A Celebration of Creative Expression: Grade 5 Author’s Fair 2025
The Grade 5 Author's Fair was a joyful culmination of our students' journey into self-expression and storytelling.
As part of their Assessment of Learning under the Unit of Inquiry theme “How We Express Ourselves,” our young authors explored the power of words to entertain, inspire, inform and connect.
* Writing Workshop
Visitors tried their hand at interactive stations focused on character creation, plot building, and descriptive storytelling.
* Author's Talk
Our young writers took the mic to share their writing journeys, challenges, and what inspired their stories, giving listeners a chance to hear the voices behind the words.
* Author’s Recommendation Centre
Grade 5 students shared their favourite reads—complete with reviews and recommendations—to spark curiosity and help visitors discover their next great book.
* Reader’s Theatre
Students brought stories to life through expressive, dramatic readings of original and classic tales, adding voice, emotion, and a touch of stage magic.
* Cozy Story Corner
A quiet space where visitors relaxed on bean bags and enjoyed read-aloud sessions by our student narrators—perfect for families and young listeners.
* Inspirational Wall – Draw Your Story
Visitors added their imagination to a collaborative mural by drawing scenes from their own creative stories—turning wild ideas into visual tales.
* Gaming Zone – Literacy with a Twist
Visitors explored word games, story challenges, and creative quizzes—designed by students to make reading and writing fun and engaging.
We offer a humble tribute to the life & legacy of Sant Teja Singh Ji
Maharaj.
On 5th July, we celebrate the legacy of Sant Teja Singh Ji Maharaj, marking Sant Ji's
60th Barsi at Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib, New Delhi — reflected through the following
milestones of his remarkable journey.
1. The First ambassador of Sikhi to the Western world.
Sant Teja Singh Ji Mastuanewale was one of the shining spiritual luminaries of the 20th
century — a saint, scholar, and the first ambassador of Sikhi to the Western world. A
graduate of Government College Lahore, Punjab University and Harvard University, he stood
as a rare blend of intellectual brilliance and spiritual radiance, a guiding light in an
increasingly materialistic world.
But long before he became a saint, his journey was marked by internal struggles and
transformation.
2. Sant Ji’s First Lesson
As a young man named Niranjan Singh Mehta, he was deeply influenced by Western
thought, non-religious, a rationalist and a sharp critic of traditional practices. Though honest,
kind and socially aware, Sant Ji once considered bowing to Guru Granth Sahib Ji akin to idol
worship.
However, a pivotal moment came while serving as a senior teacher at a leading Sikh
institution. In order to avoid bowing in the Gurdwara, Sant Ji began arriving before others,
until one day, a profound spiritual experience overtook him. Alone in the Darbar Sahib, he
suddenly felt the divine presence of the Guru Sahib. Drawn by an unseen force, he bowed
deeply before Guru Granth Sahib Ji and began uttering the names of the Guru Sahib
involuntarily, with tears in his eyes.
Unable to explain the transformation he had experienced in the Gurdwara Sahib, he sought
spiritual guidance and was eventually directed to Sant Attar Singh Ji Maharaj, under
whose influence he underwent a complete inner reformation.
His first lesson was to shed all ill-will, including toward Sant Ji’s stepmother, who had
treated him harshly. Despite the mistreatment, he had always responded with deep tolerance.
This immense forbearance, which later became a cornerstone of his character, was something
he attributed to his mother, to whom he would later dedicated his autobiography.
It reflects a timeless truth: Mothers have the power to shape the destiny of their children.
Her quiet lessons in patience and humility laid the foundation for his towering spiritual
presence.
With a clean heart and a renewed soul, he returned to his duties. In 1905, he and his family
formally took Amrit, and his name was changed to Teja Singh.This story is a profound
reminder that even the most intellectual and sceptical minds can be humbled, awakened and
transformed when touched by true spiritual grace.
The Unseen Influence: How Sant Teja Singh Ji Awakened Henry Ford and
Sparked Global Social Change
3. The Meeting - A Ten-Minute Journey That Stirred a Soul
Among the many extraordinary episodes in Sant Ji’s life was his brief but powerful encounter
with Henry Ford around 1913, a meeting that revealed how the quiet force of a saint can
awaken the conscience of even the most powerful.
Sant Teja Singh Ji felt a spiritual urge to meet Ford. Despite Ford’s packed schedule, Sant Ji
was granted a few minutes, not in an office, but during a car ride.
He asked Ford four simple but piercing questions:
1. "How much do you earn a day?"
2. "How much money do you have in the banks?"
3. "How much more do you want?"
4. "Are you at peace?"
Ford answered the first three but fell silent at the fourth. “No,” he admitted, “I am not at
peace.”
“How do I find peace?” he asked.
Sant Ji handed him a mala (prayer beads) and advised him to remember the name of Jesus
and meditate. He reminded Ford that wealth without purpose is a burden and true peace is
found through self-purification and service to the poor. Ford was deeply moved.
🔹 Henry Ford Before 1913
Up to that point, Ford was focused on innovation and industrial growth. Working conditions
were harsh, and there was little focus on human welfare or philanthropy.
🔸 A Turning Point: Transformation After 1913
Whether one calls it coincidence or consequence — after this meeting, Ford’s approach
shifted dramatically, planting a seed that grew into a global movement for social change:
1914: Introduced the revolutionary $5-a-day wage, doubling worker pay.
1914: Launched worker welfare programs including healthcare and education.
1914: Took a stand against child labour.
1915: Established Henry Ford Hospital with his wife.
1915: Funded the Peace Ship initiative to negotiate during WWI.
1926: Introduced the five-day, 40-hour workweek.
1930s: During the Depression, resisted mass layoffs and expanded worker aid.
1936: Founded the Ford Foundation, one of the largest philanthropic entities.
1940s: Though a pacifist, supported WWII production to help sustain employment.
1941: Signed the first union contract and promoted diverse hiring practices.
🔹 Spiritual Reflection
Sant Teja Singh Ji didn’t need long speeches, media campaigns, or positions of power. His
silent sincerity, anchored in deep spiritual strength, awakened the heart of a man whose
choices impacted millions.
He proved that true leadership is not in commanding others — but in elevating them. His
message, that peace lies in remembrance of the Divine and selfless service, continues to
resonate even a century later.
Akal Academy Baru Sahib, Eternal University and Akal College of Nursing, in partnership with Akal Charitable Hospital and De-Addiction Center, commemorated the International Day Against Drug Abuse as part of the UNODC's worldwide campaign. The event's theme, "Invest in Prevention," encouraged community involvement, education and prevention.
In addition to student-produced documentaries that highlighted the effects of addiction and offered hope through true recovery stories, plays, reflections and discussion panels organised by Akal Academy Cambridge ( CAIE ) , IB , CBSE Schools located in the picturesque valley at Barusahib ( HP ).
Akal College of Nursing, Eternal University, organized powerful awareness-raising events in Baru Sahib and Shimla on the International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking. The causes, effects, and prevention of drug addiction were highlighted through street plays and rallies led by students and faculty.
In another event at Shimla, Honorable Chief Minister Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented a state award to Dr. (Col.) Rajinder Singh, a psychiatrist with more than 50 years of experience, for his exceptional contributions to drug de-addiction and rehabilitation. As the f ounding director of the Akal Charitable Drug De-Addiction Hospital, he has used holistic treatment to change the lives of over 11,000 people. Under the inspiring direction of medical acumen of Dr. Davinder Singh Ji, MBBS MD, Dr. Neelam Kaur, MBBS MS the Kalgidhar Trust Baru Sahib team is still advancing health and healing throughout the world.
The Chief Minister announced school-level anti-drug education, a significant step toward establishing a drug-free, healthier society through collective action, after being inspired by the model of Value Based education across 130 Akal Acadmies in the north India - mission founded by the Saint Baba Iqbal Singh jee ( Served as Director Agriculture Government of H. P)
Discovery in Action – Science Quiz at Akal Academy Baru Sahib 🔬🧠
At Akal Academy Baru Sahib, an international boarding school established in 1986, learning goes beyond textbooks. As part of the ongoing Discovery Contest initiative, a Science Quiz was organized by the Science Department in collaboration with Abhay House (one of the school houses council) to foster scientific thinking, real-world application, and teamwork among students from Grades 6 to 12. 🧪✨
All four houses of the school council participated with enthusiasm, and the results were:
🥇 1st – Amul House
🥈 2nd – Ajay House
🥉 3rd – Atul House
🏅 4th – Abhay House
Through events like these, more than a competition, a journey of learning is in action.
The Discovery Science Quiz was not just a test of knowledge, but a powerful learning experience for all the students:
At Akal Academy Baru Sahib, we believe in preparing future-ready learners who are curious, confident, and grounded in values.
Beyond Books: Learning in the Outdoors!
The students at Akal Academy Baru Sahib spent a meaningful day in a serene outdoor setting that served as a classroom.
More than just a break and creating memories, the picnic served as a learning experience, offering lessons along with practical development:
* Building stronger bonds for lifetime
* Great fun and relaxation while riding the swings, playing games and nature walks combined with learning
* Life skills acquired by teamwork during travel and play
* Rejuvenation after re-uniting with nature
* Beyond academic activities, feeling renewed, inspired and more focused.
This outing served as a reminder that, in times full of study pressure, taking a break is the best way to grow.
United for a Drug-Free Tomorrow: Awareness Rally & Nukkad Natak at Baru Sahib
On the International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking, Akal College of Nursing, Eternal University, held an impactful awareness event at Baru Sahib. Led by Founding Vice Chancellor Dr. M.S. Atwal and current Vice Chancellor Dr. Jaswinder Singh, the rally featured active participation from faculty and students of Akal College of Nursing, College of Education, and Akal Academy Baru Sahib.
A standout moment was a student-led Nukkad Natak (street play) delivering a strong message on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of healthy, value-based living.
Across 130 Akal Academies in five North Indian states, a firm commitment to drug-free education is upheld. These schools blend academic excellence with values, discipline, and wellness, benefiting both students and their communities.
This mission is reinforced by Akal De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centres, under The Kalgidhar Trust, Baru Sahib. Inspired by Revered Baba Iqbal Singh Ji (1926–2022), the initiative began in 2004 to combat substance abuse and restore dignity to affected lives.
Three centres currently operate in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, offering free and affordable treatment, counselling, and spiritual healing.
Akal Academies and De-Addiction Centres work in synergy to foster education and recovery. Students are not only avoiding harmful habits but also becoming advocates for change, promoting healthier, more compassionate communities.
We remain committed to building a safer, addiction-free society through awareness, education, and care.