Atmiya Vidya Mandir: July 2011

Sunday, July 31, 2011

ગુરુ પૂર્ણિમા 2011

અષાઢ સુદ પૂર્ણિમા કે જે ગુરુ પૂર્ણિમા તરીકે ઓળખવામાં આવે છે. આ દિવસે શિષ્ય ગુરુ પ્રત્યે પોતાનો સમર્પણનો ભાવ રજુ કરે છે. ભારતીય સંસ્કૃતિની અનેક વિશેશતાઓમાં અનન્ય છે ગુરુ શિષ્ય પરંપરા. આ જ પરંપરાના માર્ગદર્શક સંતજનોએ ગુરુપૂર્ણિમા નિમિત્તે ગુરુનું માહત્મ્ય ‘ધર્મદર્શન’ માટે વ્યક્ત કર્યું છે.

ગુરુપૂર્ણિમા ગુરુ પ્રત્યે ઋણ અદા કરવાનો એક પવિત્ર અવસર છે. તો આ અવસર પ્રતિવર્ષની જેમ આ વર્ષે પણ એટલાજ ભાવ અને શ્રદ્ધા સાથે આત્મીય વિદ્યામંદિરમાં શૈક્ષણિક વર્ષ 2011-2012માં તારીખ 16-07-2011 ને શનિવારના રોજ ઉજવવામાં આવ્યો. આ દિવસે સાંજના 4:30 થી 6:30 ના સમય દરમ્યાન સંતોના સાનિધ્યમાં ગુરુપૂર્ણિમા ઉજવવામાંઆવી હતી. જેમાં પ.પૂ.કોઠારી સ્વામી, સુહ્રદ સ્વામી, પ્રભુદર્શન સ્વામી, વંદનસ્વામી, યોગી સ્વામી વગેરે સંતોના સાનિધ્યમાં ગુરુપૂર્ણિમા ઉજવવામાં આવ્યો હતો. તેઓનું સ્વાગત સમગ્ર આત્મીય પરિવાર વતી ધોરણ 6 માં અભ્યાસ કરતા ભૂલકું સર્વનમનભાઈ તથા ભૂલકું આત્મીયભાઈએ કર્યું હતું. ત્યારબાદ પ્રભુદર્શન સરના એન્કરીંગ હેઠળ સર્વે સંતોનું પુષ્પમાળાથી સ્વાગત કરવામાં આવ્યું હતું. ત્યારબાદ સોમનાથ સર તથા તેમની સાથેના બાળકલાકારોએ સુંદર શ્ર્લોક સાથે પ્રાર્થનાની શરૂઆત કરી હતી અને સોમનાથ સરે ગુરુભક્તિ પર સુંદર ભજન ગાયું હતું.

ત્યારબાદ સુહ્રદ સ્વામીએ ગુરુપૂર્ણિમા વિશે સરસ વક્તવ્ય આપ્યું અને તેમાં તેમણે સમજાવ્યું કે આપણે કોઈપણને ગુરુ બનાવીએ તો તે ગુરુમાંથી આપણને કંઈક ને કંઈકતો શિખવાનું મળે જ છે. ત્યારબાદ પૂજ્ય કોઠારી સ્વામીજીએ આત્મીય વિદ્યામંદિરના ભૂલકાંઓને ગુરુપૂર્ણિમાનું મહત્વ શું છે? અને તેને સાચા અર્થમાં કેવી રીતે ઉજવ્યો કહેવાય? તેની વિસ્તાર પૂર્વક સમજ આપી.

કોઠારી સ્વામીજીએ તેમના વક્તવ્યમાં જણાવ્યું હતું કે “આપણે તો એક દિવસ અથવા એક અઠવાડિયું ગુરુપૂર્ણિમા ઉજવીએ છીએ પણ પરમ પૂજ્ય હરિપ્રસાદ સ્વામીજીતો 365 દિવસ ગુરુપૂર્ણિમા ઉજવે છે અને જીવન પર્યન્ત પોતાના ગુરુને રાજી કરવા તેમના આદેશને તથા તેમના વચનોને અનુસરે છે” તેમણે ગુરુનું આપણા જીવનમાં મહત્વ સમજાવતાં કહ્યું કે આદર્શ ગુરુ એક આદર્શ માતા સમાન છે જેઓ પોતાના શિષ્યનું વાત્સલ્યપૂર્વક ઘડતર કરે છે. ગુરુપૂર્ણિમા એ કોઈ વ્યક્તિનું નહિં પણ આસ્થા અને શ્રધ્ધાનું પૂજન છે. ગુરુપૂજન વ્યક્તિના રૂપમાં નહિ શ્રધ્ધાના રૂપમાં જોવાનું હોય છે. આમ, ભાવાત્મક સમજાવટ દ્ધારા કોઠારી સ્વામીજીએ પોતાની વાણીને વિરામ આપ્યો. ત્યારબાદ સર્વે ભૂલકાંઓએ ગુરુપૂજન કરી પ્રસાદી ગ્રહણ કરી.

લેખક: ગૌતમ સર

Friday, July 29, 2011

Building active communities through sport and games

At one side where the cultural and creative facet of Atmiya Vidya Mandir is flourishing red and pink at its pick through house activities and Creative assemblies , on the other side physical activities and health fitness are taken care of through sports and games. It was trailed as a sporting celebration of football bonanza over creative assemblies: The inter school football tournament was organized at Atmiya Vidya Mandir. Interestingly, despite the occasional downpour which was discouraging at fullest, AVM evidently hosted the event quite efficiently and successfully. Youngsters from around the Surat region learned about the importance of team work and fair play at a five-a-side football tournament last week. The free event was held at Atmiya Vidya Mandir’s huge play grounds.

Football is a very popular game among the school children. Part of its popularity may be its simple rules and the large field and for AVM students….part of its popularity may stem from the fact that a slight drizzle adds fun to the game and an excuse to get wet. Students display amazing ball control, dexterity and other skills with the ball, during this Annual Inter-School Competition termed as The Subrato Cup Interschool Football Tournament. In which five schools of Surat region participated, two revolutionary teams going head to head on the football pitch, just days after creative uprisings topple rain-bound passivity.

Subrato Cup Football Competition
The football event was in two categories, Under 14 and Under 17

Under 14:
8 teams participated.

1ST .SEMIFINAL:-SWAMINARYAN MISSION V/S VALMIKI VIDYALAYA

2ND SEMIFINAL: - ESSAR INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL V/S P.P SAVANI

WINNER TEAM:- ESSAR INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Under 17:

10 Teams participated.

1ST .SEMIFINAL:-ESSAR INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL V/S VALMIKI VIDYALAYA

2ND SEMIFINAL: - ATMIYA VIDYA MANDIR V/S P.P SAVANI

FINAL: - P.P SAVANI V/S ESSAR INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

WINNER TEAM:- P.P SAVANI

AVM won the first knock out round against Ryan International School but lost against PP Savani School in the second round who were the eventual winners of the tournament. It ended with unprecedented excitement and many learning experiences. The match — between VALMIKI VIDYALAYA and ESSAR INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL kicked off in a festive atmosphere.

The thrilling game has promised to return stability to the academics, but in the aftermath of this tournament students are believed to win the other tournament too ….which was Inter House Table Tennis Tournament…..There were more than three groups in the Table Tennis set, junior and senior group but in house wise team.. Junior group for classes 6 and 7, and senior group for classes 8 to11. The school Table Tennis set practiced and played on four tables at the old hostel building. The inter-house Table Tennis trophy is awarded each year to the winner of the inter house Table Tennis Championship.

But as the game entered stoppage time with Satyam and Suhradam house students trailing 5-4 on aggregate and facing elimination from the competition, supporters of the house began pouring on to the place in droves, supporting their respective house player.

Watching children at play sometimes, one can see that teamwork does act as a natural condition . Teamwork must be learnt, and to be learnt, teamwork is stressed from the very first day of practice of games and Sports at Atmiya Vidya Mandir. Discipline is even more important. Participation in all athletic endeavors demand a lot of discipline, and this is something for which many young players are well prepared.The free event saw approximately 50 children - aged between 14 to 17 years old - entering a mini league.

May not be the winning but the importance of sports and games in school encompasses more than just the benefit of physical activity. Increases in self-esteem and mental alertness make school sports and games necessary for every school age child.

The evidence supporting sports participation for AVM students is overwhelming.

“It has the power to combat everything from low marks to low self-image, to the high-level energy drop-out rate." (Sue Castle, Executive Producer of PBS Sports: Get in the Game)

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

शैक्षिक मनोरंजन यात्रा - Std 5, 6 एवं 7

आत्मीय विद्यामंदिर से दिनांक 11 जुलाई, 2011 को कक्षा 5, 6 एवं 7 के लिए शैक्षिक भ्रमण का नियोजन किया गया । रात्री बच्चों के मन में इतनी उत्सुकता एवं प्रसन्नता थी कि प्रात: जल्दी उठने के लिए रैन को जल्दी निद्राधीन हो गए। दिनांक 12 जुलाई, 2011, मंगलवार को बच्चे उषाकाल 5:30 बजे से पहले उठकर तैयार होकर नाश्ते के लिए भोजनालय में उपस्थित हो गए थें । बच्चों ने सुबह हलका नाश्ता—दूध तथा बिस्कुट खाएँ ताकि प्रवास की शुरुआत स्वस्थ-प्रद हो पाएँ।

नाश्ता ग्रहण करके लगभग सुबह 6:30 सभी बच्चे प्रशासन परिसर (एडमिन बिल्डिंग) सामने संचयित हुए जहाँ पहले से ही बस की व्यवस्था की गई थी। कक्षा 5,6 एवं 7 के मिलाकर कुल 269 बच्चें एवं शिक्षक, छात्र-व्यवस्थापक (हाउस मास्टर) एवं छात्र-व्यस्थापिका (दीदी) को मिलाकर कुल 20 व्यक्ति थें। शिक्षक, छात्र-व्यवस्थापक एवं छात्र-व्यस्थापिका समेत सभी ने भगवान स्वामिनारायण एवं गुरु हरि श्री हरिप्रसाद स्वामिजी का जयगान करते हुए सुबह 6:40 मिनट पर पाठशाला के अहाता (Campus) से शैक्षिक यात्रा के लिए प्रस्थान किया गया।

सभी बसों में बच्चों के लिए बिस्कुट के पुलिन्दें (पैकेट्स) एवं शुद्ध पानी (मिनरल वॉटर) के बोतलों की व्यवस्था की गई थी । बस में सभी ने अंताक्षरी का मज़ा लिया। बस 8:15 बजे भरूच के BAPS के मंदिर पहूँची, जहाँ बच्चों ने नाश्ते में भर पेट पौंहे खाएँ।

वहाँ से लगभग सुबह 10:00 बजे बड़ौदा आईनोक्ष सिनेमा-गृह पहुँचे। वहाँ पर पहले से ही टिकट की व्यवस्था की जा चुकी थी । बच्चों को 3D में ‘कुँफू पांडा-2’ देखने में बहुत मज़ा आया । चलचित्र समाप्त होते ही वहाँ से निकल कर दो बसें माझलपुर यु. एस. पिझा में गई एवं दूसरी दो बसें फतेहसिंह म्युज़ियम में पहुँची । फिर जो बच्चें यु. एस. पिझा में गए थे, वे फतेहसिंह म्युज़ियम में पहुँचे; एवं जो बच्चे फतेहसिंह म्युज़ियम में गए थे, वे यु. एस. पिझा में गए ।

सभी बच्चों ने विविध प्रकार के पिझाओं का स्वाद लिया और म्युज़ियम से दुन्यवी ज्ञान हाँसिल करके प्रफुल्लित हु्ए । म्युज़ियम में व्हेल मछली का पिंजर सबके आकर्षण का केन्द्र रहा।

तत्पश्चात सभी बच्चें 3:15 बजे सयाजी गायकवाड़ म्युज़ियम देखने गए, जहाँ पौराणिक चिज़ें देखकर दंग रह गए। सयाजी गायकवाड़ म्युज़ीयम में ‘ममी’ आकर्षण का केन्द्र रहा, जो कईं सालों से वैसे का वैसा ही था। अंतत: सभी बच्चों ने शाम 5:15 बजे प्लेनिटोरियम की मुलाकात ली, जिसमें ब्रह्मांड दर्शन किया। सूर्य, चन्द्र तथा अन्य ग्रहों की दिशा एवं दशा का दर्शन एवं मानसिक भ्रमण किया। सभी ने शाम 6:00 सयाजी बाग से आत्मीय विद्यामंदिर की ओर प्रयाण किया । रास्ते में ‘शमा’ होटल पर रूकें तथा ‘पफ’ एवं ‘एप्पी’ ज्यूस का लुफ्त उठाया। बस में ‘कुँफू पांडा-1’ देखा। सभी ने खूब आनंद किया। रात्री को 10:00 बजे सभी आत्मीय विद्यामंदिर पहुँचकर आराम की साँस ली। सभी ने हाथ-मुँह धोकर रात्री-भोजन लिया एवं अंतिम प्रणाम करके निन्द्रा ग्रहण करने अपने-अपने निवास के लिए पृथक हुए।

आत्मीय विद्यामंदिर की बड़ौदा की शैक्षिक यात्रा अत्यधिक रसप्रद रही।

लेखक: मुकेश सर

Sunday, July 24, 2011

"The Gurus" by Suhradam House

The whole week was dedicated to spirituality as it is essential to life and can be applied to our everyday life as we live in this complex world. It does not require us to renounce the current life style. It only requires a change in attitude of mind and being constantly aware of the Supreme Self.

The first day of the week was about the importance of Guru in our lives. The word Guru comes from Sanskrit and its root words are gu, meaning darkness, and ru, dispeller. A Guru is an awakened person who has personally, through the help and invaluable transfer of consciousness from a Guru before, become able to transmit higher consciousness to the aspirant. An aspirant who is accepted by a Guru and who is considered to be worthy to be initiated is called a sisya, meaning disciple, one who accepts the discipline of the Guru.

The next day children were enlightened by the meaning of the sloka “Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu Guru Devo Maheshwara Guru Shakshat Para Brahma Tasmaishree Guruve Namah.. Here, the Guru is compared with Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar because Guru is the trinity of all the three Lords. .

The third day of the week was based on the life of Rishi Valmiki. A video was shown as Valmiki’s life. It said that initially he was a hunter but circumstances made him a thief but then by the grace of Narad Muni, a Guru he transformed into a great Rishi. By Guru’s wisdom his life was transformed. Rishi Valmiki went into a wrong path but when he came in touch with a Guru and followed his Guru’s words with utmost faith. After chanting mantras for years he was blessed and later he wrote the holy book of the Hindus -The Ramayana.

In the Jr. as well as the Sr. assembly Suhradam House tried to take up each and every aspect of guru and give some values that can be taken up by the children so that they can lead a better life. Each day, was a new unfold of light for the children when they came to know about some great men like Ashoka, Rishi Valmiki etc. and how their lives changed.

The soft board had various information about the different gurus with their details like the birth date, place of birth etc. It was very informative and decorative.

The week ended with a drama based on Gunatitanand Swami who could see ahead and how much is loves and cares for his devotees. He could see one of his devotee’s future and he wanted to save him from it. He kept on insisting on coming along with him but he refused. The skit showed the circumstances he faced later in his life till he came in touch with the Swamiji again.

The entire Suhradam house students’ worked very hard to make it a grand success. Through out the week the thoughts and speeches were said by students of various grades. They were Chaitanya, Harsh Gondalia, Parth Amipara, Jigar, Tarak M, Anirudh Chawla, Darshan, Sagar, Divan, Aditya, Meet, Rajveer, Dinal and many more…

Written by: Ruma Madam (Suhradam House)

Friday, July 22, 2011

AVM crowned District Kabaddi Champions! Bigger challenge lays ahead...

Most of the team sports are aimed to increase the coordination and teamwork amongst the team members. Having said that most of these sports like football, cricket etc. have individual superstars who influence the game more than the others. However one of India’s most ancient games Kabaddi is different. The players have to put the interest of the team above everything else to succeed in a game of Kabaddi. It develops coordination, teamwork but most importantly trust amongst the players which is very crucial in real life too. It is no wonder that P.P Swamishree likes this sport from his youth days.

Atmiya Vidya Mandir’s Kabaddi Team has made the school proud by winning a district level Kabaddi tournament. On route to win this competition, boys from AVM showed great composure and performance to seal the spot in final with great ease. But they saved their best for the final. In the final they were up against the host and a very strong team in Valmiki School who were determined to win the competition in front of their own students. The final was very close and tensed. But the boys from AVM kept their temperament cool to grab a 1 point win over the hosts.

Such was the domination of our team that in the final 12 players selected for the district team, 7 of them are from Atmiya Vidya Mandir. These selected students will take part in the state level competition next month on the same venue.

Congratulations to Pradeep Sir who is the coach for Kabaddi and all the students for bringing glory to the school.

Here is the list of the students from champion team:

1	ABHISHEK D PATEL
2	VIKAS K PATEL
3	HARSH A AMBALIA
4	JIGAR T PATEL
5	FENIL M PATEL
6	VIJAY K BISHNOI
7	PAVITRA D BAKRIWALA
8	AKSHAY D PATEL
9	SAGAR K PATEL
10	HARSHAL V GADHIYA
11	ABHISHEK N ARIWALA
12	PRANSHU M SAVANI

Coach: Pradeep Sir
Manager: Kalpesh Sir
Sports Incharge: Ramakar Sir

Written by: AVM Sports Team

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

World Maths Day & World Spelling Day Award Ceremony - 2011

On 9th July, Atmiya Vidya Mandir celebrated, the much awaited, World Maths Day & World Spelling Day Award Ceremony. The award ceremony was organized by Australian e-Learning company 3P Learning.

In 2011, World Maths Day (WMD) was joined by World Spelling Day (WSD). World Spelling Day, the latest event as part of the World Education Games, was organized by the creative team behind Mathletics, Spellodrome and World Maths Day. In his review, Genevieve Darnley, Director of the World Education Games, said, "Anyone can play; this event is for all spellers, not just the experts. This is an exciting way to get involved in literacy, and unite the world in learning."

Students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir participated in both the events and made their mark in the International Arena, where 1,298,234 students and 22,785 schools from 212 countries had participated in WMD; and 509,500 students and 19,215 schools from 212 countries had participated in WSD.

In WMD, four out of nine teams held 2nd, 3rd, 7th & 10th rank in the world; whereas the other five teams held 14th, 22nd, 27th, 32nd & 33rd ranks in the world. Therefore, we had four teams in the first 10 ranks and nine teams in the first 50 ranks in the world.

Similarly, in the WSD, four out of eight teams held 1st, 2nd, 6th & 8th rank in the world; whereas the other four teams held 13th, 22nd, 36th & 43rd ranks in the world. Therefore, we had four teams in the first 10 ranks and 8 teams in the first 50 ranks in the world.

To honour the champions and motivate the students, Mr. D N Dhanuka, the CEO and Director of Mathletics, India, Mr. Vikrant Agarwal, the Marketing Manager of Mathletics, India and Mr. Pradeep Nair, the Business Manager of Mathletics, India had come as the representatives of the Australian e-Learning company 3P Learning. We also had Pujya Sinha Sir, who is the Principal of Delhi Public School, Harni, Baroda and very renowned educationist, to honour and motivate the students. Pujya Fuvaji was also present with us to honour, bless and motivate the students.

The award ceremony began with the poojan of Thakorji and a devotional bhajan (Rabindra Sangeet) sung by the students of grade 5 to 10. Then, the chief guests were welcomed by offering garlands and bouquets.

In his address to the students, Dhanuka Sir said that the philosophy behind the World Education Games was to get students around the world as excited about math and spelling as they were about sport. Moreover, the World Spelling Day aspired to encourage students of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to have a go at spelling in a fun, interactive and accessible way.

Mr. Agarwal exclaimed that World Spelling Day and UNICEF have joined forces to harness the potential of the event and help give children around the world access to quality learning. He expressed his happiness for the students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir for scoring the first rank in the world in the age group 14 to 18.

The Champions and the participants received their awards and certificates, amidst huge rounds of applauds and music, from the chief guests, Mr. Dhanuka, Mr. Agarwal, Mr. Nair, Pujya Sinha Sir, Pujya Fuvaji and Pujya Haresh Sir. The students also had the opportunity to get a group picture with the chief guests.

Thereafter, Pujya Sinha Sir addressed the students saying that success goes to those who believe that they can succeed. He motivated the students by sharing the real life incidences of successful people.

The award ceremony ended with the vote of thanks presented by the Principal, Dr. Vijay Patel. He gave very special thanks to the 3P learning team for all their endeavours in organizing WMD & WSD, as both these events roused the interest of the students in Math and English. He said that the students learnt the cubes and cube roots from 2 to 25 in order to win; which was a very difficult task to accomplish in the classroom. Besides, WSD generated the awareness in students about the significance of spellings. He exclaimed that because of the WSD, the English vocabulary of the students also increased by many folds. Eventually, he thanked the Math and English teachers and the students for their hard work.

Everybody was excited and motivated to bring more laurels the next year.

Written by: Paras Sir

Monday, July 18, 2011

Thematic Display Board Activity

“Word power is the key to effective communication”

Keeping in mind the above mentioned secret of English Language Improvement ‘Thematic Display Board Activity’ has been successfully conducted by the English Teachers of Std. 1st to 5th as a part of English week celebration. (4th July to 9thJuly)

The very first day of the week, different riddles and crossword puzzles were displayed along with pieces of papers to write answers as well as the boxes to drop their answers in. That day the board was looking like a bee hive surrounded by several honeybees.

The next day, the five boards were allotted to respective classes for a given theme. All the boards were entitled by different themes namely; My Family (Std 1), My Classroom (Std 2), My School (Std 3) My Library (Std 4) and Parts of Speech (Std 5).

Please click on the following pictures to view the details of the work done by AVM Wonders.

All the students were given colourful papers of attractive shapes. They were asked to write words related to the given theme in those papers and stick on the respective display boards. All the students participated in the activity with a great spirit. The students were allowed to make errors and learn from them. We would rather say the boards were full of efforts of little “bhoolkus” of Std.1st to 5th. Of course, Renuka Madam and Ruma Madam were the teachers behind the scene. They boosted their enthusiasm.

All the participants were highly appreciated in the morning assembly for their active participation. It is rightly said that any learning coupled with fun and play is always accepted wholeheartedly.

Written by: Saumya Madam

Friday, July 15, 2011

Rabindranath Tagore Week by Shivam House

This year marks the 150th birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. Rabindranath Tagore was not just an Indian jewel but a global phenomenon who has inspired generations with his work. Shivam House had the opportunity and a privilege to celebrate the life of a great man Rabindranath Tagore.

Rabindranath Tagore received Nobel Prize for his collection of poems called ‘Gitanjali’ in 1913. But he was not just a poet. He was a writer, playwright, musician, painter, thinker, philosopher, educationalist, socialist and so on. Shivam House made a humble effort to show the versatility of this genius man throughout the week.

The week started off with showcasing a documentary on the life of Rabindranath Tagore. In the documentary, the writer of Tagore’s biography Krishna Dutta, talks about the life and journey of Rabindranath Tagore. The documentary had a brief description of Tagore’s work, his journey to the western world, his contributions and the impact he made on people throughout the world. Most interestingly it also had the rare footage of the conversations that Tagore had with great men like Mahatma Gandhiji and Einstein.

On the second day of the week, Vaishvik Patel (Grade 9) and Atmiya Patel (Grade 12) gave a speech on Tagore’s work as writer. On Wednesday, Het Adhvaryu (Grade 9) talked about Tagore’s contribution as a poet. He talked about one of his famous works, ‘Gitanjali’. On Thursday, Manju Ma’am explained the educational philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore. His efforts of establishing the university where western scholars get-together and discuss techniques of success of eastern scholars and ways to exploit their techniques for their benefit. This talk was duly appreciated by the teachers as well by the students. On Friday, Vishlesh (Grade 11) gave a very dynamic presentation on Tagore’s work as a musician and a painter. The nature of content and lucidity of his presentation impressed all. He was proficiently guided by Rashmi Ma’am and Sharmil Ma’am and Mrugesh Sir in making that presentation.

The assembly for the junior students (grades 1 to 5) was interesting as well. Along with other information on Tagore’s life, some of the small kids from Shivam House tried to explain the meaning of few lines from our national anthem ‘Jan gan man’ every day.

Shivam House also chose to display Tagore’s life and his versatility on the soft boards. One of the soft boards had a timeline highlighting important years and events in the life of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. On the other soft board, versatility of Tagore was on display as his work from different domains like painting, writing, poetry and music showcased.

The week was building up for a big finale on Saturday which is the day for creative assembly. As always there was an anticipation of excitement amongst the students of Atmiya vidya Mandir for the creative assembly. Great people like Tagore give their message through their creations. Shivam House selected 2 of Tagore’s many creations for the Saturday assembly. The assembly started with ‘Rabindra sangeet’. A group of around 20 students sang one of Tagore’s famous Bengali songs translated in Hindi. The song had a very soothing impact on all the students and teachers present in the prayer hall. The lines of the song ‘Ye Jivan pavan karo’ had a clear message for the students as to what is the goal of our lives. The group had students ranging from grade 6 to grade 10 singing their melodious voices. This event was a perfect blend of soothing music and melodious voices accomplished by Somnath Sir.

Rabindranath Tagore was also very famous for his plays which were humorous and an eye opener for the general mass. Students of Shivam House enacted a riddle play, written by Gurudev himself called ‘Trouble in fame’. The total length of the play was about 15 minutes, but it was so engaging that the students felt it finished very quickly. Some of the act from the protagonist Pranshu Savani (grade 10) and other characters in play made the audience burst into laughter. But the message of the play was very clear: “Let us accept who we are and recognize the flaws in us and try to correct them, rather than ignoring them by pretending we don’t have them at all. As a student when we don’t understand something, we must ask questions and then do our work on our own rather than pretending that we know and face the consequences.”

In the end the host for the day and also the house captain, Sagar K Patel thanked everyone for their support and participation in ‘Tagore week’.

Compiled by: Shivam House

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

ईमानदरी एवं सच्चाई: सदैव सर्वश्रेष्ठ नीति।

उत्साह तथा उमंग , जोश एवं जिज्ञासा , आकांक्षा औेर आशा से युक्त प्रति वर्ष की भांति इस वर्ष भी एक बार फिर से आत्मीयविद्यामंदिर में शैक्षणिक सत्र 2011-2012 के लिए खास कर के संस्कारों एवं मानवता का वैश्विकरण करने के लक्ष्य को प्राप्त करने के उद्देश्य से नैतिक व सामाजिक मूल्यों पर आधारित अंतर गृह प्रतिस्पर्धा [Value Based Inter House Competition] के शुभांरभ का गौरव सत्यम हाउस को प्राप्त हुआ ।

ईमानदरी एवं सच्चाई: सदैव सर्वश्रेष्ठ नीति।
Honesty and Truthfulness: The Best Policy Forever.

गौरतलब है कि, जब डाँ.रूपाश्री महोदया ने भाग्य पर आधारित मूल्यपत्र-चुनाव तथा आबंटन का आयोजन किया था तब गृहपति छात्र श्री हर्षभाई सारदा के द्वारा उपरलिखित मूल्य का ही चयन हुआ था जो कि, सत्यम हाउस को परिभाषित करता है। गुरुजनो के निर्देशन में सप्ताह भर चले इस कार्यक्रम के शुभारंभ-दिवस के अवसर पर प्रार्थनासभा में छात्रों द्वारा “आज का शुभ विचार” तथा समाचार वाचन के पश्चात मूल्याधारित भाषण सहित इस परंपरा का निर्वहन हाउस के संयोजक [convener] महोदय श्री पारस पंचोली ने पहले दिन के लिए किया । अपने वक्तव्य में श्री पंचोली ने सत्य के साथ सरलता की अनिवार्यता पर विशेष रूप से प्रकाश डाला। द्वितीय दिवस के कार्यक्रम का समापन श्रीमति निलेन्द्री के सानिध्य में छात्र – श्री निकुंज भाई ने “आज का शुभ विचार” , श्रीतपन भाई ने समाचार वाचन तथा श्री जय वाकावाल भाई ने भाषण दे कर के किया। गृह-प्रतिस्पर्धा की श्रंखला में एक और कडी़ को जोड़ने का काम सप्ताह के तृतीय दिन श्री प्रभुमग्न के दिशा-निर्देशन में छात्र – श्री सचीन भाई , श्री हर्ष भाई , श्री प्रखर भाई, श्री रोशन भाई ने पूर्व-निर्धारित क्रम से ही सम्पन्न किया ।

ध्यातव्य है कि, इस पूरे सप्ताह भर के दौरान जहाँ एक ओर कुछ छात्र निर्धारित शिक्षकों के पर्यवेक्षण में प्रतिदिन प्रार्थना-सभा में होने वाले कार्यक्रमों का आयोजन करते है, वहीं दुसरी तरफ अन्य छात्र हाउस के शेष अध्यापक/अध्यापिकाओं के सानिध्य में आत्मीयविद्यामंदिर की अपनी एक खास एवं अद्भुत, विशेष रुप से प्रतिक्षित प्रति शनीवार को होने वाली रचनात्मक पेशकश की तैयारी के लिए कठोर परिश्रम कर रहे होते है। और इतना ही नहीं इन सब के साथ ही प्रति हाउस को सप्ताहारंभ में प्रदर्शनी-पट्टो पर स्वेच्छा से छात्रोचित किसी शिर्षक का चयन कर के उसकी अधिकाधिक जानकारी कम से कम जगह में रोचक तरीके से प्रदर्शित करनी होती है।

गुरुवार को भी श्री पुष्पक की जानकरी में छात्र - श्री अभीषेक भाई आरीवाला , श्री वृशांक भाई , श्री लव भाई पटेल ने अपना दायित्व निभाया । सप्ताह के अगले दिन इसी मूल्य की दिशा में श्रीमती रेखा गोस्वामी ने अग्रसित होते हुए श्री आदर्श भाई , श्री जयभाई वाकावाला , श्री पल्लव भाई , एवं कक्षा पांच और छह के छात्रों के परिश्रम से “युधिष्ठिर की सत्यनिष्ठा” नामक एक लघु नाटिका का सफलता पूर्वक प्रस्तुतिकरण किया ।

आबंटित मूल्य का महिमा मंडन करते हुए आज सप्ताहांत आ ही गया । रचनात्मक प्रार्थना सभा का कार्यभार जिन छात्रों तथा अध्यापकों के कंधों पर था उन्होनें पूर्णरुपेण दत्तचित्त होकर के शनीवार को एक अत्यन्त मनोरम नाटक का आयोजन किया जो कि, आत्मीय विद्यामंदिर में ही घटित एक सत्य प्रकरण का मञ्चन था। नाटक दो छात्रों की सत्य एवं असत्य के प्रति निष्ठा पर केंद्रित था । इसके मुख्य नायक थे छात्र श्री सुमीत चौधरी, छात्र श्री आगम [11 वी वाणिज्य] एवं छात्र श्री शुभम । नाटक की मुख्या आयोजिका तथा मुख्य आयोजक भूलकु शर्मील व श्री पंचोली के साथ श्रीमती सुनिता दास , श्रीमती नीहारिका खत्री, ज्योत्सना दीदी , श्रीमती संगीता दूबे आदि ने कठोर परिश्रम से सच्चाई एवं ईमानदारी का संदेश छात्रों तथा दर्शको तक आसानी से और सफलता पूर्वक पहुंचाया।

प्रदर्शनी-पट्ट: इस बार सत्यम हाउस ने प्रदर्शनी-पट्ट को बडा ही आकर्षक तथा साथ ही साथ गागर में सागर रूप दिया । जापान में सुनामी तथा भूकंप के दौरान वहाँ के लोगो ने जिस अनुशासन और आपसी सौहार्द का प्रदर्शन किया उस को ध्यान में रख कर तैयार किये गये प्रदर्शन पट्ट देखते ही बनता था।

नींव की ईंटे – भूलकु सर्वदर्शितबेन , श्री सुह्रदम नायक , श्री हिमांशू , श्री पूजीतभाई , प्रत्यक्ष तथा अप्रत्यक्ष सभी सहयोगी व्यक्तियों को सत्यम हाउस का हार्दिक अभिनन्दन एवं आभार ।

लेखक: पुष्पक जोशी (शिक्षक)

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Investiture Ceremony 2011 – 2012

“The old order changeth, yielding place to new”.

Leaders are not born they are made, in Atmiya Vidya Mandir, the students storing the treasures of childhood are also growing up as compassionate, caring and committed individuals. Here, while enjoying the freedom students learn to be responsible and disciplined. Responsibility is something that has to grow from within the child and in Atmiya Vidya Mandir it finds direction in the values absorbed by the children by participating in various activities outside the class room. Student Council is a platform where representative of student-body shoulder and share responsibilities in conducting various activities within the school. As discharging their duties in their particular role, the active members of Student Council learn to develop pride in their competence, experiencing challenges and their own way of doing things. These are all essential if our students are to grow up to become independent responsible adults

The Investiture ceremony of our school was a solemn occasion, where the elected members of the student Council took the oath of confidence to uphold the honour of our school. The occasion was held on the 25th of June, 2011.

As per Atmiya Vidya Mandir’s tradition, the respected guests Haresh Sir, Vijay Sir and previous year’s Head Boy Sarthak Jariwala were requested to light the auspicious lamp and do the pujan of Thakorji to begin the ceremony. The oath-taking ceremony commenced after declaration of the roles, for which the principal of the school Dr. Vijay Patel was invited on the stage. He administered the oath of honor and dedication to the members of student council. This was followed by an inspiring speech by him in which he insisted to be active and enthusiastic in academic, extra-curricular and sports activities. He also inspired the office bearers to be role models and take up responsibilities in the right perspective.

Then, Dr. Rupashree Ma’am briefed the designated role and responsibilities of Head Boy, Vice Head Boy, Sports Captain and Class Prefects. She also motivated them to perform their duties in accordance to the laws of the school. The chief guest of the occasion was our honorable Principal Sir Dr. Vijay Patel. School Head Boy Sarthak Jariwala gave the welcome address. The function was in a very befitting manner, the badges were pinned by the respective House Conveners to their House Captains. Donning the mantle of responsibility, they also pledge to dispense their duties sincerely and abide by the rules and regulations of the school.

It was followed by flag receiving ceremony, the Head boy, sports captain, and house captains received school flag, sports flag and house flags respectively. The program concluded with the school song. The list of newly elected office bearers is as follows:

Head Boy: Aditya Patel (Class 11 Science)
Vice Head Boy: Parth Amipara (Class 9B)
Sports Captain: Abhishek D Patel (Class 10B)

Satyam House
Captain: Harsh Sarda (Class 9A)
Vice Captain: Anand Pandya (Class 8A)

Shivam House
Captain: Sagar K Patel (Class 10B)
Vice Captain: Vaishvik M Patel (Class 8B)

Sundaram House
Captain: Anmol Kagrecha (Class 9A)
Vice Captain: Rushi Patel (Class 8B)

Suhradam House
Captain: Harsh Ambalia (Class 10B)
Vice Captain: Yogin Patel (Class 8B)

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Taking time out...

Std 1 and 2 on Picnic

Std 3 and 4 on Picnic

Std 6 Visits a Textile Mill

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Showers of blessings in this rainy season !!!!!!!

He is an “embodiment of Love, Peace and Tranquility", He speaks as "Sprint of Knowledge", His affectionate heart makes Him "Fountain head of Compassion", He lives for others …"A Symbol of Sacrifice", He is the ultimate “Source of Inspiration", His divinity makes him" Emancipator from all Evils", nothing is beyond His reach..He is A Walking Encyclopedia", the God realized Saint……Confluence of Dharma", these are the several attributes showered on H.D.H P.P Hariprasad Swamiji ,the Peripatetic Deity, who visited Atmiya Vidya Mandir on 22nd and 23rd June 2011 , once again sanctifying the school campus with His Divine Presence.

A living legend, Hariprasad Swamiji occupies the most unique position in everybody’s heart but His most beloved are the students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir. It was a matter of extreme joy for AVM Family as Swamishree expressed His ardent wish to meet students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir before he moves for His US Vichran in the last week of June’11.

As soon as Swamishree reached the school campus, it was a festive moment for AVM family. The teachers, students, and members of other departments felt strongly that His Grace would come to them unasked at the right time. Swamiji entered the temple arena in the evening and showered His blessings upon the children. Students who drew extraordinary percentage in the latest board exams were fortunate enough to be patted and greeted by Swamiji on the stage. The newly elected members of Student Council were also greeted by Swamiji on the stage. Afterwards, Swamishree addressed the students enlightening them with His affectionate and Divine words. Swamiji urged the students to remain concentrated and focused on their studies all the time. He also advised the students to respect and accept instructions and decisions given by their parents. It seemed that Swamiji has taken a promise from these students that they should remain cool and God – reliant in any unfavorable and distracting situations. Once again Swamiji insisted the students for revision on daily basis and remain attentive in the class.

It was quite a hectic schedule for Swamishree as he has been travelling and straining so much yet His love for AVM family members overflowed when he expressed His wish to call teacher’s meeting after dinner at late evening. Though it was obvious to be tired after such exhausting schedule of the whole day but Swamiji’s ever beaming face and benign smile conveyed his pleasure of being with faculty members of Atmiya Vidya Mandir family in the school auditorium. He addressed teachers’ meeting explaining them His mission behind this school to gift the society morally, spiritually and academically strong individuals. In this teachers’ meeting, Swamishree stressed upon loving the children unconditionally and showing them the path of an ideal life. Swamishree also urged the teachers to give value based education. The meeting went on till late night but Swamishree did not seem to stop benefitting the faculty members giving them advice like an educator. He repeatedly asked the teachers to find the students as embodiment of God and to take care of them all the time.

His prodigious memory is a matter of great wonder for all. Sternly determined as He is to love unconditionally and uplift all of us, He feels profound joy in seeing and meeting students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir. He is comparable to dam which contains wild floods within control. He teaches us the path without teaching. Most importantly, He shows in His conduct what he asks us to do.