Biology Lab-Skills Workshop

Scholar Theodore Roszak rightly said that Nature composes some of her loveliest poems for the microscope. The students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir had the opportunity to look at some of those poems through the microscope in the recently concluded Biology Lab-Skills Workshop.

Science has uncovered quite a few complicated phenomena but life still remains the most complicated yet simple creation of GOD. One of the purposes of studying science is to create curiosity amongst the young minds by helping them make sense of things around them. Science is supposed to be a hands on subject where students should be able to do different things and have fun. To create that enthusiasm amongst students, the Biology Department at AVM organized a basic lab skills workshop which allowed the students to learn some of the basic laboratory skills at an early age.

The secondary school Biology curriculum only allows students to observe different specimens and slides. It is only in high school that they get to prepare slides and do other activities on their own. To give a head start to the students of AVM, such a workshop was organized for the students of standard 10. Around 42 students took part in this week long workshop.

Mrs. Archana Patankar (M.Sc. Botany) – HOD Biology, explained the students how to prepare the slides of a plant and animal cell. She also explained the importance of materials used and showed them how to use different apparatus. Since the arrangement was such that each student would get their own microscope and other apparatus to perform the activity, the excitement in the biology lab was very visible. Mr. Sarvajeet Parsaniya (M.Sc. Biotech) was also there to guide and help the students. One of the heartening things to observe was the way such students who had found the theory class challenging, excelled in the lab. They prepared some wonderful slides with the correct techniques and proper methodology.

The principal of AVM, Dr. Vijay Patel, a keen science enthusiast himself, visited the Biology lab to observe the proceedings and more importantly to encourage students. At the end of the workshop, each student was given a questionnaire to fill. The idea was to see if they understood and learnt the basic skill set required, which they passed with flying colors.

The Sports Carnival at Atmiya Vidya Mandir

The Grand Winter Sports Carnival at Atmiya Vidya Mandir was a three day celebration encompassing all types of field and track events. There were over fourteen events planned and organized. An efficient team of eleven sports teachers and physical training instructors have been working ardently to identify and prepare the students to be elite athletes. The students had been given a rigorous practice to prepare well for all the athletic events. They were put to develop speed, stamina and sportsman spirit.

On the late afternoon of 3rd January 2012, the meet was given a flying start with the torch bearers – Aditya Patel the head boy of the school, Abhishek Patel the Sports Captain along with Bhavik Patel the Athlete of the year 2010-11. They carried the flame along with students from junior group, Aayush and Shrimed round the track and lighting the cauldron of Athletic meet. This was followed by a smart March Past by the students lined up with their respective house group. The esteemed presence of the chief guests Dr. Sushma Agrawal (Principal, Shardayatan School and Ex-Mayor-Surat), Mr. L.  N. Singh (Principal, P. P. Savani School), Er. Sudhir Mishra (Director, Vision IIT) and Shri Govindbhai Bhugani (Secretary, Yogi Divine Society-Surat) added an extra zest in the gathering.The meet was declared open by Dr Agrawal. Keeping in mind the spirit of a true sportsman spirit, Abhishek D Patel led the oath taking ceremony by all participants. The students cheered their house participants and spurred them to go beyond their best.There was an outstanding presentation of physical fitness through Surya Namaskar by the students of all the groups. Everyone including teachers and guests watched with abated breath as boys performed the brilliant and well co-ordinated yoga asanas. The four groups of Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram and Suhradam houses presented a stupendous show of human pyramid.

“Winning is not everything, but participation and will to win is everything” – with this punch line,combining thirteen different track and field events the participants, in quick succession, commenced their headlong assault over various competitions . They were tested on their endurance, strength and all-round ability of being a true athlete, securing points in each event for their best performance.

The Football ground reverberated with feverish enthusiasm as the tempo set in with the teachers and the students excitedly cheering the participants of various events, voicing the spirit of oneness among all, expecting their house at the top in ranking.

The field events like Shot Put, Discus Throw, High Jump and Long Jump evoked a lot of passion and fervor among the Atmiyans, with each contestant trying to outdo the other and secure the most priced medal as well contributing to add some points to their respective house. 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.

The Days of the Sports Mega events offered full of fun and frolic where the students were brimming with enthusiasm during all track events like Dash ranging from 100m to 3000m along with relay and novelty races. A very impressive and a spectacular event was the different hurdle races. The vaulting groups of boys from senior section were to run for 50, 100, 200 and 400 mt. races. Runners stride around the track, sometimes sprinting, other times pacing themselves, re-living the excitement, anticipation and glory filled with much zest and zeal.

The center of attraction was the Relay Races, a team with four decent sprinters of each house Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram and Suhradam ran to out-race a team with four better sprinters by beating the faster team in the exchange zones. These relay races were meant to test their coordination and swiftness among team members.

The medal distribution ceremony was held at regular intervals. The confidence and the beaming smile of the winners to the victory podium conveyed the message of many potential Olympians at AVM sports ground.

The student volunteers were ever active wearing orange and green T-shirts with all hues of gaiety and gusto to extend their helping hand in medical, refreshments or ferrying the things across the ground. Hats off to their humble efforts!!!! Right over the other end of the ground, a temporary infirmary was set up to offer a quick medical aid by Vijay Bhai and Shraddha Madam.

Right around the ground, from every nook and corner RakeshBhai and PujeetBhai and SarvajitBhai along with Priyavadan Sir were moving with their cameras all around to catch the ongoing fervor for digital memories. The camera captured every move that the participant made.

Nothing could fall beyond the purview of the ever alert powerful watch of Tarun Sir, Prabhumagna Sir, Bharat Sir, Anand Sir, Prerak Sir, Rashmi Mam, Deepika Madam and Sunita Madam who were at the starting and finishing lines of the racing track designated as Technical Expert, and Timekeepers.

The pulsating- jazzy music was well blend to the booming and shrieking of the students and teachers cheering the participants. Amazing tunes were played by HirenBhai and his group. The ongoing commentary by Kshitij Sir and Pushpak Sir was apt and appropriate.

The school Principal Vijay Sir along with Ashish Sir and Swayam Madam were extending much encouragement to the students through their esteemed presence in the ground. The house conveners of Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram and Suhradam houses were much more excited adding lots of excitement among the onlookers.

Finally, on 6th January 2012, this athletic meet concluded with prize distribution and declaration of the house positions. Once again Suhradam House turned out to be the leading house followed by Sundaram House at second position. The Athletic Meet was declared close by the Administrator of the school Mr. Haresh Patel . The closing ceremony concluded with conveying of Vote of Thanks by Head Boy of the school, Aditya Patel. The Sports Incharge Mr. Ramakar Dubey along with Ritesh Desai, Pradip Patel, Hemant Dubey, Kalpesh Desai, Ishwar Patel and Himanshu Parekh assured that justice ought to be administered and fairness is emphasized during all events. This is done by carefully specified rules, both to define the game and to provide for proper conduct within the game.

Hats off to the sports team of AVM and the students who participated with sportsman spirit!!!

Pure Sciences: Leading from the front

Fantastic opportunities to pursue a lifetime career in research and development in the field of interest in pure sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics) are available at a number of high quality reputed institutions in India.
Two of them are the following which offer a 5 years integrated MSc programme after 12th Science. Both are aided by the Department of Atomic Energy – Government of India!!
  1. Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences – CEBS, Mumbai: http://www.cbs.ac.in/prog_msc.html
  2. National Institute of Science Education and Research: NISER, Bhubaneshwar: http://www.niser.ac.in/academics.php?p=intmsc
The interested candidates are required to take the National Entrance Screening Test (NEST) – 2012 in order to get admission into any of these institutes. The advert given below has the relevant details of this test. 

Another high profile pure sciences institution in India is the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) – Bangalore (http://www.iisc.ernet.in/ug/). IISc offers a 4 years BS programme and admission is on the basis of merit lists of any of the national exams listed on http://www.iisc.ernet.in/ug/select.htm

Exciting times lie ahead in the field of research and development as the great minds of the world continue to push the limits of nature to make life even more easier!

Crimson blessings in white winter: P.P. Swamiji Visits AVM

As the teaching-learning activities are at their peak, pacing speedily towards final exams, as soaring winter-cold setting in to spread passivity, as the strenuous study hours consume all energy, Swamiji arrives to kindle the spark within: enlightening presence of Swamiji at Atmiya Vidya Mandir charged the students and teachers with greater enthusiasm to prepare well for forthcoming examination.

In His address to the students, Swamiji advised a few guidelines to excel not only in impending exams but also throughout the life. Swamiji clearly mentioned a few injunctions to be followed, so that we can revive and retain energy and talent gifted by God. He further emphasized on the appropriate and judicious use of five senses by students. With example of His own life, Swamiji explained the students to avoid watching movies and inappropriate videos which distract them from their goal.

Swamiji also insisted students to have a caring and respectful attitude towards their parents and avoid talking and listening negative comments about anybody. Such effective ways to use energy at right place and right time!

Swamiji wishes students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir to get minimum 70% marks in their exams, He repeatedly instructed the same target in His meeting with teachers. He advised the teachers, making them instruments of His noble vision to nurture harmony and goodwill through actions, words and thoughts. In His address to teachers Swamiji said that AVM teachers must be epitome of love, care, and patience.

Thus Swamiji’s sanctifying presence in the school campus proved to be a glimpse of the unbounded fullness of bliss, peace and fulfillment, once again! it is the time for students and other members of AVM family to realize how much fortunate they are to be cared and guided abundantly by P.P Swamiji.

National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I) – 2012

For more information, download UPSC’s official notification (PDF format) from:
Last Date for Receipt of Applications : 30.01.2012
For information about other exams conducted by the UPSC, visit:

IRON MAN: THE ARCHITECT OF INDEPENDENT INDIA

Suhradam House takes immense pleasure to celebrate the week commemorating the efforts of one man without whom Independence was just a word soothing to hear, but difficult to realize; he is none other than Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Members of Suhradam house exploited the opportunity to dwell deeper into the life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ‘A Complete Man’ and share the nuances with all the children of Atmiya Vidya Mandir.

Throughout the week various incidents from the life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel were quoted in both the junior and senior assemblies. The participants of the assembly were as follows: 

Junior:

Day
Anchoring
Thought for the day
Story
Commander
Monday
Nirlep
(3A)
Shreemad
Sanghani (2)
Manju
Ma’am
Yogi
(3A)
Tuesday
Niramay
(3B)
Vansh
(4A)
Pavitra
(4A)
Tirth
(1)
Wednesday
Ishan
(5A)
Shiv
(5A)
Devang
(5A)
Darshan
(1)
Thursday
Krishi
(4A)
Nisarg
Patel (5B)
Gautam
Sir
Darshan
(1)
Friday
Ujwal
(3A)
Shardul
(3B)
Video
Prasan
(4B)
Saturday
Creatively
Assembly : Sardar Patel’s Visit to AVM (Members of Suhradam House)

Senior:

Days
Teacher In charge
Anchoring
Thought for the day
News
Speech
Monday
Archana
madam
Nishit
Banka 9A
Deep
Chamaria 8B
Sagar
8A
Sahil
Shah 8B
(Childhood)
Tuesday
Gautam
Sir
Parikshit
Patel 9A
Pramanik
6A
Niramay
Joshi 6B
Smit
Alkesh 10A
(School and College Life)
Wednesday
Prabhudarshan
Sir
Manan
Ladani 9A
Soham
7B

Vaibhav Agarwal 10B

Neel
Virani 9B
(Struggle for his Barristers degree)
Thursday
Samidh
Madam
Yash
Dandawala 9B
Pratipal
9A

Hardeep Solanki 8A

Archana
Ma’am
(Various Qualities of Sardar Patel)
Friday
Prabhudarshan
SIr
Mitul
Patel 9B
Pinal
8B

Amit Pandey 9B

Prabhudarshan
Sir
(Contribution in India’s Independence and each one of us can become a Sardar
Patel)
Saturday
Creatively Assembly : Sardar Patel’s Visit to AVM (Members of
Suhradam House)

Throughout the week we heard about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s life. We understood various characteristics of an ideal youth, from Vallabhbhai’s life. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was not only intelligent, but also bold, courageous and honest. He was a man of few words and lots of action and a fiery leader. He was very determined and led a selfless life. He was very inspirational, encouraging and a wise counselor. He was sincere, loyal and dedicated to his work.
The atmosphere of creative assembly was very mesmerizing. It was because of the presence of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the arena. Children did a wonderful drama in which, Vallabhbhai graced AVM with his presence, guided and motivated all to live an independent successful life. There was an interview in the drama, 2 small skits and a dance at the end to felicitate Vallabhbhai. Participants of the creative assembly were as follows:

Interview
Scene 1
Scene 2
Neel
Virani (9B): Interviewer
Dinal
(7B)
Pavitra
(4A)
Siddharth
Parmar (8B)
Ashish
Amin (8A)
Parth
Amipara (9B): Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Devang
(5A)
Sahil
(4B)
Daksh
(6B)
Hardeep
(8A)
Harshil
Garodia (Anchor)
Nilay
(5B)
Tarak
(4A)
Pramanik
(6A)
Keyur
(8B)
Dance
Hardik
Gajiwala (5A)
Ruchit
Desai (5B)
Rahul
B (6B)
Prashant
Gupta (8A)
Jenil
Jasani (5A)
Vinamra
Patel (6B)
Amit
Chaudhary (7A)
Deep
Chamaria (8B)
Romi
Patel (5A)
Niramay
Joshi (6B)
Vaishvik
B. Patel (7B)
Krutarth
Rangunwala (8B)

Vallabhbhai’s message to the students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir was to work together, work with unity, respect each other, respect your self and shun all the things that are hindrance in achieving our goal (target). Live together with Atmiyata.


Thus throughout the week children learnt about the life of a Vallabhbhai who made all the right choices in his life and the way he accomplished it. He was a man of multifarious brilliance and captivating personality. At the end children learnt what it takes to be an ideal youth like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, they learnt what it takes to fight constantly with the distractions of the demeaning world and remain focused on achieving the goal. We learnt how to fight with injustice in a non-violent manner. We learnt the importance of speaking truth, being honest and courageous.

Thus commemorating the incidences and learning from the life of such a great personality was a pleasure of Suhradam house.

Report By: Members of Suhradam House

Inter House Volley Ball Competition

An Inter House Volley Ball competition was organised on 16/17 December. Each house had participants as per three groups-

  1. Sub-junior- Std-4th to 6th
  2. Junior -7th to 9th
  3. Senior-10th to 12th

* In Sub-junior Group-
 3rd Place match-Shivam Vs Suhradam Won By-Suhradam
 Final match-Satyam Vs Sundaram Won By-Satyam

* In Junior Group-
 3rd Place match-Shivam Vs Suhradam Won By-Suhradam
 Final match-Satyam Vs Sundaram Won By-Sundaram

* In Senior Group-
 3rd Place match- Sundaram Vs Shivam Won By-Shivam
 Final match-Satyam Vs Suhradam Won By- Suhradam
                             

                                     
OVERALL HOUSE POSITION IN VOLLEYBALL
HOUSE NAME
SUB JUNIOR
JUNIOR
SENIOR
TOTAL POINTS
Position
SATYAM
10
8
8
26
1st
SHIVAM
4
4
6
14
4th
SUNDARAM
8
10
4
22
2nd
SUHRADAM
6
6
10
22
2nd
POINT SYSTEM
FIRST PLACE              10 points
SECOND PLACE    
    08
points
THIRD PLACE             06 points
FOURTH PLACE         04
points

Atmiya Quiz Contest – Inter House Social Science Competition 2011

“Tell me and I’ll forget; show, me and I may remember;
involve me and I’ll understand.”
Keeping in view the need of all round
development of the children of Atmiya Vidya Mandir, Social Science Department
adopted the age old questioning method from the Upanishad Culture and organized
the “Atmiya Quiz Contest 2011” on 19th of November, 2011.
The contest was started with the welcome speech
by Sanjay Sir. He welcomed our respected Principal Vijay Sir, Ashish Sir
and others. Ishwar Sir our new Hostel In charge lit the auspicious lamp to mark
the beginning of the contest. Our distinguished Judges Pujya Saumya Mam and
Swayam Mam did the Pujan of Thakorji.
For the purpose of  Quiz Contest all the students from Class I to
X were divided into three groups namely Vaman (Class I and II), Anuj (Class III
to V) and Jyestha (Class VI – X).
For Vaman Group the Quiz had four rounds in
all, namely General Round, Rapid Fire Round, Puzzle Round and Visual Round.
For Anuj and Jyestha Group the Quiz had
five rounds in all namely, General Round, Buzzer Round, Rapid Fire Round,
Puzzle Round and Visual Round.

The contestants
participated enthusiastically in the contest and every team gave a tough competition to each
other. The questions were asked from their Social Science syllabus, everyday
life and current affairs. The audience round captivated the audience in
enthusiasm.
The overall results were declared at the end of the contest. The Fourth position was bagged by Suhradam house, Third position by
Sundaram House, Second position by Satyam house and the First position by
Satyam house.
Its a humble attempt at Atmiya Vidya Mandir to instill the belief that ‘Winning
is not everything but the will to win is everything’. 
Written by: Manju Madam

All About Making Right Choices: Sundaram House

Dictionary defines human senses as physiological capacities of organisms that provide inputs for perception by which the body receive and feel the faculties of hearing, sight, smell, touch, taste’ but students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir know a broader meaning of cognitive senses, a broader and better understanding about how positive perception through these senses play a foreseeable role in accelerating their pace towards their goal.

In the third week of November, Sundaram House, was given the task to explore and inform about positive attitude, right choice and judicious use of five senses , the ultimate inspirational source was our holy scripture Vachnamrut (Part1:Ch.16 & 18)

During the daily assembly many hidden benefits of positive attitude and right choice have been uncovered by the members of Sundaram House. On Monday, Mahapuja was organized to celebrate Consecration ceremony of the temple. Entire AVM Family gathered in the temple to witness the rituals, the students of Std 12th performed the puja as Saints chanted the appropriate Vedic hymns and verses. The chanting and prayers reverberated around the dome, charging the atmosphere with divinity. On Tuesday after a brief introduction about the Value of the week: Vachnamrut Part 1 Ch 16 & 18, Saumya Mam explained the students about the innumerable advantages of positive attitude. On Wednesday, Priyavadan Sir explained these values with historical examples and he also counted the benefits of living a religious and righteous life. Thursday morning, it was astounding experiment performed and explained by Purvesh Sir and Priyavadan Sir on how does bad influence diminish our potential and how much positive input do we need to refine the polluted mind and soul. On Friday, Tanmay Patel and Vishwajeet of IX A explained the power of positive attitude through a power point presentation.

The Creative assembly of Sundaram House on Saturday was a phenomenal presentation of the Vachnamrut: P16 & P18 as the core value to lead an ever happy and ever successful life. The presenters of the show Anand K and Shubham B explained a multi-dimensional view point about Vachnamrut P16 & P18. They acknowledged the students about various scientific experiments done to prove the power of positive words and their great impact. A big screen was erected as the backdrop which supported their explanations through visuals. They very well explained the spiritual, scientific and moral perspectives of these values (P16 & P18) to the students.

A big model was placed on the other side of the stage; this model was a big wheel with three important circles in it. The inner most circle represented the core value as Vachnamrut P16 & P18 whereas the outer circle showed the various factors creating an environment needed to practice and imbibe these values and the outermost circle of this wheel revealed the positive outcome of living with these values. As a part of the presentation about having faith in the divine words of a saint, a small skit was presented by the students of Std X and XI. The students, teachers, house masters and Didis had witnessed unadulterated fun and learning. The vivacious presentation by Anand and Shubham of XI Comm. had bowled them over. A palpable feeling of contentment and elation gripped them as they witness this assembly. Thus, this Creative assembly was concluded with a dance and a small prayer by the students of Std IV to VI onto to the lotus feet of Swami Shree asking for the strength to remain ever positive with all our senses.

As a follow up , what they were explained to do was to keep faith and positivity while leaping over the hurdles in front of them like distractions, fear, doubt, hurts, and sin—creating a shield for the senses and not giving up when they felt overwhelmed, stressed, or exhausted. In this manner, Sundaram House made sincere efforts to elucidate P16 & P18 so that students can develop immunity against all negative influences.