Foundation for the Future

July - September 2018 | Vol 1 - Issue 2 | An AIM for Seva Quarterly

Vedic Studies | Education | Free Student Hostels | Schools | College

Healthcare | Special Needs | Community Development Projects

Foundation for the future New Beginnings in Bengal india Organic Fair 2018 The Unstoppables Dear Friends of AIM for Seva, Accreditation Contents We, at AIM for Seva, have always been inspired by Seva and for us, Seva is spiritual. For it is through Seva, we 2 metamorphose as individuals; from consumers to Foundation for the future contributors. We achieve this through giving and reaching out and thereby mature emotionally too.

Guided by this spirit as well as our moving force and founder, 4 Highlights Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati, we are currently present across 16 states with 97 Free Student Hostels. We began our journey in 2000 and the first Free Student Hostel 6 Aspire was built in Anaikatti near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. Since then, we have come a long way. I am also happy to announce that 12 new and upcoming projects are under various stages of completion. 8 Hostel Focus It’s been a busy second quarter at AIM for Seva. Our annual fundraiser was held on August 16 and 17 at the Music Bridge Number 1505669533 Academy, Chennai. Spirit of the Earth, an initiative of ours 9 aim for seva Krupa home organised the first edition of the India Organic Fair 2018 with concept support from the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The fair was held from September 7 to 11 at the Mother Teresa Women’s Complex, Valluvarkottam High 10 Straight from The heart Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Over 65 vendors from 18 states I N D I A | A M E R I C A participated in this fair.

From north to south, our hostel students continue to make 13 The unstoppables us proud. We feature two such trail blazers—Rahul Gaur and R. Gayathri in this Quarterly.

Another momentous moment during this period was our 14 NEW and High entry into Bengal. We have acquired land near Bardhaman, 100 kms, north west of Kolkata, West Bengal. National Institution for Transforming India Lastly, please do read our cover story on the Swami No: TN/2009/0007789 16 Break Free Dayananda Rotary Matriculation School in Kadalur, Cheyyur Taluk, Kanchipuram District. The school took shape in 2005 and this project was part of a larger rehabilitation effort in 18 India Organic fair 2018 the region post the tsunami of 2004. The proceeds from our annual fundraiser held in August will go towards this institution. 20 Annual Fundraiser We welcome you to join our journey and with your continued support, we would be able to penetrate the last mile and thereby empower and educate every child in rural India. 21 Words of Wisdom Thank you,

Sheela Balaji 22 Swami Dayananda educational trust Updates Chairperson and Managing Trustee, AIM for Seva

24 spirit of the earth On our cover page: Students from Venkat Shanker AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in Mulvoy, Tamil Nadu Veerattikuppam (55 km from the school). He aspires to become an aeronautical engineer and he lives at our Free Student Hostel within Foundation the same complex. Like Mukesh, another 8th grader, J. Lokeswaran from Palayam Village (187 km from Kadalur) wants to get into for the future government service after completing his education while Afrosa Begum studying in class 8 and hailing from the village of Kathankadai How many students call their school a (12 km from Kadalur) wants to become a pilot. second home? How many would Most of them are first generation learners and excitedly rush to the school in the if they go on to achieve their dreams, they morning and say with a glow in their would become the first ones from their village to eyes, “We enjoy every bit out here.” That step into the corporate world. The Swami Dayananda Rotary Matriculation is what the Swami Dayananda Rotary School advocates all round development. Last Matriculation School in Kadalur, Tamil Concurs V. Sundaram, administrative officer of the year, our boys and girls bagged the first position Nadu has created for its students – a school, "Our students are filled with dreams. That in the Junior (U14) zonal level category in hand place where learning is fun. is what makes our institution stand all. As staff of ball. This year (2018-19), our institution is the the school, we take it as our duty to show them the centre for conducting the zonal sports meet. T h e S w a m i D ay a n a n d a Ro t a r y path of goodness. Take the case of 16 year old G. Matriculation School was part of a The strength of the school lies as much in its Spread over 3 acres, the school's strength has Gokilan who has been studying in the school since larger rehabilitation effort undertaken by AIM for teachers as in its students. Maths teacher, today swelled to 700. With our infrastructure of Kindergarten. The son of a farmer, his ambition is Seva post the tsunami of 2004. The huge tidal Smt. Suguna Baskar is one of the oldest tutors in classrooms, well equipped labs and buses to to become a volleyball player. We encourage him to waves swept away homes, boats and fishing the school.“The driving force behind this institution facilitate our students, it is natural that our balance his sporting goal with his academics; equipment in many coastal regions across Tamil is very different. Knowledge, intellectual capacity institution is much sought after by parents living education is fulfillment at the end of the day." Nadu. Kadalur was one such fishing hamlet in the and technological prowess alone have never been nearby. Cheyyur Taluk in Kanchipuram District. sufficient to meet life's challenges. To be a In addition to the regular academic curriculum, the complete human being, we must have values.” After the tsunami, AIM for Seva volunteers stepped school also conducts 'Art for Development' and Salient Features Our two-day annual fundraiser in August, in into the region and worked round the clock to 'Theatre for Development' programmes. These Chennai was for this institution. provide the poor and needy with food, clothing and  Holistic development of children workshops help our students develop their temporary shelter, fishing boats, nets and engines. For an ordinary man, Kadalur appears to be a dot creative and communication skills, thereby  Kindergarten to class 11 on the Indian map, located 83 km from Chennai, In 2005, the Swami Dayananda Rotar y blossoming them into confident individuals.  Well-stocked library capital of Tamil Nadu. But to the parents and Matriculation School, Kadalur opened doors with The testimony to that is many of them are thinking guardians of the students, Kadalur is their heart 14 students. One of the early sponsor of the  Smart board enabled classrooms big. Take the case of 13 year old R. Mukesh who and the school, a hope for a better future. institution was the Rotary Club of Madras Chenna studies in class 8 and hails from the village of  Spacious playground Patna.

 State-of-the-art science and computer laboratories. If you wish to donate towards

 Values of community service construction of a new classroom imbibed through Junior Red block in the school, write to us at Cross [email protected]

 100% pass rate

2 3 For Pujya Swamiji, with love AIM for Seva celebrates Founder's Day throughout the month of August every year. Highlights Remembering Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati, children across all our 97 Free Student Hostels in 16 states of India light the lamp, distribute sweets, chant slokas and offer Pujya Swamiji's Murti unveiled prayers. Prayers bind them together a n d s p r e a d t h e f e e l i n g o f In March this year, the Swami Dayananda Memorial Centre was inaugurated in Manjakkudi, Tirvarur District, Tamil Nadu. brotherhood. All these children hail The inauguration stood complete with our founder Pujya from the poorest section of society. Swami Dayananda Saraswati's Mürti which was installed on That they have got an opportunity to August 3, 2018 at the same venue. The idol installation has study, find proper shelter, food and given soul and fulfillment to the Memorial Centre that now guidance is a blessing to them. It is serves as a place to conduct retreats by Arsha Vidya teachers. the feeling of gratitude that all these children carry in their hearts and The Mürti was unveiled by Pujya Swamiji's senior disciple, hence try their best to excel in their Swami Prasantananda Saraswatiji in the august presence of own chosen direction. Swamis and Swaminis of the Arsha Vidyä Parampara. The Swamis and Swaminis were received with Pürëakumbham in a procession leading up to the venue where they paid their respect to their Guru, Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati. The Swamis and Swaminis shared their memories of Swamiji. Swami Prasantananda Saraswatiji Independence Day delivered the Anugraha Bhä˜sanam. On India’s 72nd Independence Day, the tricolour was hoisted across our Free Student Hostels in the country. Devi Award for The biggest asset to a nation are our Chairperson its children and across our 97 Free Student Hostels, our The Chairperson and Managing students imbibe value-based Trustee of AIM for Seva, Smt. Sheela education, the foundation of Balaji received the Devi Award at a which is understanding and grand function held at ITC Grand appreciating one’s culture and Chola on September 11. traditions. It is this ignited spirit The award instituted by The New of patriotism that takes a country Indian Express was conferred on our forward. Chairperson and Managing Trustee for her efforts in promoting organic farming and preservation of indigenous rice varieties.

4 5 Computer education Smt. Krishna Rani Papneja AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in Narsinghpur, Madhya Pradesh Both Atul and Santosh bagged the second prize in the talent search competition conducted by Kourav Aspire Institute of Computer Education at Dr. K.L. Papneja Adarsh Higher Secondary School and Thakur Niranjan Singh High School, Kareli respectively. Atul Dhurve Santosh Rana Class 10 Class 8

Mathematics Elocution

R. Sivavarshini - Class 6 Vocation Swami Dayananda Matric Higher Secondary Poonam Uniyal - 25 year old School in Manjakkudi, Tamil Nadu AIM for Seva Sewing Centre in Haripur Kalan, Uttarakhand

Poonam aspires to take tailoring as her profession. She is about to complete a nine month tailoring course in our centre.

Manju Naik G. Harsha Class 10 Class 4

Jaya Smrithi Dhama AIM for Seva Free Student Sports champs bring Hostel for Boys in Udupi, Karnataka home prizes

Both are winners in their own right. Sports and education are two sides of the same coin R. Sivavarshini has topped the Manju and Harsha both secured the according to our 360 degree education model. This national level intra-centre (5,000) st Elocution 1 position in a District level competition held at approach is a proven model to success. Students from Brainobrain Abacus competition held the Sri Vadiraja Samasthana Higher Primary and the AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in in Chennai recently. She solved 40 Gulab Damor High School in Innanje, Karnataka recently. Eight Arsha Vidya Tirtha AIM for Seva Free Student Sembangudi, Tamil Nadu won prizes in the problems in three minutes flat. schools participated in the competition. Manju Hostel for Boys in Jaipur, Rajasthan Bharathiyar Day Games at the Zonal Level conducted Prior to this, she had won regional who studies at the Shri Narayana Guru Kannada by the School Education Department at G.B.H.S.S. competitions in Trichy and Thanjavur At a speech competition Medium School in Paduballe surprised everyone Valangaiman School in Tiruvarur District. These boys solving 47 problems in two minutes organised by the have been enthusiastically par ticipating with his commendable extempore in the 'Pick and Ramakrishna Mission, and thirty seconds. Sivavarshini has in various school competitions and coming back Speech' competition while Harsha floored 100 participants been selected for the international with prizes. M. Gopinath everyone with his flawless recitation of Chapter delivered eloquent competition to be held in Dubai in studying in class 9 won 15 of the Bhagavad Gita and managed to secure speeches on 'The Life of November. She will participate in this the 2nd prize in 3000 the supreme position. Swami Vivekananda.' six day event and will be metres running race. accompanied by her parents. Gulab Damor of Arsha Vidya Tirtha AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in Jaipur, Rajasthan won the 2nd prize. Gulab is keen to do a PhD in In the picture: The runners up music. in Kabaddi at the district level

6 HOSTEL Krupa FOCUS home

Science AIM for Seva Free Student C. Arunkumar - Class 8 Krupa residents AIM For Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in Hostel in Sathyamangalam Sathyamangalam, Tamil Nadu celebrate National Tamil Nadu Arun is residing at the AIM for Handloom Day Creativity is another name for the AIM for Seva Free Seva Free Student Hostel for On the occasion of National Handloom Student Hostel in Sathyamangalam. Our 25 Boys, Sathyamangalam since Day celebrated on August 7 every year, children living in this premises are enthusiastic 2016. The little boy used ice residents at AIM for Seva Krupa Home learners–-- active in academics and sports. cubes, battery, small plastic celebrated the day by donning hand woven fabrics in bright hues. And when it comes to showcasing creativity, no one fan blades, a small motor and battery cable to put The National Handloom Day highlights the contribution of handloom to the socio-economic development of can beat the hostel boys at Sathyamangalam. They together his air-conditioner model. He was awarded India and promotes handlooms with the objective of increasing income of our weavers. are innovators in their own right. the 3rd prize at the science exhibition held in his The construction of the AIM for Seva Free Student school, Kasturba Higher Secondary School, Rajan Hostel for Boys in Sathyamangalam was supported Nagar in Sathyamangalam. AIM for Seva Krupa Home products by Shri. Ram Sampath and Smt. Hema Sampath Just like our mainstream weavers, 38 residents living in AIM for Seva With the objective of and the hostel opened doors in 2008. increasing the income of Krupa Home, a home for differently-abled adults who are taught y, weaving as part of their occupational therapy love the loom. the weavers in our countr Prime Minister Narendra Art Our residents aged between 18-65 years of age have various Modi started the 'National Art P. Mahalakshmi - Class 11 developmental disabilities such as autism and cerebral palsy. Handloom Day' in 2015, in R. Madhankumar - Class 7 AIM For Seva Free Student Hostel for Girls, Weaving helps in mind and body coordination and also acts as a Sembangudi, Tamil Nadu source of recreation and rehabilitation. The fabric woven by them are line with the Swadeshi AIM For Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in Sathyamangalam, Tamil Nadu stitched into products like bags, wallets, passport holders and folders. Movement proclaimed on P. M a h a l a k s h m i w h o These products are available at Spirit of the Earth, our exclusive outlet August 7 in 1905. This day participated in the drawing Madhankumar won the in Mylapore, Chennai. commemorates the rd competition on ‘Healthy 3 prize in a drawing contribution of the weavers competition held at his Lifestyle’ conducted by the of our country who have school - Kasturba Higher Regional Resource and kept a 5,000 year tradition Secondary School, Rajan Training Centre of T.T.K. Nagar. Our little champ Hospital at Semmangudi alive and in demand. also made an electronic Higher Secondary School in boat all by himself for his Sembangudi, Tamil Nadu rd school project. secured the 3 position. She won a cash prize of You can make online donations to show your support. Rs. 500. Log onto www.aimforseva.org

8 9 Dewan Housing Finance Limited Straight from Dewan Housing Finance Limited has been a regular supporter of AIM for Seva. Last quarter, they had sent books and stationery items to our children living in the AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel in Alwal The heart (Telengana), Yelahanka (Karnataka) and Sriperumbudur (Tamil Nadu). In the past, the home finance company has donated bunker cots for the AIM for Seva Dayananda Tribal Boys Free Student Hostel in Anaikatti, Tamil Nadu. This quarter they donated Rs. 8 lakh to help us build the compound wall at the AIM for Seva Dayananda Tribal Boys Free Student Hostel in Anaikatti, Tamil Nadu. During 2016-17 and 2017-18, Dewan Housing Finance Limited provided student sponsorships to all the students in Free Student Hostels for boys in Anaikatti, Tamil Nadu and for girls in Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh. Computer Age Management Services Private Limited

Computer Age Management Services (CAMS) has been supporting us for the past four years. This quarter, the company gave the first installment of Rs. 4 lakh out of the sanctioned amount of Rs. 12 lakh towards student sponsorship for 38 students living in the S. Viswanathan Memorial AIM for Oil India Limited

Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. Welcoming Oil India Limited who have joined hands with us this quarter by donating Rs. 2.10 lakh as student sponsorship for 7 students living at the Shri Chunilal Vij AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in Rohtak, Haryana.

L&T Valves Limited

M/s L&T Valves Limited supported us with Rs. 5 lakh towards construction of a compound wall at the A generous heart Swami Dayananda Rotary Matriculation School in Kadalur, Tamil Nadu. Last year, the company gave Smt. Meera Chari, a well wisher of AIM for Seva has been consistently supporting us in all our endeavours. Rs. 10 lakh to the same institution and the donation was utilised for buying desks and computer lab Apart from regular contributions, she helped us with a generous donation for construction of the toilet equipment. blocks in Semmangudi Higher Secondary School, Sembangudi, Tamil Nadu. And this time, she came forward with Rs. 4 lakh for our annual fundraiser conducted over 2 days in August in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Thank you Aanandam Charitable Trust The New India Assurance Co. Ltd. Sundaram BNP Paribas Gujarat Alkalies and Aanandam Charitable Trust, the land and building donor of the AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys Rs. 4.70 lakh Home Finance Chemicals Limited in Salai Village near Tindivanam, Tamil Nadu donated Rs. 3.6 lakh as student sponsorship for 12 students Rs. 2 lakh Rs. 2.40 lakh living in the hostel. This is the 5th consecutive year that Aanandam Charitable Trust is supporting this Free & KKR Trust - Rs. 2 lakh Student Hostel.

10 11 Straight from The The heart unstoppables Gifts galore from Tata Motors

This is the first time Tata Motors has come forward to express their support towards our Bhag Rahul Bhag work. In August, employees of TATA Motors in Nigdi, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune visited our February 2018 was a momentous month for children living in AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in Chikhali, Maharashtra. They brought with them 19 year alumnus, Rahul Gaur, a student of the AIM 30 sets of school uniform, one volleyball, stationery and snacks. On the occasion, Prathamesh studying in for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys at class 10 gave a speech on AIM for Seva and its activities. The hostel students enthusiastically chanted Karnaprayag, Uttarakhand. On February 13, Rahul slokas and sang bhajans that they learnt recently as part of their activities. We are very happy with this new came first in the 800 metres race at the state level association. championship held at the Maharana Pratap Sports College, Dehradun.

Titan continues to support Eight days later, he came to know that he has been Emirates AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Girls selected in the Garhwal Regiment of the Indian Trail blazer from south in Dharmapuri has always been a hub of activities. Army. Rahul is now gunning for the national R. Gayathri, 18 presently living in the Every morning, 28 girls living in this hostel beam championship and then the Olympics and he is Atmalayam Swami Dayananda AIM for with energy and creativity. Running for the second certain that the Indian Army would support him in Seva Free Student Hostel for Girls in year in a row, the Titan 'Art for Development this endeavour. Udumalpet, Tamil Nadu epitomises Programme' has contributed towards to our girls perseverance and determination. ingenuity to a large extent. And now earlier this Daughter of a labourer, Gayathri hails month, Titan gifted solar heaters and a CCTV unit from Udumalpet in Tamil Nadu and lost her mother at the age of 13. Her father too for the comfort and safety of our children. was attacked by parthinum allergy, an airborne contact dermatitis that prohibited him from leading a healthy life. A bag full of love But nothing stopped her from continuing S.S.R. M.P.L. Elementary school in Bapatla, Andhra her education. She scored 1119 out of Pradesh donated school bags to our children living in 1200 in her class XII board examinations. Kosuri-Doraiswamy AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel In spite of studying in Tamil medium till for Boys in Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh. These school her higher secondary school, she bags were bought from contributions of the alumni of managed to score 84% in her second Rahul's confidence is not without reason. semester examinations in her second year the school – an initative taken by Shri. A. Sathish Politician and former shooter, Rajyavardhan Singh B.Com at the Government Arts College, Prabhakar, Member of Legislative Council, Guntur Rathore won the silver in the double trap event at Udumalpet where the medium of and Shri. S. Niranjan, Chairperson of Mandal the 2004 Olympic Games. At that time, he was in instruction is English. Gayathri has made Education Office, Bapatla and Shri. P. V. Sambasiva Rao, Headmaster of the school. Our 36 children living in the Indian Army in the 9th Grenadiers (Mewar) all of us very proud! And she continues to the hostel are very happy and have now found a new reason to go to school. Regiment. march ahead.

12 13 New vehicle for our students NEW AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel in Kamalapuram, Andhra Pradesh has got a new vehicle to take our children to and High school. The driver, M.V. Narayana Reddy who has been working with us for the last 3 years, comes in at 8:30 am everyday and ensures that our Free Student Hostelers reach the school, 3 km away in time. The bus accommodates 33 New beginnings in children who now ride to school comfortably. Bengal New school in Renaissance of modern India had its origins in Madhya Pradesh Bengal. Alongside the bourgeoisie community New Free Student and the culture of the west, Bengal's literary The construction of our new co-education school in and cultural conversation with the rest of the Hostel for girls in Padali Village, Khargone District, Madhya Pradesh world is a landmark in global history. Naturally Andhra Pradesh supported by Shri. Jugal Kishor and Smt. Bimla AIM for Seva’s presence would be incomplete Kishor is 60% complete. without an entry into Bengal. A Free Student Hostel for girls was recently inaugurated in Andhra Pradesh. This upcoming school facility is on a five-acre plot We have just bought land approximately, 30 cents (0.3 acre) to build a new Free Student This building is located in Ameenapet in in Padali Village, located 50 km from Indore and Hostel for Boys in Bardhaman. Bardhaman or Eluru Mandal in the West Godavari 24 km from Omkareshwar. This institution is Burdwan is 100 km from Kolkata and has its District of Andhra Pradesh. Land and designed to be a residential school and is set to own illustrious history. The hostel should be building donor, Shri. Kocharlakota Rao who lives in USA graced the occasion along with other guests from transform the lives of rural children around the ready by the next academic year (2019-20). the village. region. Eluru Mandal in Andhra Pradesh, where farming has been mainstay has developed quite a bit in the last We also plan to set up a Free Student Hostel for boys and girls, provide a rural ambulance service few years. The coastal area known for its rugs is now better connected. Thanks to improved road and create a health sanitation programme for the infrastructure, today the region is home to educational institutions such as Sri Chaitanya School, local community. C.R. Reddy Public School and Bhashyam E.M. School. The hostel at present has 14 children and we hope to nurture many more.

Bhoomi Pooja at Unnao

AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Girls in Kusumbhi Village, Unnao District in Uttar Pradesh is now open for admission. The Gujarat Bhoomi Pooja hostel land and the building has been magnanimously A Bhoomi Pooja and the Khatmuhurt programme sponsored by Dr. Rajkumar Nigam. The inaugural function was of a new Free Student Hostel for Boys at Dhandhuka, held on September 19, 2018. The village head, Shri Ranjanlal Gujarat was conducted by P.P. Swami Paramatmananda Awasthi and Principal, Government Girls Inter College, Saraswatiji and P.P. Mahanta Shri Shambhunathaji Nawabganj, Smt. Sumalika were the chief guests for the Maharaj in July. The construction of this hostel is occasion. The local villagers also joined in the celebration. We expected to be completed by March 2019 and the new already have 21 girls living with us and look forward to support academic session will commence from June 2019. many more to the best of our ability.

14 15 An hour to remember Break Emirates AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Girls in Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu had guest visitors spending time with our children. Free Shri. N.E. Sridhar, head of corporate sustainability at Titan along with his colleague, Smt. P.S. Santhi chose to spend time with all our 28 children from the hostel. On their part, the kids were happy to see the real faces behind the 'Art for Development' programme that had been in operation for the past two years. Titan continues to be a valued partner and has supported us this year too with student sponsorship and ‘Art for Development’ programme at the Dharmapuri Free Student Hostel and ‘Art for Puppet play Development’ programme at our Free Student Hostel in Yelahanka. The interaction saw the girls of the Dharmapuri Free Student Hostel sharing their experiences in the hostel and their plans ahead. Titan The traditional art of Bommalattam provided a good break to officials gave a presentation of their company. the students of the Dayasagar AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel for Boys in Palani, Tamil Nadu recently. On the first weekend of July, the boys got together and put in their Temple tour Students of the Atmalayam Swami Dayananda AIM for Seva Free Student creative best. First, the boys put together pieces of cloth, Hostel for Girls in Udumalpet were taken for a pilgrimage tour to Srirangam, pins, colours and threads to bring string puppets alive on Thiruvanikkaval, Kallanai, Samayapuram, Uchi Pillayar Koil, Thanjavur for stage. Then a voice over was provided and stories from our two days. The 65 hostel students stayed at Srirangam. The Srimaan Trust, folklore were brought alive on stage through the puppets. The Srirangam took care of their food and accommodation. In fact, one of our result was an entertaining puppet show. students, recited the Thiruvarangam of Srirangam with tremendous ease. Trustee founder of the Srimaan Trust, Sri. Parashara Badri Narayana Bhattar Swamy told them about the greatness of Once upon a time A galore gathering Srirangam temple, explaining to them in detail the stories attached to every pillar and A I M f o r S e v a structure. According to our girl hostelers, this p a r t n e r e d w i t h yatra was highly informative and the Pratham Books for knowledge gained was an experience of a their annual 'One Day, One Story' event lifetime. on September 8 on the occasion of World Literacy Day. The Fun-filled camp idea was to encourage children to fall in love with reading. Seshachariar AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel A Cloud of Trash, written by Karanjeet Kaur, and illustrated In July, Bapu-Buddh AIM for Seva Free for Boys in Cumbum, Tamil Nadu children by Bhavana Vyas Vipparthi was sent to all hostels in Student Hostel for Boys in Indore had an enjoyed a 3-day fun filled camp within the hostel Andhra Pradesh (12) and Telengana (4). It's a story about annual get together function organised by premises from 21st to 23rd September. Swami a little girl called Cheekoo, who has a cloud of trash AIM for Seva supporters. Shri. Radhey Shyam Poornananda Saraswati, Swami Yogeshananda Saraswati, Br. Vishwanathan, Br. Ramanathan presided Julaniya, Secretary of Water Resources and hanging over her head. This makes her very, very unhappy, over the inauguration ceremony. The camp included storytelling, classical and devotional music, yoga, Health Department, Madhya Pradesh and and as we follow her story, we learn a little more about games and a host of activities for children. This mid-term camp provided a good break from the regular trash, and about keeping our surroundings clean. Our other special guests were present at the schedule for 51 boys of the Cumbum Free Student Hostel. Such recesses help our students explore their children across 16 hostels in both states read out the event. More than 550 people from Indore potential beyond academics and examinations. It also boosts their confidence and takes them closer to story aloud and even enjoyed enacting it. and nearby cities attended the event. Indian culture and values.

16 17 setting up and maintaining an organic farm. The evening concluded with Sacred Offerings by India Organic Rakesh Raghunathan. His temple food cookery demo was filled with stories, songs and lesser fair 2018 known facts of south Indian culture. On day 3 (September 9th), it was literally farm to the table. Sunday morning saw urban farmers taking centre stage in a panel discussion. India’s rice warrior, Dr. Debal Deb gave a wonderful presentation where he highlighted the conceptual The first edition of the India Organic differences in organic and ecological agriculture Fair 2018 got off to a flying start on Sunday afternoon.

on September 7 in Chennai. This was followed by a lip smacking session. Organised by Spirit of the Earth, an initiative of AIM Shonali Muthalaly, editor of The Hindu MetroPlus moderated this session with renowned cook book of Seva, which has revived organic heritage rice, the India Organic 2018 drew to a fair was held from September 7 to 11, 2018 at the authors, Smt. Sabita Radhakrishna, Smt. Mallika Mother Teresa Women’s Complex, Valluvarkottam Badrinath and Smt. Prathiba Jain who shared their grand close on September journey of collecting and documenting heirloom High Road with concept support from the Ministry of This was followed by an enlightening presentation recipes. 11 evening with a violin recital Women and Child Development. KKR Trust donated on folk varieties of rice by guest of honour, Rs. 2 lakh towards the India Organic Fair 2018. Dr. K. Vijayalakshmi of CIKS (Centre for Indian by Dr. Parur Harini Srivatsa. Knowledge Systems). Sabarmatee Tiki, one of the Nari Shakti award recipients of 2018 and founder All the vendors at the of NGO Sambhav, was the guest speaker at the India Organic Fair 2018 inaugural function. The chief guest of the inaugural event, M. Murali, Managing Director, Sri Krishna received a certificate of Sweets said the time had come to develop rice SKUs (stock keeping units) and sell the same as the participation from the country had such rich bio diversity. Chairperson and Managing From spices in the Kumaon Himalayas to organic Trustee of AIM for Seva, produce from Kerala, the best of India was under On September 10th, Monday there was an interesting one roof on all five days. Smt. Sheela Balaji. “We would like to make India Organic Fair 2018 a morning dialogue between Dr. K. Vijayalakshmi national movement from Chennai,” Sheela Balaji, On day 2 (September 8th), there was an interesting (Founder, Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems) Chairperson and Managing Trustee of AIM for Seva dialogue between Cdr S. Lakshmanan Iyer from and India’s rice warrior, Dr. Debal Deb. They shared said at the inaugural function. Bio Basics and athlete, yoga expert and social their insights on the future of organic farming – activist Gayathre Rajam on 'Be Organic and Buy scope, challenges and what farmers and Organic' in the morning. consumers could do to support the movement.

In the afternoon, Programme Director from the In the evening, there was an interesting session Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems (CIKS), on Rice—the Fundamental Nourishment as Smt. Subhashini Sridhar along with her colleague, described in Ayurveda. The panellists were Shri. R. Manikandan, programme coordinator at Ayurveda Acharya L. Mahadevan, Dr. Amutha CIKS shared their knowledge on what goes into Damodaran and Dr. Arvind Bharadwaj.

18 19 Words of Fundraiser Wisdom

In this section, we are caring, from being only a consumer to be a sharing excerpts from contributor. Aug 16 by Anitha Guha's Bharathanjali Danam-written by our founder, Pujya Swami Danam, giving and sharing, is a mark of growth. at Music Academy, Chennai Dayananda Saraswati. Not giving is a mark of being stunted. Remaining a The premises of Music Academy beamed with enthusiastic supporters who We came from a culture where there was zero consumer all the time, and not becoming a had saved their date for the AIM for Seva annual fundraiser. competition. Every priest was a son of a priest; contributor, is not the Vedic view of life. We have to every washer-man, barber, blacksmith and be contributors. The evening began with the AIM for Seva anthem presented by children of goldsmith inherited his profession, the skill from the Swami Dayananda Rotary Matriculation School, Kadalur. This was Even though you do not have compassion, you can his father. This is how our society has been, and followed by a moving speech by Swamini Suddhavidyananda Saraswatiji act compassionately and you will discover even today a son of a priest may not be a priest, who runs our Free Student Hostel for Girls in Chinnasalem, Tamil Nadu. compassion. If you do not have love, act lovingly; but every priest is still a son of a priest. For the next 105 minutes, Krishna swept away the audience at the you will discover love. Similarly, in the act of giving, Music Academy. To spread this message of love and compassion for So, from a non-competitive society we are pushed you grow, people grow and your country grows! others, AIM for Seva chose to stage Anitha Guha's Nandalala. Filled with dramatic movements, now into a competitive culture, which means 'Giving' is the means for growth. Nandalala kept the audience glued to their seats with its scintillating performance. everybody becomes insecure. We need to grow to You keep giving until it hurts. You can give your handle ourselves in a culture of competition. We At the end of the performance, our Swamijis and Swaminis, chief guest for the evening, Smt. Revathi time, you can lend a sympathetic ear to someone; have to conform to rules, providing space for Ramachandran, Director of Kalakshetra Foundation and Smt. Anitha Guha, Director of Bharathanjali lot of people want such ears. You can express others, and even enjoying others' success. And we were honoured by the Chairperson and Managing Trustee of AIM for Seva, Smt. Sheela Balaji. words of appreciation, encouragement, empathy can do so only if we have self-worth. and so on. Sharing your knowledge with One's self-worth is not mere money. It is one's somebody is also caring. You can also pray for culture. The culture of Hindus is one of caring. As somebody; there are many ways of giving. Only by an individual, as a corporate entity, as a collective giving you grow. Aug 17 by Kala Sadhanalaya, founded by Smt. Revathi Ramachandran at Music Academy, Chennai body, we care and express that care. We grow by

The programme commenced with the Chairperson and Managing Trustee of AIM for Seva, Smt. Sheela Balaji felicitating Swamini Vishvapriyananda Saraswatiji who heads two of our AIM for Seva Free Student Hostels and a primary school in We are running caring programmes under the All India Movement (AIM) Dharmapuri in Tamil Nadu. After this, two students from AIM for Seva Free Student Hostel in Sriperumbudur shared their experiences of for Seva. We build and manage student hostels in rural areas. By participating hostel life with the audience. Jagat Pavani Ganga painted the glory in our programmes, you have an opportunity to grow and be a contributor. of Ganga interpreted through ancient and contemporary verses. Be a part of AIM for Seva programmes of caring. After the performance, Shri. R. Kannan, Treasurer, AIM for Seva honoured the chief guest of the evening, acclaimed performer and choreographer, Smt. Anita Ratnam, choreographer of Jagat Pavani Ganga, Smt. Revathi Ramachandran and violin maestro, Shri. Lalgudi G.J.R. Krishnan.

20 21 Swami Dayananda Torch bearers of our Vedic tradition educational trust The 10th Inter-Patashala Vedic Competition 2018 Updates organised by OM Charitable Trust in the city in July saw all three of our students from the Swami Dayananda Vedapatashala in Kodavasal, Tamil Nadu bagging top ranks (securing over 90%) Dr. M. Murugesan, Principal and member in the competition. The three students, syndicate, Sudharsan College of Arts & Science, Satyamoorthy Krishna (Krishna Yajur Vedam 3 Perumanadu, Pudukkottai was felicitated at the Construction of new th participant), G. Rajesh (Krishna Yajur Vedam 4 14 Convocation Day function. Shri. M.G. Srinivasan, Correspondent of participant) and V. Sri Hari (Krishna Yajur Vedam 4 toilet block completed the college delivered the vote of thanks. at the Swami Dayananda participant), all secured top ranks in the In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's College of Arts & Science The students shared their experience of studying competition. And this is not the first time. Swachh Bharat Mission, the new toilet blocks at the Semmangudi Higher Secondary in the college and called it as 'the best days of their In 2015, S.M. Karthikeyan, our Vedapatashala July 9 2018 was a red letter day for the students, School in Sembangudi, Tamil Nadu have lives'. student, secured the first rank in Krishna Yajur management and staff of the Swami Dayananda been functional since August. We had Vedam 4 while N. Balaji stood second in Krishna College of Arts & Science, Manjakkudi. The 14th started raising funds for the toilet block via a Yajur Vedam 4. A year before, in 2014, crowd funding platform earlier this year. graduation day was held that day with 535 M. Ramanathan from the Kodavasal Vedapatashala It was topped up with donors who came students receiving their degrees. Amongst them, secured rank one in Krishna Yajur Vedam 4 while forward with their generous contributions. 11 are university rank holders. H. Arun, another of our Vedapatashala student With adequate sanitation facilities and also came first in Krishna Yajur Vedam 3. Smt. Sheela Balaji, Chairperson and Managing improved hygiene conditions, there would be Trustee, Swami Dayananda Educational Trust This year, there were 3,000 applicants for the no long queues during lunch break for our welcomed the gathering. Dr. N. Kanakasabesan, competition from across the country. Krishnamoorthy students. Principal of the college presented the academic Hegde, Krishna Yajur Vedam Adyapaka at the achievements of staff members and the students. Swami Dayananda Vedapatashala in Kodavasal That is not all. The OM Charitable Trust has also proudly remarked, “As per the admission criteria to Swami Omkarananda Saraswati, Founder, Sri declared our Vedapatashala amongst the Top 10 this competition, only those students who secured Swami Chidbhavananda Ashramam, Theni Vedapatashalas in the country based on overall above 85% could enter the event. Only 360 presided over the function and delivered the pedagogy, cleanliness and hygiene of the students from across India made it to the Anugraha Bhä˜sanam. Bagging prizes in classroom and surrounding environment and food competition.” zonal sports and other support provided to students.

Twelve schools had participated in the zonal Our enrolments at the Vedapatashala have sports and games meet of Kodavasal, held also seen a steady rise over the last decade. at Ohai in August. Three of our students from From a mere five students in 2007, this the Swami Dayananda Matric Higher number has moved up to 34 this academic Secondary School came back with prizes. year. S. Suriya of class 12 won the 1st position in A registered public charitable trust, OM Charitable javelin and shotput while another student of Trust has been formed to encourage education the same class, S. Subhash came 2nd in and research on Indian heritage education. running (under 17 category). R. Pynshailang Among other things, the Trust conducts Kharlait studying in class 8 grabbed the second competitions in the area of Shastras and position in shotput (under 14 category). scriptures, thereby honouring our scholars who are studying the Vedas and Vedanta.

22 23 Grainy insights: Knowledge sharing at US Consulate, spirit of Chennai Spirit of the Earth, an AIM for Seva initiative made a the earth presentation on heritage grains to officials at the US Consulate, Chennai in July. The interaction dwelt on the benefits of heritage rice such as red rice and others like Karuppu Kavuni. During the presentation, we told the audience how indigenous rice varieties like Mapillai Champa, Karuppu Kavuni and Kalajeera are low on the GI (glycemic index). For those Spirit of the earth @ looking to switch to organic FICCI Flo Bazaar, Chennai heritage rice, the regular rice grains can be substituted with indigenous ones in idli and dosa batter. On August 1, Spirit of the Earth, an AIM for Seva The discussion was followed by sampling of snacks made from black rice initiative participated in the FICCI Flo Bazaar and other varieties. organised by FICCI Flo, Chennai Chapter at ITC Grand Chola.

Spirit of the Earth, which has revived indigenous rice displayed 12 varieties of organic, heritage rice varieties such as Kalajeera, Karuppu Kavuni, lluppai Poo Champa, Mapillai Champa and Thooyamalli among others at its stall in the FICCI Flo Bazaar. Our Chairperson and

Visitors showed a lot of enthusiasm and were curious to know about the benefits of consuming Managing Trustee's Talk at INTACH indigenous rice. INTACH (The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, Chennai Chapter) had invited the Chairperson and Managing Trustee of AIM for Seva, Smt. Sheela Balaji to give a talk on her journey on the heritage rice trail on July 20 at Amethyst in Chennai.

Smt. Balaji began her presentation by sharing her experience with rice; from collecting rice seeds five years back to her encounters with farmers and challenges on spreading awareness on organic rice. Smt. Sheela Balaji emphasised the significance of consuming heritage rice. “When it comes to nutrition in rice, 80% of the nutrition is in the bran and FICCI Flo Bazaar though wheat has more protein when compared to rice, the organised by quality of protein is better in rice as it comes packed with FICCI Flo, eight amino acids and plenty of micro nutrients." The Chennai Chapter glycemic index in brown rice with one husk coating ranges at from 55-62 while this moves up to 72 in the case of the ITC Grand Chola. Ponni variety. In fact, damaged cells can be renewed if one consumes black rice.

24 Join Our Movement in Educating Rural India

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