Ceremonial grandeur marks Republic Day celebrations at AVM

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“He should be the one who is proud of the place he lives in and he lives such a way so that his place will be proud of him”.

Guided by this motto, the students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir are being trained earnestly in all fields of life so that they are physically robust, mentally agile and emotionally composed to serve their family as well as country. One fine example of such an effort was the Republic Day celebration on 26th January.

The R-day acquired the status of a special celebration as all members of Atmiya Vidya Mandir family participated whole-heartedly being spectators as well participants. The celebrational mosaic was studded with lots of activities. Though the flag hoisting and parade were the main ceremonies, various activities spill over the football ground of the school from early morning when students, teachers and house masters, Didis were gathered to witness the programme.

The ceremonial grandeur of the occasion started with Pujan of Thakorji, by the dignitaries and distinguished guests of the occasion. The flag was hoisted by the chief guest of the function Mr.Vasant Bhai a renowned industrialist of Surat, soon after the national song Vande Mataram was sung by everybody. Pomp and gaiety marked the occasion as he unfurled the National Flag. In his address, the Chief Guest remarked that the discipline and organizational skills of Atmiya Vidya Mandir are ‘at the top’. He also spoke about the fact that the school premises bears an amazing aura of irresistible positive vibrations. Children saluted the national flag and renewed their pledge to be loyal to their country family and country and make India a developed nation.

Soon, a sprightly parade and a colorful collage of cultural events marked the Republic Day celebrations. In the march past parade, the students of four different houses were marching in unison. The parade was succeeded by flag drill by the tiny tots which was an enchanting programme. The small hands, holding the replica tri-colour small flags in their hands and moving their body rhythematically, were well tuned with the live music. It was followed by hoop drills and dumb bells drill by different group of students. The swiftness, synchronization and various movements tuned with music were spectacular. Yathansh Joshi of Std V presented an impressive speech where he shared how being students and mere children they can contribute in making tomorrow’s world a better place. “Having achieved our freedom in total, it is essential for us to uphold its glory. True freedom means respecting the rights of other citizens as well,” he added.

Renuka Madam, Niramay from Std II, Niharika Mam, Parth Amipara and Harshil from Std VIII handled the announcement of various programmes. The lazium and dumble drill were appreciated by all those present. Gymnastics show by the students of Std VI to X added the purple flavour to the celebrations. The various physical exercises and drills assured and confirmed the fact that students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir are not only spiritually and mentally balanced and well tuned but also they possess energetic, sturdy and healthy body. The traditional predominates along with a touch of modernity reflected in the display of physical exercises.

The hearts of everyone present, were actually stolen by the cyclists champs of Std X, who presented a well rehearsed and synchronized show on wheels.

Republic Day gradually acquired the celebrational status as that of the national festival. The celebration was amazing, total and participatory, children took part in a big way. Variations in culture were displayed through colourful attires and moving exhibitions. A huge applause was heard for all the tableau, which presented the “Cultural and Religious Harmony” of the various Indian festival against the backdrop of the live performance by the students corresponding to the moving exhibitions. The tableaux were predominated by cultural motifs with a touch of the local highlights the identity of the area. The celebration is thus a homage to the culture diversity, the regional significance and the nation that is a true republic and imposes nothing.

The School Principal Swayam Madam, in her speech, stated that Republic Day is not just about celebrations, it is about renewing our commitments and the promises that we made to our motherland. It is also about enlightening our young generation about the sacrifices made by the brave and valiant martyrs during the freedom struggle. It is a solemn day to rededicate ourselves. The patriotic fervour was in full zeal when Pranav Sir sang a patriotic song in his melodious voice.

The teachers, students and all viewers were spell bound, astounded and rather carried away by the daredevil act of some students who proved their well tuned and well balanced mental and physical status. They courageously jumped through the rings of fire and even rode a bicycle through the burning ring. It was a breath taking performance. The safety measures and keen practice by Shekhar Sir was highly appreciable. These presumptuously daring acts of students indirectly conveyed that they have fearless attitude to meet any kind of challenge. Being under such guidance and schooling, they would be the trailblazers and trendsetters of tomorrow’s world as having been blessed with this vision of His Divine Holiness P.P Hariprasad Swamiji.

The students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir once again proved their mettle. The celebrations came to an end with a huge round of applause for all the participants. Thus it was a graceful and interesting programme by this group of young and enthusiastic students taken in the open air with a picturesque background with an imposing slogan “The Constitution With Atmiyata Lasts Forever”.

Math Mania Mesmerized Many at Atmiya Vidya Mandir

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Numbers sizzled on the walls, symbols and equations screamed from roof tops, geometry and graph vied for attention, additions, multiplications, percentages never sounded so simple and never were children so excited, falling all over the Math week celebrated recently at Atmiya Vidya Mandir.

Famous essayist Francis Bacon says “If a man’s wit be wandering, let him study the mathematics.” Is Bacon’s recommendation accurate? Does the study of math sharpen the critical thinking and reasoning skills? For an enjoyable experience of Maths we must necessarily be able to relate the subject to the head and heart and focus on the development of thinking and reasoning skills. Keeping this in mind…..the Maths Department of Atmiya Vidya Mandir had organized Maths Competition and even celebrated the Math Week organizing many activities.

During this Math week, Maths was treated as more than just study of formulae and calculation techniques. It aimed at building real life skills in children who are taught to think, deduce and reason rather than just deal with mechanical procedures. These activities were all about of “figures and numbers” concerned with knowledge of measurement, properties and relations, quantities, which can include theoretical or applied studies of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and calculus. In the formalist view, students were at the investigation of defined abstract structures using symbolic logic and mathematical notation.

The competition was named as Hari Ankan and students were divided into three groups.
1st: Jr section – Std 1st to 5th
2nd: Sr section – Std 6th and 7th
3rd: Sr. section – Std 8th and 9th

The tantalizing and compelling pursuit of mathematical problems during the math week offered the students mental absorption and endless challenges. Overall competition was further divided into 5 rounds in Jr, Section.
Round 1 – ASSET Based question – They have to solve given question in a minute. It was a hilarious ice-breaker for all the students to determine their conceptual clarity.
Round 2 – Rapid Fire Round – Student have to answer the given question quickly and they have to complete 10 questions answer with in 45 seconds.
Round 3 – Buzzer Round – Students of each house were to solve given question within 1 minute and one who solves quick and buzz first, will get highest points.
Round 4 – Puzzle Round Group A – Class 1 to 3 – Teamwork round – Class 1 to 3 together solve a puzzle of 6 pieces within 3 minutes.
Round 5 – Puzzle Round Group B – Class 4 to 5 – Teamwork round – Class 4 to 5 together solve a puzzle of 10 pieces within 5 minutes.

Flashes of insight, intuition, speculation, and reasonable guesses were at peak as students found something different and innovative – a break from the normal pen paper routine.

 
Calculation, Accuracy and Speed for Sr. Group – Std 6th to 9th
Among the senior group as if Ramanujam and Aryabhatta were in the making, students turned their head and toe to prove themselves during various competitive activities.

Mathematical enterprise – Round 1 – based on ASSET questions. Students were to solve given question in a minute. Clarity of thought and pursuing assumptions to logical conclusions was central to this activity.

Computer based round – Round 2 – Computer based quiz was created with about questions. Students were to solve them with great speed. Type of questions used in computer based round were objectives, true/false, fill in the blank, match the column.

Mental Aptitude Test – Round 3, MAT round: Questions were based on logical reasoning. Again their finest combination of accuracy and speed was on the move. They were to sort objects by shape, color, and size and by recognizing groups and patterns.

Applied Reasoning – Round 4, Puzzle round. It was all about learning, verifying and visualizing mathematical concepts in a ‘fun’ way. It inculcated learning through imagination. This learner centered approach to math helps every child imagine, investigate and interact effectively.

Thus the multiple ways of quiz comprised technology, applications, videos, manipulative and measuring instruments, tables, charts and so much more.

Puzzling puzzles

The flashcards and number drills, the students just loved numbers and through puzzles they were shown how math is part of everyday life and they were eager to learn more. The brain teasers were not only fun to deal with but also worked as an educational tool. These puzzles tested the logical reasoning of students, as a useful instrument for improving ones mental agility.

Puzzle for Std 6: Form a shape (triangle, hexagon, pentagon, octagon) using different shapes of pieces.

Puzzle for Std 7 and 8: Tangram Puzzle: It was an exciting game which stimulated creativity with in student group. The oldest known mechanical puzzle, it is Chinese in origin, but has gained popularity the world over. The Tangram is essentially a dissection of a square.

Puzzle for Std 9: Balancing 5 books on the edge of the table, such that the top most book extends over the edge of the table.

Wall Of Math-
The new building corridor wall wore a different look as Math department initiated an activity through Wall Of Maths which gave them an opportunity to write their views and feelings about Math. They enjoyed themselves making swirly-whirly designs on the wall.

In assembly– Every day during assembly students were informed about life of a Mathematician and some facts and riddles of Maths. They gathered lots of information about world of maths.

Question A Day – Every day a question had been displayed on the Math Lab soft board which was based on mental ability and logical reasoning. The corridors at old and new cluster were converted into display stalls and stations. Students were enthusiastic giving answers of the questions. During break time the new building cluster was looking like math mela where students were reading, discussing and answering questions.

The glorious winners-

1st Position– Satyam House
2nd Position – Shivam House
3rd Position – Suhradam House
4th Position – Sundaram House

Thus, it was an amazing time learning together a fun way. A few heads shook in disbelief, a few solved things on their own, a few put up a bold front and attempted, a few smartly, prodded for answers, the not so mathematically inclined stayed a few metres away from the front for good reason, but all their smiles and moods were intact throughout the grand celebration. Many students and teachers bustled around excitedly, lending a festive air to the event.

Long live the Math department, Longer stay their work!!!!

Written by: Seema Madam

Love God, Serve Others, Live Simply : Sundaram House

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Paropakaaraartham idam shareeram (this body is meant for the service of others) This is a proverbial poetic line, fervently recited by many, fostering fondness and devotion to the country’s composite cultural heritage but H.D.H. P.P. Hariprasad Swamiji lives through it. His life is completely devoted and committed for the welfare of others. Hence, the value based education of Atmiya Vidya Mandir follows His message which means to enrich the mind with expansion, fellow feeling and benevolence.
Many parents still sing this hoary value to their young children and Sundaram House clearly and evidently made sincere efforts through morning assemblies and soft board displays that the great legacy is not lost, but only to be restored, thereby proclaiming the relevance of service to the students for a meaningful life.

Sundaram House celebrated its yet another week with a great value-Service or Seva, conveying the students the message that human embodiment is meant to gain the treasure of values so it should be nourished with healthy food, exercise and rest, employing it more in the service of others than for their own needs.

It has been practice of Sundaram House to demonstrate and live up to the value first, which is being conveyed to other students by them. Applying this value, on the very first day of the week, the members of Sundaram House, the teachers and students took up the seva at dining hall. They served the food to everybody with utmost respect and care. It was a great experience for the students as they realized how fulfilling it is to do a little good to others. They were all just inspiring, standing at the counters of the dining hall offering their services selflessly!

It was Anand Kalavadia in the next day morning assembly, who highlighted another aspect of the value of service. He presented a slide show of the world renowned personalities who served the mankind some or the other way. Anand explained how Mahatma Gandhi sacrificed his flourishing career at South Africa in order to serve our nation, how Mother Teresa lived for the poor and the needy and her service still goes through the mission she established. The students got to know from the presentation of Anand how Narayan Murthy the founder-chairman of Infosys and his wife Sudha Murthy have made a better life of thousands of people through many programmes. He also shared with the students the remarkable acts of philanthropy and benevolence rendered by Bill Gates, the founder and chairman of Microsoft bringing a positive change in the lives of many people.

The Wednesday morning assembly had something most significant to know about the people in Atmiya Vidya Mandir Campus, who offer their services in the campus tirelessly with a sole purpose to please Swamiji. Jay Tailor explained in his speech how inspiring it is to find the elders in the campus who devotionally serve others without any expectations.

After conveying these various important aspects of Service or Seva to the students, it was mandatory for the students to know what the acts of disservice are and how to keep away from aseva. In Thursday assembly, Priyavadan Sir explained the students how to keep away from disservice. It was highly important for the students to know that thinking negative about others, criticizing others, being judgmental about others and disrespecting others for their status are the certain kinds of acts of disservice which the students must keep away from.

Sundaram house was all set to develop an understanding in the students that our first attitude should be to regard our body as an invaluable means to help and serve others. Seva or service is not something we do additional to everything else that we are doing in our lives; it is something that we do while we are going about the normal business of everyday living.

Following this was an amazing session by Sahishnu Patel (Class 10) in the morning assembly of Friday. He put forward the ways of serving others as directed in Vachanamrut G. M. 41. Sahishnu shared that the sole purpose of seva is to please God so we should extend a helping hand to others without any discrimination or sense of superiority as to serve humans is to please God.

The Sundaram house week concluded with a big bang with its incredible creative assembly. The students portrayed a scene from the book Nilkanth Charitra which describes the incidences of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s pilgrimage of India. During His pilgrimage how lord Swaminarayan as Nilkanth Varni served and helped the ungrateful Sevakram despite his disgraceful and humiliating nature. The students watched with great interest how Niral Patel (9B) acted well as Sevakram and Tanmay Patel was befitting in the character of Nilkanth Varni. Besides these students, Harshill Soni (8A) and Vishvajeet Solanki (8B) acted as pedestrians. Anmol Kagrecha (8A), Harshit Talesara (8B) and Jay Madgunki (5C) served as property managers and Jay Tailor (11 Science) and Nimit (Std 5) as hosts. The students were highly inspired to find how unconditionally Nilkanth Varni served Sevakram.

The amazing week of Sundaram House had much more for the students and it was the superb display material on the soft boards, displaying worth watching information along with the values. The chief motive of decorating the soft board is to enrich the knowledge of students and enhance their overall skills. Students of Sundaram house made an effort in the same direction.

The theme selected was “Traffic Signs”. Students of grade 9 collected Mandatory and Regulatory signs which were displayed on one soft board. Many of them came up with good ideas and suggestions to display those signs in a creative manner on the other soft board. For that they decided to make a symbolic path named as Path Of Success. On which they showed 16 different traffic signs along with the values they derived from those signs. E.g. One Way – There is only one way to succeed that is Perseverance. Success lies in focusing our entire energy on a single aim or No horn – Speak less work more, let your work speak for you. Speech is silver, silence is golden or Speed limit – Delimit the excitement and confidence to avoid an accident. Perseverance pays. Rome was not built in a day. The students who toiled hard for the concept, design, cutting, pasting and making of these display materials were Neelkanth Garg – 9A, Meet Chugh – 9A, Yash Patel – 9A, Sunny Patel – 9A, Smeet Bhatt – 9A, Harshal Gadhiya – 9B, Sagar N Patel – 9B, Parth Agrawal – 9B, Dhimant Rambhia – 9B, Niral Patel – 9B, Krushan Panchal – 6A, Kevin Patidar – 6A, Hitarth Savani – 6B, Utsav Patel – 6B, Jugal Vyas – 6B, Pranesh Tanna – 6C, Suraj Yadav – 7C, Virat Italiya – 7A, Arpit Trapasiya – 7B and Samir Patel – 7B. It was a stupendous concept of symbolic meaning of various traffic signals for a successful happy life. The presentation on both display boards was fantastic.

Thus Sundaram House made a humble effort that students at all levels of the school learn that serving others fosters their own individual growth and civic responsibility. Offer your work by means of your thoughts, words and actions today. “Work and live to serve others, to leave the world a little better than you found it and garner for yourself as much peace of mind as you can,” Sundaram House claims.. “This is happiness.” Thus students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir acknowledged that all services rendered through love are services to God through mankind and those who help or renders services to the needy through love never regret doing so, because God rewards for such services. God gives us blessings in various forms – some in the form of wealth, some in the form of good health, some in the form of skill and so on. The best way of thanking God is to share His blessings with fellow human-beings.

“The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
 

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
 
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
Written by: Seema Madam

English Activity: Role Play Interview by Students

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Loud reading…..factual answers…inferential answers…cramming vocabulary, extrapolative answers..literary explanations…paper pencil test ..and so on.. the mechanical order of learning…..Abstract concepts are difficult for most young children to grasp simply by hearing them explained. Atmiya Vidya Mandir, humbly, yet with a sense of pride, makes the abstract concrete. It is about doing rather than listening, about active engagement rather than mindless copying of words and sentences, which are often little understood. One fine example of such a practice is the ‘Role Play Interview Round conducted by English teacher of grade 8. Instead of teaching a big unit of the English textbook titled ‘Secret of Their Success’ with conventional method ,where students were to read and write about the success story of great personalities, she thought of an activity based learning to empower their communicative skills .
Reading extensively: All the students of class VIII were divided into groups, each group consisted of two students. They were given research work on the life and success story of great personalities of the world , for example, Mother Teresa, Pablo Picasso, Azim Premji, Abdul Kalam, John Keats and many more…Here comes the reading part!!!!!!!! It was worth seeing, the scene of the library, to find all the students of Std VIII browsing books, reading about successful people of the world and discussing in groups. All of them read ardently and collected enough information about the success story and inspiring life of these personalities to feel inspired themselves.

Writing and speaking earnestly: It was the time to take up writing and speaking part. Each one of them along with their group member was assigned the role of interviewer and interviewee. In each group one student took up the role of a successful and renowned personality and the other one prepared and wrote a series of questions related to the life and success story of that personality. Some students like Anmol Kagrecha, Nishit Banka, Satyam Bajaj, Harsh Sarda, Harshil Soni, Parth Amipara, Param Patel and Love Patel were helping their peers to prepare well for the question-answer round for this Role Play Interview Activity.

Listening Actively: Once they were ready with their questions and answers related to the respective personality they were assigned to, their teacher showed them some videos of interviews. They all listened carefully and watched these videos to learn correct pronunciation, fluency, presentation, gestures and even the dressing of the interviewer and interviewee.

Learning Social skills: The students and their English teacher decided to perform this activity in presence of students, teachers and some elders of the school hence the preparations were in the air. The students prepared invitation cards for the guests of this event but their English teacher was happy to see that her students were actually learning how to write an invitation for an event, the learning just happened!!! More than learning to write they also acknowledged how to meet and talk dignitaries as they went to give invitation to Fuvaji, Haresh Sir, Principal Madam and all Departmental Heads. It was amazing to find them working as a wonderful team with coordination.

Event Management Skill: Besides being the participants of this activity, Students of Std VIII learnt how to organize an event owing to this activity. The seating arrangement, stage decoration, property management, receiving the guests, making bouquet of fresh flowers, etc. It was wonderful to see them do their work with great responsibility and coordination under the guidance of their English Teacher.

L.A.R.P (live action role playing): Finally, it was the day when they were to perform the role of the assigned personality(interviewee) and the other as interviewer. Tanmay Patel started the programme by calling upon the guest on the stage to do the pujan of Thakorji. Then Anmol Kagrecha took up the mic to deliver the welcome speech. Here comes the incredible performance!

The stage wore a perfect decorum of an interview session where these boys were in the shoe of world-renowned-personalities and were asked questions regarding their success journey, mile-stones, struggle and achievements. The back stage screen displays were amazing with the photograph and a short biography of each personality the students were role playing. This slide show was appealing and befitting to the show. The anchors Jeet Maradia, Yash Jariwala, Mitul Mehta, Harshit Talesara and many more were just astounding with their confident performance. Most of the students were able to overcome their stage fear and low self-esteem through this activity. Some of the students were able to get along with each other and work as a group.

Now it was the time for the three judges Paras Sir, Saumya Mam and Rupashree Mam to announce the result. It was amazing to get their positive comment about the performance of all the participants. The suggestions regarding pronunciation by Rupashree Mam were valuable. At the end, Prajval Sir announced the winners and congratulated them. The show ended with vote of thanks by Vishvajeet Solanki. Later, Nishit Banka, Harshil Soni, Bhavik Parikh and Kenny Patel and many students shared their experiences.

Akshay Golwala says, “We can understand now the importance of communication and communicating the right way.”

“Not everyone is equally endowed with the ability to effectively express himself and this is where the importance of communication skills can be truly fathomed.” says their English Teacher

The usually quiet Mitul says “I know now that the importance of communication is equal in every walk of like, be it in personal, professional or social life.”

Yash Chhatani says “I have read and understood that people who end up making a positive difference in the world often possess qualities that transcripts are powerless to measure.”

“I now know that important traits and attributes include perseverance, self-knowledge, imagination, the ability to identify the purpose of your life.” says Harshit Y Agarwal

Parikshit says. “I understand now that we should pursue what we have interest in.”

Pratipal Jadeja says “I came to know that success means the willingness to take risks, the ability to rebound from setbacks, and the capacity to empathize with and to work well with others.”

Written by: Seema Madam

Celebration of Heritage Day

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the observance of 12th January as the Heritage Day to initiate an educational campaign to preserve and protect heritage sites and monuments of the country.

Joining hands to promote awareness regarding safeguarding our heritage monuments and sites, the students and teachers of Atmiya Vidya Mandir pledged to contribute in a collaborative way towards this concern by being a part of the ongoing global campaign.

Together, the family of AVM created posters that boasted some effective suggestions to conserve and preserve such natural as well as architectural land marvels. Adopting “Valley of flowers” Standard X suggested that more documentaries should be shown in order to generate awareness a view that was corroborated by others to regarding preserving the glory of Victoria Terminus, Sanchi Stupa, Temple of Hampi and Ajanta and Ellora Caves.

Suggestion regarding inclusion of projects on such sites in the school curriculum and other such measures that will help spread awareness was widely accepted.

The wide range of suggestions that flooded this ‘creation of awareness program’ shows a genuine concern on part of AVM towards preserving and conserving our extraordinary rich heritage.
Written By: Rupashree Madam

Parents newsletter for the months September to December 2010

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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

Academic Year 2011-12: Vacation and Important Calendar Dates

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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….

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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!!!

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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

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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