SEPTEMBER 2020 CLASS 3 & 4 TEACHER REFERENCE PRESENTATION SEPTEMBER 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS CLASS 3 & 4

Pick of the Month Gap Profiles Global Update ❖ Nemo 33 ❖ Babar Ali ❖ Museum Malgudi

Discover India Around the World Did you Know ❖ Naropa Festival ❖ Istanbul ❖ Giraffes

Born This Month Mixed Bag Pick of the Month Nemo 33

Nemo 33 is one of the world’s deepest indoor swimming pools. Located in Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, the pool attracts divers from around the world to plunge in for a unique swimming experience. The Facility The pool opened in 2004 especially for divers, with the objective of training them to plunge into deep waters confidently. It is used for various purposes such as training, leisure diving, research, and also for film shoots. The facility permits tourists, amateur and professional divers to enter its waters. The complex also has bookshops, swimwear stores, souvenir stores and rooms for other water activities.

Features of the pool

Built over a period of 7 years, the pool is 33 metres deep with multiple platforms. It has a circular pit that plunges up to its maximum depth. Numerous structures such as tunnels and underwater caves are present at varying depths to imitate the experience of deep-sea diving. Pick of the Month Nemo 33 Its name

The name ‘Nemo’ pays homage to the fictional ‘Captain Nemo’, the hero from the classic tale ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Sea’, the famous novel by Jules Verne. The ‘33’ in the pool’s name arises from both, the depth and the parameters of the water. The pool has a maximum depth of 33 metres and the temperature of the water is maintained at 33 degrees Celsius for comfort diving. Underwater dining

The diving centre has a unique underwater restaurant called ‘The Pearl’. The sphere-shaped capsule offers visitors the experience to dine five metres below the water surface.

The sphere is fastened into the pool’s upper level. Food is brought in waterproof boxes from the restaurant above. Nemo 33 Pick of the Month Did You Know

❖ It was designed by a Belgian diving expert who wanted to recreate the water conditions of the island of Bora Bora in his home country. ❖ The pool is filled with non-chlorinated and filtered spring water.

❖ It holds an incredible 2.5 million litres of water, entirely heated List the word ‘Nemo’ to kids and by solar energy. ask them what they would relate ❖ The pool’s underwater windows allow visitors from the outside to it to. Most of them may relate it to the movie ‘Finding Nemo’. look into the pool at various depths.

❖ To gain full access to its maximum depth and enjoy , You can later on inform them one must be a certified diver or be supervised by a trainer. about Nemo 33, one of the ❖ Students as young as 12 years can take diving lessons in the world’s deepest swimming pools. pool. ❖ Until 2014, Nemo 33 held the Guinness World Record for being the ‘deepest indoor ’. ❖ In the past, it was home to a collection of exhibitions. Pick of the Month Nemo 33

Which is currently the world’s deepest indoor swimming pool? It is said thatY-40, the nicknamed name 'Amazon' ‘The Deep was Joy’, given is by Spanishcurrently explorer the world’s named deepest Francisco indoor Orellana, swimming who waspool. theLocated first European at the Hotel to sailTerme down Millepini the Amazonin Italy, itRiver. has surpassed In 1542, while Brussels’ on his Nemo expedition, 33 as the he world’s and deepesthis men pool. ran With into aa depthtribe ofof enormous40 metres, fierce it is womenpopular warriorsamong divers. in the area. He compared them to the Amazons, the warrior women from Greek It alsomythology contains a andsuspended named andit after transparent them. underwater tunnel that enables spectators to observe the pool. Babar Ali Gap Profiles

Babar Ali is among the world’s youngest teachers, who started teaching at the age of nine. He taught whatever he learnt in his school to other kids who were not fortunate enough to get an education.

Birth and Childhood

Babar Ali was born in 1993 in the village of Murshidabad in West Bengal. His father was a small-time jute trader. Unlike most children in his village, he went to school and got formal education. In 1998, Babar was admitted to the Primary School where he studied up to Class 4. He later went to a high school, about 10 kilometres away from his home. Babar had to walk two kilometres to the bus stand, from where he would catch the bus to go to school. As a student, he was very disciplined and performed well in his studies. Babar Ali Gap Profiles Passion for teaching

In 2002, it was a walk that changed the direction of his life. Babar Ali was nine years old when, one day, while returning from his school, he saw children of his age working in homes or grazing cattle. They had never attended school mainly due to poverty. This made him unhappy. When he volunteered to teach them what he had learnt in school, the kids readily agreed to learn from him.

He decided to do something about it. Determined to share his knowledge as a fifth standard student, he turned into a teacher for his friends who were poor. At the age of 9, he started evening classes for children who could not afford to go to school. He taught eight children under a guava tree in his home’s backyard. His concern for these children not only changed his life, but also changed the lives of hundreds of other children who did not have the opportunity to attend school. His parents supported his decision and allowed him to pursue his vision of imparting knowledge to underprivileged children. Babar Ali Gap Profiles

As a teacher

He would, like a dedicated teacher, come back straight to his house from school and talk about what he had learnt there. Initially, it was a difficult task to convince villagers to send their children to him, but he gradually won the trust of parents as students grew fond of him and enjoyed his classes. He was the only teacher at the school, teaching children between the ages of five and nine. The makeshift school

His makeshift school used to get muddy during heavy showers. He would take broken pieces of chalk from his school after classes, and use terracotta tiles at home to make a blackboard. He used newspapers as reading materials. In 2003, the school had an official inauguration and it was named ‘Ananda Shiksha Niketan’ (House of Happy Learning). For a long time, Babar ran the school using his own pocket money and some support from his family. Babar Ali Gap Profiles Anand Siksha Niketan Gradually, Babar’s school gained popularity and more students started joining him in his backyard. In 2015, with the help of funds from well-wishers across India, he built a new school building a few kilometres away from the previous one. Ananda Siksha Niketan became a morning school providing free education to hundreds of underprivileged children. The school is currently affiliated to the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education with classes up to eighth standard. Babar provides students with uniforms, mid-day meals, and scholarships with the help of sponsorships and donations. Most teachers are former students of the school. They serve voluntarily. Babar Ali Today Babar Ali balanced both teaching and learning simultaneously. He graduated with a B.A. in English and went on to do his post-graduation in English and History. Today, he is a motivational speaker and is regularly invited by schools and colleges for lectures, as well as for various conferences and forums across the country and the world. His dream is to make India's children have access to quality education despite their economic backgrounds. In the future, he is hoping to extend the education beyond the schooling level. Awards and Recognition He has been honoured with several prestigious awards for his outstanding contribution in the field of education since 2002. In 2009, he won a prize from the programme ‘Real Heroes’ of the English news channel CNN IBN, and was given the NDTV ‘Indian of the Year’ award. Babar Ali Gap Profiles

Did You Know

❖ He was named the ‘Youngest Headmaster in the World’ by British Broadcasting Company (BBC) in 2009, at the age of 16. ❖ His younger sister was his first student. ❖ To ensure that children attended school, he would often buy Kids are familiar with the proverb ‘where there is a will, there is a them sweets. way’. ❖ When he was in Class 8, Nobel laureate Amartya Sen invited him to Santiniketan, the prestigious centre of learning founded by You can ask them to elaborate on Rabindranath Tagore, to speak about his school. this and later introduce them to ❖ Babar’s inspiring story is now a part of the syllabus for the Babar Ali, whose life story is an CBSE tenth standard English textbook, PUC English textbook example of the same. for Government of Karnataka, and also in a curriculum in Europe. ❖ Swami Vivekananda is his role model. Museum Malgudi Global Update

The Indian Railways has converted the old Arasalu Railway Station near Shivamogga district in Karnataka, into a museum named ‘Museum Malgudi’. The museum is dedicated to R. K. Narayan’s fictional town of Malgudi and the popular television series of the 1980s titled ‘Malgudi Days’, which was adapted from R. K. Narayan’s famous novel by the same name. Surrounded by lush green landscape, many scenes of the serial were shot at the old Arasalu Railway Station.

The old Arasalu Railway Station now wears a new transformed look after its renovation. It has been designed by various artists including sculptor John Devraj, who was part of the television crew during shooting of the serial. While the old station is now a museum, the new station at Arasalu is just a few metres away from the old station where passengers alight. Museum Malgudi Global Update

Highlights of the museum Maintaining a rustic charm, the museum features photographs and artwork associated with the television serial, Malgudi Days. There are various scenes from the serial sketched on the walls, apart from portraits of R. K. Narayan and that of other characters.

Among the other exhibits are a house with a compound wall made of metal bars salvaged from railway tracks, images of a peacock and a life-sized tiger replica, a kitchen, a street, and houses in the neighbourhood. A makeshift railway coach has been converted into a tea shop named ‘Malgudi Chai’. Museum Malgudi Global Update

Did You Know: TV Serial-Malgudi Days

❖ It was created based on the short stories written by eminent novelist R. K. Narayan. ❖ It was aired on Doordarshan in the 1980s in Hindi and English. ❖ The story centres around a young boy named Ask the kids to talk to their parents about the TV series ‘Malgudi Days’ which W. S. Swaminathan (fondly called Swami) and his adventures was aired on Doordarshan during the at school and home. 1980s. It would be very nostalgic for ❖ Acclaimed cartoonist R. K. Laxman, who was R. K. Narayan's quite a few. With this background, younger brother, was the sketch artist. inform the kids about a museum in ❖ Most of the rural scenes for the serial were shot in the village Karnataka which is dedicated to the of Agumbe in Shivamogga district. serial and the novelist behind this series. ❖ R. K. Narayan visited the railway station at Arasalu and You can ask the kids to watch some approved the location for shooting in the series. episodes of this series to understand the ❖ The initial episodes of the serial were directed by late Kannada museum better. actor and filmmaker, Shankar Nag. Naropa Festival Discover India

The Naropa Festival is one of the largest Buddhist festivals celebrated in the Himalayan region. It takes place in Ladakh and celebrates the life of a famous Buddhist saint and teacher named Naropa. About Naropa

Naropa’s life and teachings marked the beginning of a new era of Buddhism that continues to thrive in the Himalayas and the world. He was a philosopher in the famed ancient Nalanda University. He left the materialistic world to pursue the path of enlightenment. Naropa Festival Discover India

Upon attaining enlightenment, he is said to have been offered six bone and ivory ornaments studded with precious stones; the crown, necklace, earrings, bracelets, seralkha (an ornament worn across the shoulders) and ogpag (an ornament like an apron), by dakinis (female messengers of wisdom in Buddhism). These ornaments are considered highly revered Buddhist relics. It is the physical legacy of Saint Naropa, left behind after his liberation. The Festivities The venue for the festival is the Hemis Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in the country. The rare public display of the six bone ornaments and the unfurling of the ancient silk Thangka of Buddha Amitabha, the largest silk brocade in the Himalayas, are among the main highlights of the festival. The colourful celebration, which lasts for a few days, gives us a glimpse of Ladakh's rich Buddhist culture, costumes, dance, music and traditions. The celebration also includes teaching lessons of Naropa, prayers and religious performances by monks and nuns, and a traditional archery competition. Naropa Festival Discover India

Did You Know

❖ Also known as the ‘Kumbh of the Himalayas’, the festival attracts people from all over the world. ❖ Usually held once in 12 years, the festival has deviated from its routine and is being held annually since 2018. However, grand festivities continue to take place every 12 years, with the next one being in 2028. ❖ It is believed that the mere sight of the six bone ornaments kept for public viewing during the festival confer great blessings. The ornaments are brought in a grand procession accompanied by bands playing traditional music from the Hemis monastery for public viewing. ❖ The 2016 Naropa Festival celebrated the millennial birth anniversary of Saint Naropa. ❖ In the celebrations last year, 408 members of a group made it to the Guinness World Records when they performed the traditional ‘Shondol’ dance. Istanbul Around the World

Istanbul is the largest city of Turkey. It has survived many rulers and has undergone several name changes. Istanbul has been the capital of some of the strongest and biggest empires during its time, from the Roman Empire, to the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empire.

Major Attractions

The Blue Mosque (called Sultanahmet Camii in Turkish) is a splendid monument. It is named as the ‘Blue Mosque’ because of the blue tiles decorated on its interiors. Built over 400 years ago, it is still used as a mosque besides being a popular tourist attraction. Istanbul Around the World

The Hagia Sophia is a great architectural beauty known for its massive dome. Originally a church, it was turned into a mosque and then a museum. Recently, it was turned into a mosque again.

The Galata Tower is a cylindrical tower with a conical cap. It was the tallest building in the city for many centuries and is still the most visible. Used originally to house prisoners of war, it presently serves as an observatory offering a 360-degree view of the city. Istanbul Around the World

The Topkapi Palace is a beautiful palace that was home to the rulers of the Ottoman Empire. It is presently a museum attracting many tourists. Istanbul Around the World

Did You Know ❖ Istanbul occupies two different continents. One part of it lies in Europe and the other in Asia. ❖ The city was previously known as ‘Constantinople’.

❖ The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered bazaars in the world. Many types of items, including rugs, gems, old coins, and

cloth can be found in the thousands of shops located there. ❖ Tulips, contrary to popular belief, originated from Istanbul and later travelled to the Netherlands. Every year in April, Istanbul hosts the annual ‘International Istanbul Tulip Festival’ to celebrate the flower. The city's parks and gardens are planted with millions of colourful tulips. ❖ The Marmaray in Istanbul is an underwater railway tunnel connecting the eastern and western parts of Istanbul. The tunnel is the world's first to connect two continents (Europe and Asia). Istanbul Around the World

What is Istanbul’s ‘Sunken Palace’?

The Sunken Palace (Basilica Cistern) is It is said thatone theof Istanbul's name 'Amazon' most unique was given by Spanishlocations. explorer The huge, named underground Francisco hall Orellana, constructed who was the first European to sail down the Amazon over 1000 years ago, is supported by more than River. In 1542, while on his expedition, he and 300his pillars. men ranIt once into stored a tribe and of enormous supplied water fierce for womenthe city andwarriors its palaces. in the area.Today, He it comparedholds small them amountto the Amazons, of water andthe warrioris a tourist women spot. from Greek The Sunkenmythology Palace and is thenamed largest it after among them. several hundred ancient reservoirs, which lie beneath Istanbul. Giraffes Did You Know

Giraffes are found in the wild, throughout Africa. They have long legs, a long neck and distinct patterns on their body.

They are the tallest living land mammals and can run at a great speed. Their height enables them to spot potential predators very easily.

Their name

The name ‘giraffe’ is derived from the Arabic word ‘zarafah’, which means ‘the one who walks fast’. Ancient Romans and Greeks thought that the giraffe was a mix between a camel’s body and a leopard’s spots, which is reflected in its scientific name, ‘Giraffa Camelopardalis’. Giraffes Did You Know

Their neck

They have seven vertebrae (neck bones) in their necks, the same number of bones as in humans. The vertebrae form very flexible joints, which allow the giraffes to eat fresh leaves and twigs from the treetops.

As a giraffe’s neck is too short to reach the ground, they bend awkwardly to shuffle and spread their front legs to reach the ground to drink water. Luckily, they only need to drink once every few days, as they can get most of their water from all the plants they eat.

Their tongue

They have a long tongue that can grasp and hold items (prehensile). Spending most of the day eating, a full-grown giraffe consumes over 45 kg of leaves and twigs a day. Giraffes Did You Know

Giraffe’s Pacing Unlike most other four-legged mammals, giraffes walk by moving the legs on one side of the body at the same time, then doing the same on the other side. This is known as ‘pacing’. Necking in Giraffes Male giraffes display a behaviour called ‘necking’ to establish dominance by fighting with other males. It involves rubbing and intertwining of their necks. They use their necks to strike a blow and to show affection towards another giraffe. Threats and Conservation Status The population of wild giraffes in Africa is declining due to hunting and habitat loss. They are hunted for their meat, skin and tail, which are valued by many African tribes. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have classified them as vulnerable in the Red List in 2016. Giraffes Did You Know

Did You Know

❖ Both female and male giraffes have horn-like projections on their head called ‘ossicones’. They are not made of bone. ❖ A group of giraffes is called a ‘tower’ or a ‘herd’. ❖ White giraffes are extremely rare to find. They have reportedly been spotted in Kenya and Tanzania in recent years. The white appearance of the giraffe is due to a genetic condition called leucism, which inhibits skin cells from producing pigment but allows other organs like eyes, to be dark-coloured. This differs slightly from albinism, which prevents the body from producing pigment (melanin) in all organs. ❖ No two individual giraffes have the same skin pattern. ❖ World Giraffe Day is observed on 21 June every year to raise support and create awareness about giraffes in the wild.

❖ They have an exceptionally strong heart to pump blood all the way to their heads. Giraffes Did You Know

❖ Their main predators are lions and large packs of hyenas as well as humans. When attacked, they use their powerful hooves to kick their enemies. ❖ Recently, a 12-year-old giraffe named ‘Forest’ at the Australian Zoo in Queensland, has set a Guinness World Record as the world’s tallest giraffe, standing at 18-foot, 8 inches.

What is Giraffe Manor?

It is saidGiraffe that the Manor name is 'Amazon'a small hotel was in given Nairobi, by Kenya.Spanish It exploreris located named on a vast Francisco area of Orellana, land where who giraffeswas the roam first freely.European One toof sailthe downmost fascinatingthe Amazon thingsRiver. Inabout 1542, the while hotel on is thathis expedition, guests share he the and his men ran into a tribe of enormous fierce women grounds with giraffes, who poke their long necks warriors in the area. He compared them to the into Amazons,the windows the in warrior the hope women of a treat. from The Greek hotel was builtmythology as a sanctuary and named to protect it after the them.Rothschild giraffes, which are currently endangered. Mixed Bag

“The whole world is a series of A zarf is a miracles, but we cardboard strip A Yeti crab has hairy arms. are so used to that helps to It is named so as its claws them we call hold a hot cup. Wild Wild World has a close resemblance to them ordinary

Famous Quote Famous It does not allow the fabled Yeti, the

things.” AreWhat They? heat to reach snowman in the Himalayas. Hans Christian one’s hand. The crab lives in deep sea Andersen and has bacteria growing on its arms, which is its main food. Born This Month

08 Sep (1986) Parupalli Kashyap Indian badminton player

Parupalli Kashyap is an Indian badminton player. An Arjuna Award winner, he trains at Gopichand Badminton Academy.

15 Sep (1860) Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya Indian Engineer Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya was an Indian engineer and statesman. He was a recipient of the Bharat Ratna, India's highest honour. His birthday is celebrated as ‘Engineer’s Day’ in India. Born This Month

16 Sep (1916) M. S. Subbulakshmi Indian Carnatic Singer Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi, popularly known as M.S. Subbulakshmi, was an Indian Carnatic singer. She was the first musician ever to be awarded the Bharat Ratna.

28 Sep (1925) Seymour Roger Cray American engineer

Seymour Roger Cray, called ‘the father of supercomputing’, was an American electrical engineer. He designed a series of supercomputers that were the fastest in the world.