An attitude for gratitude: Apeejay students thank those who make our lives easier

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy and change the ordinary opportunities into blessings.” 

The above mentioned quote by American motivational writer William Arthur Ward is a reminder that no amount of expressing gratitude is enough for the services one receives in daily life. One is surrounded by people who work, day in and day out for common welfare and peace. Gratitude towards such people alone comprises a ticket to a brighter future for mankind. Without peace and a sense of gratitude in the human heart, there is no way out of the perpetual cycle of inequity and violence.

Keeping the aforementioned thought in mind, students of Apeejay School, Noida (Junior School) on the occasion of World Gratitude Day on September 21, expressed their gratitude not only towards the people who provide support to them in all walks of life but also towards nature.

The class teachers gave the students an informative talk on the concept of ‘gratitude’. They also explained to the students through a video the relevance and importance of ‘International Peace Day’, celebrated globally alongside World Gratitude day on September 21.

The students participated in a range of activities to celebrate this special day. Students of classes Nursery and Kindergarten, carried out art and craft activities. They coloured pictures of a dove, the symbol of peace and hope. Class 1 and 2 students, on the other hand, made pictures of a dove using their palm-prints.

The students of classes 3, 4 and 5 designed posters to commemorate the International Peace and World Gratitude Day. The students also presented little gifts of affection and gratitude to the security personnel of the school, to honour their tireless service.

These activities brought out the latent creativity of the students. It also gave the students a free space to use their imagination and paint their way to a peaceful world.

Speaking about the activities conducted, Principal, Mr AK Sharma emphasised: “The International Day of Peace reminds us that regardless of where we come from or which languages we speak, we are more alike than we are different”. He also elaborated about the theme for this year’s Peace day celebration: observing 24 hours of non-violence.

Primary school In-charge, Mrs Smriti Samuel addressed the students and sensitised them towards the significance of peace for the development and growth of humanity in the world. She listed ways to transform the world into a place that is more equal, inclusive, sustainable and healthier. Concepts such as conflict-resolution through peaceful dialogue, consensus-building and the choice of non-violence are the fundamentals for a peaceful world. She mentioned that students must be made to understand these key concepts from an early age for a healthy tomorrow. 

“To show gratitude is the process to cleanse the soul and open the windows of faculties of mind to allow more wisdom and get peace. We should be grateful to feel free and have inner peace.”

-A K Sharma, Principal, Apeejay School, Noida