Good gra+de grief

Is First Place Really Worth The Pressure?

Saachi Liza Maurya, X & Khevna Pankaj, Alumna, AGS Gurgaon
 
The end of exams feel like an ultimate relief. The panic settles, and the air feels lighter. The season of furiously writing papers for history, computers, and English has finally passed. Or so it seems. Soon, teachers announce the answer sheets will be returned the next day, and suddenly the calm shifts. You lie in bed hoping, maybe even praying for a few extra marks. You wonder where you’ll stand on the leaderboard this time. Will it be enough for your parents, teachers, or even yourself? “Didn’t you study? Why aren’t you the topper?” For students, being second or third can still feel like falling short. But it’s worth asking: why does the first rank hold so much weight?
School rankings have existed for generations, created to recognise effort and motivate students. Healthy competition can push many to do their best. But over time, the idea of ‘topping’ has evolved. Today, colleges look beyond marks. For instance, Harvard applicants average a 1550 SAT score out of 1600 which is far above the national average and yet only about 4.6% are admitted. The reason? Institutions value versatility: sports, creativity, community service, and leadership qualities that show a whole personality, not just academic strength. In a world where many students excel academically, grades are no longer the deciding factor.
Schools also face this challenge. Strong results bring pride and visibility, and it’s natural to celebrate student achievements. However, this can sometimes add pressure. Students may feel the need not just to do well, but to outperform peers.  The Union Ministry of Education has reported that around 81% of students experience exam-related anxiety and pressure, showing how results can drastically affect young minds.
Family expectations can add another layer. Parents want the best for their children, and comparisons often come from a place of concern rather than criticism. Still, hearing phrases like “Look how much someone else studied!” can sometimes hurt more than motivate. Not every student responds to pressure the same way, some push harder, while others withdraw. Over time, students feel as though their value depends entirely on their rank, which isn’t true.
And then social media enters the picture. With achievements shared widely, it’s easy to do the comparison. While celebrating success is important, constant comparison can create insecurity among the vulnerable students. Studies show that too much academic comparison online can affect self-esteem and lead to stress or burnout. It’s natural to want to do well but remember that everyone’s journey looks different.
Ranking isn’t inherently negative; it can be a also be a source of motivation and inspiration. But it works best when balanced with encouragement, understanding, and appreciation for a student’s overall growth. Students are more than numbers; they’re learners, explorers, and individuals discovering their strengths and weaknesses. Trying for the top is admirable, but not reaching it doesn’t diminish who you are or what you’re capable of.

(Khevna is currently pursuing BA (Hons) Economics from Ashoka University, Haryana.)

 

Chess quotient

In an age dominated by digital distractions, the focus-driven game of chess equips young minds with the ability to think ahead, weigh possibilities, and make informed choices. At Amity, chess has been an integral part of the learning ecosystem since 1991. It is offered as a voluntary sport to all from Class II onwards, enabling young minds to develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and sound decision-making, qualities that prepare them not only for competitions, but for life itself. Under the guidance of certified coaches and through regular participation in CBSE, School Games Federation of India, State Association, and All India Chess Federation tournaments, students receive the exposure and mentorship needed to excel. The annual Inter-Amity Chess Competition further provides a platform for students to test their skills, learn from one another, and develop a healthy competitive spirit.
As the globe celebrates World Chess Day on July 20, this edition shines the spotlight on one of Amity’s greatest strengths. Amity can proudly claim two Arjuna Awardees in chess - Grandmasters Parimarjan Negi and Vantika Agarwal. Their inspiring journeys reflect how sustained mentoring and unwavering institutional support can shape champions of global repute. The legacy continues through Amity’s remarkable community of 123 international FIDE-rated players. This edition features the top 20 FIDE-ranked chess champions currently studying in Amity. Each represents the spirit of perseverance, patience, and discipline that defines Amity’s approach to nurturing future champions and leaders. I am confident that their achievements shall inspire countless younger students to take up the game, and prove that every move on the board can become a stepping stone towards excellence. 

Khel shatranj ka

 

Reading this edition’s page on our chess champions and Chairperson Ma’am’s column on Amity’s legacy of nurturing world grandmasters brought back memories of my own introduction to the game. As a student, I would often watch my cousins play chess with unwavering concentration and I picked up some nuances too without even formally learning it. But my most enduring chess memory is Satyajit Ray’s cinematic masterpiece Shatranj Ke Khiladi. Set in 19^th-century India when the British were steadily annexing princely states, the film brilliantly uses chess as a metaphor for strategy, diplomacy, and political manoeuvring. At its heart are two noblemen whose passion for the game borders on obsession. Their determination to continue playing under various hilarious circumstances provides some unforgettable moments. As the British army advances into Lucknow and Wajid Ali Shah loses his kingdom, the two friends remain preoccupied with finding a quiet place to resume their match. Their indifference to the changing political landscape becomes Ray’s subtle commentary on misplaced priorities, while also reinforcing chess as a timeless game of foresight, tactics, and calculated moves. The film never feels like a history lesson, yet it leaves viewers with a deeper appreciation of both history and chess. It certainly did for me - I was so captivated that I went out and bought a traditional wooden chess set, much like the one featured in the film. Years later, the game continues to fascinate me just as much as the film did.

GT m@il

Dear Editor,
This is in reference to the article ‘Popping-ulation’ on page 1 of The Global Times edition dated July 13, 2026. Almost everyone has, at some point, looked at global population numbers and felt completely detached from their magnitude. This piece completely changes that dynamic by turning heavy demographic data into a familiar, everyday slice of life which readers feel more connected to. What truly set this piece apart is its milestone achievement as the first inter-school student collaboration for a GT top story. Seeing writers from AIS Noida work hand-in-hand with AIS Gurugram 46 proves that shared vision can transcend physical distances. It is incredibly heartening to witness the Amitian spirit operate as a single, cohesive unit, setting a meaningful precedent for what our campuses can create when we write together as one.
Agrima Swaroop, AIS Noida, XII H