IMPORTANT NOTICE: About school website and blog updates

Dear Readers,

It is with great joy that we announce the going live of the new website for our school Atmiya Vidya Mandir: www.avm.edu.in.

Please note that from now on, you shall be able to get school related updates and news by visiting www.avm.edu.in/news/ so kindly update your bookmarks accordingly. You can also remain up to date with various happenings at the school by following us on twitter: @AVMupdates

We are looking forward to continue working on the new school website, so do keep an eye on www.avm.edu.in at your convenience.

Thank you all very much for your readership and we hope you continue with it via the new site mentioned above.

With the best of regards,
AVM ICT Team

Std 12 Results: Setting A New Benchmark

Param Pujya Swamishree visited AVM on 12th December 2014 to meet with all and invited all to the Atmiya Yuva Mahotsav 2015. During that visit, He had blessed the students and staff and told the senior class “તમે મહેનત કરતાં રહેજો, હું તમારી સાથેજ છું”. That helped gain momentum in the already intense preparations undertaken by the students of class 12.

The new year then brought them some amazing blessings, again from Swamishree and also from revered saints from all over India! The Atmiya Yuva Mahotsav was quite literally and essentially a unique start of the year, in the midst of their preparation. The entire 3 days experience of the event further fuelled their faith and motivation and helped them cross their physical and mental limitations even further!

The first part of their journey ended with the end of their CBSE board exams at the end of March/early April. Their journey of course continued thereafter in terms of their preparation for the various entrance exams.

The CBSE published Std 12 results on 25th May 2015. And it quite blatantly revealed the fact that these students had taken Swamishree’s words to heart! It is with great pride in our students and gratitude towards Swamishree that we announce the results of these wonderful individuals.

Out of the total 39 students that appeared for these exams (Science and Commerce combined):

• 6 students scored 95% or above
• 10 students scored between 90 & 95%
• 18 students scored between 80 & 90%
• 4 students scored between 70 & 80%
• 1 student scored 68.8%

Commerce Class Average: 87%

Science Class Average: 87.2%

 
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the students for setting an unprecedented benchmark (which seems to have become a trend over the past 4 years!).

Our congratulations also to the parents and all those individuals involved in this arduous and yet, a memorable journey undertaken with a lot of faith in God!

UDAAN 2015: a hearty farewell to our dearest students

Just few years back…… they arrived with their tiny step to make it a giant leap 

Just back in this past…..they framed their vision to extend their abilities 

Just yesterday…..they flapped their wings and set their eyes on the sky 

Just before this time… they attuned their mind, body and soul, to aim high

……and now…Fluttering with hope, elevated with flair, lifted light by blessings they are all ready to take their first flight..UDAAN…soaring new heights.

Time goes so fast, it’s hard to believe our dearest members of AVM family - students of class XII 2015 reached at the threshold of the school and were all set to bid their alma mater good-bye. Their farewell function was marked with much grandeur and magnificence as we hosted a grand party at the school’s Prarthana Hall on 19th April 2015. Our students of class XI welcomed their seniors with much gusto as they arrived along with their family members to attend this farewell function. The elegantly decorated stage with a big screen at the backdrop and banquet style sitting arrangement was adding much grace to the venue. 

An artistically created replica of an aircraft, affectionately named as AVM Airlines, was the centre of attraction. Its interior enabled our students and their family members to take a tour of the fond memories of these students of their bringing up in AVM family.

Since our class XII students were embarking on a new journey, quite perfectly complementing the nomenclature - ‘Udaan’, the witty hosts of the program - Jaybhai Baria and Sumitbhai Choudhary took up the role of zestful piolets giving the audience a feel of this pulsating journey. Hence, much amusingly, the program started with an announcement for the audience to tie their seatbelts to witness the ‘Udaan’, the high altitude entertainment package of next two hours. For the ceremonial beginning, students were called for the poojan of Thakorji. After that, a video clip of Param Pujya Swamiji was played in which Swamiji blessed the students for their bright future and also reminded them to be ‘dharmik’, to keep company of good friends and to remain committed, caring and polite to their parents.

The hosts of the program, the comical duo Sumitbhai and Jaybhai breathed life into the evening with their chirpy and cheery talks. They created sheer magic as they fabulously presented on a big screen, the adorable glimpses of all students of this departing batch. Dressed in finest of their attires, these students were called on the stage in groups to be felicitated with a gift hamper containing souvenir and memento from the school.

There was a lot to say to these students whom we watched growing up year by year and now parting from us to start a new journey. So the choir from class XI, conveyed our love and best wishes to these students through a melodious song 'Baate ye kabhi na tu bhulna'… There was yet another musical tribute to our dear students by the mime artists from class XI. Soon the tempo set in as the light and refined music filled the air, the audience was spell-bound to find mime artists moving table to table and presenting a rose to our departing students. Expressing an emotional bond of these departing students with AVM, they moved in rhythm, gracefully, with every step in sync with each other on the music and lyrics ‘Jo tu mera hamdard hai’. This captivating mime dance performance was as spectacular to the eyes as the song was an aural treat.

There after Sachinbhai Verlekar, our former head boy, extended heartfelt gratitude to AVM on behalf of the entire batch. It was followed by a speech by respected Vijay Sir, our school principal. Vijay Sir requested the parents to keep faith in these young aspirants as they are blessed to excel in whichever field they go. At last, Pujya Fuvaji, in his speech reaffirmed that nurturing at AVM has made these students entitled to be spiritual, prudent and successful in their coming years.

Afterwards, inviting the guests to a sumptuous dinner, the charismatic, chatty, witty hosts Jaybhai and Sumitbhai brought the curtains down on this ceremony.

Go….the future lies before you with an open sky 

Be firm on roots, remain attached as you fly high

For someone is watching….someone is caring…someone is blessing you for this ‘Udaan’.

Param Pujya Swamiji’s arrival at AVM

Though the onset of spring season in February month marked the parting of winter but lives at AVM campus still lacked a certain force, trees never wore the shroud of greenery, the flowers delayed their spring cheers as if stillness engulfed the whole campus and the devoted souls prayed with eager eyes …. until He came! His Divine Holiness Param Pujya Swamiji.

On the 7th day of April 2015, Swamishree’s arrival enlivened everything around. As if the entire campus had restored freshness - the trees turned jade green and the leaves and flowers of various colours danced in the vernal wind and the students, the teachers resumed sprightliness. There was an unusual verve of happiness and joy all around in the school campus. Radiance and splendour emitted by His divine aura illuminated the weary souls and the elated hearts filled with vitality. No matter how busy and hectic Swamiji’s schedule is, He arrives time to time to bless the AVM family and reinvigorate our spirits. "As and when the wick of enthusiasm burns low, comes ‘He’ yet once again to rekindle our spirits with His Torch of Love and Truth".

 

 

The blessed and most awaited moment arrived when Swamiji wished to hold a Sabha and bless the students and teachers with His golden words. Sabha started with a melodious devotional bhajan sung by students of grades 7 and 8. The senior students of class XII were called on the stage to receive Swamiji’s blessings personally. After toiling tooth and nail for board exams and having sheer anticipation of good result, this moment with Swamiji was summum bonum for them. Swamiji listened to the prayers of each and every one of them and counselled them by showering all His grace and blessings on them. As one comes nearer to Him, it seems that He is but a fountain from which there is a continuous emanation of rays of love, soothing every soul that approaches.

Everybody listened with great eagerness and attention as Swamiji addressed the Sabha and spoke His golden words. Swamishree advised the students and teachers to brush aside the laziness and prepare earnestly for hard work. Thereafter, by giving examples from history, Swamiji explained us that most essential condition of a happy life is to be God-loving and religious. Swamiji reminded us quite affectionately that nothing is impossible for us if we believe that God is our eternal father and a god realized saint is like a loving mother. Swamiji affirmed that there are three monsters which reside within all of us: ego, jealousy and obstinacy and at any cost we should get rid of them - this is the only way to be eligible to receive the ever flowing grace of the Supreme. He further added that personal association with saints helps to destroy delusion. As the students listened to Him with much devotion, Swamiji gave them the golden sutra which is a condition to keep good friends who are religious and who have integrity of character. Everyone in the Sabha had His darshan with folded hands and devoted hearts until Swamishree left the prayer hall.

What better be the sublime sight for eager eyes?

What better be the euphonious voice for curious ears?

What better be the blissful touch for weary frames?

What better be the grand feast for craving souls?

What better be the enthralling scent for withered spirits….If Param Pujya Swamiji arrives to bless us all.

Anand Divas II

Book Review: The One Thing

The most challenging yet the most exciting and enduring activity in our journey through 11th standard was the Book Review assignment. The very first Book Review Session was conducted on 10th March 2015. It was on the New York Times bestseller book - ‘The One Thing’ by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. Dharmitbhai, Neelbhai and Mohitbhai nicely presented the book. The Book Review was conducted during the sports hour in the school auditorium. There was a charming audience, which included the students of class 10th, 11th and 12th and all the teachers from junior and senior section.

 

 

During the session, we witnessed what is our “One Thing”. Dharmitbhai introduced the book and then Neelbhai took the explanation ahead. Neelbhai nicely introduced some of the concepts of the book such as “The Domino Effect” and why and how we should organise our schedule. Then the book review continued with unknown facts about the how the one thing dominates all the other things that we do in our life with the domino effect.

Then came Dharmitbhai who introduced the first part of the book, which was “The Lies” that steal us of our productivity. He explained Six Lies which were, Everything Matters Equally; Multitasking; A Discipline Life; Willpower is always on Will-call; A Balanced Life; and the last Big is Bad. He then also explained to us why we should not make a to-do list instead make a Success list. He explained it with the help of a juggler’s video that, why focusing on the One Thing is important. And he also explained that we don’t need any more discipline, we need habits to become successful. Neelbhai again explained the part 2, which was the truth - The simple path to productivity. He asked us a focusing question, which was ‘what's the one thing I should do such that by doing that everything else will be easier or unnecessary?’ Then they conducted an activity in which all the students were given a sticky note to write their present and future ‘one thing’ which they had to stick at the end of the presentation on the whiteboard in the big and specific pie.

Mohitbhai explained the third part that was “extraordinary results - unlocking possibilities within you”. He shared three possibilities of achieving extraordinary results, which are live with purpose, priority and productivity. Mohitbhai also explained their concept draw in which they drew an iceberg which depicted that 80% of the iceberg is underwater, which signifies our purpose in life and the priorities we set based on our purpose. Our productivity is the 20% of iceberg, which we see and feel. So our success is based on our purpose and priorities. Mohitbhai also explained the four thieves that steal our productivity. Thereafter, Neelbhai gave a very brief conclusion of the book and Dharmitbhai explained the cover page.

In the end, Keyurbhai asked a question to them which the whole group answered very appropriately and concluded the book review.

In the end after the book we all have decided as a class that we will follow our One Thing as students, which is to follow the Recipe of Success formula as given by Param Pujya Swamishree which is:

1. Sincere Hard work
2. Earnest Prayers
3. Company of Good Friends

By students of 12th Commerce

फाल्गुनिका (Holi Celebration 2015)

‘ह्लाद’ संस्कृत भाषा का शब्द है । ह्लाद शब्द में आ तथा प्र उपसर्ग का प्रयोग करने पर शब्द बनते है: आह्लाद एवं प्रह्लाद जिनका अर्थ होता है आनंद, उल्लास, प्रेम आदि।

होला अर्थात् मुरझा कर सुखी हुई ज्वलनशील लकड़ी जो जलन , इर्ष्या द्वेश का प्रतीक है।

सदियों से प्रह्लाद को भस्म करने में असफल होलीका का इस वर्ष भी दहन कर के आत्मीय विद्यामंदिर में शागिर्दों के लिए “धूर्तमेव पराजयते” का पाठ दोहराया गया।

यशोमति मैया से बोले नंदलाला , राधा क्यों गोरी, मैं क्यों काला ???

माना जाता है कि उपरोक्त प्रश्न को बार-बार पूछे जाने पर यशोदा मैया ने कान्हा से कह दिया कि ‘जा जो रंग तू चाहता है, वो राधा के चेहरे पर लगा दे। कान्हा ने वैसा ही किया और उस दिन से धूलंडी का पर्व प्रचलन में आया।

किंतु गौरतलब है कि इस बार इम्तिहान को मद्देनज़र रखते हुए तमाम तालीमार्थी अलिफ़(अक्षर) के रंग में ही रंगे नज़र आए।

********।।रंगों भरी शुभकामानएं।।********

लेखक:  पुष्पक सर 

An educational excursion

Learning beyond the boundaries of four walls of the classrooms is one of the aspects of teaching methodology at Atmiya Vidya Mandir. To embark on the same path of learning, the students of grade 7 visited the Anjana Sewage Treatment Plant in Surat on 20 February 2015.

 

This excursion was to further aid their learning of the concepts of waste water management. Surprisingly, people are generally unaware about the source and destination of the water which they use daily. Such ignorance could very likely lead to less concern about the need as well as optimum utilization of such natural resources, furthermore unnecessarily contributing to the problem of scarcity of water resource in the future. Fortunately, AVM students of class 7 were exposed to this knowledge very closely by this visit.

Primary treatment and secondary treatment stages convert the collected waste water from its initial black colour due to the wastes present to transparent. Students were amazed to see this conversion happening in front of them! They understood how biogas was extracted from sludge and also learned how sludge was used as manure.

Furthermore, a surprise ice-cream treat in the plants garden gave a different flavour of excitement. Students had fun in their break time playing in the garden.

Overall, students were able to appreciate the efforts made by the government to purify water and simultaneously to keep our environment clean. They also became aware of their responsibility, as enlightened citizens, towards usage and prevention of waste of water.

The students were then taken for dinner and finally returned to school after a highly educative day

Written by: Anand Sir

A day out at a farm (Std 1 to 8)

Outing means a trip taken for pleasure,
especially one lasting a day or less.

But AVM students define it as –

Outing means – Lots of Fun
Outing means - a day full of enjoyment
Outing means – unlimited excitement
Outing means –a lot of laughter
Outing means – games, play, rides,....entertainment
What if cricket is added in it. It is like icing on the cake.

Outing helps us to imbibe some values also.

It helps us to come closer to each other.
 Outing gives us a chance to experience how much pleasure we get by giving, by sharing, and by caring each other.

For the students of Std. 4 to 6, swimming in the pool was enthralling and added more fun to the trip.

And thus outing fills us with the joy of contentment.
So, we did when we went to Capital Farm
for just half day outing.

Written by: Students of AVM

SARANSH: the Closing Ceremony of 2014-15

No sooner had the humdrum of prolonged study hours of February month settled in, amazingly, exhilaration extended its reaches and fatigue sneaked away. Hardly a few weeks after the recent sports fiesta, it was yet another gala time for AVM family members as they gathered to celebrate ‘SARANSH’ the closing ceremony of the year 2014-15.

 

On the evening of 14th Feb '15, all students, teachers and mentors assembled at the well-adorned ‘Atmiya Prarthana Hall’ to commemorate outstanding performances of students in academic and co-curricular activities throughout this year. The programme started with evoking God’s blessings through Thakorji’s pujan. Quite significantly, this year marked a change in the slogan of the programme: "We are ONE". Afterwards, the formal announcement of the closing of house activities (competitions) was made with the marching off by the student council members and office bearers. The evening grew extremely engaging as the school’s orchestra and choir group presented Naad Brahma, an enthralling musical treat to the audience. The amazing fusion of various musical instruments: octopad, drum-set, congo, daf, dholak and tabla being played by the students set the stage on fire. It was an incredible synchronization of various musical instruments attuned in a melodious rhythm. Hats off to the maestros Jaimin Sir and Himanshu Sir.

The excitement and fervour surged when the awards for individual categories were announced. The flourishing talents in singing, acting and dancing and the budding percussionists were honoured. These young artists (the winners) have showcased their distinctive flair in different competitions and cultural programmes held in the school during this academic year.

The nifty and sprightly hosts of the programme, Shubhbhai and Devarshibhai entertained the audience through their witty remarks and apt dialogues.

The ‘Atmiya Prarthana Hall’, the venue of the event, reverberated with much clamour and cheers when the awards for house activities were being announced. All the four houses: Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram and Suhradam bagged a prize in one or the other categories which included Best Sports House, Best Republic Parade, Best Debating House, Best Softboard Display and Best Creative Assembly.

Quite instantly, solemnity set in, as the audience listened with much attention the speeches of all four house captains and the Vice Headboy. Some of them shared their learning experiences and memorable events with their house members while the others extended their gratitude to their other house members and teachers for their support, encouragement and guidance.

The next category of award was the most prestigious (individual) award of the evening, the ‘Best Student of the Year’ award. Once again the lively students burst with cheers when these special awards were given to the students who had consistently demonstrated exemplary conduct in every aspect of their life.

Towards the end of the event, the prayer hall resonated with much more hullabaloo, applause and cheers when the name of the ‘Winning House of the Year’ was announced. The entire arena echoed with calls of ‘Sundaram’ as the members of this house were invited on stage to collect the coveted trophy. Thus, once again, fun and frolic spilled in abundance, once again AVM family got a reason to enjoy together, once again studies got an occasional dodge and once again feast followed the fest.

The awards won were as follows:

Students of the year:

• Darsh Darji (Std 5)
• Madhur Modi (Std 7)
• Dhwanit Tamboli (Std 10)

Debating Champions: Satyam House
Best Academic House: Satyam House
Best Sports House: Satyam House
Annual Athletic Meet Champions: Sundaram House
Best Softboard: Shivam House
Best Creative Assembly: Shivam House

House of the Year: SUNDARAM HOUSE

Truly! Atmiya Vidya Mandir is synonymous with celebration…

Learning by Farming!

I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Ancient Chinese Proverb

Students of class 7 were exposed to yet another experiment in which they got involved themselves in the process of learning rather being mere spectators! In order to get some hands on experience on the concept of "vegetative propagation", they carried out the farming of potatoes themselves in the small botanical garden of Atmiya Vidya Mandir. Developing the same, it also provided them with the experience for a higher level concept of "crop production" that they will encounter in grade 8.

Each student participated in the process, from sowing till harvesting with soaring enthusiasm. Though less in quantity, the potato plants instilled in students a greater amount of responsibility. Responsibilities like taking care of plants, watering them in a timely manner and protecting them. These almost became a part of their daily routine! It went on for a couple of months starting from 12th December 2014 to 13th February 2015. All these activities were lovingly and willingly done by students.

Not only that, but the students also took joy in observing the daily growth of the plant, in touching the fresh leaves, measuring the height of their plants, guessing the size of the potatoes developing in the ground and so on. In turn, it resulted into an inquisitive process which led to the development of keen observation skills.

On the day of harvesting, these very excited students invited their other subject teachers also, to share their joy in relishing the fruits of their long and continuous efforts. Over all, they enjoyed the process of learning through doing.

Written by: Anand Sir

Interhouse Volleyball Competition 2014-15

4th February was one of the most electrifying days of this year at AVM. The interhouse volleyball competition was announced in the Sports assembly and all the students were thrilled by the news! Many students came up to participate in this competition which was a very good sign already. That day’s sports time was used up entirely in selecting the students for their respective house teams.

The very next day, on the 5th of February, the school volleyball coaches, Ritesh Sir and Pritesh Sir, discussed with the house teams, various facts and the rules about volleyball. After this, the house teams played in turns till the end of the day.

On the next day, on 6th February, our coaches explained to all the rotation rule by taking help of the students who had represented AVM in the CBSE Cluster Tournament. After this, each team practiced the service skills for some time and then played two practice matches which ended the third day.

7th February was the last day for practice and all the houses looked very determined and were very excited about the competition. On this day also, many practice matches were played and even those students who had not selected volleyball as their main sport, participated very enthusiastically. Now all the houses were ready for the tournament armed with the necessary skills and enthusiasm.

On 8th of February, the first day of the competition, the following matches were played within the respective groups.

Sub Junior Group:

• 1st match- Suhradam v/s Satyam: Suhradam won by 2-0.
• 2nd match- Sundaram v/s Shivam: Shivam won by 2-0.

Junior Group:

• 1st match- Sundaram v/s Satyam: Sundaram won by 2-0.

Senior Group:

• 1st match- Suhradam v/s Shivam: Suhradam won by 2-0.

The day ended here with some very exciting matches witnessed by all.

Next day, on the 9th of February, the following three matches were played:

• In the Sub Junior group, there was a third place match between Satyam House and Sundaram House in which Satyam House secured the place.
• In the Junior group, the group’s second match was played between Suhradam House and Shivam House in which Suhradam House won the match.
• In the Senior group, the group’s second match was played between Satyam House and Sundaram House in which Satyam House won the match and thus ended the day.

On the 10th of February, the final match in the Sub Junior group was played between Suhradam House and Shivam House in which Shivam House won the final which entitled them as the champions in the Sub Junior group.

In the Junior group, there was a third place match between Satyam House and Shivam House in which Shivam House took the third place encouraged by the house team’s victory in the Sub Junior group.

In the Senior group, the third place match was played between Shivam House and Sundaram House in which Sundaram House won the match.

On 11th of February, the last day of the competition, two final matches were played. In the Junior group, the final match was between Sundaram House and Suhradam House, in which Sundaram House won the final and hence closed at the first position in the group.

The last final of the competition was in the Senior group, between Satyam House and Suhradam House, in which Suhradam House managed to win the match and secure first place in the group.

The overall results of the competition were also declared on the same day!

Satyam House and Sundaram House jointly occupied the third place. Shivam House stood second and Suhradam House was announced the winning house in the competition. All the students, participants and spectators, and the onlooking teachers, celebrated during the award ceremony. This competition was the last interhouse competition of the year 2014-15 and hence it also concluded a very memorable year full of some very keenly competed events.

The overall points table of the competition is given below:

Submitted by: Rahul B. Patel (School Sports Captain) and the Volleyball Team

Window of Wisdom

Under the guidance of our English teacher, the 7th grade students enjoyed an activity of making display board based on stories from our long reading book. First of all, we were given stories from the book ‘How I taught my grandmother to read and other stories’ written by well-known author Sudha Murthy. This book, which is a part of our English syllabus, is based on life values.

 

 

 

We were divided in groups and were asked to present each story on the allotted display boards. Working as a team, we read and developed an understanding of the main aspects of the given story in depth. Then, we made a rough draft of the layout of the display. We included root values, wisdom sentences, characters and their traits and the summary of the story. We finally displayed the content with the material provided by our teacher. Finally, all the groups gave a presentation of our group displays in the class.

It was truly an amazing learning experience and an opportunity to discover the creativity within us. This activity has been very beneficial for us as we were able to comprehend and present the stories with ease. This display board activity has opened a new window of wisdom in our life.

Written by: Anshul Gohel & Taarak Trivedi (7A)

An inspirational trip!

Being an integral part of the Indian economy, industrialisation has shown remarkable achievements and continues to bloom.

We remain excited & enthusiastic to get to know the comprehensive processes of the giant industries that lead India on the path of development.

Once again destiny knocked the door, to acknowledge our curiosity in the midst of the busy schedule with upcoming board exam. Our dedicated teachers arranged a wonderful educational tour to several industries.

 

 

On 7th February 2015, students of 10th grade left the school in the morning with lots of excitement about the field trip. First we made our way to Asia’s biggest sugar industry, Bardoli Sugar Factory. There we witnessed the incredibly large scale process of making fine sugar from sugarcane that was straight out of the fields.

Lesson we learnt: Creative use of the by-products was an appealing process of the sugar factory. The waste generated from sugarcane can either be used to produce electricity or be utilised as manure. By-products of sugar industry such as molasses are also used to generate an important laboratory chemical i.e. ethanol.

Continuing the journey, we visited Vimal Agro Products Pvt. Ltd., Bardoli, the company that manufactures and exports over 80 different food products ranging from Canned Vegetables, Fruit Pulp & Slices, Pickles, Chutney, Papads and Ready to Eat Foods. Here, we learnt about the food packaging processes of pickles and mango pulps. A vast godown with uncountable cans arranged in a systematic manner was a memorable sight.

Lesson we learnt: It has been a privilege to know about the owner of the industry. His life is a living example of a very inspiring journey from being an ordinary person to such a successful, self-motivated entrepreneur! Though difficult, he proved that setting up a huge Food Plant is certainly possible through hard-work and determination.

"Absolute hard-work gives Absolute Success".

After a delicious lunch and dessert, we moved on to the Dhanodhar Textile Mill, Surat. Their power generation process using coal and oil with the help of huge boilers was quite interesting and we also received knowledge about dying process in detail.

At the end of the day, we went to a yarn processing unit where we were enlightened by the amazing story of service and dedication. The owner Mr. Dinesh Solanki shared how he transformed himself from a salaried worker with the income of Rs.1700 a month to a notable entrepreneur of an industry worth of crores of rupees.

Lesson we learnt:
"Nothing is impossible if we have strong determination and self-confidence" was the punch line of the day’s visit articulated by Mr. Dinesh Solanki, a man living with simplicity and high thinking, who remains receptive to the sentiments of his employees.

Thus, this tour turned out to be not only educative but also an enlightening experience for us. We whole heartedly acknowledge the time and efforts spent by all those involved to arrange such a wonderful field trip for us.

Ever lasting impression we parted with:

"One should determine a goal in life, and strive hard till the goal is achieved'."

Written by: Class 10 Students

AAM 2015 ends with a beginning... “We are ONE”

The most momentous part of the 11th Annual Athletic Meet was the Day-3. The playground battle saw records being rewritten, new champions attesting themselves in different track and field events and the participants raising the standards of their performance with much perseverance. The young athletes gave their best for the last few races and other final events, showing utmost skill and grit, as could be seen by the many striking finishes.

 

The most spectacular sight to behold was those of running events. Breaking the monotony of their tight study schedule, the XII Std students participated in a relay race. These senior most students of the school sent a verve among all when they ran and set the track on blaze in the race.

As the bright sun glided down gradually from the sky, eagerness to know the winning house soared. The pleasant evening descended and the sparkling lights around the ground started shining. All members of AVM family gathered to witness the award ceremony of this AAM. All students and teachers were sitting in the group of their respective houses.

Quite remarkably, this evening brought a pertinent juxtaposition of nail-biting eagerness and elated spirits as saints from Haridham: Param Pujya Prabodh Swamiji, Pujya Suhrad Swamiji, Pujya Sugney Swamiji and Pujya Shasvat Swamiji graced the occasion with their benevolent presence. A flash of joy ran across the audience when they received Param Pujya Swamishree’s blessings conveyed by Pujya Suhrad Swamiji. When the result of different events were being announced, the delighted winners, filled with great joy came on the stage to receive the certificate and medal. At this moment the playground air was laden with cheers and applause.

The final points tally for the top two houses were:
Sundaram House: 350 points
Suhradam House: 306 points

The group-wise athletes of the year were:
Group A (Std 1-2): Advait J Patel (Std 2)
Group B (Std 3-4): Darshil P Patel (Std 4)
Group C (Under 13): Shivang N Patel (Std 7) and Param A Dubey (Std 7)
Group D (Under 15): Rahul B Patel (Std 9) and Dilan N Patel (Std 9)
Group E (Under 17): Sagar A Patel (Std 11)

Though Sundaram House claimed the coveted trophy this year, yet the most prized possession of this evening was the sutra “We are ONE” given by Param Pujya Prabodh Swamiji to make everybody the champions for life hence AAM ended with a new beginning……softly, slowly and smoothly the gear was adjusted, interest redirected, attention accelerated, fuelled with much confidence and delight, the cogwheels moved ahead and AVM buzzed back into order of academic activities.

A very splendid Day 2 of the AAM 2015!

It was a day full of fun and frolic as the students, brimming with enthusiasm, assembled in their respective track and field arenas. The morning was bright, the playground wore a festive look as the colourful flags across the field gently fluttered in the morning breeze.

Along with the running and jumping events, throwing events completed the ‘Track & Field flashes’. The throwing events were the discus throw, shot put and ball throws. As with many athletic events, the limelight was on the participants of high-jump and shot putters who were toiling hard to win the competitions. The huge playground had many spectators all around hooting and hollering for the best crashes and distances.

The events for primary wing were interspersed with the fun races besides the novelty races of 50 m & 100 m distance and relay races. The senior children participated with gusto in various track and field events which comprised of sprint races, relay races, long jump and high jump events scheduled for the day. The combination of different races set the tracks blazing.

It was noteworthy that the team of our ICT team members: Ambrish Sir, Rakeshbhai, Roshan Sir and Sarvajit Sir were moving around with their cameras traversing the length and breadth of the field and capturing every triumph and hilarious gestures of the students. One could see Prabhumagna Sir standing tall with his i-Pad for the photo-finish judgment of each event.

The pulsating-jazzy music was well blend to the booming and shrieking of the students and teachers cheering the participants. Amazing tunes were being played by Hirenbhai and his group. Different committees like dining hall staff, medical personnel, field officials, time-keepers, scorers donned in dedication and devotion, were working tirelessly to make this fiesta even more fun-filled. The intensity and the spirit of the competition could be judged from the excitement of all the house members cheering for their respective house contestants in different contests.

The school principal Dr. Vijay Patel was spotted being one with the students kindling their spirits and inspiring them with the belief of true sportsmanship.

In the company of their teachers, enthused with much moral support, the young athletes unleashed their athletic skills in various events on the second day of a very splendid AAM!

Day 1 of the Atmiya Annual Athletic Meet 2015

“Winning is not everything, but participation and the will to win is everything” with such a motto, the fervent athletes of AVM plunged into the overflowing enjoyment of day-1 of the Annual Athletic Meet 2014-15. The ground vibrated with feverish enthusiasm as the tempo set in with announcement of different track and field events. The best part of the show was the participation of each and every student from classes I to XI. It was held in age-wise categories to make all the events fairer and more enjoyable and to bring out the true sportsman spirit in each athlete.

The events of the day were Ball Throw, Shot Put, Discus Throw, Triple Jump and 50 m and 100 m dash hits for various groups. These events evoked a lot of passion and zeal among the Atmiyans, with each contestant trying to outdo the other and secure the most priced medal.

There was a spectacular view of the venue - different sections of the huge ground were decked with hues of vivacity and verve - factually the different fabrics and art-material of all four house colours. All the students along with their teachers, didis and sports teachers grouped near the arena of their respective choice of events. The teachers and the students were excitedly cheering their respective house participants, voicing the spirit of oneness among all.

The ground reverberated with blend of different uproars of cheers made by the gleeful students, the nerve-catching sound-tracks played on the speaker system by Hirenbhai was adding to the excitement. Last but not the least was the air-borne voice of Mukesh sir who was moving around with his running commentary and updating all with the latest happening across the ground. Thus the day ended with an ardent desire and unabated waiting for the second day of this Athletic Fiesta.

The Grand Opening of the Atmiya Annual Athletic Meet 2015

After the Uttarayan Break, students could hardly wear off the joy and vivacity of such a long vacation when AVM family geared up for the much awaited and one of its own kind - the Annual Athletic Meet! However, the athletic fever began to pervade the campus well before the actual day with athletes practicing hard under the guidance of their sport teachers, regularly since the day school reopened.

The whole school decamped to the huge cricket ground, in front of the school’s ‘Charanraj’ building which looked no less than the hosting place for the Olympic Games. The opening ceremony of this three-day Athletic Fiesta was held on 29th January 2015. The school ground was decked in the house colours of purple, blue, green and orange. The eye-catching decoration at the different field arena and the track boundary was much appreciable.

The esteemed personalities from the YDS fraternity and notably the senior members of AVM and trustees, saints from Haridham and the school Principal graced the occasion with their benevolent presence. The chief guest of this opening ceremony was Mr Mukund Bhandari, Principal of the J.B. Diamonds & KARP Impex Vidya Sankul.

 

As all AVM family members gathered for this occasion, the programme started with the arrival of the guests. General salute was offered to the guests and they were led to the stage by the escorting team. As per the tradition of the school, the guests were invited to perform poojan of Thakorji to invoke God’s presence and blessings for the event after which everybody’s eyes were fixed on the ground where students were overjoyed and much excited for such a mega-event. First of all, teams of all four houses participated in a walk-past. Thereafter, a scintillating dance on the song ‘Ab teri bari hai’ was performed by students of Std 6-7. It was followed by an amazingly powerful presentation of the yogic ‘Surya Namaskar’ by the younger students.

The spectators were spellbound to see the next performance, which was ‘Bamboo Drill’ by the students of all four houses. The flying camera was hovering all around to capture the memorable glimpses of this grand occasion. Then the attention was shifted to the stage as the hosts of the programme invited Pujya Suhrad Swamiji to bless the students and teachers with his words of wisdom. After the inspiring and invaluable speech, the melodious voice of Shreemadbhai impressed everybody when he and his group sang a beautiful song.

Now it was the time for flag hoisting; the school principal Dr. Vijay Patel and the respective house conveners were invited to hoist the school and the house flags. It was a scene worth watching on the ground, when the Athletic Meet formally started with the torch relay by the school’s sports achievers who have taken our school to new heights in different sports. They carried the flame around the track and handed it over to the school principal to light the cauldron of the Athletic Meet and thereby started a new journey towards newer and greater heights. After that, the school’s sports captain Rahulbhai was invited for the oath taking ceremony.

With such gallant commitment of honesty and sportsmanship, with such a spectacular view of hundreds of colourful balloons flying, and with such an overpowering upsurge of excitement the 11th Annual Athletic Meet at Atmiya Vidya Mandir was declared OPEN!!!

Budding Poets of Class IX

AVM students are being provided platforms to flourish with their inherent talent through different academic activities as well .In order to unleash their creativity and literary talent. Class IX students were inspired by their English teachers to compose poems following up their class-room learning of Kahlil Gibran's famous poem 'Song of the Rain’. Students were guided in their English class to compose their own poems by using literary devices like simile, metaphor, personification, alliteration and rhyming scheme.

Groups:

Stupendous Bhoolkus- Deep D Sutaria, Mantvya Ambaliya, Dev A Patel, Daksh Pandya, Yathansh Joshi

Marvellous Bhoolkus- Prince Dhameliya, Dev T Patel, Rajveer Fudnawala, Rudra Patel, Pranesh Patel

Outstanding Bhoolkus- Adtiya Bhalani, Dilan Patel, Jagrat Gada, Jay Patel, Pranesh Patel

Fantastic Bhoolkus- Nimit Patel, Aayush Patel, Dev Patel, Shreemad Patel, Vinamra Patel

Superb Bhoolkus- Bhavesh Rajpurohit, Bhavya Oza, Keyur Rana, Pramanik Soni, Smith K Patel

Here is the display of their gifted creativity and talent of English language:

The Republic Day, 2015

The 66th Republic Day of India was celebrated with grandeur at Atmiya Vidya Mandir. The occasion begun, welcoming the Principal and other distinguished guests by the school’s student council.

The honourable School Principal, Dr. Vijay Patel performed Thakorji's poojan and then unfurled the National Flag which was followed by the National Anthem. Students in their respective house groups, marched boldly to pay respect to the National Flag with a great deal of patriotic zeal and passion. The choir group presented the National Song "Vande Mataram". The whole school joined the choir and the song echoed in the surroundings. 

Moving further with the event, students brought the stage alive with their patriotic spirit via a specially choreographed dance "Salaam India" for the occasion. The unbeatable music and graceful movements of the dancers were mesmerizing. The entire school courtyard reverberated with the rhythmic beats of the song “Salaam India".

Later on, our respected Principal Dr. Vijay Patel addressed the students on this remarkable day which is celebrated every year on the 26th of January to commemorate the date and moment when the Constitution of India came into effect. The students were also reminded that how little tasks needed to be done and how the students of today hold the future of their country in their hands.

On this special day, students who showed their outstanding performances in the fields of sports were awarded the certificates by the distinguished guests.

The students dispersed after sweets with the delightful and inspiring image of the waving tri-colour in their hearts.

Written by: Rashmi Ma'am

AVM Debating Club Report 2014-15

Who is the Judge?
God.
Why is He God?
Because He decides who wins or loses not my opponent.
Who is your opponent?
He does not exist.
Why does he not exist?
Because he is merely a dissenting voice of the truth I speak.
So speak the truth.
~ from the movie: The Great Debaters

The above dialogue from the movie, The Great Debaters is the underlying principle on which, the AVM Debating Club functions. Though the students of the club engage in fierce verbal battles, they understand that they are just trying to find the truth. The purpose of the club is to improve the logical reasoning, analytical thinking and persuasive communication skills of the students. Under the guidance of teachers, all the debaters get an opportunity to work in a team, representing their respective houses.

 

The yearlong club activity commences with new registrations from class 6, at the beginning of each new academic year. Immediately after the registration, students become a part of the club and initiate their training as a debater. After the training, they participate in practice debates. In these debates they are observed by their teachers and receive constructive feedback to improve their skills. Once registered, the students remain an active member of the club till they graduate from the school. Currently, the AVM Debating Club serves 94 students from classes 6 to 10.

The teachers of the English department of the school have prepared nine graded modules. Each newly registered student of the club goes through a nine-week course, learning the basic skills of the art of debating. The details of the training sessions held during the year are as follows:

Simultaneously, when the new debaters are learning the art, the previously registered members participate in practice debates throughout the year. This year fourteen practice debate sessions were organized, wherein, students got the opportunity to hone their skills, based on positive and constructive feedback from the teachers. The details of the practice sessions that were held during the year are as follows:

The activities of the year come to an end with the organization of a school-wide Inter House Debate Competition. This year’s competition brought out the best of the language skills of all the students. Participating students worked six to eight hours a week on their speeches. Teachers constantly helped them in revising and updating their drafts. This year’s competition was fierce and you could see the participants preparing and practising their speeches with great zeal.

Details of the Inter House Debate Competition for class 6:

Details of Inter House Debate Competition for classes 7-8:

Details of Inter House Debate Competition for classes 9-10:

Details of the House Points for the Inter House Debate Competition:

In the end, it was the Satyam House team that became the debating club champion for the year 2014-15. The students of the house shall lift the trophy and the winners and runners-up team members shall be awarded certificates in the school closing ceremony on 14th of February.

Thus, an electrifying year came to an end with the students becoming better debaters than yesteryear.

Written by: Chirag Sir