Medical Camp at AVM

On 27th July 2014 the students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir were privileged to have a medical camp organised by Vijaybhai, (our resident medical assistant) and Pranav Sir, (our senior hostel incharge) with support of the school management. It was an honour to have qualified doctors on our campus to help us with the medical check-up of students and suggest solutions to challenges if any. The team was divided into three groups:

• Eye check up held by Dr Popat Lunagaria
• Skin check up held by Dr Jagdish Sakhiya and Dr Talpesh Vaghasia
• Dental check up Dr Karishma Patel

The camp started at 9 AM with a disciplined approach of each standard completing check up at one facility and switching to another, all together, so that there was no chaos and doctors could document suggestions accordingly and order wise.

It started with junior hostel from grades 1 to 6 and then to senior hostel for grades 7 to 12 after lunch, where mentors guided the students in the process and particular didi/housemaster sat with facilitated doctor and students when they performed the check-up individually, discussing their concern and challenges.

All the doctors had come very well equipped with their medical kits. The eye specialist, Dr Lunagaria discussed more about how to keep the eye healthy and infection free. We gained new insights about how to take care of minor infections, irritation, what kinds of vitamins are necessary for eye to be healthy, etc.

The skin specialists, Dr Sakhiya and Dr Vaghasia minutely examined the skin, scalp and hair. They also discussed about allergy, irritation due to dryness or damp skin, how to control acne and pimples and how to keep skin clean. It was really satisfying for the students to talk to the doctors open heartedly who responded enthusiastically to all the concerns raised. While checking hair and scalp, they also answered various queries regarding dandruff and hair fall.

Dr Patel, the dentist, was very patient and also very responsive to the queries of students. She discussed about health of teeth and gums, how to protect teeth against cavity and ways of cleaning and brushing teeth.

It was a day to learn many things about dental eye and skin, doctors were very enthusiastic and didn't hesitate giving their services till the last student. Students were very happy, satisfied and learnt how to tackle challenges if occurred and were satisfied with the solutions and advise of the doctors.

Reported by: Parth Amipara (Class 12 Science)

To a Research Laboratory – an overwhelming experience!

At the time, when the rain-God showered generously, the school management organised an educational trip to Rajkot and Junagadh. The main objective of the excursion was for Std 11 and 12 Biology stream students to explore the intriguing world of Biotechnology.

The voyage of set its sail in the evening of 24th July 2014. After getting fresh and having lunch at Yogidham, Rajkot the next day, we left for Junagadh, where we all arrived excited to learn and eager to satisfy our curiosity. We got an opportunity to visit the “Food testing lab – Department of Biotechnology at Junagadh Agricultural University”. The department has eight labs with different objectives, such as, to check adulteration in food, soil analysis, pesticides content in food, nutrient content, etc. We were delighted to see the high–tech labs where we were explained about the instruments and objectives by the research scholars from the department. And the cherry on the cake was the opportunity we were provided to have question and answer session. Dr. B A Golakiya (Professor and Head of Biotechnology Department) who further quenched our curiosity and appreciated all the students for their scientific enquiries. The day ended with lots of learning and fun, both.

 

On 26th July 2014, the other purpose of the trip was achieved when we reached the M N Virani Science College at Yogidham campus in Rajkot. Firstly, we were explained about different fields and careers in Biology like Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, etc. by Dr. Shivani Patel (Professor and Head of Biotechnology Department). We got an interesting insight into the widespread applications of Biology. The session was then taken over by Dr. Leena Ambasana for an experiment. The aim was to isolate DNA from plant material (spinach). She started with explaining the theory and then came the most awaited moment, to see all that description really happen in front of us! During the entire process, all the students enthusiastically and sincerely followed through the instructions given by her.

The duration of the experiment was about 5-6 hours. Indeed, it was a long experiment but in between the waiting time of experiment, we were shown around the Department of Tissue Culture, Department of Biochemistry and Department of Microbiology. We also got a chance to visit the engineering department and were in awe while visiting the library there and looking at different labs, classrooms and auditorium halls.

Although the experiment was long, there wasn’t any trace of tiredness on anyone’s face and enthusiasm seemed permanent! And then the time was for results of the experiment and of course it had to be the best due to the Grace of Swamiji, efforts put by students as well as our teachers. We were very much satisfied due to the achieved outcome. In the evening, after a long day of learning and exploring the field of Biotechnology, the team enjoyed a delightful dinner at Subway.

On the 27th July, we were back to school with new learning, new experiences and satisfied curiosity, all due to the grace of Param Pujya Hariprasad Swamiji. And not to forget all the enthusiasm and support of Sarvajit Sir and Archana Ma’am (our Biology teacher) who patiently executed this wonderful educational trip in such a way that it could not have been any better. Their determination, dedication and devotion towards the academic welfare of students made such a learning process possible. We all express special gratitude to them.

This well planned trip taught us the important virtues such as Atmiyata, patience, hard work and a very essential scientific approach.

Written by: Het (Class XII Science) & Keyur (Class XI Science)

Glimpses from Swamishree’s Ideal Student Life

Behind the iconic name of the school ‘Atmiya’ lies a noble mission of His Divine Holiness Param Pujya Hariprasad Swamiji. It is to nurture the qualities of compassion, harmony and devoutness in the students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir. Swamishree is an epitome of these values and His student life is a perfect example of an ideal student life, hence in the third week of July, from 14th July to 20th July 2014, Sundaram House members presented glimpses of Swamishree’s inspiring student-life.

 

In this week, Sundaram House members discussed how Swamiji’s student life is like a road-map showing a clear-cut route to success and happiness. On Monday, Purvesh Sir explained that if we analyse Swamiji’s student life, we can find glimpses of the qualities of sincerity, hard work, devotion and compassion. On Tuesday, students were shown through a video presentation, how Prabhudasbhai (Swamishree’s childhood name) was obedient and respectful towards his parents. Wednesday brought forth a presentation on Swamishree’s school life in which students learnt how Prabhudasbhai excelled in his academics through constant hard work, full attention and being meticulous about his books. On the following day, students were privileged to relive, through a video, one of Swamishree’s visits to AVM. In this video, by giving example of His own life, Swamishree advised students to stay away from misleading movies and remain focused to the studies. On Friday, Mukesh Sir, elucidated how qualities of respectfulness, acceptance and positive attitude made Prabhudasbhai an ideal student.

And then arrived the most awaited, most significant, eventful day of creative assembly where an incident of Prabhudasbhai’s life was enacted. A drama presentation explained the students about Swamiji’s unflinching focus on maintaining his positive attitude and harmony with others in spite of all unfavourable circumstances. This creative assembly was a source of insight for the students as they realised not to expend their energy in those matters which do not contribute in living an ideal life. The dramatization of ‘Dudhpak’ incident from Swamiji’s life brought the students to a deeper understanding of their purpose of life. Thus, with a better understanding of their goal, they can stay focused in fruitful work.

In a world which is full of alluring interferences for the students, they have a daily battle with the distractions to stay prolific and in such a scenario, analysis of Swamishree’s student life helps to create a firewall against all distractions. As a matter of fact, by this week’s presentations, students are highly inspired to maintain acceptance, forgiveness and harmony amongst themselves which further creates clarity of destination.

Team AVM make their mark in the 2014 Subroto Cup Football Tournament

The recently concluded FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil captured the imagination of the whole world. Football is one such sport which unites the world with its appeal to all kinds of people. The excitement, skill level and joyous atmosphere at the world cup was for everyone to see and perhaps that is the reason why it is the undisputed number one sport in the world.

Football fever at AVM reached its peak as the students prepared for district level football competition Subroto Cup. Since the re-opening of the school from June, students were working for this tournament under the guidance of Dhiren Sir and Tejas Sir. AVM’s inter school sports calendar usually kicks off with this tournament every year hence the excitement was obvious.

Like every year, the school decided to compete in this tournament at U-14 and U-17 level. The U-14 tournament was held at Ladvi on 14th July while the seniors of U-17 competed on 15th July in Zankhvav near Netrang.

 

U-14 Subroto Cup report:
It was the first occasion that students of grade 7 and 8 were participating in a football competition outside the school. After a good preparation, coach Dhiren Sir and manager Ritesh Sir took the boys to the tournament. As many as 13 teams participated from Surat rural area in this tournament. The competition was tough. AVM got 1 of 3 byes in the first round and directly played in the quarter finals, in which they met Ryan International School for the place in semi-finals.

Kevinbhai Chauhan opened the scoring for AVM and calm the early nerves. Then the school captain, Karanbhai Desai took the centre stage by scoring 2 more goals and secured AVM’s place in the semi-final. In the semi-final the team met the reigning champions Essar International School. The boys put up a fight but the champions were too good and won the match very convincingly with a flattering score line of 7-0. The nature of the tournament meant the students of AVM bow out from this year’s Subroto Cup but not without making their mark and learning valuable experience for the future. School captain Karanbhai was really one of the outstanding players not only for the school team but also of the tournament.

U-17 Subroto Cup report:
The senior football team took part in the Subroto Cup next day near Netrang, a 45 minutes ride from the school. As the team arrived at the venue, they were greeted by some monsoon rain and cloudy atmosphere. But a seemingly difficult weather did not affect the mood and enthusiasm of the team which was led by the coach Tejas Sir and manager Ritesh Sir.

The enthusiasm of all school teams was overwhelming as 16 teams came to participate in the tournament which was unheard of in the recent past. As the weather got clearer the organisers got on with the tournament. AVM boys faced Varad High Sschool in the opening round. The school team was led by Deepbhai Chamariya (11 Commerce class) and looked extremely comfortable in the opening minutes. The forward line form AVM kept pressing on and in no time the flood gates were opened as Dharmitbhai opened the scoring on 4th minute. That was followed up by school head boy Arpitbhai scoring 2 quick fire goals on 6th and 9th minute. Ayushbhai Verma from class 9 capped a very good first half by scoring in the dying minutes to take the score line 4-0 at the end of first half. Even though the team wanted to conserve the energy and did not press as much as they did in the first half, Arpitbhai completed his hat-trick by scoring the 5th goal for the team. The moment of the match came when the second half substitute and the member of U-14 team Karanbhai made his debut on a senior level by scoring a very confident goal in the last few minutes to make the score line 6-0 in favour of AVM.

In the quarter final AVM had slightly tougher opposition in Sincerite School from Bardoli who had already beaten a more recognised team in their opening round. AVM had better of the possession of play in the opening minutes and had many shots on target but the opposition stuck to their task and denied a goal. But the dead lock was broken by AVM’s no. 10 Manhilbhai in the 7th minute from an open play. Dharmitbhai on the right flank and Ayushbhai on the left flank were a constant threat to the opposition as they kept crossing the ball in the good areas for the team. The first half concluded with a score of 1-0 which did not justify the amount of possession AVM had. In the second half Karanbhai replaced Ayushbhai to conserve his energy who tirelessly played on the left flank and was one of the brightest players on the pitch. The substitution and the constant pressure paid off as Karanbhai scored a wonderful headed goal from a cross on the right wing. The match ended with a score line of 2-0 and AVM reached the semi-final.

AVM met the reigning champions and tournament favourites: Essar International in a mouth-watering clash. Both the teams so far steam rolled into the semis and had the majority of the possession in those matches. Looking at their team and their attacking threat, the AVM team changed its formation from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1. In the clash of titans, boys from AVM started brightly and caught the favourites off guard. A changed formation saw Deepbhai and Dakshbhai (9 A) controlling the game in the centre of the park. The tireless work of forwards meant AVM had better possession. Such was the intensity from both the sides that the locals who gathered for the match were having some exciting times. AVM’s goal keeper Abhishekbhai Mandaviya (11 Commerce) who did not even touch the ball in the first two matches was called upon and he made some breath taking saves to keep the opposition at bay. The first half ended 0-0 but everyone at the venue knew that they had a very exciting match on their hands. In the second half both the teams stepped up but AVM was still having the better of the ball possession and distributed the ball very well on the flanks. The second half substitute Ayushbhai on the left and Dharmitbhai on the right were playing really well in a really engaging encounter. And then the moment of joy and despair came in the dying minutes of the second half as AVM boys scored a goal only to be disallowed as the referee ruled it offside. The match ended 0-0 and the penalties beckoned.

To the credit to the defence and organisation of the team, AVM team did not concede a goal in the normal time so far. Penalties often bring uncertainties and test the nerves of the biggest of the players especially at the semi-final stage. AVM started with a penalty as they scored theirs. But the goal keeper Abhishekbhai was in top form and saved 3 more of the penalties from the opposition to give team AVM chance to seal the spot in the finals. But unfortunately the occasion got the better of the players as we faltered at the penultimate stage of the tournament by going out on penalties.

Even though we lost in the semi-finals, the boys made the school and their coaches proud with a spirited and scintillating performance. In the end even with the narrowest of the margins the better team won who eventually retained their title in the final.

Visual-Spatial Intelligence Competition: The Expedition from Vision to Reality

The beauty of garden lies in the variety of flowers with myriad of fragrances it has. Likewise, the glory of school lies in the environment created for the students to foster their hidden talent and polish the same. Teachers of Atmiya Vidya Mandir try to nurture the blooming buds of the school by developing their unique talent through various inter house competitions based on multiple-intelligences.

The first competition in that series was organized on 12th July 2014. This competition was based on Visual Spatial Intelligence which deals with the ability to comprehend shapes, patterns, designs and the entire spectrum of colour. It includes the capacity to visualize and imagine which can help to improve memory, cognitive ability and thinking. The competition was divided into four different groups mentioned below:

Group A: (Std. I to III) – Colour the Picture 

• Colouring plays a major role in the development of children. Various pictures were provided to students for colouring by Manish Sir and Suhradam Sir.
• All the students of grade I to III enthusiastically participated and enjoyed the colouring competition. They were able to showcase their imagination, choice of colours and creativity that helped them to develop attractive colour combination, hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. It was a pleasure to watch these tiny tots work with such ease.

Group B: (Std. IV to VI) – Model Making

• “Imagine the concept and make your imagination visible to all” was the main idea of the competition organized for grade IV to VI by Sunita Ma’am and Binu Ma’am.
• The theme for grade IV was “Season”. Two participants from each house, thus total eight students participated and demonstrated their ability to organize related pictures of the season in the given space to make their model relevant and sensible.
• For grade V, two participants from each house were selected, thus total eight students were there for making a model of different landscapes like desert, polar region, coastal plain and valley.
• For grade VI, four participants from each house were selected, thus total sixteen students were there for making models of different land forms like plateau, island, mountain-valley and coastal plain.
• Participants of Model Making competition showed their ability to visualise the world, perceived and interpreted in their own way. They were able to think in three-dimensional terms and re-created ideas into eye-catching models.

Group C: (Std. VII – VIII) – Draw and Label 

• Accurate and abstract visualization is just one of the many skills possessed by ‘picture smart’ students. With their exceptional ability to memorize the pictures shown to them, grade VII and VIII students drew and labelled the pictures based on topics picked up from science.
• There were four participants from each house, thus total sixteen students participated in this competition under the guidance of Anand Sir and Prerak Sir.

Group D: (Std. IX – X) – Mind Mapping

• A Mind Map is a powerful graphic technique which provides a universal key to unlock the potential of the brain. It harnesses the full range of cortical skills - word, image, colour, spatial awareness and precise information of the topic – in a single, unique powerful manner. To encourage students to show their creativity, Mind Mapping competition was organized under the guidance of Samidh Ma’am and Rashmi Ma’am.
• There were four participants from each house, thus, total sixteen students participated in this competition. The theme “Physical Features of India” and “Natural Resources” were given to grade IX and X respectively.
• Participants of this competition exhibited an extraordinary ability to create a mental map providing a strong sense of spatial awareness for the topics given to them.

Competition was designed to help students reinforce their strengths and boost their confidence in the areas where could further improve.

Congratulations to all the students who took part in the competition and thanks to all those who contributed to make the event successful.

Guru: God Personified

Every nook and corner of AVM campus and every life associated with it, has been flourishing through the ever flowing grace of His Divine Holiness Param Pujya Hariprasad Swamiji. Hence, at AVM, Guru Purnima is just not a commemoration of Swamishree’s glory but a day to reunite with His supremacy by offering our prayers to Him.

“Swamishree always blesses us with all success and happiness, we just need to be committed and resolute for a good cause and a good goal.” said Suhrad Swamiji while addressing the congregation of Guru Purnima celebration in the Atmiya Prayer Hall on campus. In the presence of all elders, teachers, hostel staff, students and all members of Atmiya family, the programme started with Thakorji’s pujan by saints from Haridham and principal Vijay Sir. The junior class’ students sang melodious bhajans admiring the beauty of a Guru-guided life.

 

Thereafter, the host of the programme, Mukesh sir narrated a few stories to the students elucidating that the Guru is God manifested and He cultivates the human potentials. The students were reminded that it was the day for them to resolve to those easy-to-follow yet hard-to-stick to injunctions given by Swamishree to all AVM students and to realise that following these will help them to be a better human being.

The inspiring and elevating words of Pujya Suhrad Swamiji on this pious occasion explained that the best way of celebrating Guru Purnima and offering true reverence to Swamishree is by self – reflection to be worthy of His blessings. He further added that it is a day to decide to resort to prayers and take divine help each time we deviate from our goal. This would certainly bring a realisation which leads to improvement.

So let’s decide, how we are going to deal with the darkness within us - with the glare of fascinating distractions that obscures OR with the light - the glow of Guru’s grace that illuminates!!!

3Ds for an Ideal Student: Determination, Dedication & Devotion

The destiny of a nation depends on the character of people. And as defined, the character is not merely the awareness of some values but also both, the desire and capacity to uphold them in practice. On one hand, we are experiencing a rapid global change, and on the other, we all are also hoping for peaceful and prosperous global community.

Our school functions on the essence of the basic Indian culture, supported by His Divine Holiness Hariprasad Swamiji. According to him, every child can be an ideal child, if he is determined, devoted and dedicated to understand the core of every task assigned to him. It is said that an ideal student is the wealth and future of the nation. Such student is a hope of a family and pride of the school. Such bright and good students are the gems of an institution, thus they are able to become responsible citizens, statesmen and leaders of tomorrow.

Working on the same line, Satyam House took an initiative to project the aspect of “3Ds” for an ideal student i.e. ‘Determination, Dedication and Devotion’. It was demonstrated in regular assembly through real life examples and live role models. Everyday a personality was selected and was appreciated by teacher and students together.

Day	An Ideal student
Monday	Dr. Prakash Aamte, the sincere social worker
Tuesday	Sardar Patel, an iron man of India
Wednesday	APJ Abdul Kalam, the former President of India
Thursday	HDH Hariprasad Swamiji, the spiritual master
Friday	Helen Keller, the first deaf & blind person to earn a bachelor degree
Saturday	Sage Panini, a great Sanskrit Master

All the presentations depicted the value in its real sense. It not only helped students discover the hidden powers of 3Ds – Dedication, Determination and Devotion, but also help them in setting good examples for their personal and professional lives.

- By Satyam House Team