Parents newsletter for the months September to December 2010

Dear Parent,

Namaste!

It is better to be knowledgeable in our own shell than to remain ignorant in a vast world. As ongoing academic session of 2010-11 is progressing, Atmiya Vidya Mandir continues with a humble effort to create a global educational community of conscientious individuals. The amalgamation of learning activities prior and post Diwali break ranged between scholastic and co-scholastic exposure to the students. These activities whether taking place inside the classroom or outside, catered to acquire well-developed attitude traits such as “patience”, “commitment”, “initiative” and “empathy”. These traits help individuals transcend cultural, educational and social-economic barriers to learn more about themselves, others and the world they live in.

Trip to Mahabaleshwar: The tiny tots of I to V were taken to a trip to Mahabaleshwar. Besides, fun filled and exhilarating activities, these kids were taken to strawberry fields which were actually the highlight of the trip. They acknowledged how the farmers have adapted the latest technology and are growing strawberries in this area, how drip irrigation and sprinklers are used to water them and under each plant plastic sheets are laid so that the ripe berries don’t touch the ground and get dirty!! They also saw a factory making strawberry jam, crushes and ice cream. It was a learning experience for them to know about the red fertile soil and favorable climate in Mahabaleshwar which help strawberry, raspberry to grow in abundance. A tour to Mapro Factories was also arranged for the students to see how jams and squashes are processed. The toddlers relished the scrummy delicacies like jams, jellies, strawberry milkshakes and loads of ice-creams, squashes, syrups and crushes. No sooner did they come back home from the trip, it was time once again to pack the bags for Diwali vacation.

Trip to North India: The school organized an educational trip for the students of Std VIII to XI to the panoramic North India that included destinations of Chandigarh-the first planned city of India designed by Le Corbusier, Manali-the valley and abode of Gods, Dharamshala /Mcleodganj-the official residence of the exiled Tibetan leadership, Dalai Lama and Amritsar-the religious city of the Sikh faith and an important center of freedom movement of India. Above and beyond increasing their general awareness and acquiring social skills, they learnt being independent. They saw Chandigarh’s unique rock garden, which consists of the artwork that has been made from industrial and urban waste. They also enjoyed the adventurous trip to Manali where they experienced skiing, trekking, rope way river crossing, paragliding, white water rafting and mountain biking on the hill station of Kullu… They also enjoyed Jogini water fall and visit to Snow Point .The main attraction of the trip was a memorable evening at Attari Border military camp where student got a chance to observe the life and work of a soldier. They acknowledged the functioning of many modern weapons and high discipline and commitment in soldier’s life. This trip proved to be a learning session which took place outside the classroom as the students had a practical approach to understand many concepts and facts related to geography, history and science.

Inauguration of the Temple: The post Diwali exterior of Atmiya Vidya Mandir campus has a sacred addition – the magnificent temple in the school campus which substantiates its name explicably as H.D.H P.P Hariprasad Swamiji intends to educate students in such a way (Vidya) which helps them to become eligible individuals who would be emotionally balanced and intellectually competent to maintain spiritual affinity with one and all (Atmiya) with a pure heart where God resides (Mandir). Such a stage is obtainable within religious milieu and spiritual guidance hence on the auspicious day of Devdiwali 21st Nov, 2010 Swamishree inaugurated the newly constructed temple in the school premises. During the Murti Pratishtha Samaroh, in his divine words, Swamishree said that temple in the school is significant for the concentration of divine energies and vibrations which would keep the students devoid of any vices consequently enabling them to be in a right state of mind to absorb teaching. Students are filled with positive energy and right state of mind when every morning and evening they attend the aarti-bhajan in the temple.

ASSET Exam: Besides the regular evaluation system to assess the skilled based overall development of the child, students from Std I t o Std IX, appeared in ASSET exam which measures how well a student has understood concepts and gives detailed feedback on the same, to help them improve. The ASSET exam result sheet helps the teachers to have a detailed diagnostic report on their conceptual blocks which eventually help them to cater to the individual need of the child…

Annual Athletic Meet: “Winning is not everything, but participation and the will to win is everything” with this punch line, the opening ceremony of the 7th Annual Athletic Meet took place on 16th December 2010. Fierce competition among four students’ houses for field and track events made the students strive for excellence. Tempers began to flare—on the field and on the sidelines. In the abstract, students were on the training of the basic principles of sportsmanship: respect for teammates, opponents, and the game; graceful winning and losing. To impart these values, coaches used a combination of education, positive peer pressure, and rules (such as a system of warnings for broken rules followed by suspension from the practice or game). Their dexterity, energy, and showmanship created a rapturous sport ambiance that delighted a very appreciative audience. Splendid management and a number of excellent athletic features characterized the seventh annual athletic meet of Atmiya Vidya Mandir. Twenty-one events, including trial heats, furnished a fine programme, which was run off in capital style for four days.

The Christmas Eve was not less than a wave pool of fun, frolic, dance, enjoyment and magic which flooded the cozy rooms of tiny tots in hostel building. Ramakar Sir walked in their rooms disguised as Santa. No sooner did they find Santa in their rooms, the wall of their rooms reverberated with laughter, clapping, singing. The students of I to V danced with rapture as they received chocolates and gifts from Santa even the principal Swayam Madam, teachers and Didis enjoyed with them. It was fun unlimited poured by Santa.

The passion and desire to make a difference in the life of the children continued through morning assemblies conducted by four student’s house respectively. The best part of the house wise assemblies and creative weekend is that more and more students are able to cope with their stage fear as each and every student gets a chance to address the assembly either through thought for the day or speech or presentation: as a result these activities are serving to the purpose to prepare future artist as well as flourish with inherent talent.

Though the year 2010 ended with lots of happenings, yet, at Atmiya Vidya Mandir the success journey continues. Each day brings with it something new and promising and we strive to update you with current happenings through http://blog.avm.edu.in.

Wish you a happy, healthy and progressive year ahead.

With Warm Regards,

Atmiya Family

Written by: Seema Madam

“Fortunate are those who have got the company of the messenger of god”

“FORTUNATE ARE THOSE WHO HAVE GOT THE COMPANY OF THE MESSENGER OF GOD” This statement was quoted by Jesus Christ. In this mortal world, where “maya” has taken over the minds of every human being, who can we call the fortunate ones? And who is the messenger of God? The most visionary of all the deities who manifested on this Earth – Lord Swaminarayan very well understood this and gifted us with “Holy Saints” as his messenger. We, at Atmiya Vidya Mandir, are fortunate to have elderly saints like Pujya Prabodh Swamiji, Pujya Prem Swamiji, Pujya Suhrad Swamiji who continuously bestow their love and compassion on us. I wonder how fortunate these little ones are who get such holy vicinity in their formative years. These saints along with their love and compassion, guide children towards positivity and “wholesome living”Wish you a very Happy and a Prosperous New Year on behalf of Atmiya Family.
Images: Students are wishing Happy New Year to Pujya Prabodh Swamiji after breakfast.Written By : Paras Sir

Academic Year 2011-12: Vacation and Important Calendar Dates

Respected Parents,

We all wish you a very Happy and a Prosperous New Year.

Please take a note of important dates of Atmiya Vidya Mandir for the calendar year 2011-12:

16th April 2011, Saturday: All students of standard 1st to 11th and Teachers leave (Summer Vacation Starts)
1st May 2011, Sunday: Students of 11th and 12th standard Science Stream Report.
9th May 2011, Monday: Students of standard 12th Commerce Report.
3rd June 2011, Friday: Students of standard 7th to 10th and 11th Commerce Report.
4th June 2011, Saturday: Students of standard 4th to 6th Report.
5th June 2011, Sunday: Students of standard 1st to 3rd Report.
6th August 2011, Saturday: Students of Standard 1st to 10th leave for Rakshabandhan Break
14th August 2011, Sunday: Students of Standard 1st to 10th report after Rakshabandhan Break
15th October 2011, Saturday: Students of Standard 1st to 10th leave for Diwali Break
6th November 2011, Sunday: Students of Standard 1st to 10th report after Diwali Break
7th January 2012, Saturday: Students of Standard 1st to 10th leave for Uttarayan Break
15th January 2012, Sunday: Students of Standard 1st to 10th report after Uttarayan Break
14th April 2012, Saturday: Students of Standard 1st to 9th leave for summer vacation.

Thanks,

Atmiya Vidya Mandir Family

AAM 2010 Closing ceremony, Fun and frolic unbolted….

If day three of Annual Athlete Meet had a bundle of entertainment packed inside, its descendant has wrapped up full fun and frolic as on the 4th Day, closing ceremony took place with the declaration of Winning House and The Best Athlete of the year. The last day of the Meet saw the best of the best athletes (participants of field and track events) going neck to neck.

The 16th 17th 18th and 19th of December 2010 saw a shift in the enthusiasm of Atmiya family in the sprawling campus Kothar Building Ground as AVM witnessed its best for the four days of INSTINCTS!!! Fierce competition yet united spirits to win, to make this grandeur carnival successful than ever!!

It was pure fun and frolic at the ground with crazy and jubilant participants. The Chief Guests for the day was Dr. Jagdish Chandra Gothi, Associate Professor, Physical Education Department, Sadhra College. Pujya Premswaroop Swamiji, Pujya Suhrad Swamiji, Harish Sir and other distinguished personalities were also received with the customary general salute. They were witnessing gladly how sprawling turf of the ground was adorned by agile athletes competing to crown themselves with eternal glory.

High above, the clear clouds clustered around as rapt spectators: out from the green groves the golden liveried Sunday sun peeped out anxiously and down below the ground reverberated with cheers of a teeming crowd; the arena was thus set to unfold the epic battle – The Inter House Annual Athletic Meet for the year 2010-11. The final day included relay races of 4 x 100 meter, 200 meter and novelty races of obstacles, slow cycling, tyre and drum walk.

The Baton Passes on…….

The morning was bright; the playground wore a festive look as the colourful flags around the field gently fluttered in the morning breeze. The 4 x 100 m relay race is just as much a skill event as a speed event. 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. The winners knew that the key to this event is how much time the baton spends in those exchange zones. The runners were sprightly yet aware that they should not drop the baton until it is held by the next. Novelty and Relay races: testing their coordination and swiftness what a coordination among each team!!!

The huge play ground had around many spectators hooting and hollering for the best crashes and distances. Josh set up a ‘applause-o-meter’ at the top and building ranking the crowd’s favourites. There were four houses competing for the grand prize,

Following this was the 100m dash for all divisions, and the 200m race for the B division. The athletes gave off their best for the last few races, showing utmost skill and grit, as could be seen by the many nail-biting finishes. These were succeeded by the 10 x 50m Shuttle Relay for Classes 3 & 4 and the widely anticipated Mixed Relay, both of which drew fierce partisanship from all the houses. However soon after, school spirit triumphed with the four rival teams uniting to cheer for the participants.

When they ran, they had to keep moving! No matter the type of event they were the part of, as they kept an attitude and spirit that emphasizes fun and fitness while de-emphasizing winning and losing.

The relay event was a spectacular feast to the beholders as they captured those rare moments when Bhavik of Suhradam House flew around the track like a fierce breeze who was eventually declared as the best athlete of the year. The playground battle saw records being rewritten, new champions reinventing themselves in an event hitherto untried; but it was just not the fun in the air, relationship were blooming as well. Solidarity was sown among the house members as they encouraged their housemates through victories and vanquishes; leaders were groomed as the house prefects shouldered the responsibility of leading their team and most of all a healthy competitive spirit was nourished among the competing houses.

The teachers as spectators were without exception, all enthusiastic and cheering and hadn’t waned at all. The teachers on duty at different points as time keeper and event manager kept on either throwing their hands up in despair or whistling to command the rules but none of them could dodge the ongoing fun.

A harmonious accompaniment of the rhythmic beats of music kindled the spirits fuelled with belief of true sportsmanship; the young athletes unleashed their sporting skills on the grounds.

The students of VIII, IX and X performed a rhythmic drill and a dance, which proved to be a feast for the eyes for everyone. The show triumphed with some great music and avid audiences. True to its tagline “Hear it!! Cheer it!!” it won cheers from all around.

Suhradam House: The Proud Team with its coveted possession…

As the bright sun sunk the horizon the anxiety and eagerness soared. The sparkling lights around the ground unveiled the nail biting expression of house members. The athletes awaited announcement of the results restlessly. The distribution of the prizes and the shield being collected by the victorious team was the main attraction. The rapturous winners shrouded with unlimited joy came on the stage to receive the certificate and medal, at this moment the play ground air was laden with cheers and applause. Heaps of praises were showered on the winning house members. Suhradam House cheers hit the sky as they were declared the champions of 2010.

The camera traversed the length and breadth of the field capturing every triumph and disappointment.

After the winning team made an exit, the stage sizzled with a variety of host performances including interviewing the winners and hilarious remarks by Prabhudarshan Sir, Niharika Mam and Manju Mam.

Many an athletic record was broken and the sportsmen raised the standard of sports by dint of their own perseverance. With the singing of the National Anthem came the desire to win more laurels and break more records the Annual Athlete Meet 2010 declared closed.

The credit for this hugely successful event goes to the athletes, the quietly yet meticulously working Shekhar Sir and all sports teachers and other members of Atmiya Family who chipped in with priceless contributions. This Athlete Meet proved to be a type of spectacle which presented ostensibly competitive events using natural capability of individual child (athlete), unlike typical athletic events and games, inducing competition as well as sportsmanship. The day drew its blinds ceremoniously on the event but the ripples of these memories and the values it instilled will certainly be treasured in the days to come!!!

Written by Seema Madam

AAM 2010 – Day 3 – Runners made giant stride or they threw the fatigue away!!!

For a sports fan of Atmiya Vidya Mandir, it is truly blissful to be a part of the 7th Annual Athletic Meet 2010. Though, everybody experienced all-consuming passion not to miss the variety of action on display, it was difficult to enjoy and focus on any one event. What a feast on offer!

It was the third day of the sports bonanza. It started with prayers and pujan of Thakorji. Saturday morning, the deceptively pleasant early morning breeze gave way to the scorching heat. Soon the escorting group Harsh Ambaliya, Piyush Sarda, Harsh Vaghela, Himanshu Patel, Love Patel, Vishvajit Solanki, Abhishek Ariwala and Abhishek D Patel assisted the chief guest to the dais. The Chief Guest of the day was Retired Lieutenant  Gajendrakumar Srivastav who has served the Indian Defense Forces (Army and Navy) for more than two decades and also is the grandson of the first President of India – Shri Rajendraprasad! His speech was highly inspiring for all present and students made the most of this opportunity to interact with him.

As the day wore on, the enthusiasm of the spectators on the other side of the field could clearly be seen. The groups of young sports enthusiasts and teachers clapped and danced for the winners and participants, the tiny tots of I, II and III hopped and tapped zestfully to the music much like shaking spectators out of their seeming stupor.

All the students along with teachers and hostel staff were bellowing and hooting at the various areas of the huge ground witnessing the participants tossed between losing and winning. The excitement was at its peak, as the shuttle race for juniors started. “Ready? Go!” the participant runs to the other line, picks up a block and returns to place it behind the starting line, then returns to pick up the second block, then runs with it back across the line. It was a test of aerobic endurance performed by juniors moving back and forth swiftly.

The other area of the ground was much lively with Ball throw event as the students were employing their glide technique used to generate the efficient and powerful movement where the thrower moves across the throwing circle quickly to develop speed, and with one fluid motion throws the shot, twisting the body at the point of the delivery which usually determines success. Wow! Amazing training given to them by sports teachers! Congrats to Shekhar Sir, Pradeep Sir, Ritesh Sir, Ramakar Sir and all the sports teachers.

Along with the running and jumping events, throwing events complete the Track & Field trifecta. The throwing events were the discus throw, shot put and ball throws. As with many athletic events, the limelight were shot putters and other field competitors toiling in anonymity to win the competitions. It is noteworthy that in this strength event, unlike other competitions, physical fitness and mental force are key ingredients for success and Atmiya Vidya Mandir students displayed their physical and mental coordination very well throughout these events. Besides quickness & power, character traits such as punctuality, teamwork, coach-ability and aggressiveness are inculcated. At the high school level, an average athlete with these qualities can still achieve a relatively high standard of success and this is what the Atmiyan Athletes know!!!

Shouts of encouragement, moans and groans were heard across the length and breadth of the field. The non-participants, teachers, house-masters, didis and everybody present looked with much astonishment coupled with excitement as the athletes of different groups showed a spell of agility, speed and explosiveness. The participants seemed to be indefatigable in their efforts at securing points for their house. In a manner truly commendable, the onlookers kept the fun and frolic go on along with participants.

The winners’ list for day 2 is as follows.

But the last day….. last moment excitement is still to come…Who will be the best athlete?????? Which house will be at the top??????

Hold on!!!!!!!! 

Written by: Seema Madam

AAM 2010 – Day 2 – Zest and Zeal Soaring

The ongoing sports fiesta at Atmiya Vidya Mandir play ground reverberated with lots of booming, hooting and cheering as the students, teachers and hostel staff enjoyed the track and field events of the second day during 7th Annual Athletics Meet 2010.The lime light was, of course, the chief guest who was none other than Dhupli Sir, who was a part of the recently held Commonwealth Games and who has served in Atmiya Vidya Mandir for a few years now.

Attending a track and field meet was altogether a different experience, almost like watching a three-ring circus, with a variety of action happening at the same time.

Sports H.O.D Shekhar Sir along with Kalpesh sir and Ramakar Sir were walking across the ground to ensure smooth happening of all the events. Pranshu Savani and Yathansh Joshi enthralled the crowd with their commentary as they handled the mic very well. Niharika Mam and Manju Mam spiced up the fun and frolic with their witty remarks from the stage.

Team officials and teachers have been allocated their particular groups for the entire meet. Each group has different house members and students competing in each event. The aim of the challenge is to collect points for their respective house and gain School Sports glory.

A very impressive and a spectacular event was the different races. It was the turn of the vaulting group of boys composed of group A to group D respectively running for 50, 100, 200 and 400 mt. race. Runners stride around the track, sometimes sprinting, other times pacing themselves, re-living the excitement, anticipation and glory started with much zest and zeal.

Another outstanding act was the long-leap that was high jump where Akshay D. Patel and Vishlesh Gondaliya bagged First and Second position.

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 was the temporary office where Rupashree Mam and Jignesh Sir were watching over the participants and students of different house and groups on disciplinary level. Vijay Bhai and Pankaj Bhai were right on their toes to offer any medical help.

In the midst of the ground, Pravartak Sir and Pujeet Bhai were moving 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 Bharat Sir, Anand Sir, Prerak Sir, Rashmi Mam, Ritesh Sir and Pradeep Sir who were at the starting and finishing lines of the racing track designated as Technical Expert, Umpire, Referee 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 Hiren Bhai and his group.

The principal Swayam Madam was spotted being one with the junior group of I and II std students. The house conveners of Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram and Suhradam houses were much more excited adding much to the excitement among the onlookers.

Combining seven different track and field events the participants, in quick succession, commenced their headlong assault over various track and field events which tests the endurance, strength and all-round ability of the athlete, awarding contestants points in each event for their best performance.

The winners of the second day events are as follows: 
Written by: Seema Madam

7th Annual Athletics Meet 2010 – Day 1 Report

After the long Diwali vacation, the school reopened with a big bang of upcoming 7th Annual Athletic Meet 2010. Along with gearing up for academic activities, Atmiya Vidya Mandir campus is buzzed evoking a lot of passion and fervour to the students.

The various events of this Athletic Meet are scheduled meticulously and programmed very well for four days from 16th December to 19th December 2010. H.D.H. P.P Swamiji says that every student must inculcate in himself the virtue of a true sports person, who does not see the contestants running along but instead concentrates on the finishing line.

“Winning is not everything, but participation and will to win is everything” – with this punch line, the opening ceremony of the 7th Annual Athletic Meet took place on 16th December 2010. The ground was most enthusiastically decorated by putting in untiring efforts for days and nights, literally, by all the sports teachers of the school. Atmiya Vidya Mandir is very fortunate to have a very dedicated and comprehensive team of sports teachers. The team includes Shekhar Sir, Ritesh Sir, Pradip Sir, Kalpesh Sir, Devang Sir, Himanshu Sir, D P Sir, Ramakar Sir, Mehul Sir, Mitesh Sir, Vinod Sir and Hemant Sir. You counted it right, that’s 12 of them!

As the winter sun started dropping in, the students began to group themselves with their house members and team officials in the school cricket ground to participate in 7th annual athletics meet. The programme started with general salute to the chief guests Mr. R M Patel, Deputy Chief Engineer – GEB, Shree Manharbhai, Director – Sugar factory Sarthana, Pujya Fuaji and the elders who presided over the venue. The students escorted the honourable guests onto the stage, Harsh Ambaliya followed by Abhishek Ariwala holding the school flag to the dais. The grand celebration started with pujan of Thakorji by the honourable guests. The meet was thereafter declared open by the chief guest. The school song reverberated around the venue when the school flag was unfurled to mark the official opening of the event.

After this, students put up a spectacular dance performance on the ground demonstrating various national and international games. Their amazing coordination, sense of rhythm and harmony left the viewers awestruck. An important lesson that the students learnt from the experience was to make the best of what life offered to each person. The students also showed utmost discipline and synchronization while taking part in the march past walking along with their respective house group.

The last year’s best athletes were the torchbearers. Aditya Patel (Class 10) ran with the torch and handed it over to Bhavik Patel (Class 10) who passed it on to Akshay Patel (Class 9) followed by Deepak Khatri (Class 8). The torch then passed hands from Deep Chamaria (Class 7) to Parag Algotar (Class 6) to Sarvanaman Patel (Class 5) to Hardik Gajiwala (Class 4) to Shivang Patel (Class 3) and finally to the little champ of last year Smit Vaghela (Class 2). It finally reached back to Aditya who lit the main torch and took the oath along with all the participants. The principal of the school, Swayam Madam delivered the welcome speech and the chief guests were then presented with bouquet by the students of I and II Std. A warm welcome was also offered to Pujya Sahjik Ben and Pujya Saral Ben who had come from Haridham especially for the event.

There was an outstanding presentation of physical fitness through Surya Namaskar by the students of all the groups. Everyone watched with abated breath as boys performed the brilliant and well co-ordinated yoga asanas.

The events of the day were 100 and 200 m race for various groups. These events evoked a lot of passion and fervor among the Atmiyans, with each contestant trying to outdo the other and secure the most priced medal. 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 the race.

The ground reverberated with feverish enthusiasm as the tempo set in with the teachers and the students excitedly cheering them, voicing the spirit of oneness among all till the evening. Finally, the first day of the athletic meet concluded with prize distribution and declaring of the house positions for the day. Shivam House turned out to be the leading house for the day.

The results of the various events of the day are as follows:

Written by: Seema Madam

Suhradam Murti Pratishtha Mahotsav at Atmiya Vidya Mandir

Once, when Swamiji was on His US vichran, a dignitary approached Swamiji and asked “How many temples do you want to make?” Swamiji replied “50000 temples in two years….” The man was surprised, rather amazed that “Swamiji wants to build 50000 temples within two years, how can it be possible….” After a while, Swamishree beamed and explained that He wants to turn thousands of devotee’s hearts into temples which become a pious place where God resides. Swamishree assured the gentleman that He did not plan to construct temples out of cement, bricks and marbles, instead, He envisages to cultivate conviction and practice of ‘spiritual affinity with one and all’ i.e Atmiyata in all the devotees so that their heart becomes the holy abode of the God Himself.
With such devout purpose and through His divine prowess and sublime selfless love, Swamiji established Atmiya Vidya Mandir, where education leads to sustain divinity in every individual; such a stage is obtainable within religious milieu and spiritual guidance. Hence on the auspicious day of DevDiwali, the 21st of November 2010, Swamishree inaugurated the newly constructed temple in the school premises.
The inauguration ceremony was separated in two stages. The first stage was the Suhradam Yagna Anushthan and the second was the installation of the murtis at the sinhasan in the temple.
2010 is a special year for the members of Atmiya Vidya Mandir family where devotees and volunteers began preparing for this event under the guidance of P.P. Prabodh Swamiji and P.P. Suhrad Swamiji. One of the distinct facets of this festival preparation was excellent co-ordination and gelling of all the members. A meticulous planning, execution and above all with a required feeling of duties and seva was perceptible among them.
For those living in and around the school campus, it was inspiring to watch the dedication with which preparations were taking place for this event. As the weeks ran into days there was a perceptible increase in the tempo of activity at Atmiya Vidya Mandir.
On Saturday, the 20th of November 2010, Suhradam Yagna Anushthan was conducted at the school cricket ground in front of the Kothar Bhavan. About 650 couples participated in this Yagna. Along with the main havan kund at the centre of the pandal, there were more than 212 havan kunds around which three couples along with their relatives performed the holy rituals for the Yagna. Swamishree arrived at the pandal and gave His darshan to all the devotees performing and witnessing the Yagna. Devotees from various parts of India and abroad were part of this historical event and thousands of them witnessed the same. Swamiji extended His amrut vani saying that the purifying offerings to the sacred fire in the Yagna not only lead to a fulfilling spiritual experience but also sterilizes the vices in the environment and makes it divine. He explained the manifold significance of Yagna which assures physical, spiritual and intellectual well being which finally leads to Atmiyata and Suhradbhav in the family and society. Swamishree blessed the Yagna mandap with His divine presence for some time and witnessed the proceedings of Yagna at the main havan kund.
In the evening, a Shobha Yatra took place in which the idols of Shri AksharPurushottam Maharaj, Shri RadhaKrishnadev, GuruHari Shastriji Maharaj, GuruHari Yogiji Maharaj and Pragat GuruHari Hariprasadswamiji Maharaj were brought into the temple through a spectacular procession. The “Shobha Yatra” started at 6.30 p.m with a well decorated chariot in which the murtis were placed.
The next day, 21st November 2010 proved to be a remarkable and a very memorable day for all the devotees as the murti pratishtha ceremony took place in the newly constructed temple in the premises of Atmiya Vidya Mandir. In the early morning of the auspicious day of DevDiwali, at 9.00 am, H.D.H. P.P Hariprasadswamiji Maharaj arrived in the Mandir where He was greeted by many devotees. Swamishree began walking up to the mandir dome and stepped up the stairs with His lotus feet.
The rituals of murti pratishtha were being performed under the main dome of the temple. A special seat had been prepared for Swamishree, and around Him sat some 1000 or more well-wishers and senior devotees. The several thousands of other guests and devotees attentively witnessed the proceedings live on giant video screens in the marquee. Swamishree Himself began to perform the prescribed rituals as Brahmins chanted the appropriate Vedic hymns and verses. The chanting and prayers reverberated around the dome, charging the atmosphere with divinity.
Finally, at 10.15 am, Swamishree was requested to enter the sanctum sanctorum and begin the final rituals and prayers that would perfectly consecrate the murtis. Whilst He Himself performed the pratishtha rituals of the murtis of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Gunatitanand Swamiji in the central sanctum, He requested Param Pujya Aksharvihari Swamiji to do the same for the murtis of GuruHari Shastriji Maharaj and GuruHari Yogiji Maharaj.
In the outer sanctums, the senior saints performed the rituals for the murtis of Shree Hanumanji and Lord Ganesha.
Around 10:30 am, Swamishree, the saints and other guests were given lighted wicks with which to perform the aarti – in front of the deities who were instilled with pran, now fully consecrated in all their royal divinity. The aarti announced to the world the completion of the Vedic ceremonies. The mandir now was no longer just a beautiful inert physical object, but became new, radiated with the infinite divinity and tranquility of God.
After the ceremonies, the curtain to the sanctum was closed and as everyone waited outside, the murtis were clothed in regal splendour and an annakut of hundreds of devotionally prepared dishes were placed artistically before them. This was the first offering to the Lord here!
Swamishree and the guests were then led to the sabha mandap outside the Kothar Bhavan at school cricket ground. The sabha mandap was sanctified with the presence of saints and all the sadhaks from Haridham. The soothing effect of bhajan-kirtan at the beginning of the sabha was perfect to maintain the decorum of such a pious event. Very soon Swamishree arrived and gave His darshan to the thousands of devotees who were eager to have His glimpse. Pujya Sugney Swamiji delivered the ceremonial discourse after the kirtan aradhana. Thereafter, Swamishree was greeted with offering of flowers as all the devotees witnessed it with folded hands. Thereafter dignitaries, officials and respectable personalities present in the function were welcomed. Thereafter, Swamishree blessed the highly dedicated devotees of Bharthana village and those of the Surat area who had toiled day and night to contribute in the functional activities of Atmiya Vidya Mandir and be instrumental in Swamishree’s mission of Atmiyata.
It was followed by a noteworthy speech of Sarthakbhai Jariwala, a student of 11th Science from Atmiya Vidya Mandir who is also the Headboy of the school. Sarthakbhai shared how over the years, they (students of AVM) have been instilled with the feeling of Atmiyata and righteousness. He also shared the fact how Swamiji takes care of them and how Swamiji takes interest in each and every minor detail of the school may it be food, clothes, studies or any other facilities in the school. Sarthakbhai very well explained Swamiji’s vision about the name of the school. As all the students are given this Sutra by Swamishree that they should invoke the God before and after studies which is a sure way to success, thus they study or attain Vidya remaining Atmiya with one another. And it is a befitting feature to make a temple in the school, hence, the name Atmiya Vidya Mandir.
After this heart touching speech of Sarthakbhai, Swamishree blessed the devotees through His paraavani. Swamishree expressed His wish that through Atmya Vidya Mandir He wants to gift the society such eligible individuals who would be devotional, emotionally balanced, intellectually competent and spiritually strong.
Swamishree further said that temple in the school is significant for the concentration of divine energies and vibrations which would keep the students devoid of any vices consequently enabling them to be in a right state of mind to absorb teaching. Thus they will be capable to acquire the qualities of true perception, right judgement, self-mastery, patience, altruism, and unselfishness.
Last but not the least was an amazing speech by Niramaybhai, a student of Grade 2 at Atmiya Vidya Mandir. The devotees had enchanting darshan of Swamiji’s smiling and delightful face expressions while He was listening to Niramaybhai’s speech. In his innocent and sweet voice Niramaybhai said that they are very fortunate that Swamiji started the school from Grade 1 so that right from such a young age they are inculcated with good values. He said that the temple in the school would help them make their heart itself a temple. After the sabha, the devotees moved to have prasad as lunch.
The weather gods were evidently spectator who reserved considerate and ideal conditions that prevailed throughout the festivities but as soon as the sabha was over, the Indradevta showered His grace through heavy downpour on this special event.
Thus, with the inauguration of the temple began a new era for Atmiya Vidya Mandir.
સ્વામીજી આ સ્કૂલ તમે બનાવી એ તમારી અમારા આત્મા પર કરુણા છે…
સ્વામીજી તમે અમને આત્મીયતા શીખવાડી એ તમારી અમારા આત્મા પર કરુણા છે…
સ્વામીજી તમે આ મંદિર બનાવ્યું અને ઠાકોરજી પધરાવ્યા એ તમારી અમારા આત્મા પર કરુણા છે…
તો આજ ના દિવસે તમારા અને સમગ્ર ગુણાતીત પુરુષો ના ચરણો માં પ્રાર્થના કરવી છે કે,
“મંદિર બનાવ્યું આપ બિરાજ્યા, કરવી શું આરાધના. હૃદય મંદિરે કાયમ બિરાજો, ભૂલકા ની છે પ્રાર્થના.”
Written by: Seema Madam

Suharadam Murtipratishtha Mahotsav: Live Web Cast

This event will be web cast live, from Atmiya Vidya Mandir on 20th & 21st November 8:30 am onwards Indian Standard Time.

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Regards,

Atmiya Vidya Mandir Parivar