Video Conferencing-DLDAV Pitampura and Hollins Technology College UK

On 4^th of June 2014 we had the video conferencing with Hollins Technology College UK. The VC was in preparation of the planned visit by the delegation from the Hollins to DLDAV Model School Pitampura in the month of July. The students talked about the major influences in their lives.  The responses from students from both schools varied – here are some of the responses:  My family and friends influence me the most; my family and friends guide me in the challenges of life; media influences me the most;  TV, media, books, and film influence me the most – I watch the news every morning and that is where I learn about the world – even though I know that it is quite biased; my faith – Catholicism influences me the most; my education influences me the most – my views differ from my parents, and I know that I am influenced by my education. 

Students also discussed the diversity of faith traditions represented in their communities and explored the differences in how the students are taught about religions of the world.  Students from both schools described their countries as secular and religiously diverse.    Students entered into excellent dialogue to try to figure out the differences.  Our students explained that their school recognizes all of the major religious festivals – this is the major way they learn about the different traditions.  Students are also taught at an early age about Arya Samaj – which includes the belief that there is only one God.  Students at The Hollins shared their experiences of Religious Education at school, where they learn about all of the major world religions.  Students noted that this was another difference between India and UK. 

Students also discussed negative influences in their lives and how to navigate and handle these influences.   One student at Hollins asked how students at DAV know whether something they read in the newspaper is biased or not – right or wrong.   He wondered whether students are taught to analyze and question everything they read.  One student from our school said that students are guided by their teachers and parents to decide what is right or wrong.  They are guided from an early age to understand the difference.  Students in the UK talked about their experience in school – English and Religious Education classes – where they are taught to question, analyze, and form their own opinions.  Again students asked excellent questions to dig down to discover the differences in the educational approaches of their schools. The VC concluded with DLDAV students wishing their peers from UK  a safe and happy journey to India.