had the opportunity to meet Dr Supriya Bansal, author of Mysteries, Mountains, and Mythology, at The English Book Depot. It was a thoughtful and engaging interaction, during which I had the chance to learn more about her book and the ideas that inspired it. Dr Bansal spoke about the interesting concept behind the title of her book. She highlighted how the letter M connects the three central themes of her work - Mystery, Mountains, and Mythology. According to her, each of these elements carries a kind of magic. Mountains often hold hidden stories, mystery keeps readers curious, and mythology connects us with the deeper cultural roots of a place.
When asked about bringing together mystery, mountains, and mythology, she explained that mountains are full of untold stories waiting to be discovered. Being in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, a place deeply connected with mythology, naturally inspires narratives rooted in legends, culture, and the landscapes around us.
I also asked her about the idea that a story truly lives only when it is told. Dr Bansal shared that storytelling plays an important role in keeping cultural traditions alive. She spoke about how stories and folklore need to be passed forward so that younger generations remain connected to their heritage and traditions.
Another unique element of her book is the way it brings food and storytelling together. When asked what inspired this combination, she explained that food creates a strong sensory connection within stories. When readers imagine what the characters are eating, they can almost feel the taste, smell, and atmosphere of the place. This adds depth to the narrative and helps readers experience the place’s taste and the story’s vibrance.
The interaction was thoughtful and inspiring, offering a glimpse into how stories can connect nature, culture, and everyday experiences. The meet-and-greet at EBD was a memorable opportunity to hear directly from an author who beautifully blends imagination with the landscapes and traditions around us.
Sneha, The English Book Depot
Since 1923, The English Book Depot (EBD) has enriched our lives by promoting reading and building meaningful relationships. Support the Special Projects initiative of the Learning Forward India Foundation and the Good Schools Alliance to help students learn kindness and generosity and foster a culture of learning that promotes growth and success for everyone. #JoyOfGiving
How does our flagship program, My Good School, truly make a difference?
Even before the Good Schools Alliance was founded, My Good School took action to address a crucial question: “How do we get people to read?”
Now, five years strong, Sunday morning, My Good School, of March 15, 2026, features an inspiring showcase of the incredible efforts by Jugjiv Sir and Manisha Ma’am to bring the Sunday School to life.
We hosted a lively book-reading session centred around the books “What You’re Looking For Is In The Library” and “The Whistling Schoolboy.” Students engaged deeply with themes of communication, growth, and workplace challenges, inspired by Ryo’s adventures and his love of antiques in the story “What You Are Looking For Is In The Library”. They reflected on workplace ethics, stress management, and the power of self-expression, making each session an enriching experience.
The Education Verdict
India celebrates its toppers when they become doctors, engineers, or civil servants. But why don’t we celebrate when the brightest minds choose to become schoolteachers?
In this episode of The Education Verdict, we confront an uncomfortable truth: teaching has slipped down the ladder of aspirations. While we call teachers “nation builders” in speeches, our policies and pay structures tell a different story—especially for the millions of private school teachers who face low pay and limited job security.
Ravi Santlani, Founder & CEO of ScooNews, dives into the economics and policy design of the teaching profession with:
Aditi Misra, Director, Delhi Public School Sector 45, Gurugram
Pritam Kumar Agarwal, Founder, Hello Kids Chain of Preschools, Bengaluru
Pooja Gupta, Co-founder, Tinker Village, Mumbai
Major General TPS Waraich, Director, Yadavindra Public School, Mohali
Key Questions Explored:
Why does a wide salary gap exist between government and private teachers?
Can schools demand world-class outcomes without world-class investment in talent?
Should the government formally recognise teachers with a special professional status—including tax relief and insurance?
Read And Lead
To read and discuss the first chapter of Every Last Girl, Safeena Husain’s book, “Antimbala.”
Key Takeaways
Illiteracy enables exploitation: The chapter’s core message is that illiteracy creates systemic vulnerability, enabling financial theft (e.g. Vidya’s ₹12,000 savings) and property fraud (e.g. Poonam’s land), thereby undermining a person’s agency and rights.
Education is a non-negotiable right: Nagina Banu’s powerful statement—“My education is the only thing that is truly mine”—frames education as an inherent, inalienable right and a critical tool for self-determination and escaping poverty.
National security requires foundational literacy: The author’s 2010 visit to Afghanistan revealed that widespread illiteracy (82% among women) was a major national security risk, hindering the recruitment of a police force capable of performing basic tasks, such as recording license plate numbers.
Brewing Knowledge Friday at The English Book Depot
Key Takeaways
Self-worth is foundational: It dictates action. High self-worth (100%) enables goal pursuit, whereas low self-worth leads to hesitation and inaction.
Define personal success: Reject external metrics (e.g., career, marriage) to build self-worth independent of social validation.
Use creativity for healing: Find a personal healing medium (e.g., writing, art, running) to process emotions and build joy.
Literature enables change: Books allow readers to process new ideas at their own pace, unlike direct conversation, which can trigger immediate, defensive reactions.
Books Of The Week
Learning Forward Saturday
To read and discuss the “War and Peace” chapter from the book Wanted Back-bencher & Last-ranker Teacher, by Kavita Ghosh
Key Takeaways
Proactive Discipline: Use movement breaks and outdoor lessons to improve student focus and prevent disruptive behaviour.
De-escalation Strategy: Counter aggression with calm redirection. In a crisis, a teacher’s composure can defuse a situation that a confrontation would not.
Interpersonal Relationships: Build trust by believing students’ claims of innocence, even when administrators are sceptical. This strengthens the teacher-student bond.
Next Session: The April 11th session will be held live at the Learning Forward retreat in Jaipur and streamed online, reading the chapter “Love Learning vs. Hate Learning.”
Masterclass
To read from The Courage To Be Happy by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga, and explore Adlerian psychology’s views on the past, the present, and classroom management.
Key Takeaways
The Past Is a Narrative: The past is not a fixed reality but a story we construct in the present to align with our current goals and worldview.
Focus on “What Now?”: The “Triangular Column” model shifts focus from unproductive complaints (“That bad person,” “Poor me”) to the actionable question: “What should I do from now on?”
Classrooms Are Democracies: Treat classrooms as democratic nations where students are sovereign. Rules must be established by consensus, not dictated, to foster active observance over passive obedience.
Problem Behaviour Stems from Ignorance: Most problem behaviour is not malicious but stems from a lack of knowledge. The adult’s role is to teach with reason, not to punish with emotion.
Learning Through Curiosity and Reflection - PYDS Learning Academy
Students participated in an engaging My Good School session that combined reading, discussion, and reflection. The session encouraged students to observe nature closely and understand how curiosity and patience can turn small discoveries into meaningful learning experiences. Students also shared different superstitions they had heard, which made the discussion lively and interactive. The session included a thoughtful book review of Atomic Habits, highlighting how small, consistent habits can lead to positive changes in life. A short quiz and an interesting story added to the excitement and kept everyone actively involved. Overall, the session inspired students to value curiosity, develop good habits, and maintain a healthy and disciplined lifestyle.