Category Archives: Education

Integrating Vedic Wisdom into Policy and Practice to Nurture Global Equity

Gauranga Das Prabhu, Director Govardhan Ecovillage delves into how incorporating Vedic knowledge, which emphasizes the importance of food and unity, might transform policy to promote global fairness. Recognizing food as a fundamental aspect of life and adopting the Vasudeva Kutumbakam principle – the world as one family – paves the way for a more just and inclusive society.

In today’s interconnected world, the pursuit of equity is seen as a moral necessity that transcends borders and ideology. It invites us to explore ancient knowledge while accepting modern realities and seeking answers rooted in compassion, collaboration, and systemic transformation. We can pave the way to a more inclusive and fair society by relying on both the rich weave of Vedic wisdom and modern discoveries.

Vasudeva Kutumbakam, or the idea that ‘the entire world is one family’, is central to the Vedic ethos. The premise of Annam Bahu Kurvita is central to the principle of producing and distributing food abundantly. This profound knowledge emphasizes the essence of civilization itself: the sharing of resources for the general good. In embracing these concepts, we acknowledge that life sustains equitable access to resources, particularly food.

However, as we confront the stark reality of global inequality, it becomes evident that systemic injustices persist. Rooted in historical legacies of colonialism, discrimination, and imperialism these disparities pervade wealth, income, and resource access worldwide. The statistics paint a sobering picture: the top echelons or upper class amass a disproportionate share of wealth, leaving the marginalized struggling for the most necessities.

Addressing these ingrained disparities requires a diverse strategy. For example- events such as C20, a vital part of the G20 process, aim to engage in meaningful discussions, consolidate policy documents, and devise effective advocacy strategies for the same. Affirmative action measures, such as India’s MGNREGA and Brazil’s social inclusion policies, show signs of improvement. Similarly, Kerala’s decentralized planning approach demonstrates the transforming force of local empowerment, resulting in demonstrable advances in education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment.

Education appears as an effective tool and technique for overcoming biases and developing empathy. By adopting anti-bias education and inclusive curricula, we can raise a generation that understands the nuances and complexities of intersectionality and recognizes the different identities that shape and affect an individual’s experiences. We may address structural inequities and promote fairness in a variety of contexts by implementing policy reforms and engaging stakeholders.

Numerous policy ideas exist, ranging from international collaboration to address tax havens to a Universal Basic Income. These policies, which are based on a dedication to economic stability and inclusivity, offer hope for a more fair future. But there are many obstacles in the way, such as political resistance and lingering effects from the past, which call for coordinated efforts and unshakable resolve.

We have to take the call to action found in Vedic wisdom seriously as we work through the challenges of our day. We can overcome barriers and create a global society based on justice and compassion by promoting a sense of unity and sharing. This will in turn create a more equitable and welcoming world where the teachings of Vasudeva Kutumbakam light the way to a better future.

Author Kimberly Moffitt’s New Book Therapy Sessions

Everett, WA, April 19, 2024 — Kimberly Moffitt, who has been a stay-at-home parent to four neurodivergent kids for the past nine years, has completed her new book, “Therapy Sessions”: a compelling work that shares the exploration of difficult questions and emotions.

Author Kimberly Moffitt has been writing poems since high school. Her background is in history and anthropology. She is a Southern transplant living in the Pacific Northwest. A dyed-in-the-wool geek, she and her family enjoy various fandoms and live with two spoiled cats and two snakes.

“Therapy Sessions” features poems including “Contemplation of Love,” “Masque of Death,” “So Much to Ask,” “The Screamer,” “Visit from the End,” “Were It So Simple,” “Wooden Beauty,” “Empty Heart,” and many more.

Author Gary Rothlein’s New Book Me and the Mental

Aurora, CO, April 19, 2024 — Gary Rothlein, who holds an associate of science in business administration degree from Colorado Technical University, has completed his new book, “Me and the Mental”: a poignant and deeply personal autobiographical account of the struggles the author was forced to endure, and how each of these experiences influenced the person he is today.

In “Me and the Mental,” author Gary Rothlein details each of these traumatic experiences documenting how they happened, insights, such as criticisms and personal evaluation, and how those experiences shaped his present. In certainty, there are different setting layouts from where these situations had taken place and, geographically, they occur in the states of California and Colorado. His writings are very descriptive and try to share his message that conflict can happen, and only personal strength can move one forward.

Rothlein shares, “From my later adolescent years to earlier adult years, I had to undergo major breakdown episodes relating to life alterations. These episodes occurred in the years 2015, 2016, and 2018. In every way I can think of, the situations changed a major form of my life.”

Author Lorine Sutherland’s New Book The Sweetest Music

New York, NY, April 19, 2024 — Lorine Sutherland, a loving mother and grandmother who appreciates family togetherness and is passionate about music, has completed her new book, “The Sweetest Music”: a gripping novel that follows the journey of Misty McAnn, a young girl who must deals with the outcome of her choice between her father and her family or the chance to live out her dreams.

“‘The Sweetest Music’ takes you back to your childhood in a world of discipline and judgment,” shares Sutherland. “Through the ages of growth, determination and self-recognition become a main focus as you mature into an adult. There will be trials, disappointments, and regrets we learn to accept and accommodate through our youth into adulthood. In a time when we want to please our family and make them proud of our every decision and endeavor comes misunderstanding and lack of patience and trust; all the while, we must stay focused on our dreams. The dreams we want to live in that also comes with sacrifice. We will experience childhood happiness.

“A father’s pride to a teenager focused on her hopes and dreams to falling in love with the wrong family and betraying a father’s pride and trust led to making her own way without the support of her family; she lives her dream before she realizes what has happened to find a new meaning of family and support to supplement the pain of being without her family and her love. Through all the sacrifices will came great reward of dreams come true and learning to trust.”

Welcome to the Best Brains Family – Maple Grove

Maple Grove, MN, April 19, 2024 –Best Brains Learning Centers further expands as Best Brains Maple Grove. The center prepares to open on May 21, 2024. Owner Meenakshi Jakhar has been working with the Franchise Success team for over 6 months to make her dream of learning center ownership a reality and is ready to begin offering high-quality after-school programs to students in the Maple Grove area.

Best Brains has firmly established itself in Minnesota, with five centers spread across the state and several more currently in active development. With the growing demand for after-school enrichment, the franchise teams are now focusing on emerging areas where new families are seeking excellent after-school education options for their children. Meenakshi saw a lot of potential for growth, additionally, she really liked the structure and design of the programs that Best Brains offer, believing it can make a positive impact on students’ educational development.

The center provides ample space to host various programs for students and serves as a community hub for families prioritizing education. In-person classes are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and Saturday mornings. Students have the option to enroll in Math, English, Coding, and Abacus programs, all taught by qualified instructors. According to Franchise Success Manager Elanor Smith, “Our new locations all feature our Coding program.” She adds, “Offering Coding classes from day 1 at our newest centers generates significant interest from parents seeking engaging programs that enhance classroom skills, which is precisely what our program was designed to do.” Another distinctive feature of Best Brains is the Abacus program, which is designed to be both enjoyable and engaging, using the right side of the brain to strengthen students’ overall brain power.

Meenakshi is looking forward to providing an environment conducive to learning for students of all ages. She wants to be a contributing factor in their success as well as her three amazing teachers: one math specialist who loves teaching, one experienced Math and English teacher who loves working with kids of all ages, and one with over 28 years’ experience teaching elementary and middle school students.

Best Brains Learning Centers offer enrichment programs for students aged 3-14, available throughout the US and Canada. They are renowned for providing one-on-one student interaction with certified teachers, whether in a secure classroom setting or through small, online classrooms. Their curriculum, which avoids repetition, combined with their qualified and motivated staff, ensures high levels of student engagement and excitement, leading to satisfied parents.

ABA Technologies Announces Book Release Now What

Melbourne, FL, April 19, 2024 –KeyPress Publishing, a division of ABA Technologies, Inc., is pleased to announce the launch of Now What? A Behavior Analyst’s First-Year Survival Guide, a book that answers the questions early behavior analysts and those in training might not know how to ask yet.

Now What? by author Mariah Avery, MA, BCBA, draws upon real-world experiences in behavior science training with human-centered, light-hearted anecdotes. This book is must-have reading for clinical behavior analysts in their first year and serves as a valuable resource for aspiring and seasoned behavior analysts. It is filled with skill-building exercises, activities for unwinding, reusable tools, and opportunities to reflect on the reader’s first-year experiences as they happen.

Avery’s passion for behavior analysis began when her son was prescribed ABA therapy and she could not find any available services within a three-state radius of their home. She completed her MA in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University in 2017, and has since worked in home care, clinics, and schools in the states of Florida and Georgia.

In the process of obtaining behavior science certification and training, experiences such as burnout and imposter syndrome can occur. Practical issues, such as insurance concerns may be faced. Author Mariah Avery provides helpful information towards these ends and many other related topics, based on her own life experiences so readers know they are not alone in this process. Now What? is the go-to guide for all individuals in their behavior science learning journeys.

Author Avery, in this premier book release, provides insightful practical information and is also your friend, whose insights you can lean upon in your own journey.

So, now what? This publication is available for readers today. KeyPress Publishing and ABA Technologies are your partners in behavior science training every step of the way.

HP introduces (HP IDEA) to equip educators with Digital skills in India

New Delhi, 19th April 2024 –HP today introduced the HP Innovation & Digital Education Academy (HP IDEA) program in India. This initiative aims to support educators with essential digital pedagogy skills, transforming teaching methods and enriching the learning experience for students in CBSE schools in India.

In collaboration with the Centre for Teacher Accreditation (CENTA) and Verdant & Co, the HP IDEA program is meticulously designed to cater to the evolving needs of educators and students in the digital age. By providing comprehensive training and resources, it equips teachers with the tools and knowledge required to excel in a technology-driven learning environment.

Ipsita Dasgupta, SVP & Managing Director of HP India market, said, “Advocating Digital Equity is a crucial aspect of HP’s vision for the digital future. We are proud to bring this incredible program to India and look forward to seeing its impact for educators and students across the country. With this initiative, we will work to transform teaching methods and enrich the learning experience for students in CBSE schools”.

Priyanka Arya, Director and Chief Operating Officer, of Centre for Teacher Accreditation (CENTA) said “With 1.5 million teachers from 100,000+ schools, CENTA has unparalleled reach, as well as an understanding of what teachers look for in both career growth and professional development. As a certification and accreditation body, CENTA is keen to continuously bring teachers great professional development initiatives. HP IDEA is an international teacher professional development initiative backed by tech major HP Inc. We are super excited to be collaborating with HP in taking this program to schools in over 20 cities in India”.

Christine Kerlin Nasserghodsi, Managing Partner, Verdant & Co. said “Launching HP IDEA in India, in partnership with CENTA, marks a transformative step towards enhancing educational methods and accessibility. This collaboration not only advances digital pedagogy but significantly contributes to equipping educators with the skills necessary for 21st-century teaching. Together, we are set on empowering teachers and students, driving a new era of educational excellence”.

Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the HP IDEA program in India is poised to reach 50 schools, benefitting approximately 5,000 teachers and 50,000 students across India. The focus remains on empowering educators with the latest tools and best practices in teaching and learning.

The program offers two pathways for participating schools: HP IDEA Fellow and HP IDEA Associate. The HP IDEA Fellow pathway is an immersive one-year teacher development program designed for select practitioners and instructional leaders. On the other hand, the HP IDEA Associate pathway provides focused intervention for all staff members at participating schools, enabling them to become HP IDEA Associates by engaging in training delivered by HP IDEA Fellows.

HP IDEA is a part of HP’s commitment to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people by 2030. HP IDEA has already made a significant impact globally, benefiting over 1 million students and teachers across 32 cohorts in 23 countries and 7 languages. Leveraging world-class research and frameworks from institutions like the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the University of Michigan, the program ensures the delivery of cutting-edge educational practices.

Jason Grove’s Newly Released Monster’s Mustard

Bristol, IN, April 18, 2024 — “Monster’s Mustard”: a fun and uplifting narrative that encourages kindness. “Monster’s Mustard” is the creation of published author, Jason Grove, a dedicated husband and father of seven with a lifelong love of fictional tales.

Grove shares, “It sounds silly enough, but Monster likes to make mustard (and eat it too!). In fact, everyone on the entire hill loves his mustard—well, everyone except Ram. Monster hopes that the mustard will help him become friends with Ram. Ram, on the other hand, has little interest; but with a bit of persistence and a lot of kindness from Monster, Ram learns that trying new things can create special bonds. Of course, Ram has to be reminded of just how valuable those bonds are but, in the end, sees clearly.

“Join Monster and Ram on their first journey together, their most important journey of all; and maybe the most sacred journey any of us take—befriending others with a genuine heart (whether you’re a fan of mustard or not).”

Christie Saulters’s Newly Released The Kid That Could

Purvis, MS, April 18, 2024 — “The Kid That Could”: a captivating story crafted to inspire children and adults alike to believe in their dreams and trust in God’s guidance. “The Kid That Could” is the creation of published author, Christie Saulters, a resident of southern Mississippi. She is a married mother of three daughters. She and her husband of thirty years reside in the quaint city of Purvis. Christie loves teaching and volunteered for sixteen years as an English and etymology tutor at a private Christian school. Christie enjoys attending church, writing, outdoor activities, and traveling.

Saulters shares, “Written to encourage kids to embrace the impossible, The Kid That Could is a book with open character. Kids and kids at heart of all ages can glean from its words of inspiration, therefore stepping into the character and overcoming their own individual setbacks or stumbling blocks with God’s help.

“The short story within these pages contains words of couldn’t and shouldn’t that many kids face when approaching or even considering their future goals. However, with God, all things are possible making the couldn’t and shouldn’t the possible would and could.

“Kids often feel inferior or even feel the pressure of keeping up with their peers while inwardly aspiring to be what others think they can’t be. This book is intended to encourage its readers to embrace God and seek His will and help for their lives and lean not on their own understanding or the opinions of their peers. The kid that could can be found in us all as we face life and its situations that seem impossible, but with God, what we see as impossible becomes possible. Reading this short story, a child can find courage, strength, and encouragement to trust God and His will for their lives because with God anything is possible.”

Cara Dancer’s Newly Released Abby’s River Adventure

New York, NY, April 18, 2024 — “Abby’s River Adventure”: a whimsical narrative that will surprise and delight. “Abby’s River Adventure” is the creation of published author, Cara Dancer, a teacher, researcher, and technical manager before retiring to focus on her favorite hobbies: golf and writing. She currently lives in Texas with her husband Jack and her best hiking buddy, a little dog named Bailey. The inspiration for her children’s stories comes from her grandchildren, her love of animals, and a lifelong playful imagination.

Dancer shares, “In the family swimming pool, nine-year-old Sofia and her chatty best friend, a rabbit named Abby, pretend to be pirates in search of lost treasure: a necklace belonging to Sofia’s mother. Their imagination carries them and their ship, The Wild Strawberry, into deep waters. While on their adventure as Captain and Matey, they meet all kinds of critters that play a role in their quest for the necklace—a gentle manatee, a large chatty bird, a rat swim team, and even a hungry alligator that threatens to beat them to the treasure. The playful pirates steer their way through rough waters and danger to find the treasure and return it to Sofia’s mother. Through the power of a young girl’s imagination, child’s play is transformed into a rollicking high-seas adventure. Abby’s River Adventure is the first in a series of chapter books that keep Sofia and Abby hopping.”