August - Vidya

Jashn-e-Azadi…proud to be an Indian. We are –each of us –angels with only one
wing and we can fly only by embracing each other.
August is known mainly for India's Independence Day on August 15 and Raksha
Bandhan, a festival that upholds women's dignity and protects the honor of women.
“Parents question the daughters but has anyone dared to ask the Sons?
Bring up better sons and use the same yardstick for the daughters also.”
thundered PM Narendra Modi from the ramparts of Red Fort on August 15
Thank You Sir!
All across VIDYA in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, the Independence Day
was celebrated with patriotism and great flourish.
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School Watch
School Watch
The VIDYA School, Gurgaon
Telewatch
On August 4, an inter house debate competition focused on
'Television as one of the most influencing factors for the rising
violence in our society'. Vishal of Ganga House was the best
speaker followed by Pawan and Manisha of Narmada House
having the second and third position respectively.
International Award
The projects undertaken by different classes for the International
Debate Done Well
School Award under the aegis of The British Council were
uploaded on their website on August 7. Thanks to KPMG for
partnering with VIDYA School to facilitate participation in this programme. All the
classes from standard I-VIII are actively involved.
Saluting the Flag
The entire school fraternity
including the housekeeping
staff celebrated the 68th
Independence Day with
enthusiasm. The national
anthem chorus was followed
by March Past by the four
houses saluting the national
flag. The Principal addressed
Meenakshi Roy, Principal Hoisting the Tricolour
the students. Among many
issues, she requested the
students to take a pledge to honour and respect the girl child in school, at home
and in the community. There was dance and drama and patriotic tales of freedom
fighters wherein Zal Daver,
Education Consultant stressed on
the need to honour the dignity and
sacrifices of freedom fighters.
Yashoda Sharma, Headmistress
proposed the vote of thanks.
Ahoy! Splash of Colourful Kites
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Soon the sky was full of colourful
kites. The kite flying competition
for standard VI is an activity for
their International School Award
project.
School Watch
Friendship Class
Almost 80 junior school students visited CVENT, the corporate house that provides
online solutions for events and surveys. This visit was to get involved in a
friendship class organised by Bhavna Rout, CSR Manager. The juniors had a gala
time and cheerful moments to remember.
Eventful CVENT
Activity Spectrum
• Apart from regular activities of sports, parent teacher meetings, UHG friendship
programme, music, dance…there were inter house competitions on quiz and
classical singing, both won by Narmada house.
• Anand Pendharkar from SPROUTS Mumbai enlightened the students about the
environment conservation. It was a novel learning platform for the students to
utilize day to day waste material in a
productive way.
• Rashmi Misra, Chairperson along with
Dilruba Kalsi-Manager hosted lunch for
the faculty and staff on August 22.
• The students have participated in the
CBSE Katha Creative Writing search
for Excellence.
• Genpact organized a plantation drive
for the students of standard IV,V,VI in
the Biodiversity Park.
Plantation Drive
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School Watch
DEAR, Dear…
Literacy week in the end August is marked by DEAR(Drop Everything and Read).
Each day of the week has a zero period during which students follow the DEAR
principal. The senior students stayed back for an hour everyday and taught the
support staff. The students of book club conducted the morning assembly on the
importance of literacy related to development.
To Be Positive
CBSE Guidelines
With a push from Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), schools are
now designing value based education. The Board has tied up with the Ram
Krishna Ashram to inculcate long lasting value systems among students. It has
already trained 1000 teachers to conduct special programmes in a manner that is
positive.
The Board had earlier launched value kits for schools that identify values and
ways to implement them.
VIDYA has already initiated the process of Value based Education.
To KPMG With Gratitude
KPMG in India has been sponsoring a number of initiatives at the VIDYA School
since 2011, which include a nutrition programme for the entire school, IT support,
salaries of a few teachers and sports coaches, sport equipment and Pro Bono
support. Each year they hold a number of volunteering initiatives at our school
which include mentoring and reading sessions, carnivals etc. In addition, from
2014, they are also supporting the education of five girls through merit based
scholarships.
We would like to
express our sincere
thanks to KPMG for
their support
throughout the years.
KPMG, Committed to Communities
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We are grateful
to all our
sponsors,
donors and well
wishers for their
support at all
times.
School Watch
Bal Vihar, Delhi
Head Held High
August 15. Vande Matram was the song of the day when the students
celebrated the Independence of India. They were awarded for their academic
achievements. There was a poster making competition and a cultural
presentation
at
Tricolour Pride
Panchsheel
club.
The students
enthusiastically
created tricolor
flowers and
Rangolis,
friendship
bands, flags,
finger and
hand paintings
along with
sweets.
There was a
kite flying
session
followed by
special feast.
Activity Spectrum
• Regular academic classes with well attended parent teachers meetings were
followed by unit test results. More than 90 % of the children have cleared the test
registering a drastic improvement in the performance. The children were overjoyed
to see their holiday homework on display
• Responsibilities' was the highlight of the morning assembly moral values. The
children focused on various responsibilities towards oneself, school, society,
country, world and environment. The Independence Day speech of Prime Minister
was widely appreciated specially on issues of punctuality, need of toilets, health and
hygiene, protection of girl child…
• Two teachers Garvita and Manju Agarwal attended the two day workshop at
KATHA, an organization to encourage reading skills in children. They were given
certificates for completing the training successfully. Teachers from Munirka
Community were also awarded the certificates.
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Community
COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
Motilal Nehru Camp, Munirka, Delhi
It was fun and festivity throughout the month.
Toddlers with Rakhis
Raksha Bandhan
This is a pious festival that upholds women's dignity as girls tie a thread of trust on the
wrists of their brothers who promise to protect and honour their sisters. Very popular in
North India.
The Munirka Community made colourful Rakhis and shared gifts and chocolates on
the occasion.
National Flag
It was a moment of pride when the national flag swirled in the soft breeze on the
Independence Day. The community enjoyed flying the kites along with the colourful
balloons. Maa (Mother) of the community leader had the privilege to hoist the national
flag followed by cultural programmes.
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Community
Flags, Balloons and Happiness
Earlier Teej, a festival celebrating the onset of rains after the harsh summers was
also enjoyed by the people with folk songs, henna on the hands and feasts.
A very poignant Nukkad Natak (street play) showcased the havoc caused by
alcoholism which is a very common problem faced in the community.
Renowned writer Premchand's stories were presented as two short plays in Mukt
Dhara auditorium with the theatre group Rangshala.
Health Checkup by Family Planning Association of India
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Community
PAPPANKALAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, DELHI
Joy of Being Girls
The community had so much to look forward to in this month. There was
festival of Teej followed by Independence Day and birthday of Lord Krishna. All
these occasions were celebrated with dance, music, sweets and joy.Girls in
particular took extra care of decorating their hands with henna and creating
colourful Rakhis for their brothers.
KID Power Media conducted a workshop for the morning group and also
screened a movie, Mad about Khan focusing on health and hygiene.
Similarly for the afternoon group, a movie, Through Danger was screened
that highlighted girls' safety.
The first batch of NIIT CCIB course received their certificates.
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Community
OKHLA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, DELHI
Health is Wealth
An eye and bone check up camp was organized in the first week of August. It has been
observed that the people living in sub human conditions in slum clusters have no
proper lighting in their homes which affects the eye sight. Poor eye sight affects the
academics of
children. This camp
Cancer Care and Cure
was a long felt need
and proper guidance
was provided.
A cancer detection
camp showcased
the importance of
breast cancer
detection. Three
doctors from the
related areas
addressed the
issues. Two women
out of 80 were
detected positive.
Medicines were also
provided and 245
beneficiaries
attended the camp.
On the Streets
A street play was organized to sensitize the community mainly women on the
importance of breast feeding. The young mothers and would be mothers were identified
and encouraged to see the play. This was an effort to educate on the advantages of
good health practices for mother and child.
By the People…
It was for the people, by the people and of the people, the great Independence Day
celebration. For the first time the community attended the activities in large numbers. It
was the people who made the arrangements and celebrated the memorable day
together. The local leader also graced the occasion and later distributed the prizes to
children performing well in academics and extra curriculars. Volunteers from USA were
also present much to the delight of 800 strong people's gathering.
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Community
Ramesh Bidhuri,
Member of
Parliament was the
chief guest and N S
Rana, GM-Fena
foundation and
Vikram Bidhuri,
Youth Leader were
the guests of
honour.
Little Chahat welcomes Ramesh Bidhuri
Thanks to Vikram
Bidhuri that VIDYA
has received a
precious gift of 10
sewing machines
for Okhla Centre to
start tailoring
classes.
The delighted computer children presented patriotic songs and dances. Later NS Rana
of Fena awarded the JSS certificates to computer students.
Vibrant Volunteers
VIDYA welcomed six volunteers from USA. For two weeks, these volunteers were
totally engaged in
various activities
with the community.
They were teaching
English, polishing
communication skills
and generally
enhancing the
capacity of the
community.
Two interns placed
by the School of
Social Work, Jamia
Milia Islamia
University have just
joined the
community.
Azadi Mubarak, Celebrating the Freedom
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Community
IIT NSS VIDYA Remedial Education Programme
This programme runs from the premises of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) with
cooperation from National Social Service ( NSS) students, IIT faculty and volunteers
Celebrations
Almost 100 children, NSS volunteers, faculty wives and staff celebrated various
occasions. While Independence Day had the patriotic colour to it, the Rakhi was a
pious festival wherein children tied Rakhis on the wrists of the seniors and were
blessed. There was a cultural programme followed by a feast. Prerna Bhargava,
Director Operations and Strategy graced the occasion.
Round and Round Musical Chairs!
Lady Sriram
College
Volunteers
engaged the
students about
the benefits of
cleanliness in day
to day life.
Personal hygiene
is crucial for good
health both
mental and
physical.
Personal Hygiene Drive: Dhote Jao
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Community
Bridge Course, Okhla and Sainik Farms, Delhi
The Youth Management programmes under the Bridge Course provide a bridge to
help the less privileged youth return to mainstream hence known as Bridge Course.
Activity Spectrum
• National Institute of Open Schooling registrations almost completed. In Bridge
Course Okhla, there are 125 new admissions.
• Lady Sriram College Volunteer Astika attended to the needs of standard X and XII
students in English conversation in Sainik Farms. In Okhla, Beena Roy conducted
English conversation classes for the seniors.
• Cleanliness was the topic of the month on moral values and clean toilets are the
need of the day
Friendship Bands and Rakhis
• Rakhi and Independence Day were celebrated
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VIDYA Mumbai
Beyond School
The students of Beyond School programme enjoyed a vibrant August
• Parents in Action is a recent initiative with the formation of a parent action committee.
Five parents from each centre represent VIDYA on the committee to build brand
VIDYA in the community. If parents are involved in their children's activities, they are
more insync with children's growth
• Corporates Cooperate and volunteer to run Saturday Clubs.They help in managing
reading corners and impart life skills. The children are blessed as they get an
opportunity to interact with people outside their communities and gain valuable
exposure
Art and Craft
Day Out with Corporates
• Green Ganesh idols were created using simple mud and other soluble materials
which will not harm the environment. The students created the little idols with
guidance from Margam women and took home the creations with pride
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National Institute of Open Schooling
• The first open school orientation was attended by parents and donors. The students
expected the open school to complete their schooling, get a better job,improve their
quality of life or may be just have fun !
• Ashok Rathod, recipient of CNN IBN real hero award was a chief guest. He runs
Oscar Foundation, and NGO for underprivileged children.He spoke about the
genesis of his foundation and the importance of education specially for under
privileged children. The inspiring speech highlighted the interview of a girl, daughter
of a rickshaw driver who stood first in the CA exams. The highly interactive session
concluded with the short presentation on VIDYA's journey followed by certificates
and cash prizes to the students to the students of the previous year for all round
performance.
• Back to School with regular classes from August 2. Bharat Darshan is the topic for
Circle Time with 20 minutes ina day dedicated for it. Each month two states will be
discussed with relevant details. The interactive sessions with the teachers lead to
general awareness and better knowledge. Besides this activity, teachers also
choose any relevant topic on current events for discussions
Bhavishya Yaan
• Stuart Sender, the famous
Hollywood film maker
visited GK Marg centre
with Rajesh Shah and
other Rotarians. This was
truly a Hollywood calling
as Sender interacted with
students and explained his
movies and movie making.
Worli students gave a
powerpoint presentation
about their experiences
and opportunities provided
by VIDYA.
Hollywood Calling
• Jhanvi Vissanji,Madhu and
Vinuta conducted a special
session based on sex abuse. Senior students attended the session which
highlighted the recent case reported in the news. Reportedly, some of the students
themselves are victim of child sex abuse.The Child Line helpline number was
provided through the video shown to the students.The message conveyed was that
help is at hand, if need be. Just call out.
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Special Session at Banganga Centre
Computer Learning and Resource Centre(CLRC)
A hardware and networking training session was conducted by I-Volunteer Zuber
Kazi. He works as system administrator in Godrej Securities. The three hour
session layed bare the concept of basic hardware and networking propped with
discussions and demonstration. This was a day long session to upgrade the staff
and prepare them for teaching of trainers. Four CLRC trainers attended the
session.
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Celebrating Independence
“We are no longer a land of snake charmers and
black magic. Our youth has surprised the world with
IT skills. Team India surges ahead.” The words still
echo, that was Prime Minister Narendra Modi
reaching out to the last man in India in his
Independence Day speech.
This enthusiasm was visible all over India and our
VIDYA Mumbai celebrated the Independence Day
with the same infectious commitment and
confidence to reach the sky.
In Beyond School, this day was a culmination of
week long events. The whole week witnessed
various activities including patriotic songs, national
anthem explained to students, speechless drama
on unity and sacrifices of martyrs. Freedom
henceforth will have a different meaning.
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Freedom for Me…
Students wrote on what
freedom means to them.
Credit Suisse organised a quiz competition for the seniors based on India's
Development. There were public speaking activities on national flag, Dandi March,
Satyagrah etc. Almost
100 children from different
centre celebrated the
Independence Day with
various art and craft
activities by a prominent
corporate house.
Bhavishya Yaan
commomorated the great
day with volunteers from
Rotary Club at Ville Parle
centre. The Rotarians
were overwhelmed with
the performances and
have requested the centre
to perform on the same
speeches and songs in
Rotary Auditorium on
September 5 for
celebrating Teachers Day.
Cultural Moments
At NIOS, Amar Chitra Katha conducted a contest to interview people who were alive
on the day India got Independence and shared their experiences. These interviews
were handled on the telephone as well as face to face providing a huge learning
experience. Soon Amar Chitra Katha plans a special story on VIDYA and publish on
their blog.
With freedom comes responsibilities and one needs to draw a fine balance between
the two. This was the focus of the celebrations at the centre.
Hindi teacher Sunita Dwivedi conducted a quiz spanning the period from British entry
to exit from India.
Celebrations ended with
national anthem.
CLRC seniors above 15
had a group discussion
conducted by Vaishnavi
Baidyanath,the youth
programme manager.
Twenty participants from
CLRC and spoken English
spoke about what freedom
means to them.
Group Discussion with Vaishnavi
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VIDYA Bangalore
Bhavishya Yaan
Gottigere Primary and High School
August, yet another exciting month. The whole school were immersed in the
festivities of celebration of freedom. The high school children participated in the state
government celebrations and returned with a first in their dance prowess. The primary
school event was hosted by Ravi Shankar, Rotary President and other eminent
Rotarians. The local corporator Smt. Pushpa also graced the occasion.
There was the school band, PT display, cultural events and of course the flag
hoisting. The children looked stunning with their new ID cards, thanks to Synergy.
Rotarian Satish Manandi sponsored the sumptuous breakfast.
In Academics, the new students are learning spoken English. Some students have
finished Note Pad and Word Pad and learning other specialities of computers.
Life skill activities now include glass paintings with innovative ideas. This is in tune
with VIDYA's core value of appreciation for beauty and aesthetics.
Honesty is the theme of the month for value based education.
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VIDYA Bhagini Programme
Mali Foundation
It was a Total Yoga team headed by Manish Pole and two volunteers that created a
joyous session on yoga in daily life. This was a unique Independence Day celebration.
The Quest Alliance team visited VIDYA to have a first hand knowledge about
infrastructure and training programmes at Bhagini in order to compliment the
programme.
The Rotary Cantonment representative Naveen Kottige who is incharge of women's
driving programme has assured placement of women drivers trained through VIDYA.
They can persue driving as a career and the process is in progress with high end
hotels.
The NIIT Basic Course has now a new batch of trainees, mostly college going
students and a few housewives. The reformed NIIT course will facilitate the students
to achieve their dreams.
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Dear Departed
Col R. P. Madan
August 31. Col R. P. Madan, Executive
Board Member of VIDYA, breathed his
last in the early hours. The booming
voice has fallen silent. He passed away
peacefully.
Team VIDYA salutes the years of
selfless service, perseverance and
compassion of this brave soldier.
Col Madan will remain ever alive
because of the rich legacy he leaves
behind for VIDYA to preserve and
emulate.
Be happy and at peace wherever you
are Col Madan. VIDYA prays for you.
“I slept and dreamt that life was
a joy. I awoke and saw that life
was service. I acted and behold,
service was a joy!''
- Gurudev Tagore
VIDYA Varta Team
Editor: Sujata Kaushic
Assistance:
Shreya in Delhi
Priteegandha Naik in Mumbai
Rushina Muralidharan in Bangalore
Design: Vinay Goel
VIDYA Integrated Development for Youth & Adults
Block S, Plot No. 3126, DLF Phase III, Gurgaon - 1220002
Tel.: +91-124-4049559
Email: delhi@vidya-india.org, office@vidya-india.org
Website: www.vidya-india.org
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