Archive for category: Value Based Education

Swamishree’s Visit to AVM and His Encompassing Divine Aura

He loves unconditionally, stabilizing all emotional upheavals…

He guides influentially, channelizing all energies…

He pats affectionately, shedding off all vices…

He speaks persuasively, directing to a meaningful life…

He dwells in our heart, uniting it to the Supreme…

He who awakens, H.D.H. P.P. Hariprasad Swamiji Maharaj.

It was a time worth cherishing, when Swamishree’s lotus feet tread on to the soil of Atmiya Vidya Mandir after several months, re-charging and sanctifying it once again.

The school campus looked like a bejewelled temple awaiting its Lord. The stage was a kaleidoscope of colourful flowers and there was a bustle of activity all around. A welcome ceremony and cultural programme was organized to offer our reverence and gratitude for this long awaited visit. The students sporting colourful attire presented a gratifying cultural programme displaying their improvised creativity, doubled up with Swamishree’s presence. In the ceremony, Swamiji rejoiced listening from Paras Sir about the active participation of all students in different house activities and morning assembly programmes throughout the year. He wore a glad and contented look when Prabhudarshan Sir presented a brief report about implementation of CCE and teachers’ untiring efforts to promote holistic development of the students.

In this magnetic-divine-temple arena field, our music teacher Somnath Sir with a group of students presented melodious bhajans. It all started slowly and gracefully, increased its intensity with a regular tempo and rhythm, with a graceful flowing style and tapered to a soothing end.

The next day, Swamiji first called a meeting of teachers and non teaching staff in the auditorium, where Swamiji explained His noble mission behind this school to gift the society mentally, morally and spiritually strong individuals. In His soul-stirring discourse, He evoked the teachers to teach the students with unconditional love, unshakable devotion and dedication. He made it very clear to the teachers that in this milieu of mutual respect and recognition of personalities between the teachers and students, the latter cannot be just studious but he observes, and teachers should set the example of an ideal life being the role models. Swamiji extended His wish in making of influential personalities like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Swami Vivekanand through Atmiya Vidya Mandir.

The downpour of His blessings proved to be historical this time as Swamiji called a felicitation ceremony for the recently joined prominent members of AVM family, respected Dr. Vijay Patel, Ashish Patel and Mrugesh Patel. In this programme, in the presence of P. Fuvaji, P. Ashokbhai and all elderly members of AVM, Swamiji Himself conveyed students that these members are His choicest and will contribute significantly in all-facet progress of the school. Swamiji expressed His pleasure saying that now the development of the students is ensured by the strong team of academically and spiritually sound teachers in the leadership of respected Vijay Sir, Ashish Sir and P. Swayam Ma’am. Calling out to Him devotionally, they beseeched His grace and guidance.

A memorable evening indeed that would be firmly etched in one’s heart forever including the new members (the principal and the vice-principal) those who are the choicest and most beloved for Him, whose thoughts, actions and heart attuned with SwamiShree’s words and His noble mission for the school.

It is a matter of utmost privilege for the students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir that no matter wherever Swamiji goes or with whomsoever He remains …..He always asks for the students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir. Every time when He returns from His vichran, He wishes to meet AVM students first of all “Badhha Dikarao na Darshan karva chhe”. With this fact of being first in His wish or priority list …students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir are destined to lead an ever happy and ever progressive life.

Enshrining students with Master’s touch, Swamiji expressed His wish to personally meet with the students. He counselled the students, meeting them individually, a special energy, a strong vibration and a distinct aura gathers around Him. Students shared their emotional upheavals and distractions, once again they avail the opportunity to be encompassed in His Divya Drishti and being soaked in His loving glance. He spent a considerable time with the students of Std XII. SwamiShree motivated them to concentrate their energy on the set goal of cracking the competition with exceptionally good performance. He suggested them that the negative thoughts should be shunned deriving strength from the God through prayer. “A good student ‘extracts’ the best out of teachers and asks creative questions – he does not ask for dates or facts or mere descriptions, but stimulates the intellect of the teacher”. He strengthened the aspirations of the students to become a Bhoolku Scientist or Bhoolku Engineer following a set routine and consistent effort coupled with prayers. Transmitting the piousness through His sight, words and touch, He bestowed ultimate confidence and positivity upon them.

Reflection of students’ high spirits during Swamiji’s stay in the campus resulted in the phenomenal success of World Maths Day and World Spelling Day. Swamishree chose to visit Atmiya Vidya Mandir when students were juggling with the preparation for final exams and World Wide War of numbers and spellings hence they emerged triumphant.

Swamiji’s visit to AVM was more like the warmth of a blazing flame on the frozen feet…like an unspoken prayer coming out of a joyous heart already heard by the almighty.

The tiny-tots’ prayer echoed in the holy abode

They moved like the breeze blowing rapturously laden with enticing scent in the fists of the weather,

They scrambled like butterflies on fragrant flowers, like the buds pestering to blossom,

They sang like the exuberant river spumes froth rendering the dulcet melody of the immortal song of life…

They are our dearest children, our precious pearls from Std I and II, who adorned the prayer hall stage with their gripping performance. It was a glorious spring day made to order….the Satyam house members trained these tiny tots to display the power of prayer. It was a part of extracurricular activities serving the very purpose of channelizing the bursting energy and gifted qualities of these children. “We figure out if our child is shy, extrovert, boisterous or artistic. Then give him various options that complement his interest and temperament,” said Sharmil Mam, the Satyam House Convener (Junior Section).

The programme was loaded with exciting skits, song and dance performances by the students of I and II Std, which captured the hearts of the audience. These tiny tots were trained to perform brilliantly, giving a colourful ambience by their dedicated teachers and didis, who had strived hard to train them.

This memorable morning’s proceedings commenced with a willful prayer sung by these children “O Lord teach me to be kind…” It was followed by an action song “All things bright and beautiful” The innocent children attired in saffron and red, illuminated the stage while the audience watched them with rapt attention. The dazzling display of talent by these children was amazing to watch with their spectacular performances. Their innate inherent spontaneity of expression and the confidence kindled by Satyam House members was beyond comparison.

Then, the curtain rose to reveal the “dance skit” with a backdrop setting of the holy palace of the God as the play entitled “Heavenly Abode” began. Students dressed in celestial costumes depicted the happenings and procedure of Heaven where there are different sections handled by many angels to receiving prayers and delivering blessings. But the most highlighted part of the performance, which was also the message of the skit, conveyed the need of developing the sense of gratitude towards the received blessings. These children through this skit enkindled in the audience the sense of gratitude towards the God and the need to acknowledge His unconditional love. They presented beautifully How to pray and what to pray. The message conveyed by these children was to thank the almighty for His love, to express gratitude for the everyday miracles that occur that we often take for granted and to be grateful for the power of choice. This skit was a sort of fairy tale fiesta, and icing on the cake was the final burlesque performance of children playing the arch angels.

Finally they waved at the audience with their lovely and enchanting singing “Teri hai Zami…Tera Aasma….Tu bada meherban…”. The message conveyed by means of dance, skits and enactments synchronized so beautifully showed the outstanding caliber of the small students. The audience watching was surely in a quandary as each child seemed to outdo the other. The applause they received was deafening and they did deserve it.

The very presence of respected Vijay Sir and Ashish Sir made the moments of the programme special as they were present to witness the bubbling enthusiasm of these tiny tots. It was amazing to see the creativity displayed by these small students in their efforts to perform as per the guidance of the teachers. When complimented for their support, the teachers from Satyam House expressed happiness for being involved in the event. Many of them said, they were re-living their own childhood through these kids! Our youngest student, six-year old Aaryan from Std I, also was not far behind in the dance and skit, he came dressed as arch angels, with crown and star- headed-magical wand and a cute little outfit. Though he could not understand what all the fuss was about, he enjoyed prancing around, lapping up all the attention he was getting.

It was a performance par excellence. The senior students were caught up working merrily with their tall presence to help these small kids to perform with a backdrop of ongoing presentation through projector, the confidence and enthusiasm of these children was infectious which made their face luminous. On this day, the morning sun did not seem brighter than the dazzling and sparkling light in the eyes of these enthusiastic kids.

Exam hues and wholesome Holi at AVM

March 23, 2011/0 Comments/in AVM Updates, Value Based Education /by Seema Joshi

Attention !!! Those who feel that exam fever has completely taken over fun and that the festive spirit is missing among the student fraternity, here’s a reality check. Holi was celebrated in Atmiya Vidya Mandir with great zest and verve. With promising loads of entertainment, the AVM family was all set to make a splash in the riot of colours coupled with guffaws and giggles with a pinch of ‘unbarred fun’ this Holi. Enhancing splendor of living with a zing of Indian Culture and traditions, a time to spread joy, color and love into the lives of our dear students.

A classic embodiment of renewal in nature, the spring festival of Holi came as welcome respite from the searing heat this weekend. Whether the students savored casual elegance or organized chaos with versatility, a HARMONY of colors and style was sure to daub all Atmiyans.

The holy fire

A holy bonfire for Holi was lit and rituals of traditional Holika Dahan were performed .To offer prayers and witness this ceremonial bonfire, all elders, teachers, house masters, Didis and others members of Atmiya Vidya Mandir were gathered behind the Swimming pool site. A small cultural programme was arranged to mark the grandeur of the festival. Shekhar Sir, Ramakar Sir and the team of sports teachers had arranged some games for the students. A noteworthy combination of Bhagatji Maharaj’s birthday on the same day added much piety to this celebration. Bharat Sir explained the students, the cultural and traditional significance of this day. More than this, there was a huge wall of colours, which was specially set up for the teachers to get amused by sprinkling colours on it to mark symbolic holi.

After the pujan of Thakorji, the holy fire was lit and everybody’s face was lighten up, much with enthusiasm than the orange flames of bonfire. Following the Hindu tradition, students walked around the holy fire to get rid of all vices of body, mind and soul through the heat of the holy flames and they rejuvenated themselves.

Click on the pictures in the above slideshow to view all the pictures.

Dipped in hues of love

With a fun-cum-festive environment paramounting, the invigorating Holi created the perfect flavour of fits of fun. The air laden with colour, joyous shouts of students, house masters and teachers and herbal colours added much charm.

Lending spatter and splash of gulal on the solemnity of strenuous study schedule of exams, the faces of young students painted in red, orange, yellow colours, teachers and house masters were running here and there being chased by delighted students with colours, some of them were trying for cover to save themselves from getting drenched while some of them targeting their friends with colour-filled balloons, this was the expression of colourful extravaganza. Hardly was there any one, who was spared of having been plunged into the mud-water-pool, specially created for this FUN UNLIMITED!!!!!!!!!

Students were also informed about the legends of these festivals and they also realized the other fact that they should not use the colours containing harmful chemicals to smear on their near and dear ones. Thanks to Shekhar Sir and his team members to increase awareness, however, the mud-water puddle and the handy water hose doubled the fun.

The fact remains with this reality check that this Holi lent different heights to the student-teacher relationship and the celebrations had more to do with colours of joy. The devotion and gaiety marked the festival though the approaching final exam grilled the fun.

Thou Shall Be Pleased, I Owe My Existence to you Lord!…. Suhradam House

February 9, 2011/0 Comments/in AVM Updates, Value Based Education /by Seema Joshi

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

A student may be exceptionally brilliant, hardworking and focused but without the divine grace, things wouldn’t work for him or for any body. Today what others call as good luck or bad luck is what I call as Grace! In fact this is the simple yet profound fact conveyed by Suhradam House.

It was the most memorable assembly hosted by Suhradam House with a detailed perspective of ‘Devotion’- one that might relate to human love and care for the Guru or God, or affection and faith, or something stretched to the limits of fidelity.

A stimulating start of Suhradam House assemblies was witnessed with an out-of-the-box theme on Monday. Parth Amipara of VIII A, through his speech shared his views with the students that Devotion is the ladder that climbs to God. The first step, he said, of devotion is to call upon the God in times of need. Our next step is when our faith begins to grow, with every prayer answered. Then a feeling of attachment comes and at other times, a feeling of confusion, when things go His way and not ours. Our next step is we bond in love with Him and God becomes our source of comfort.

On Tuesday, in his speech, the Suhradam House Convener, Prabhudarshan Sir elucidated that we should give due consideration to anything we have a feeling for and feel a certain devotion toward. If, after exploring the situation carefully, we find it to be good and that it serves our purpose and the purpose of life, then and only then should we become devoted to that particular pursuit. He shared a wonderful thought saying If we stay faithful to God, then He will ultimately take care of any other problems that we may face.

On Wednesday, Suhradam House celebrated the Poshi Poonam marked as the Diksha Din of Gunatitanand Swamiji. The students depicted devotion for God and Gunatitanand Swami, reflecting a rare combination of poetic and devotional flair. P. P. Kothari Swamiji graced the occasion with His significant presence in the assembly. He addressed the assembly and spoke about the splendor and majesty of Gunatit. “It is His strength which binds the electrons and protons in an atom, it is His strength that gives taste to fruit, it is His strength that prevails in all the living and non living things” explained P.P. Kothari Swamiji.

On Thursday and Friday assemblies, Aneesh Sharma (Class 10) and Parikshit Patel (Class 8A) presented a detailed explanation of different ways of getting linked with God. They talked about nine different forms of devotion also commonly known as Navdha Bhakti.

Listening (shravana): Listening to devotional songs, recitations, scriptures and the life stories of saints and devotees can arouse feelings of devotion and love in the listeners.

Chanting (kirtana): Praising the Divine in various aspects by singing simple songs which are either stories, prayers, divine names or mantras. This is a way of joyfully keeping concentrated on the Divine through music.

Remembrance (smarana): Smarana means to constantly think of the Divine by either recalling the glories and leelas (stories) of the Divine or by constantly repeating the Divine names in a process called japa.

Service at the feet (pada sevana): Worshipping the feet can be a part of the ceremonial worship of a living teacher (guru) or it can also be meant as a symbol of surrender to the guru. The latter has traditionally been outwardly expressed by bowing and/or touching the guru’s feet.

Ritualistic worship (archana): This is the sincere performance of the various prescribed devotional rites.

Prostration (vandana): This stage describes an attitude of surrender towards the Divine, it can be seen as a physical action or exercise meant to lead to the inner attitude of surrender.

Servant attitude (daasya): This is the stage where the devotee does every act out of service to the Lord.

Friendship (sakhya): Sakhya describes a very intimate, close state of association with God as the result of long, sincere devotional practice.

Self-offering (atma-nivedana): This is a stage of complete surrender, where the devotee worships and loves God without any thought of reward or personal gain.

Saturday Creative Assembly: When God Descended………

Devotion took a completely different meaning in the creative assembly in form of dance drama, a group dance by eminent dancers of Suhradam House who portrayed the theme of devotion in a contemporary context, offering the viewers an aesthetic panorama of expressions that resonate around the concepts ranging from bhakti, loyalty to dedication and commitment that bring together faith, fact and fantasy.

Clad in pink and bright coloured costume, barefoot student-dancers filled the stage with graceful and delicate movements. The styled multimedia multiformed dance drama on the “forms of devotion” with a sterling performance kept the audience enthralled. Dhwijesh Vankawala, sophisticated in his footwork, who played the role of the Lord, had flamboyant costume with extensive jewels, a shimmering blue, complimented him godly beauty, as he commenced his magic with a calm posture.

Each form of dance had a specific depiction of form of Bhakti or devotion. Colourful costumes, synchronised moves and riveting stagecraft – glided on to the stage the enthusiastic students and hearts skipped a beat or two. As the students began their performance, unleashing moves and various avatars, rapture and exhilaration sprung forth from them…they were just stunning!!!!

“It was a voyage into mythology in all its glory. Their rendition was deep with emotions of love and devotion for the Lord. If you watched closely, it had the power of evoking similar feelings within you.” said a member of Sundaram House.

The student dancers were very focused on gestures, postures, and expressions. They burst with verve and vitality. As the dancers performed, several students instantly joined them, crooning the songs, a few mumbled and the rest orchestrated it with their claps.

One of the teachers hastily flipped off his mobile as his students nudge him signaling the start of a dance show on stage. For the next 30 minutes, the students of Atmiya Vidya Mandir sat spellbound, occasionally craning their necks to get a better view of the dancers.

It was a fusion of all forms of devotional offerings to the Lord, choreographed by Respected Suhradam (Montu) Sir and Shreejichintan Mam and conceptualized by Shreejichintan Mam and the Suhradam House team members.

“Dance, music and backdrops are perfectly fused into a whole, which forms a very excellent fusion of best dance forms as a whole. This is distinguishing feature of this assembly of Suhradam House.” said one of the teachers. “The performance is overwhelmingly touching!” said the Principal Swayam Madam.

The participating students were Mishal Kansara, Piyush Sarda, Harsh Ambaliya and Akshay Patel from Class 9; Yash Dandawala, Parth Amipara, Nishit Banka, Lalit Desai and Ronak Mistry from Class 8; Prashant Gupta, Chaitanya Patel, Krutarth Rangunwala, Deep Chamaria from Class 7; Vaishvik B Patel, Amit Choudhary, Diven Patel, Vishal Patel from Class 6; Madhav Ladha, Niramay Joshi and Yogin Patel from Class 5.

Thus, the direct message of Suhradam House Week was: “Devotion does not mean being confined to a religion. It is an attitude, a way of life assuring growth through unshakable devotion to God.”

The creative assembly was of its kind titled as ‘a Devotional life is a blessing of God’. Bhakti bhagvan ni den chhe…… Devotion allows us to be prepared for life.

Love God, Serve Others, Live Simply : Sundaram House

January 21, 2011/0 Comments/in AVM Updates, Value Based Education /by AVM Teachers

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

Celebration of Heritage Day

January 12, 2011/0 Comments/in AVM Updates, Students' Creations, Value Based Education /by AVM Teachers

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

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

January 1, 2011/0 Comments/in Value Based Education /by AVM Teachers

“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

Suhradam Murti Pratishtha Mahotsav at Atmiya Vidya Mandir

November 30, 2010/0 Comments/in AVM Updates, Value Based Education /by AVM Teachers

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

November 17, 2010/0 Comments/in AVM Updates, Value Based Education /by Prajval Sir

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

Live Web cast Link: mms://win.1.c2.audiovideoweb.com/1c2winlive6984

For optimum viewing experience of the Suhradam Murti Pratistha Mahotsav at Atmiya Vidya Mandir, kindly open the webcast link given below using Microsoft Internet Explorer.
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Happy viewing!

Regards,

Atmiya Vidya Mandir Parivar