STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: In a world where saying Yes often feels easier than standing firm, JK Public School, Kunjwani reinforced the value of self-respect and personal boundaries through a powerful morning assembly on the theme “The Power of saying No.” The session was confidently led by Heerjyot of Grade 6 Galaxy, who opened with the impactful message, “When everyone expects a ‘YES’, the courage to say ‘NO’ becomes your true strength. It is not arrogance; it is self-respect. It reflects your worth, your values, and your limits.” Elaborating further, Heerjyot highlighted how standing up for oneself involves honouring personal boundaries without guilt or fear of disappointing others. “People’s reactions to your boundaries reflect their issues, not your worth,” she asserted, emphasizing that true empowerment lies in staying authentic-even if it leads to the end of a job, relationship, or friendship.
Aditi enriched the discussion by noting, “Cultivating the power of No gives you control over your life. It boosts your confidence, enhances your emotional well-being, and creates space for the relationships, activities, and goals that truly matter. Saying No is not rejection-it is self-care, intentional living, and the foundation of a balanced life.”
Taking the conversation ahead, Neharika added, “Setting boundaries and saying No is essential for protecting your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It helps you focus on what truly deserves your energy, prevents burnout, and keeps you aligned with your values.”
Under the Quotation Segment, Tanishka Sharma, quoting Alexander Graham Bell, shared: “Saying No doesn’t close the door; it opens the right one.”
Hardik Chandel, referring to Warren Buffet, remarked: “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that the really successful ones say No to almost everything.”
Misthi Gupta, quoting Jack Canfield, stated: “Saying No to others is saying Yes to yourself.”
Aarav Singh Charak, quoting Anna Taylor, added: “Every time you say NO, remember-it’s a protection, not rejection.”
Sadgun, quoting Steve Jobs, expressed: “It is only by saying NO that you can concentrate on the things that are truly important.”
Aditya, referring to Tony Blair, concluded with: “The art of leadership is saying NO, not saying YES.”
Applauding the presenters, Principal JKPS Kunjwani, Rajesh Rathore, lauded the students for articulating one of life’s most essential lessons with clarity and conviction. He reflected,
“Peer pressure, distractions, and temptations will often try to derail you. At that exact moment, a firm, polite NO becomes your greatest shield. Say No to negativity, to unhealthy habits, to shortcuts, and to anything that distances you from your purpose. Every NO to a wrong choice is a strong YES to your growth.”
Drawing inspiration from the life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, he added, “Patel became the Iron Man of India because of his iron will-the ability to say No to everything that weakened the nation-building process. Discipline, courage, and clarity of purpose create leaders.”
He concluded with a resonating reminder, “Never say YES when you wish to say No. Your No has power, dignity, and purpose-use it wisely.”