4 14 2000 to 2020 Before Chatralayam and After Chatralayam Embracing New Modes of Learning - Aim For Seva
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Oct-Dec 2020 | Vol 3 - Issue 3
4 2000 to 2020
Before Chatralayam and
After Chatralayam
29 The Outer World Experience 14 Embracing New Modes
of Learning
Chairperson’s Message......................................... 3 Straight from the Heart....................................... 20
Cover Story - 2000 to 2020 Event Corner........................................................ 26
Before Chatralayam and A er Chatralayam ....... 4
SDET Updates .................................................... 29
Educational Outreach......................................... 14
New and High..................................................... 32
Project Highlights................................................ 34
Aspire All-Rounders .......................................... 16
Words of Wisdom................................................ 18 Care in Action..........................................................37
Namaste.
From the AIM for Seva family, wish you all a very happy and healthy
2021.
I take this opportunity to thank each one of you for your continued and
lasting support, more so during such tough times. The pandemic
presented an opportunity to all our Sevaks and grassroot supporters to
continue and excel in seva work. From erecting tents to providing food,
water, clothing and even footwear, they helped the returning migrant
workforce when they needed it the most.
Covid-19 also enabled us to migrate to digital learning platforms and
embark on many educational outreach initiatives across our
Chatralayams, schools and college.
As we complete 20 years of silent service and embark on the next leg of
our journey, flash backs keep recurring in my mind, how it all started, the
goal of this movement, vision and mission etc. The answer to this has
been beautifully encapsulated by Pujya Swamiji himself. We have carried
his Vision in this issue, in the Words of Wisdom section.
Moving forward, Covid-19 has only deepened our resolve to do more
seva and reach out to the hinterlands.
Warm regards,
Sheela Balaji
Chairperson and Managing Trustee
3 Oct-Dec-2020
2000 - 2020
BC (Before Chatralayam)
and
AC (After Chatralayam)
4 Oct-Dec-2020
C Budding Academician
hatralayam or free student hostel is
AIM for Seva's flagship programme
and we have 101 Chatralayams that Name: A. Jothi (Alumnus)
Chatralayam: Swami Dayananda AIM For Seva
are operational, with close to 4,000 students
Tribal Girls Chatralayam, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
benefiting from our intervention.
The Chatralayam eco system ensures that the BC: Jothi is the daughter of a
students are provided access to education at a farmer who joined the
neighbouring school, three nutritious meals Chatralayam located in Kurnool
(Nandyal) in 2005 when she was
everyday, free accomodation and exposure to in Class 6. Her father and mother,
extracurricular activities such as yoga, music Moksheswara Reddy and
and sports at no cost. Students from rural and Mallika have been overseeing the
tribal India have been the biggest beneficiaries running of the Swami Dayananda
A I M f o r S e va Tr i b a l G i r l s
of our signature project.
Chatralayam, Nandyal, Andhra
Pradesh, since 2012.
From starting the first Chatralayam in
Anaika i, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, in 2001, AC: Jothi continued to stay in the Chatralayam till she
to spreading its wings across India, AIM for completed her graduation — M.Sc in Computer Science,
in 2017. She is now working as a lecturer in a college in
Seva currently has 133 operational projects in Nandyal and wants to continue her academic pursuits.
India. The NGO has impacted over 20 million She aspires to become the principal of an educational
lives with initiatives in rural education, institution someday.
schools, college, vocational training, Jothi, who is referred to as 'akka' (older sister), is an
community development, sustainable living inspiration for the girls at the Chatralayam. When it comes
and healthcare. to giving back to the society, Jothi wants to continue her
association with students from AIM for Seva by teaching
As AIM for Seva completes two decades of the girls in her free time.
service, we thought of showcasing the impact
created on the ground via testimonials from
the beneficiaries themselves, students from Story of an IT executive
rural and tribal parts of the land.
Name: Ajay Kumar Dheemar (Alumnus)
To put things in perspective, we have captured Chatralayam: Smt. Krishna Rani Papneja AIM for Seva
the transformative experience of the student in Chatralayam for Boys, Kareli, Madhya Pradesh
a— Smt. Sukanya Shankar Memorial AIM for Seva
Chatralayam for Boys, Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu.
BC (Before Chatralayam) and
AC (After Chatralayam) format of BC: Hailing from a very poor family, Ajay joined the
Kareli Chatralayam in 2007, as his village did not have
20 students and alumni.
proper schools. Since then, there has been no looking back
for him.
5 Oct-Dec-2020
A C : N o w p l a c e d w i t h Ta t a
Consultancy Services (TCS) in
IT Champ from
Chennai, Ajay is thankful for the our Chatralayam
many things that he learnt while
staying at the Chatralayam. “I learnt Name: Ashok Choudhari (Alumnus)
the importance of time Chatralayam: Swami Dayananda AIM for Seva
management, respecting elders and Chatralayam for Boys, Belgaum, Karnataka
helping out others,” he says.
“Support us to grow more. This will
BC: Hailing from Dudhad
enable more students from rural
village, which is 25 km away
India to have access to basic and higher education.” he
from Aurangabad,
adds. Ajay did his graduation in B.Sc Mathematics from the
Maharashtra, Ashok is the son of
Swami Dayananda College of Arts & Science, Manjakkudi,
Tamil Nadu. a co on farmer. He has four
siblings (three sisters and a
brother). Ashok is the youngest
child in the family. He joined the
Swami Dayananda AIM for
A Doctor in the Making Seva Chatralayam for Boys,
Belgaum, Karnataka, in 2005 just
Name: Ankit Pandey (Student) a er he completed his Class 10
Chatralayam: Swami Dayananda AIM for Seva examination in which he just
Chatralayam for Boys, Ghaziabad, U ar Pradesh managed to score 39%.
AC: Ashok came in touch with Swami Chitprakashananda
BC: Ankit's hometown lies in the Saraswati ji, one of the coordinator in Karnataka during his
historical Chitrakoot region which teaching tours in the region.
is divided between the present-day
Indian states of Madhya Pradesh The initial days at the Belgaum Chatralayam were a bit of
and U ar Pradesh. Ankit's maternal struggle for Ashok. Away from home and studying in an
uncle came to know about our English-medium institution as opposed to a Marathi-
organisation through a friend who medium one back in his hometown, Ashok managed to
worked at the Khilanani AIM for brave the storm with able support from his coordinator.
Seva Eye Hospital, Aurangabad,
U ar Pradesh. In 2009, Ashok joined the BBA (Bachelors of Business
Administration) course in Samiti College, Belgaum, and
He got enrolled at the Swami graduated with flying colours – first class (63.33%).
Dayananda AIM for Seva Chatralayam for Boys, “I managed to clear all papers in my first a empt without
Ghaziabad, U ar Pradesh three years back, when he was any arrears,” he says proudly.
in Class 8.
He then completed an MBA degree with specialisation in
AC: Fi een year-old Ankit, who recently completed finance and marketing from the Jain Group of Institution,
Class 10, aspires to become a doctor. “A er coming to the Bangalore that had a branch in Belgaum in 2015. He is now
Ghaziabad Chatralayam, my life has taken a turn for the
working in a leading IT firm.
be er. I live with 32 other boys under one roof and I have
learnt to become independent. We work and study hard,”
he says.
6 Oct-Dec-2020
Aspiring to be a Exploring Sanskriti via Sanskrit
Medical Entrepreneur Name: Govind Kumar Mehra
Name: Dinesh Thakur (Alumnus) Chatralayam: Smt. Krishna Rani Papneja AIM for
Seva Chatralayam for Boys, Kareli, Madhya Pradesh
Chatralayam: Seva Niketan AIM for Seva
Chatralayam for Boys, Solan, Himachal Pradesh
BC: A native of Narasinghpur
BC: Originally from Solan, d i s t r i c t , M a d h ya P r a d e s h .
Himachal Pradesh, Dinesh came Govind's ambition since
to know about AIM for Seva childhood was to study in a good
when Acharya Nawneet ji, the school. That was fulfilled when
coordinator of some of our he joined the Kareli Chatralayam
Chatralayams visited the area. in 2007 where he got access to not
only school education but value-
Dinesh's father is a tenant farmer education too!
and share cropper growing tomato,
cauliflower and capsicum. His AC: Govind stayed at the Kareli
mother is a housewife and his Chatralayam till 2014 when he
younger sister is currently completed his Class 12 examination. Therea er, he was
pursuing B.Com from a local college in Solan. encouraged to continue his Bachelors in Sanskrit from Sri
Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya,
AC: Dinesh recently completed his Bachelors in Dental Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu.
Surgery from Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla.
We are happy to share that Govind secured a gold medal
What's interesting is that Dinesh Thakur coached another on completing his bachelor's degree.
student, Anil Dodiyar. Anil secured a rank of 3912 in the
IIT JEE exam (2019) and secured admission in the Last year, Govind won the first prize in a general
Bachelors of Technology (Information Technology) course knowledge quiz competition organised by the Sanskrit
at the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, Department of the University and Indian Bank. He was
Haryana. He is an alumnus of the Shri Chunilal Vij AIM one among 25 students who appeared for a wri en test
for Seva Chatralayam for Boys in Rohtak, Haryana. and got selected for the final round along with six other
students.
As for Dinesh, the Chatralayam years enabled clarity in
his thought process. “I am not looking at a full-fledged While pursuing his MA, Govind managed to clear the
dental practice in Solan. The market is already saturated UGC NET (conducted by the University Grants
out there.” He is toying with the idea of becoming a Commission, the National Eligibility Test is an
medical entrepreneur. examination for determining the eligibility for the post of
assistant professor and/or junior research fellow in Indian
universities and colleges) examination.
Today, 80% of our Chatralayam “Though my subject in Class 12 was mathematics, my
interest in Indian culture (Sanskriti) and Sanskrit was
students have either gone on to deeper. My future ambition is to do a PhD and become a
pursue higher studies or professor in a university. A doctoral programme requires
taken up a job with a company. lot of dedication and hard work and I sincerely hope that I
get monetary help to pursue my academic goals,” says
Govind.
7 Oct-Dec-2020
Nursing Dreams AC: “AIM for Seva has been the turning
point of my life,” says the young girl
Name: Iaineh Khongdup (Alumnus) who will soon become a homeopathic
Chatralayam: Swami Dayananda AIM for Seva doctor. Kanchan stayed for six years in
Chatralayam for Girls, Belgaum, Karnataka the Chatralayam at Dehradun starting
from 2011. She is presently pursuing a
course in homeopathy from Chandola
BC: Iaineh hails from Lyndem; a Homeopathic Medical College &
village in Meghalaya. Her mother Hospital, Udham Singh Nagar,
is a day labourer. Her father, an U arakhand.
alcohol addict, doesn't support the
Recalling her Chatralayam years, Kanchan says they lived
family.
as one big family. “I shared the living space with many
Iaineh considers herself blessed to other girls. I learnt how it was important to co-exist with
have entered the AIM for Seva others and extend a helping hand. More importantly, I
Chatralayam in Belgaum at the learnt how it was important not to be dependent on any
right time, when she was in Class 8 one else and do one's own work.”
(2011). What's heartening is that Kanchan hopes to maintain links
AC: Iaineh recently completed a B.Sc degree course in with her Chatralayam by providing all medical related
nursing (KLE Institute of Nursing Sciences, Belgaum, support to the girls once she becomes a homeopathic doctor.
Karnataka). “I didn't get a MBBS seat and took up nursing
as my career. Looking back, I am quite satisfied with my
career choice because the knowledge I gained is not less
than that of a physician. Topper all the Way
By being part of this noble profession, I have learnt that Name: S. Nagajothi (Student)
medications alone cannot cure a patient. Equally important Chatralayam: Swami Dayananda AIM for Seva
is giving effective care and exhibiting positive a itude Tribal Girls Chatralayam, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
towards the patients and that gives a good result in treating
any disease. Nurses are very good in this aspect.”
BC: Nagajothi's father is no more, her
mother is a daily wage labourer. Two
of her sisters are married while her
An upcoming AYUSH younger brother goes to school.
Nagajothi's family came to know
Practitioner's Journey about AIM for Seva through relatives
in the region. She joined the
Name: Kanchan Yadav (Alumnus) Chatralayam in 2007 when she was in
Chatralayam: Swami Dayananda AIM for Seva third class.
Chatralayam for Girls, Dehradun, U arakhand AC: The Chatralayam effect came to
fore a decade later when Nagajothi emerged a school
BC: Kanchan comes from an agrarian set-up with many of topper. She got a 9.3 GPA in her Class 10 examination and
her family members involved in dairy farming in Ghazipur scored 925 marks in the Class 12 public exam (2018-2019).
district, Varanasi, U ar Pradesh. One of her uncles who Nagajothi is currently pursuing her Bsc. degree from
worked in the Arsha Vidya Pitham, Rishikesh, U arakhand, Nandyal. “I have been a recipient of care and affection
came to know about AIM for Seva and decided to enrol his showered by the guardians of my hostel. I would like to
two daughters and niece in the Swami Dayananda AIM for help the needy and this is my way of giving back to
Seva Chatralayam for Girls, Dehradun, U arakhand. society,” says Nagajothi.
8 Oct-Dec-2020
A Police Ofcer's Life Story 'Postal' Boy
Name: Nalini Shelke (Alumnus) Name: Naharsingh Bhuriya (Alumnus)
Chatralayam: Kumari Deepa Devi Singh Chatralayam: Shri Chunilal Vij AIM for Seva
AIM for Seva Chatralayam for Girls, Sawantwadi, Chatralayam for Boys, Rohtak, Haryana
Maharashtra
BC: A member from the Adivasi
BC: For Nalini Shelke, life
community (Scheduled Tribe)
in the interiors of Aros
from Jhabua zilla, Rampur,
village, Maharashtra, was a
Madhya Pradesh, Naharsingh's
struggle. Her parents are
family's annual income doesn't
farmers, and had to work
very hard to make ends exceed Rs. 30,000 per annum.
meet for their five children. AC: Naharsingh is now
Nalini had to put aside her employed as a Gramin Dak Sevak
dreams of study and had to in the Indian Postal Service at
go and work in the fields.
Nihri, Himachal Pradesh. What's
In addition to her strenuous
exciting is that he has commenced his professional
work schedule, she had to
journey with a monthly package of Rs 10,000 or Rs. 1.2
make several trips to the
lakh per annum. In effect, Naharsingh is earning four
city – by walk – for every
times more annually than what his father earned in his
basic need. Nalini finally
got her break in 2007, when lifetime, right from start.
she joined Kumari Deepa Naharsingh's academic accomplishments include a 9.6
Devi Singh AIM for Seva GPA in his Class 10 exam (2016). “The cut off for the Dak
Chatralayam for Girls in Sawantwadi, Maharashtra. Sevak role was based on my Class 10 marks and I had
AC: Thrilled to be given a chance to focus fully on her performed well in that,” he reveals.
studies, and with added support in every sense, Nalini
Naharsingh aspires to join the police department in
plunged into her studies with full force. No wonder that
Madhya Pradesh or the defence forces. “Right now, my
she scored 98% in her 10th board exam and 93% in her
dream is to become a Sub-Inspector and I am working
12th board exam.
towards accomplishing that,” he says earnestly.
A er completing her schooling, she decided to pursue her
dream of becoming a police officer. Nalini aced the entrance
examination, which included an 800-metre race
(which she completed in two minutes and 48
seconds), shot put, physical strength and a T OR
wri en examination. Today, Nalini is posted as D OC
HER
a police officer in the Mumbai Railway Station, AIMING HIGH TEA
C
and she aspires to become an IPS officer and
serve India. POLICE OFFICER
AR
ME IT P
D ROF
“AIM for Seva is the best thing that could FO ESS
RC IONA
have happened to me. It is here that I learnt ES
L
that perseverance can help realise one's PE
RS
passion,” says Nalini with a happy smile. ON
NE
L
9 Oct-Dec-2020
Digitally Captivating: AC: Pavan entered the Lucknow
Chatralayam when he was studying
Looking Ahead in Time in Class 6. Pavan was aged 12 then.
Since he entered our network, there
Name: NEPAL MUJALDE (Alumnus) has been no looking back. He
Chatralayam: Bapu-Buddh AIM for Seva recently completed Class 10.
Chatralayam for Boys, Indore, Madhya Pradesh In terms of career choices, Pavan is
keen to join the Indian Navy or
BC: Nepal is the last among eight become a teacher. “I have started my
children and his family owns
preparations for a naval career in earnest. I have started to do
some land in Mawada village in
physical training like rope walking, long and high jump.
Dewas district in Madhya Pradesh.
I have also improved my running speed,” he reveals.
He joined the Bapu-Buddh AIM
for Seva Chatralayam for Boys,
Indore, Madhya Pradesh in 2006
when he was in Class 6. Till Class 9
(2009-2010), Nepal studied at the
Indore Chatralayam a er which Upcoming Academician
he moved to Smt. Jamunabai
Chanchlani AIM for Seva Chatralayam for Boys, Name: A. Poovizhi (Alumnus)
Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh.
Chatralayam: Bhavani Arun AIM for Seva
AC: Nepal is currently involved in so ware research work. Chatralayam for Girls, Villuppuram, Tamil Nadu
He is looking to carve a niche for himself in the IOS (internet
of things) space. “I am currently working on an improvised
sensor that can control temperatures of various devices at
home like lights and fans via GPS (global positioning
system). The signals for temperature change, on and off are
via GPS out here but that requires bit signals. I have created
a basic model but it requires further improvisation,” says
Nepal confidently.
In his free time, Nepal takes online tuitions for our students
living and studying in the Kareli and Hoshangabad
Chatralayams. He also supports our hostels in Madhya
Pradesh on all IT (information technology) ma ers.
BC: A resident of Semabarai village in Javadhu hills,
Tamil Nadu, A. Poovizhi had an uneventful childhood.
Watertight Dreams Poovizhi's father died when she was in her teens a er a
prolonged illness on account of hyper tension. Her mother
Name: Pavan Kumar (Student) is a daily wage labourer in the construction industry in
Chennai.
Chatralayam: Shri Giridhari Lal Seth & Dr AB Seth
AIM for Seva Chatralayam for Boys, Lucknow She joined the Bhavani Arun AIM for Seva Chatralayam
U ar Pradesh for Girls, Chinnasalem, Tamil Nadu in 2015 when she was
in Class 11 a er meeting the local coordinator who had
BC: Pavan is from Dhorpa village in Sonbhadra district, U ar conducted a camp in her village.
Pradesh. He is the eldest among two boys and he has two
sisters. Pavan's father is a farmer and his mother is a homemaker.
10 Oct-Dec-2020AC: A er completing high school in 2017, Poovizhi her aspirations. She moved into the Madhu & Rajkumar
shi ed to Chennai from Chinnasalem to pursue her Nigam AIM for Seva Chatralayam for Girls, Unnao
graduation. She has completed her BA (Sanskrit) (Kusumbhi), U ar Pradesh, around two years back.
programme at the Queen Mary's College, Chennai. AC: The Kusumbhi Chatralayam is now Priyanka's
Talking on the impact the Chatralayam lifestyle has had on window to the world and she is more focussed than ever
her, Poovizhi says she is much more confident now. “The on her academics. “Back home, the daily school commute
Chatralayam made me realize the importance of studying was a three hour trek each way. And when I came back,
and having a career.” I got busy with various household chores.”
Priyanka would like to become a teacher when she
For Poovizhi the Chatralayam also provided other
grows up.
'luxuries' that weren't available back home. “I relished the
three different meals that were provided to us every single
day. At home, we mostly consumed the same dish,
morning till night. Having access to a restroom was also a
luxury as at home, such a facility was very basic that was Education to Employment
covered with Olai (palm leaves) on the top,” Poovizhi says
ma er-of-factly. Name: Raju Singh Dhurve (Alumnus)
Chatralayam: Swami Dayananda AIM for Seva
Poovizhi is keen to enter the academics line. She is now
Chatralayam for Boys, Dindori, Madhya Pradesh
pursuing her masters in Sanskrit. Poovizhi has also signed
up as a volunteer with Samskrita Bharati (an NGO that is Smt. Krishna Rani Papneja AIM for Seva Chatralayam
devoted to the continuing protection, development and for Boys, Kareli, Madhya Pradesh
propagation of Sanskrit) and conducts online classes in Smt. Sukanya Shankar Memorial AIM for Seva
her spare time. Chatralayam for Boys, Tirvarur, Tamil Nadu.
BC: Coming from a poor family,
Experiencing the Joys Raju is the only graduate in his
home. His two brothers could not
of Continued Education complete their education on
Name: Priyanka Kumar (Student) account of financial constraints.
Raju joined the Swami Dayananda
Chatralayam: Madhu & Rajkumar Nigam AIM for Seva Chatralayam for
AIM for Seva Chatralayam for Girls, Unnao Boys, Dindori, Madhya Pradesh,
U ar Pradesh in 2008 when he was in Class 6.
BC: Priyanka was always keen to AC: Raju is currently working
explore the world. Luckily, she with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Chennai. He
came in touch with Swamini did his B.Sc (Physics) from the Swami Dayananda
Ta vajnanananda Saraswati ji, the College of Arts & Science, Manjakkudi, Tamil Nadu.
coordinator of our Chatralayams
in Lucknow and Kusumbhi Recalling the AIM impact in his life, Raju says the
during the la er ’s pada yatra Chatralayam days were fun filled and there was never a
(journey by foot) in Kutiya in dull moment. “The value-based educational activities
Garhwa district in Jharkhand. have taught me how to deal with critical situations in life.
To ensure that we get good education, our coordinator
The chance meeting convinced
ensured that we got good coaching and access to online
Priyanka that the Chatralayam
classes. Volunteers helped us with subject knowledge
was a place where she could pursue her dreams and fulfil
and wri en preparation for examinations.”
11 Oct-Dec-2020o
360
Learning
at
AIM for Seva
Setting his Sights on unforge able moments of my life. The emphasis was on
practical living,” he says.
the Hospitality Sector Currently, Sai is drawing a salary of Rs. 15,000 per month.
Moving on, Sai is keen to pursue MBA (Masters in Business
Name: Sai Jaideep (Alumnus) Administration) and create a niche for himself in the
hospitality vertical. He has done a skill development
Chatralayam: Tiruvikrama Bala AIM for Seva
programme in hospitality in Vijayawada conducted by
Chatralyam for Boys, Krishna, Andhra Pradesh
Swarna Bharat Trust Social Service which is headed by the
Vice President of India, Sri. Venkaiah Naidu.
BC: Sai's father is a farmer and
his mother is a housewife.
He joined the Tiruvikrama Bala
AIM for Seva Chatralyam for Jai Hind: In the Line of Duty
Boys, Krishna district (Gudivada),
Andhra Pradesh in 2011 and Name: Sakharam Muwel (Alumnus)
lived there for eight years. Chatralayam: Bapu-Buddh AIM for Seva
AC: Sai Jaideep is now working Chatralayam for Boys, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
as a senior front officer at K Water,
Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
BC: Sakharam is the youngest among five children (four
He fondly recounts the peaceful
brothers and one sister). He joined the Bapu-Buddh AIM
environment at the Gudivada Chatralayam. “My stay at
for Seva Chatralayam for Boys, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
the hostel, from Class 7 to 12, is one of the most
in 2007 when he was in Class 6.
12 Oct-Dec-2020AC: A er completing Class 8, cook for her. The lack of
Sakharam shi ed to the Smt. emotional support from family
Jamuna Bai Chanchlani AIM For members had given rise to fear
Seva Chatralayam for Boys at and lack of security.
Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh.
But there was a silver lining.
A er completing his schooling in
Gayathri looked at studies as
2014, Sakharam enrolled in a
her ticket to success, and she
government Polytechnic College
was very hardworking. She
in the region.
scored 1119 out of 1200 in her
Alongside, he prepared for Class 12 examination.
competitive exams and
Today, Gayathri is an aspiring IAS officer and her
Sakharam appeared for the police exams in April 2017.
coordinator has helped her to procure second-hand IAS
He got selected and a er a nine month training period, the
exam guide books. Gayathri can be seen poring over the
big moment came in May 2018 when Sakharam got
books during the weekends.
inducted in the Madhya Pradesh police force.
Sakharam is grateful for the Chatralayam intervention
that occurred at the right age. “Thirteen years back when I
joined the Chatralayam, I did not have the slightest hint
that my life would undergo a massive transformation.
Today, I am in the police force in Mandla zilla, Madhya Name: Usha Madhu (Student)
Pradesh and I am very happy.” The young officer's mo o Chatralayam: Swami Dayananda AIM for Seva
is to do seva for society. Chatralayam for Girls, Bangalore, Karnataka
BC: The early years were not easy
for Usha Madhu. Usha's father was
an alcohol addict and treated Usha
IAS Ofcer in the Making and her younger sister very badly.
Usha's mother passed away soon
Name: R. Gayathri (Student) a er her younger sister was born,
and the girls were shunted between
Chatralayam: Atmalaya Swami Dayananda AIM for
the homes of relatives as no one was
Seva Chatralayam for Girls, Tirupur, Tamil Nadu
willing to take care of them in the
long term. To help keep the children
BC: Gayathri's vibrant cha er and cheerful smile belie the safe and to give them a good education, Usha's uncle
pain she went through in earlier years. Her mother died enrolled her sister and her at the Swami Dayananda AIM
eight years back when she was a teenager. Her father for Seva Chatralayam for Girls, Bangalore (Yelahanka),
developed Parthenium allergy, a skin condition that Karnataka.
limited his ability to step out of the house. With it came the
inability to work or take care of his daughter. AC: Today, Usha is doing well in her studies. She says,
“I have not seen my father a er I le our village in Andhra
AC: When she arrived at the Chatralayam located in Pradesh. This is my home, and I am guided and encouraged
Tirupur district (Udumalpet), Gayathri was very to study well here. My sister and I get nutritious meals.
withdrawn. She barely spoke, and would respond only if We read the newspaper every day, and do a lot of art and
a specific question was asked. She was physically weak, as cra as well. I am very happy that we came to this hostel. We
her father had been unable to afford nutritious food or share a special bond with all the girls living in this hostel.”
13 Oct-Dec-2020EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
Embracing
School going children from rural
India have been hit the hardest due
to the ongoing Covid pandemic.
New Modes
Unlike urban children, many school
going rural students don't have
access to smart phones, devices and
other tablets. In many last mile
areas, network connectivity also
poses to be a big hindrance to
continuing education.
of Learning
However, to every dark cloud, there
is a silver lining. The 15th ASER
(Annual Status of Education
Report) has shown that 11% of all
rural families bought a new phone
since the lockdown and 80% of
those were smartphones.
The ASER report has suggested the
development of a digital pedagogy
and to prioritise efforts to break the
digital divide. Just around 56 %
households with children enrolled in
government schools have
smartphones, while 74.2% of
households who send children to
private schools have smartphones.
Also, WhatsApp emerged as the
most preferred medium via which
the students got materials and
Students from our Chatralayams across India have
activities. adapted to the digital learning mode in these challenging
times with a determination to succeed.
In this section, we continue to share
Some older students are also coming forward to help
our progress in digital learning. the younger ones in their studies. Akkamahadevi
Gavisiddappa Chapiyavara from the Swami Dayananda
14 Oct-Dec-2020EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
AIM for Seva Chatralayam for Girls, Yelahanka,
Karnataka Chatralayam who secured the first position
with 88.16% in the Class 10 board examination last year
(2018-2019), is now coaching and helping the girls at the
Chatralayam with their studies. This is in addition to
Akkamahadevi’s own preparation for her Class 12
examinations (science with computer science).
Akkamahadevi who joined the Yelahanka Chatralayam
around seven years back hails from a poor family. She is
extremely happy to have found a boarding residence that
has provided her with all facilities to pursue
uninterrupted education and exposure to other skill
development programmes like yoga, tailoring and art and
cra .
“I am happy to share that recently I have started to
coach Class 10 girls for maths, and they are satisfied with
my coaching. I am thankful to my hostel coordinator,
Mataji (Swamini Suddhavidyananda Saraswati ji) for
giving me an opportunity to coach junior students,” says
Akkamahadevi.
The coordinator of AIM for Seva’s educational
projects in Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu, embarked
on an educational outreach programme for
students from rural India during the lockdown.
The Swami Dayananda Rural Education
Centre supported continuity in learning for rural
children living in ten villages around the Swami
Dayananda Vidyasramam Nursery & Primary
School, Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu.
Under this programme, children from the
nearby areas were taught lessons two hours
every day, six days a week. This enabled them to
be in touch with their syllabus and portions.
15 Oct-Dec-2020When it comes to
art and craft and
other forms of
creativity, the
artistic talents of
our students know
no bounds. In this
section, we display
our students'
creative
achievements.
DESIGNING THEIR FUTURE
A project that started with the students from the Swami Ms. Jayshree Poddar conducted an art workshop on
Dayananda AIM for Seva Chatralayam for Girls, fabric painting on kora fabric for the girls at the Yelahanka
Yelahanka, Karnataka, being encouraged to dab, smear Chatralayam last year.
and paint has culminated in art work made by the girls on
Recalling the day long workshop with the girls,
kora fabric. This fabric has been digitised and printed and
Ms. Jayshree Poddar says they were provided with pieces
used to make bags. Earlier, quilts were made out of the
of cloth (4” x 8” inches) and allowed to experiment and
artworks designed by the students.
paint with freedom. “Before the session started, we had a
Under the aegis of the Art for Development small session on body movement to help them open up.
Programme sponsored by Titan, Ms. Jayshree Poddar, Soon, the girls warmed up and from there on, it was action
design director, Himatsingka Seide was happy and based communication and it was delightful to watch them
inspired to work with the girls at the Yelahanka deeply absorbed in the art work.”
Chatralayam.
16 Oct-Dec-2020The designs created were curated by Ms. Jayshree
A Woody Affair
Poddar and it was decided to cra quilts and bags from
them. Post design digitisation, they were printed on fine
luxurious so co on satin (60's count) from Himatsingka
Seide and quilted with a 200 gsm poly filling along with a
matching bag.
Sulabh Kumar, a student from the Sumitra
The fabric is colour fast and machine washable and Surma AIM for Seva Chatralayam for Boys,
comes with a co on mulmul cover and a li le matching Shiekhpura, Bihar, has made a wooden box
bag! These are stunning quilts with each quilt design (that has his personal belongings), chairs and a
signed by the child artist. table, which has been put to good use at the
Chatralayam.
“Many girls used dark shades while painting so the
removable mulmul cover helped so en the shades. Also Sulabh aged 14, studying in Class 7, was
from a utility standpoint, cleaning is made easier. You just introduced to the world of carpentry by his
have to wash the cover and the quilt stays protected,” says father who is a carpenter. Though carpentry is
Ms. Jayshree Poddar. his first love, Sulabh aspires to be an army
officer.
17 Oct-Dec-202018 Oct-Dec-2020
As we complete two
decades of service, we
rewind and share the
F or many reasons, known and unknown—in India, we have areas
considered remote from the mainstream society. We have to set right
this incongruity by se ing up adequate conduits for the free flow of
care and culture. This is exactly what the AIM for Seva aims for.
It is unhealthy to divide people into those who could access the resources
vision and mission and those who cannot. It is, therefore, necessary to bridge the gap by
connecting the people of the urban region to those living farther away.
behind the movement However, it is not a task within an individual's capacity. People in the remote
regions are blessed in certain ways but are denied certain advantages. But,
as explained by the they all belong to the Bharatiya body. I thought, therefore, that we should
Founder himself. connect the mainstream society to the people of the remote regions.
No part of a living organism is remote to the conscious being that pervades
it. India is a living organism and not just a geographical area in Asia. The
This has been excerpted people here have a unique culture, a spiritual vision of life and a way of life
from Arsha Vidya leading to that vision. Service ought to be for the sake of service. Giving for
the sake of giving, that is our culture.
Gurukulam 12th We have the most ancient culture, a culture that is alive. Si ing under a
Anniversary Souvenir, tree, I can say that I am the limitless whole. We have to retain it. We are
connected to our roots when we are validated. Care for our own culture, your
November 2002. own religion. Start with the people of your own country.
To get to know more on our Founder’s vision, please check our www.avrpt.com the website
of Arsha Vidya Research and Publication Trust. This is a registered non-profitable charitable organisation,
and is the single source centre for editing and publishing Swamiji is teachings.
19 Oct-Dec-2020We thank all our corporate supporters and
other donors for their philanthrophic action
and invaluable contributions.
Brakes India Private Limited
An important partner in progress, Brakes India Private
Limited, Chennai, has contributed a sum of Rs. 10.8 lakhs
towards student sponsorships for the girls residing and
studying at the Bhavani Arun AIM for Seva Chatralayam
for Girls, Chinnasalem, Tamil Nadu.
Our journey to educate rural India has
been possible due to the support of countless
individuals in addition to corporates,
Foundations and Trusts who believe in our
vision and mission. At our end, we have put
systems and processes in place to ensure
that our administrative overheads are kept Linde India Limited, Kolkata
remarkably low, below 10% of operating A committed supporter to AIM for Seva, Linde India
costs. This has led to a deeper and wider Limited, Kolkata, has donated a sum of Rs. 7.68 lakhs
impact with 90% or more of all donations towards student sponsorships for children residing and
received being channeled directly to our studying at the Shri Giridhari Lal Seth & Dr AB Seth
projects at the grassroots level. AIM for Seva Chatralayam for Boys, Lucknow, U ar
Pradesh, and the Madhu & Rajkumar Nigam AIM for
This listing below of Trusts and Seva Chatralayam for Girls, Unnao, U ar Pradesh.
Foundations, who have consistently
contributed to our cause of educating rural
India is by no means exhaustive and we take
this opportunity to express our gratitude to
all our well wishers, donors, volunteers and
coordinators and field staff without whose
support we would not have been able to Computer Age Management Services (CAMS)
reach thus far. Chennai
A long-time donor to AIM for Seva's cause of educating
Ÿ Dayachand Malhotra Charitable Trust rural India, CAMS has donated a sum of Rs. 4.68 lakhs
Ÿ RS Jhaver Seva Trust towards the S. Viswanathan Memorial AIM for Seva
Chatralayam for Boys, Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.
Ÿ Shree Sarita Jain Foundation Trust
Ÿ Sri Krishna Jhaver Charitable Trust
Ÿ Srirama Charitable Trust
24
Ÿ The Visalakshi Neelakantan
Charitable Trust Veljan Hydrair Limited, Hyderabad
A regular supporter to AIM for Seva, Hyderabad-based
Veljan Hydrair Limited has donated a sum of Rs. 3.6 lakhs
towards the complete care of 10 children for one year.
20 Oct-Dec-2020M/s. Bala Bhavan Educational Trust, Chennai
M/s. Bala Bhavan Educational Trust, Chennai, has
contributed a sum of Rs. 3 lakhs towards special meals for
Sundaram Home Finance Limited, Chennai the children in our Chatralayams.
Chennai-based home finance company, Sundaram Home
Finance has come forward and donated a sum of
Rs. 2 lakhs towards student sponsorships as well as the Dayachand Malhotra Charitable Trust
Swami Dayananda Residential Vedic Chatralayam at Dayachand Malhotra Charitable Trust has donated a sum
Kodavasal, Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu.
of Rs. 90,000 towards child sponsorships and Swami
Dayananda Krupa Care.
Dincotex Private Limited, Mumbai Sriram Publishers and Associates, Chennai
Mumbai-based Dincotex Private Limited has donated a A sum of Rs. 80,000 donated by Sriram Publishers and
sum of Rs. 36,000 towards student sponsorship. Associates, Chennai, has been earmarked towards student
sponsorships.
Prema Srinivasan Charities, Chennai
The Chennai-based charity has donated a sum of Rs. 56,000
towards student sponsorship and boarding of one child
for one year.
Pon Pure Chemical India Private Limited, Chennai
A regular donor, Pon Pure Chemicals Private Limited,
Chennai, has donated a sum of Rs. 36,000 towards student Muthuvalli Charitable Trust, Bangalore
sponsorship.
Bangalore-based Muthuvalli Charitable Trust has come
forward and donated a sum of Rs. 40,000 towards student
sponsorship during the quarter.
Kodamurti Krishna Rajagopal Trust, Chennai
NASSCOM Foundation, Mumbai A long-time donor to AIM for Seva, Chennai-based
NASSCOM Foundation, the social arm of the industry Kodamurti Krishna Rajagopal Trust has donated a sum of
technology body NASSCOM, has donated a sum of Rs. 3 Rs. 36,000 towards student sponsorship.
lakhs towards student sponsorships.
Gowra Foundation, Secunderabad
Gowra Foundation, Secunderabad, has come forward and
donated Rs. 36,000 towards student sponsorship.
TVS Educational Society, Chennai
Sri. Subramanian Sundaresan, Chennai
TVS Educational Society, Chennai, has come forward and
donated a sum of Rs. 1 lakh that has been earmarked Sri. Subramanian Sundaresan from Chennai has come
towards student sponsorships. forward and donated a sum of Rs. 4 lakhs towards
student sponsorship.
21 Oct-Dec-2020Smt. Meera Chari, Chennai Sri. K. Vaidyanath, Bangalore
Smt. Meera Chari from Chennai has donated a sum of Sri. K. Vaidyanath from Bangalore has donated a sum of
Rs. 3.36 lakhs towards Vidya Danam of 20 girl students Rs. 1 lakh towards student sponsorship for the girls
and student sponsorships. living and studying at the Smt. Sowmya Kesanupalli
AIM for Seva Chatralayam for Girls, Bagepalli,
Karnataka.
Sri. Gopal Srinivasan and family, Chennai
Sri. Gopal Srinivasan and family from Chennai have
contributed a sum of Rs. 1.5 lakhs towards student Sri. Veeraraghavan N., Chennai
sponsorships.
Sri. Veeraraghavan N. from Chennai has contributed a
sum of Rs 82,000 towards complete care of two children
Smt. Indumalini Ananthachari and for one year, as well as festive a ire for children.
Sri. Ananthachari T., Chennai
Smt. Indumalini and Sri. Ananthachari T. from Chennai
have contributed a sum of Rs. 1,43,900 towards student Smt. Shanthi Krubai, Chennai
sponsorship. Smt. Shanthi Krubai from Chennai has donated a sum of
Rs. 75,000 towards academic expenditure of five
students.
Sri. Vasudev Kumarjiguda, Hyderabad
Sri.Vasudev Kumarjiguda from Hyderabad has
donated Rs. 1.08 lakhs towards sponsorship of three Sri. Gagan Gupta, Hyderabad
students at the Swami Dayananda AIM for Seva Tribal
Boys Chatralayam, Alwal, Telangana. Sri. Gagan Gupta from Hyderabad, has contributed a
sum of Rs. 75,000 towards child sponsorships.
Smt. Rama Chandrakantan, Chennai
Smt. Rama Chandrakantan from Chennai has donated a Sri. Sandilya S., Chennai
sum of Rs. 1 lakh, which has been earmarked towards Sri. Sandilya S. from Chennai, has donated a sum of
construction of the second floor at the Swami Rs. 75,000 towards child sponsorships.
Dayananda AIM for Seva Chatralayam for Boys,
Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu.
Smt. Alamelu R., Chennai
Smt. Renu Bharg Smt. Alamelu R. from Chennai has come forward
and donated a sum of Rs. 50,000 towards student
Ms. Renu Bharg has donated a sum of Rs. 1 lakh
towards student sponsorships. sponsorships.
Sri. Arvind Balaji, Chennai Smt. Savitha S., Coimbatore
Sri. Arvind Balaji from Chennai has donated a sum of Smt. Savitha S. from Coimbatore, has donated a sum of
Rs. 1 lakh towards student sponsorships. Rs. 50,000 towards student sponsorships.
Sri. Ganesan Ramachandran, Mumbai
Sri. Ganesan Ramachandran, Mumbai, has donated a
sum of Rs. 1 lakh towards sponsorships of girl students.
22 Oct-Dec-2020We thank the donors below for
supporting one child
Sri. Arunkumar Sadasivam, Bangalore Dr. Pentiah P., Hyderabad
Smt. Bhagyalakshmi Subramaniam, Chennai Sri. Raghupati Hegde, Bangalore
Sri. Chikermane S.M., Bangalore Sri. Ramesha Bhat S., Bangalore
Sri. C.S. Narasimhan, Mumbai Sri. Ravi N., Chennai
Smt. Hema Balasubramanian, Bangalore Sri. Sambasivan Rajagopalan, Chennai
Smt. Hemalatha Ravi, Chennai Sri. Sengunam Arunachalam, Bangalore
Sri. Jayakumar Gupta D.R., Bangalore Sri. Subramanian B., Chennai
Sri. Krishnan M., Chennai Sri. Sundararajan Gopalakrishnan, Chennai
Sri. K.V. Subramanian, USA Sri. Sundhar Rajan, Chennai
Smt. Lalitha Sankaran and Sri. S.V. Sankaran, Sri. V.N. Venkatanathan, Chennai
Chennai
Sri. Vijayasimha R.N., Bangalore
Smt. Mathangi Ramaseshan, Noida
Sri. Viswanathan B., Chennai
Sri. Mohan R., Coimbatore
Sri. Viswanathan R., Chennai
Smt. Parvathi Palaniappan, Chennai
23 Oct-Dec-2020Festive and Winter
Special Gifts
What's heartening to note is that our Dr. Manjula & Dr. Sanjiv of Mansarovar Eye
Hospital sponsored tracksuits for the children
donors continue to contribute and residing and studying in the Shri Giridhari
support us in different ways. We are Lal Seth & Dr AB Seth AIM for Seva
happy to share glimpses of the same. Chatralayam for Boys, Lucknow, U ar
Pradesh on the occasion of Diwali.
Sweaters have been gi ed by the Ladies Group of
Shresta Foundation to the girls from the
Swami Dayananda AIM for Seva Chatralayam
for Girls, Belgaum, Karnataka.
Sri. N. Jayakumar Ganapathi and
Sri. N. Girish Kumar from
Singapore, commi ed donors to our
cause, shared their greetings in a
very special way. On the occasion of
Diwali, new cl ot h e s, swe e t s,
savouries and crackers sponsored
by Sri. N. Jayakumar Ganapathi
and Sri. N. Girish Kumar were
distributed to our students
studying and living at our
Chatralayams in Chinnasalem,
Sriperumbudur, Thennampa u
and Mulvoy in Tamil Nadu.
Sri. N. Jayakumar Ganapathi and
Sri. N. Girish Kumar sponsored a
similar Diwali hamper for the girls at
the Madhu & Rajkumar Nigam AIM
for Seva Chatralayam for Girls,
Unnao, U ar Pradesh as well.
24 Oct-Dec-2020It's a case of urban school
going children supporting
rural students in their quest
for education. A group of 20
young volunteers (aged
between 13 and 17 years)
from AIM for Seva Canada,
came forward to raise funds
under the backpack
project.
The AIM for Seva Canada
team has donated school A free eye camp was conducted for the
bags to the students residing girls residing and studying at the Swami
and studying at AIM for Dayananda AIM for Seva Chatralayam for
Seva's Chatralayams in Girls, Yelahanka, Karnataka. A detailed eye
Sriperumbudur, Uchimedu, screening was done for the benefit of the
Thennampa u, Chinnasalem and Mulvoy in Tamil Nadu. students.
The Chatralayam students take this opportunity to thank The free eye camp had been organised
the student volunteers of AIM for Seva Canada for their by Sri. Gurumangala Eye Foundation in
Vidya Danam. association with Rangalakshmi Netralaya.
The team also donated pairs of spectacles to
12 girls and the hostel warden.
Senior members from Lions Club, Bangalore
Aradhana paid a visit to the Swami Dayananda AIM
for Seva Chatralayam for Girls, Yelahanka, Karnataka,
and donated provisions worth Rs. 25,000 to the hostel
students on 22 November 2020. Members included
the District Governor, Mandya, Treasurer, Chartered
President and others.
The visit was organised by Sri. Shrinivasa Naidu,
Chartered President, Lions Club. He has been a
supporter and donor to the Swami Dayananda AIM
for Seva Chatralayam for Girls, Yelahanka, Karnataka,
since its inception in 2011. Previously, Sri. Shrinivasa
Naidu gi ed reading desks to all our students.
We thank Titan towards student sponsorships as well as for the We thank Page Industries for being a committed donor
Art for Development programme at the Emirates AIM for Seva to the Swami Dayananda AIM for Seva Chatralayam for
Chatralayam for Girls, Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu. Girls, Yelahanka, Karnataka.
25 Oct-Dec-2020EVENT CORNER
In this section, we present some of the main events
held during the third quarter of the year.
‘Shiva Shakti’ and ‘Shiva Shakti’ has found its genesis at a time when we
have all, as a world, been forced to introspect, cope and
Talk on ‘Psychology find expressions, anew. ‘Shiva Shakti’ is a search to connect
the animate and the inanimate world. One exists for the
other. One shelters the other. ‘Shiva Shakti’ – the inanimate
and Contemporary and the animate. In the cosmic cycle they come together
again and again, to bring universal harmony.
Management’ The dance theatre performance was followed by Pujya
Swamiji's talk. In his lecture, Swamiji touched upon a core
On 13 December 2020, AIM for Seva presented a aspect of our lives – desires. He began by saying that we
virtual event in aid of Annādanam for the students living can deal with the topic from different angles.
across our Chatralayams in India.
Pujya Swamiji delved into success or siddhi the way it
The programme began with a mesmerising was visualised by ancient rsis and the contemporary
performance ‘Shiva Shakti’ in a dance theatre format by concept of the same. According to economists starting
acclaimed Odissi exponent Sharmila Biswas. This was with Adam Smith, the human being is viewed as a
followed by a talk, 'Psychology & Contemporary consumer. “This comes from a concept, a theological
Management' by our Founder, Pujya Swami Dayananda concept that everyone is inadequate and imperfect and
Saraswati. that each one is a desirer,” Pujya Swamiji said. In desiring
for position, power, name and fame—there is a desire to
Proceeds from the programme have been designated become different from what I am now. “So the whole life is
towards Annādanam of 250 students across our a process of becoming because one desires. This is a
Chatralayams in India. The number of people who have universal thing about a human being,” explained Pujya
viewed this programme is over 1,000 and counting. Swamiji.
Registrations were received from 19 countries including
Israel, Argentina, Japan, Reunion Islands and He went on to add that, as per the Bhagavad Gita, desires
Luxembourg, to name a few. are of two types. A desire to acquire things and there is an
26 Oct-Dec-2020EVENT CORNER
equally powerful desire to avoid and also to get rid of. with this approach of being prepared to receive the
Lord Krsna says in the Bhagavad Gita that I am a desire in a outcomes with equanimity, then there is only success, no
human being and that is a privilege and life is lived by failure.
managing the desires.
Moreover, Indian culture stresses importance of duty
As the Lord manifests in the form of desires, human rather than work or job per se. “If I am able to perform my
beings have freedom in desiring and this sets the duty, I will be able to take the results of action objectively
individual in motion. And while all of us experience by bringing in an a itude of prasada. So I start enjoying the
varying degree of success in our lifetimes, the problem job and once I start enjoying the process, there is no
arises when we are not able to accept the results of our failure,” Pujya Swamiji said.
endeavour with equanimity.
In a nutshell, Pujya Swamiji stressed that management
Pujya Swamiji stressed that it is important to take of desires – ensuring you drive them, and that you are not
results as they come. “While I have choice over my action, driven by them – is success. This style of management by
the result given to me is fourfold—equal to my the individual converts a job into a duty to be done. Duty
expectation, more than expected, less than expected or performed without being bound by desires is 'success.'
fully opposite to what I expected.” So, when we approach Contemporary management is this type of self-
our workplace activity or any desire fulfilling activity management by employees rather than being managed by
superiors.
TAILORING CONVOCATION AT UTTARAKHAND
While rural education is AIM for Seva's mainstay, the NGO has also devised and rolled out
other impactful programmes across India in the course of the last 20 years.
The charity that is focused on rural India has impacted over 20 million
lives via projects in healthcare, community development and sustainable
living and day and residential care facilities for the differently-abled.
In terms of the flagship programme, Chatralayam, over one-fi h (21
out of 101) Chatralayams are for girl students. In addition, we run a KG-12
school for girls in Khategaon district, Madhya Pradesh.
When it comes to the girl child, AIM for Seva's intervention just doesn't
end with education. Through its community development projects, AIM for
Seva ensures women empowerment enabling them to take their first steps
towards economic independence.
Towards this end, we are happy to share that the annual tailoring
convocation at all the three sewing centres located in U arakhand was
held on 28 October 2020. A total of 27 students from Haripur Kalan,
Shyampur Khadri and Bapugram graduated this year (2019-2020). The
one year basic course in tailoring follows the November-October calendar.
At this year's tailoring convocation function, students received the
certificates and sewing machines from Swami Sakshatkrtananda
Saraswati ji, Vice Chairman, Swami Dayananda Ashram, Rishikesh,
U arakhand.
The highlight of the event was an exhibition put up by the graduating
students of their tailored ware stitched during the course of the year.
27 Oct-Dec-2020EVENT CORNER
Bhavaye Paramatmanam A confluence of classical dance, music and languages,
Bhavaye Paramatmanam featured seven leading artists –
On 7 November 2020, AIM for Seva USA presented its Bombay Jayashri Ramnath, Shankar Mahadevan, Alarmel
annual donor appreciation programme in a virtual Valli, Sharmila Biswas, Pantula Rama, Debashree
format. Bhavaye Paramatmanam (meaning manifestation Bha acharya and Jayateerth Mevundi. It was a fi ing
of the Divine), was a humble offering to mark the 90 tribute to our Founder who firmly believed in the validity
Jayanti of the Founder of AIM for Seva, Pujya Swami of all cultures, and exhorted everyone to preserve and
Dayananda Saraswati. It also marked the 20 year of celebrate diverse forms. The artists came forward to
AIM for Seva. celebrate the great master and his vision.
AIM For Seva Canada’s
19th Annual Virtual Gala
On 13 September 2020, AIM for Seva Canada conducted its 19
Annual Virtual Gala titled - ‘A Night Among the Stars.’
India's biggest celebrities, entertainers and athletes came together
for a night of entertainment and inspiration. The programme featured
renowned film actors Anupam Kher and Preity Zinta, Bollywood
playback singer Jonita Gandhi, stand-up comedian, Atul Khatri, P.V.
Sindhu, Olympic silver medallist and Deepa Malik, Paralympic silver
medallist.
It was an evening dedicated to seva.
28 Oct-Dec-2020In this section, we share the latest happenings from our
schools and college in Manjakkudi and Sembangudi.
The Outer Naveen S. (third year). They were ably assisted by the
professors from the Mathematics department of the
college, Dr. S.Vinoth Kumar (Head and assistant
World Experience professor) and Sri. M. Gunanithi (faculty coordinator for
this competition and assistant professor).
F ive students from the B.Sc. (Mathematics) The event was organised to commemorate the World
department at the Swami Dayananda College of Space Week 2020 (4 October to 10 October 2020). Other
Arts & Science, Manjakkudi, Tamil Nadu, have highlights of this design competition included a special
been selected for the final round in an online competition interaction and speech by the Chairman of ISRO, Dr. K.
that was conducted on 9th October 2020 by the Satish Sivan.
Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC, SHAR), Indian Space World Space Week 2020 Design Competition saw
Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Space, participation of college students from Tamil Nadu,
Government of India. Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The
Two teams from the college participated online in World students came from the aeronautical engineering, design
Space Week 2020 Design Competition. The theme of the and automation engineering disciplines.
event was science and technology relating to space. A total In their paper, Dhivyabharathi A., Preethi R.A. and
of 44 teams from across India were selected for the final Kanimozhi K. presented abstracts on hydrogen fuel and
round based on their presentations to senior scientists oxygen generation in rockets, using sugar as a rocket fuel
from ISRO, an abstract of a proposed design model. and using robots in space. Maheswar M. and Naveen S.'s
Team one from the Swami Dayananda College of Arts & abstract were on space elevator and lower fuel
Science comprised of Dhivyabharathi A. (third year), consumption rockets.
Preethi R.A. (third year) and Kanimozhi K. (second year), We wish the students all the very best in their journey
while team two included, Maheswar M. (third year) and ahead.Swami Dayananda Centre for Learning
M anjakkudi, a tiny hamlet on the banks of River
Kaveri in Tamil Nadu, which has evolved into
an educational hub over the last 17 years, will
soon add another feather to its cap. An art-science
educational intervention is set to be unveiled soon.
project. She partnered with Milaap, India's largest crowd
funding partner to bring in contributions for this cause.
She has dedicated a lullaby from the Moonchild
album—Thangamani Rathiname—to the children of
Manjakkudi.
Numerous scientific studies have pointed out that the For many years now, Smt. Bombay Jayashri Ramnath has
formative years of an individual are the building blocks to been teaching music to the students who come to study at
a fulfilling life. It is in the early years that a child showcases the three educational institutions in Manjakkudi and
his or her artistic and explorative side to the world. But Sembangudi.
such potential can only be fully realized in a proper
environment. “Children in India, especially in rural areas must be
encouraged to imagine and dream, to listen to beautiful
It is with this mission to a holistic approach to learning that narratives, explore hands on and express, without
the Swami Dayananda Centre for Learning will be set up restrictions. I firmly believe that a child's emotional, social
in Manjakkudi under the aegis of the Swami Dayananda and intellectual development starts with the first lullaby
Educational Trust (SDET). heard. Just as how the lullaby soothes the child to dri into
sleep, every child deserves a loving environment which
As a mark of affection to the children of Manjakkudi, nurtures and nourishes learning and opens up a world of
acclaimed Carnatic musician, Smt. Bombay Jayashri beauty within,” she says.
Ramnath has come forward to raise awareness about this
30 Oct-Dec-2020It is heartening to note that 95% of the students
who are set to benefit from this art-science
intervention are first-generation learners. Their
home environment is usually not conducive to
holistic learning. A majority of the children are
uninspired or forced to go to school, with records
indicating low a endance.
Bearing in mind that a child's mind is like a blank
canvas, it is important for parents, teachers and
all those associated with a child's life to create an
eco system where they can explore, experiment
and unravel their potential to the fullest.
To bridge the gap, the Swami Dayananda Centre
for Learning, which will be unveiled next
academic year (2021-2022), will provide a space creative, the social, the physical, the ethical and the
where teachers and educators will instill and motivate emotional.
children to learn via the mediums of art, science, music and
There is no doubt that such a project is the need of the
value education classes. At the Atal Tinkering Lab, they
hour. Children are the change makers of tomorrow and
will have a space to think out of the box, explore and
we need to prepare them to walk a virtuous path. A
experiment.
holistic education model will help children develop into
History is rife with examples of scientists who were also strong and confident persons. It will make them aware of
artists and have contributed to both science and art in the right and wrong; think, analyse and solve problems
their own ways. Leonardo da Vinci one of the most with more clarity and finally, lead a disciplined and
celebrated artist – scientists of the Renaissance era, is an meaningful life.
excellent example. Back home, the daily morning ritual of
This cause is extremely dear to Smt. Bombay Jayashri
kolam, intricate geometric designs decorated outside
Ramnath's heart. “I take this opportunity to thank the
many homes, is also a reflection of an art-science
students at Manjakkudi. From the context of a rural child,
confluence.
my experience has shown that musical education can be a
In the first year, the centre would focus on children of great equaliser. It gives me immense pleasure and
Manjakkudi and the neighboring villages within a five satisfaction to be deeply involved in this transformation
kilometre radius. Children will be admi ed in the process and witness the real change among the
a erschool and weekend programme, which is provided changemakers of tomorrow,” she says.
at no cost.
An adult literacy programme is also on the cards to
Every week, about 100 children are expected to visit empower women from economically weaker sections of the
Swami Dayananda Centre. society.
Through these classes, the focus will be on all aspects of We are scheduled to have a Bhoomi Puja at the aforesaid
student development: the academic, the intellectual, the facility soon.
31 Oct-Dec-2020You can also read
