SRI SATHYA SAI VIDYA JYOTHI
JOURNAL CUM PLANNER FOR VOLUNTEERS
This Journal cum Planner is a model calendar for the volunteers for effective implementation of Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Jyothi Program. It is suggestive in nature and not a mandatory plan. The school level implementing teams / volunteers are requested to use this only as a reference document to draw up their own program schedule integrating the needs of the school and various stakeholders.
JANUARY 2019
MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
JANUARY 2019 DO YOU KNOW? Critical Success Factors of SSSVJ program Following are the critical success factor for successful implementing SSSVJ program in a school 1. Committed implementing team – The higher the commitment of the team members, the probability of success will be higher. 2. Meticulous planning and detailing – Meticulous planning and detailing of activities is key ingredient of success 3. Creating regional resource groups – RRG shall help Samithi level team by providing those resources which are not available locally. 4. Sub teams for various seva and delegation of responsibility – For smooth implementation of the program, all the works need to be delegated to smaller groups or sub teams with clear responsibility. 5. Participation by all and team work – SSSVJ works on the concept of participation by all vibhags of SSSSO and outreach 6. Successful completion of all phases of the project and achieve the deliverables of the national project by adhering to the implementation phases sequentially 7. Good reporting and sharing of knowledge and best practices periodically, helps avoid reinventing the wheel by others and saves time 8. Periodical review – Mid Term evaluation and course correction is more of introspection of action till date and correcting the mistakes and bringing improvements 9. Above all, earn the grace of our Bhagawan through our Sincere and committed sadhana. Always pray to Him and surrender all actions to Him.
WEEK 1 JANUARY 2019
The year becomes new, the day become holy, when you sanctify it by spiritual practices (sadhana), not otherwise. Sadhana can grow only in a eld fertilized by Love. Love (prema) is the sine qua non of devotion (bhakthi).
– Sri Sathya Sai Baba
MAJOR EVENTS OF THE WEEK
31stDecember – Monday
01st January – Tuesday New Year
02ndJanuary – Wednesday
03rdJanuary – Thursday
04thJanuary – Friday.
05thJanuary – Saturday World Book Fair (Jan 5-13)
06thJanuary – Sunday International Kite Festival (Jan 6-14) SN Name of the Seva Beneciaries Seva Group Suggested Ref in Guideline Key values to be taught Duration book
C-M-1 Total Medical Checkup A Healthy family is a happy (Pages 94 – 95) & Distribution of Sai Children Monthly 1 – 2 Hours family Body is the temple. 1 C-M-2 Protein (Need based) Health is Wealth. Prevention (Pages 95 – 97) is better than cure. SUGGESTED WEEKL Reading is to the mind Book reading day Quarterly 2 Children 30 minutes Innovative what exercise is to the body
C-M-17 Success begins with hard work. Health Counseling Children Monthly 1 Hour 3 (Pages 113 – 115) Happiness begins with good health
Special training for Your Talent is God's gift to you; C-M-23 children with Children Bi monthly 1 Hour What you do with it 4 (Pages 119 - 120) special abilities is your gift back to God Y SEVAPLANNER Outdoor value games C-M-11 15 things to learn from Kites Children Monthly 1 Hour 5 (Kite ying activity) (Pages 108-109) (refer annexure)
C-M-4 Value Education BV Group Bal Vikas Class Children Weekly 1 Hour 6 (Pages 98 – 99) 1,2 & 3 – Chapter 31 NOTES December– Monday rd 31 uesday January – T st 1 ednesday January – W nd 2 January – Thursday rd 3 NOTES riday January – F th 4 January – Saturday th 5 January – Sunday th 6 KNOW THE FACTS
1. WORLD BOOK FAIR, NEW DELHI (JANUARY 5TH TO 13TH) The New Delhi World Book Fair is held in India every year in the month of January at Pragati Maidan. It is now marked as a major event for the publishing industry as the event witnesses a huge crowd throughout the fair. This year, the interested readers and authors can look forward to the 45th World Book Fair that will be held from January 5 (Saturday) - January 13 Image source: FestivalsofIndia.in (Sunday), 2019. This international book fair is organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) which is a part of the Indian government. Several publishers take part in this huge event every year and the number of people visiting their halls and stalls is increasing rapidly as the show proceeds from year to year. Publication from not just India but around the world participates in the fair and a lot of readers enthusiastically reach out from one stall to the other, searching for their next good read. New Delhi World Book Fair is not just an opportunity for a reader but it also provides a huge platform to the publishers who exhibit their numerous books at the event. Starting from 200 participants in 1972 the number of participants has gone up to 886 by 2016. The theme of the 2017 edition was -"Writings on Women by Women", and year (2018) the theme was Environment and climate change. Source: https://www.festivalsondia.in/WorldBookFair/ In celebration of world book fair, a special book reading session shall be conducted in the classroom wherein a good value based book (in any language) shall be read by the students in rotation like story telling. This shall be followed by explanation of the same by the volunteer to bring out the way the language has been used to tell the story.The focus shall be on construction of sentences, grammar and use of appropriate words to explain the context etc. Students should be encouraged to make reading as their hobby, if possible together and to facilitate that; a library should be started with knowledge enriching books. Some of the benets of book reading is given hereunder and the children should be explained these benets in detail. 1. Children who enjoy reading not only do better in language and literacy subjects, but in all of the different subjects as well 2. Reading develops language skills in children 3. Exposure to reading exercises your child's brain 4. Reading enhances a child's concentration & memory 5. Reading together encourages a thirst for knowledge 6. A range of books teaches children about different topics 7. Reading develops a child's imagination and creativity 8. Reading books with children helps to develop empathy 9. Books are a form of constructive entertainment 10. Reading together helps to create a bond
Extracted from https://bilingualkidspot.com/2017/10/19/benets-importance-reading- young-children/
2. INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL (GUJARAT) The birth of International Kite Festival date backs in the year 1989 and since then it is held in Ahmedabad every year. The International Kite festival is one of the most colorful events in Gujarat. The sky is lled with dazzling colorful kites which came from all around globe. The International Kite Festival is celebrated along the same day when Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan is celebrated i.e. on 14th January. Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited Image source: Gujarat Tours and Travel sponsors the festival. The festival is held either at Sardar Patel Stadium or the Police Stadium. People eagerly waits for International kite festival, special excitement is seen in youngsters. International Kite Festival attracts kite enthusiasts from all over the world gather here on the day to enjoy and test their kite ying skills. The festival symbolizes the onset of autumn. People irrespective of caste, creed, sex, region or religion participate in the International Kite Festival. Thus it inculcates the spirit of brotherhood and togetherness among the common men as well as they get opportunity to meet foreigners. The Patang Bazaar is the hot spot of the youth during this festival. The sky looks absolutely gorgeous with kites in innumerable tones, designs and shapes of the kites being own in the air. During this festive occasion, the markets provide you with distinctive varieties of kites, differing in color, design and style. Thus, there is a multitude of options available for you to choose from. International Kite Festival also holds religious signicance. The festival is held on Makar Sankranti and on that day it is believed that the sun moves into the northern hemisphere, thus emits harmful rays. Elders insist to keep away all things, people visit temples and offer alms to the poor. It is believed that the day marks the awakening of gods who were slumbered from last six months and the gateway of heaven is opened. Source: https://www.festivalsondia.in/international-kite-festival To celebrate the kite festival, a special kite ying competition can be held in the school as part of outdoor value based games. Children should be encouraged to participate in groups. Children should be taught values that can be learnt from kites and also values from playing group games. There are many new things we can learn from the kites; some of them are given below. Key things to learn from a Kite (To be explained to the Children) 1. It's difcult to rise but it's easy to fall: It requires energy and strength to rise. Special efforts are needed to do so. But to fall down is easy. Nothing needs to be done. Gravity does its job well. In the same way we also need to put in some extra efforts to reach a higher level. To go with the crowd or to go along the stream is always easy as it does not require any hard work or extra effort. 2. A kite needs favorable winds to go higher: If there is no wind it's very difcult to y a kite. It is difcult to rise up in the sky. Similarly even we need help and support of others to reach our goals. 3. A string is almost invisible but guides the kite: It's the string, which guides and directs a kite, however it's almost invisible. Similarly we are constantly guided and motivated by our guides, parents, teachers and gurus from the backstage. They play an indispensable role. Just like a kite cannot y without the string, even we will be nowhere without our guides and gurus. 4. A small tail can maintain the balance of a kite: Every one sees the kite but forgets the tail. It plays a major role of maintaining the balance of a kite. Similarly even in our life small things affect the journey of life and must be given the required importance. 5. A kite may get cut: Another kite may cut a kite. Similarly sometimes someone who is better than us may defeat us. But it's not something to be ashamed of. We can always learn and imbibe a new lesson from every difcult situation instead of running away from it. 6. Sometimes birds are injured or killed by a kite: Numerous birds are injured or killed by the kites. Similarly sometimes our behavior may break someone. Lets try to achieve our goals in such a manner that others are not adversely affected by it. As it is rightly said live and let live. So lets not harm others to achieve our objectives. 7. A kite can y irrespective of its color or type: A kite can y with same efciency and reach the same heights irrespective of the color of the kite or of the type of material of which it is made. Similarly every person can achieve their aims and objectives irrespective of their religion, caste or creed. So let's have a broad outlook and not differentiate people on these petty issues. Each one of us is capable of achieving our goals. 8. A kite can go on higher and higher: A kite can go on higher and higher up in the sky. Similarly we can reach unprecedented heights. All that's required is dedication, hard work and most importantly persistence to reach our goals. 9. A kite by itself is of no use: A kite can only be a showpiece by itself. It cannot reach the heights all by itself. A kite is able to move up due to the combination of various factors. And a kite must be aware of it. Similarly we can't do anything if we have a big ego. It's always a good team that reaches its destination in the best possible way. Lets convert 'me' into 'we'. 10. A kite may get struck on trees and poles: After getting cut a kite may get struck on trees or poles. Similarly in life we may face difcult (not impossible) challenges and get struck. But we must know that it's not the end. With a little bit of extra effort we can overcome any adversity. 11. Properly designed kite is able to reach higher more easily: A kite, which is properly designed, can reach greater heights with minimum efforts. Similarly if we are prepared to face all the situations with ease in life then we can achieve our goals more easily. 12. Loosen the string to prevent the kite from getting cut: The string of the kite is left loose so that another kite may not cut it. If the string is tight and tense it breaks more easily. Similarly we need to d-stress ourselves. Stress is a big killer and it prevents us from wholeheartedly enjoying our life and hinders in achieving our goals. So from a kite we can learn to let go in some of the difcult situations in order to avoid getting stressed up. 13. Kites' success depends on the ier who ies the kite: Along with the qualities of a kite the success of a kite also depends on the ier. In our case, we are the kite and God is the ier. So in some cases we may give our 100% efforts for a cause but sometimes the nal results depend on luck and God. So lets learn to accept it willingly. Some things may happen as destined. But at the same time it also does not mean that we should stop working to reach our goals. 14. A kite may not return back to the person it belongs after getting cut: After getting cut the kite belongs to the person who catches it. It no longer belongs to its previous owner. It's again ready for a new ight. Similarly after facing a difcult situation we change. We are no more what we used to be. We learn from our mistakes. And nally we are again ready to face new challenges on the path ahead. 15. A kite needs to be symmetric in shape to y: Similar to the shape of the Kite, we also need to balance our head and heart in symmetrical way to achieve success in Life. 1-14 above reproduced with slight modication from: https://jayati7.wordpress.com/2012/01/14/14-things-to-learn-from-a-kite/ Key activities done this week:
Reflections / Learning for the volunteer:
Key takeaways / information for the team members:
Reminder / preparatory tasks for the next week
No of hours spent in the week for SSSVJ Activities:
WEEK 2 JANUARY 2019
Youth is the stage in life when the slightest turn towards wrong will spell disaster. Thoughts shape the career. Plan to be rich in virtue, in devotion and in dedication to good causes. Follow the dictates of your conscience; you will never be wrong. – Sri Sathya Sai Baba
MAJOR EVENTS OF THE WEEK
07thJanuary – Monday
08thJanuary – Tuesday
09thJanuary – Wednesday
10thJanuary – Thursday
11thJanuary – Friday
National youth day (Swami Vivekananda 12thJanuary – Saturday Jayanthi)Bikaner Camel Festival
13thJanuary – Sunday Lohri /Bhogi/Uruka Guru Gobind Singh Jayanthi SN Name of the Seva Beneciaries Seva Group Suggested Ref in Guideline Key values to be taught Duration book
Showing Value education C-M-20 “Arise, awake and documentaries Children Bi – Monthly 30 minutes 1 (Pages 116 – 117) stop not till the goal is reached” (Film shows) on Swami Vivekananda SUGGESTED WEEKL
Drill class with C-M-16 Yoga adds life to your yoga and pranayam Children Monthly 1 Hour 2 (Pages 112 – 113) years and years to your life for children
“Don't give up”; normally Children counseling C-M-21 Children Monthly 1 Hours it is the last key on the 3 (Weak in studies) (Page 117 - 118) ring which opens the door
With out a sense of caring, Y SEVAPLANNER O-Z-5 Youth meet at college Organisation Quarterly 2 Hour there can be no 4 (Pages 162-163) sense of community
Bal Vikas Class (Discussion on Bikaner C-M-4 Value Education Children Weekly 1 Hour 5 camel festival, Guru (Pages 98 – 99) BV Group 1,2 & 3 – Chapter 32 Gobind Singh and Lohri) NOTES January – Monday th 7 uesday January – T th 8 ednesday January – W th 9 January – Thursday th 10 NOTES riday January – F th 11 January – Saturday th 12 January – Sunday th 13 KNOW THE FACTS
1. NATIONAL YOUTH DAY (SWAMI VIVEKANANDJAYANTHI) Indian Government declared January 12th as the National Youth Day in 1984. This day marks the birth day of great Indian philosopher, Swami Vivekananda whose teachings are the biggest philosophical asset of the country. The motto of declaring youth day on the birth date of this philosophical guru was motivating and inculcating these pious ideals to the coming generations. As per the quote from the Government of India's Communication, “it was felt that the philosophy of Swamiji and the ideals for which he lived and worked could be a great source of Image source: Cultural India inspiration for the Indian Youth.” National Youth Day is observed with great devotion towards Swami Vivekananda at headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission as well as their branch centers. Many activities are planned for the day including various processions, speeches, recitations, music, youth conventions, seminars, yogasana presentation, competitions in essay-writing and sports. The National Youth Day is also observed in almost all educational institutes of the country with great enthusiasm. Source: https://www.festivalsondia.in/National_Youth_Day/ Following are the important teachings of Swami Vivekananda 1. Strength, strength it is that we want so much in this life, for what we call sin and sorrow have all one cause, and that is our weakness. With weakness comes ignorance, and with ignorance comes misery. 2. Whatever you think, that you will be. If you think yourselves weak, weak you will be; if you think yourselves strong, strong you will be. 3. Purity, patience, and perseverance are the three essentials to success, and above all, love. 4. It is love and love alone that I preach, and I base my teaching on the great Vedantic truth of the sameness and omnipresence of the Soul of the Universe. 5. We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded, and by which one can stand on one's own feet. 6. This is the gist of all worship – to be pure and to do good to others. 7. My ideal, indeed, can be put into a few words, and that is: to preach unto mankind their divinity, and how to make it manifest in every movement of life. 8. If you have faith in all the three hundred and thirty millions of your mythological gods, … and still have no faith in yourselves, there is no salvation for you. Have faith in yourselves, and stand up on that faith and be strong; that is what we need. 9. So long as the millions live in hunger and ignorance, I hold every man a traitor who, having been educated at their expense, pays not the least heed to them. 10. Religion is the manifestation of the Divinity already in man. Source: https://www.speakingtree.in/allslides/10-golden-teachings-of-swami-vivekananda As part of Bal Vikas class, Children should be explained teachings of Swami Vivekanand. A special outreach program can be organized in nearby colleges with leadership session followed by awareness session. Film show can be organized for children showcasing life history of Swami Vivekananda.
2. BIKANER CAMEL FESTIVAL (13-14 JANUARY, RAJASTHAN) The Bikaner Camel Festival is organized in the beautiful city of Bikaner, Rajasthan by the state's Tourism Department. The desert town of Bikaner is located in the Northern part of Rajasthan. The festival is organized every year in the month of January or late December to emphasize the value of ship of the desert – “Camel”. The two day festival is marked by different interesting activities. In 2019 this festival is scheduled to be held on 13th-14th
January. Image source: hellotravel.com This festival starts off with a magnicent procession of bedecked camels against the red sandstone backdrop of the Junagarh Fort (1588-1593) in the town. It is a colorful spectacle of beautifully decorated camels that fascinates the onlookers with their charm and grace. The festivity advances to the open sand-spreads of the Polo Grounds, followed by camel races, camel milking, fur cutting design, the best breed competition, camel acrobatics, camel bands and so on. A sight of unusual camel activities like camel races, camel dances, and the bumpy, neck shaking camel rides highly fascinates the viewers. The camels display amazing footwork, dancing gracefully to the slightest direction of their riders. Their displays and competitions accompany the color, music and rhythm unique to a fair in Rajasthan. The jubilant skirt swirling dancers, the awe-inspiring re dance and the dazzling reworks light up the fortied Desert City. The festivities reach to the peak with a different tenor as the renowned artists display a medley of folk dances and songs. Finally, the festival concludes on a ne note by magnicent display of sparkling reworks which illuminates the desert city of Bikaner. Source: https://www.festivalsondia.in/bikaner_camel_festival/ The children as part of Balvikas class should be explained the signicance of Bikaner Camel Festival and the cultural diversity of the state of Rajasthan and the country.
3. GURU GOBIND SINGH JAYANTHI Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is celebrated by the Sikhs as the birthday of their tenth and last guru Guru Gobind Singh. This day witnesses large processions and special prayer gatherings at all Gurudwaras. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Nanak (Sikh Guru), was born at Patna Sahib on December 22, 1666, (PohSudi Saptmi). Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708 C.E.) became the 10th Sikh Guru after his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, had sacriced his life to protect the freedom of worship by Hindus, who were being threatened with conversion or death by Muslim rulers. Abduction of women and pillage of goods were rampant, but the people were too timid and terrorized to resist. In the midst of this political situation, Guru Gobind Singh gained great stature as both Saint and soldier a leader of rm spiritual principles and intense devotion to God, and at the same time, fearless dedication to protecting all people from oppression and injustice through the practice of Kshatradharma. Image source: Sikh History In 1699, he dramatically initiated ve men from the lower castes as His Five Beloveds, blessing them with great courage as well as nearness to God. They became models for the Khalsa, the Order of the Pure, which Guru Gobind Singh created to stand on the front line against injustice. The Khalsa were held to a very strict moral and spiritual discipline and under Guru Gobind Singh's courageous inspiration, helped to turn the tide against Mughal oppression in India. In addition to his spiritual and military leadership, Guru Gobind Singh was a gifted intellectual and had many poets in his court. He was inspired to write many powerful spiritual compositions that infused a martial spirit in the people. This included the Jaap Sahib, but He did not include them in the Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. His writings have instead been collected in a separate volume, called the Dasam Granth. He instructed the Sikhs to regard the Guru Granth Sahib as their teacher. The Guru Granth Sahib is the perpetual guru of the Sikhs today. Source: https://www.festivalsondia.in/gurugobind/ Guru Gobind Singh Jayanthi should be celebrated by explaining the children about the greatness of the Guru and his life story & teachings (given below) as part of Bal Vikas Class. Through the centuries, Guru Gobind Singh passed on his wisdom to the people of his community through religious scriptures. His teachings, however, are such that anyone one of us, at any given point in our lives, can benet from them. Some of his teaching from the 52 Hukams stated by Guru Gobind Singh--that can be incorporated in our daily lives are; Do not gossip, nor slander, or be spiteful to anyone. Do not be proud of riches, youthfulness or lineage. (Regardless of maternal and paternal caste or heritage, all of the Guru's Sikhs are siblings of one family.) When dealing with enemies, practice diplomacy, employ a variety of tactics, and exhaust all techniques before engaging in warfare. Do as much possible to serve and aid foreigners, those in need, or in trouble. Realise that considering a daughter as property is poison. Donate a tenth of your earnings. Do not ruin anyone's work by gossiping. Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/culture/story/teachings-guru-gobind-singh- tenth-sikh-guru-life-lessons-52-hukams-ve-ks-lifest 4. LOHRI – BHOGI – URUKA Lohri marks the culmination of winter, and is celebrated on the 13th day of January in the month of Paush or Magh, a day before Makar Sankranti. In 2019, it falls on a Saturday. For Punjabi s, more than just a festival, Lohri is also an example of a way of life. Lohri celebrates fertility and the spark of life. People gather around the bonres, throw sweets, puffed rice and popcorn into the ames, sing popular songs and exchange greetings. Image source: India Today On this day children go from door to door to collect funds for community bonres which are lit up in the evening. The gatherings and celebrations make Lohri a community festival. An extremely auspicious day, Lohri marks the sun s entry in to the Makar Rashi (northern hemisphere). The period, beginning from 14 January lasting till 14 July, is known as Uttarayan. It is also the last day of the month of Maargazhi, the ninth month of the lunar calendar. The Bhagawad Gita deems it an extremely sacred and auspicious time, when Lord Krishna manifests himself most tangibly. And so, across India, people celebrate the month and the prodigious harvest it brings - Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, Bhogi in Andhra Pradesh and the Sankranti in Karnataka, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The focus of Lohri is on the bonre. The traditional dinner with makkiki roti and sarsonkasaag is quintessential. The prasad comprises of six main things: til, gazak, gur, moongphali, phuliya and popcorn. There is puja, involving parikrama around the re and distribution of prasad. This symbolises a prayer to Agni, the spark of life, for abundant crops and prosperity. The rst Lohri of a newlywed bride and a new born child is considered very auspicious and important. Source: https://www.festivalsondia.in/Lohri/ The children should be explained the festival of Lohri, Bhogi and Uruka and their cultural signicance in their respective states. By this the children should be explained the cultural diversity of the country and how this country is united by such diversity at its core as the source of strength. Key activities done this week:
Reflections / Learning for the volunteer:
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WEEK 3 JANUARY 2019
May this festival of Sankranti, which is a symbol of change, bring about a transformation in your heart and provide bliss to one and all, so that you may always lead a happy, prosperous and cheerful life. In fact, the very name of a human being is Anandamaya (full of bliss). Manavatva(humanness) is meant for rising to the level of Daivatva (Divinity).
– Sri Sathya Sai Baba
MAJOR EVENTS OF THE WEEK
14th January – Monday MakarSankaranti / Pongal / MaghBihu MagheSankranti / Maghi / Uttarayan 15th January – Tuesday Thai Pongal/Army Day
16th January – Wednesday
17th January – Thursday
18th January – Friday
th Kokborok Day (Tripura) 19 January – Saturday Modehra Dance festival (19-21 Jan) 20th January – Sunday SN Name of the Seva Beneciaries Seva Group Suggested Ref in Guideline Key values to be taught Duration book
Maintaining cleanliness in class rooms and C-M-15 corridors (Decoration Children Monthly 1 Hour Cleanliness is next to Godliness 1 (Pg 110 -111) of the classes for the festive) SUGGESTED WEEKL The children may forget what P-M-2 Parenting Session Monthly you said but will never 2 Parents 1 Hour (Pg 150 – 151) forget how you made them feel
C-M-29 The more we share, Toy Bank Children Monthly 1 Hour 3 (Pages 126 – 127) the more we get
Creating Bal Vikas guru If you want to go fast, go from the village (young V-V-4 Villagers Monthly alone. If you want 1 Hour Y SEVAPLANNER 4 married women (Pages 158) to go far, go together and teachers)
Bal Vikas class (Special talk on Makar Sankaranthi, Pongal, C-M-4 Value education Children Weekly 1 Hour 5 MaghBihu, Army Day, (Pages 98 – 99) BV Group 1, 2 & 3 – Chapter 33 Modhera festival and Kokbrok day) NOTES January – Monday th 14 uesday January – T th 15 ednesday January – W th 16 January – Thursday th 17 NOTES riday January – F st 18 January – Saturday th 19 January – Sunday th 20 KNOW THE FACTS
1. MAKAR SANKRANTI
Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious occasions for the Hindus, and is celebrated in almost all parts of the country in myriad cultural forms, with great devotion, fervour and gaiety. It is a harvest festival. Makar Sankranti is perhaps the only Indian festival whose date always falls on the same day every year on the 14th of January (with just a few exceptions when it is celebrated either on 13th or 15th of January)
Makar Sankranti is the day when the glorious Image source: Times of India Sun-God begins its ascendancy and entry into the Northern Hemisphere and thus it signies an event wherein the Sun-God seems to remind their children that Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya - may you go higher & higher, to more & more Light and never to Darkness. To Hindus, the Sun stands for knowledge, spiritual light and wisdom. Makar Sankranti signies that we should turn away from the darkness of delusion in which we live, and begin to enjoy a new life with bright light within us to shine brighter and brighter. We should gradually begin to grow in purity, wisdom, and knowledge, even as the Sun does from the day of Makar Sankranti. The festival of Makar Sankranti is highly regarded by the Hindus from North to down South. The day is known by various names and a variety of traditions are witnessed as one explores the festival in different states. https://https://www.festivalsondia.in/Makar Sankranti/
2. PONGAL: Pongal is the harvest festival celebrated in the Southern parts of India of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. This festival is equivalent to the Makar Sankranti celebrated in North India and is celebrated for three days. Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal and MattuPongal, are the three days of Pongal festivities on successive days. In certain parts cattle races still enliven the village festivities. Pongal is a colorful and traditional festival with many ceremonies devoted to various deities.Sun God is worshiped on this festival as the Sun helps in the growth of the paddy and other plantations. The houses are cleaned, and all maintenance jobs are done before this festival. During the three-day festival, different varieties of Rangoli are drawn in front of the houses early in the morning. Bhogi: The celebrations start on the last day of Margazhi, which is known as "Bhogi". On this day, people get up very early in the morning to take head bath. They place all the trash in front of the house and iname it and dispose old and useless things from the house and replace with new one. Then colorful Rangoli are drawn in front of the houses. Pongal: Reaping of paddy is done. Using the new rice, the recipe "pongal" is made and offered to God. The sun God moves in chariot driven by seven horses. A picture of the chariot is drawn in an open space when the sun arrives. A small sun is drawn at the centre of the chariot. People place turmeric sprigs and sugarcane and puja is done onto the chariot. Then the dishes are offered to God. Once the Puja is over, everyone in the house takes a small amount of Pongal and sprinkles all over the house, saying "Pongalo Pongal". This is done as a prayer to God to bless their houses. Maatu Pongal: The next day is Maatu Pongal - Pongal for the cows. Cows are worshiped on this day. Milk suppliers decorate the cows. They paint the horns, apply colours and tie clothes on the cows. Then they take the cows to all the houses. Kaanum Pongal: People go out for places and enjoy this day. In Madurai, Tiruchirapalli and Tanjore a kind of bull ght called the Jallikuttu is held. Bundles containing money are tied to the horns of the ferocious bulls, and unarmed men try to wrest the bundles from them. With ingredients provided by freshly gathered harvest, community meals are held at many a place. Source: https://https://www.festivalsondia.in/Pongal/
3. MAGHBIHU (ASSAM) The MaghBihu that generally falls on the Sankranti of the month is on 15th of January 2019 this year. It is the third Bihu that calls for a grand celebration in Assamese homes. Bhogali Bihu comes from the word Bhog that is eating and enjoyment. Bihu marks the end of harvesting period and granaries at this time are full. There is lot of Image source: Travup.in feasting and eating during this Bihu. On the eve of the Bhogali Bihu day, it is called the Uruka. This grand feast known as Bhog is held on the night of the rst day of the festival in Uruka night. On this day, the young men folk go to the nearby eld and build a makeshift cottage call Bhelaghar and also a Meji with hay. During the night, the people of the village cook in the Bhelaghar and community feast occurs. There is also exchange of sweets and greetings at this time. The entire night is spent around the Meji with people singing Bihu songs, beating Dhol, a typical kind of drums, merrymaking or playing games. In the morning, the people take a bath and then burn the Meji. They offer pithas to the burning Meji and pray to the Fire God to mark the end of the harvesting season. Thereafter they come back home carrying pieces of half burnt rewood for being thrown among fruit trees for favorable results. On the rst of Magh (the day after Uruka), people visit relatives and friends places to enjoy Bihu delicacies like different types of pithas, sira-doi, jalpan and other delicacies prepared during Bhogali Bihu. Bhogali Bihu is marked by special events like bull ght, cock ght and egg ght which occurs on the rst of Magh. There are bull ghts across the villages and smaller towns across Assam held in open spaces where large crowds from villages come and view these ghts. The bulls are taken from the villages and pitted against each other and the winner bull and the master are awarded prizes. In egg ghts two or multiple players play against each other and the winner is the one whose eggs do not crack open when the competitors try to break them. Source: https://www.festivalsondia.in/bihu/Magh_Bihu/
4. ARMY DAY Indian Army Day marks a day to salute the valiant soldiers who sacriced their lives to protect our country and the people living in it. The day is celebrated on January 15th every year. On this day in 1948, Lieutenant General K. M. Cariappa became the rst Indian Commander - in - Chief.
Army played equally important role as the other freedom ghters in instilling democratization in India. General Kodandera Madappa Cariappa Image source: NDTV.com shared a good bonding with both natives and Britishers and then succeeded General Roy Butcher of British Army to become the rst Indian Commander in Chief of the democratic India.
The Indian Army ghts adversities on borders as well as with natural calamities. The Army works with true dedication and spirit of the motto ght to win. The Army Day celebrated on 15th January, 2019 will be the 71th Anniversary of Indian Army. The Army re-dedicates itself to become a part of the War Winning Team on this day. The day begins with paying homage to the martyred soldiers at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at the India Gate, New Delhi. Parades and many military shows which feature the technology and achievements in Army are held at the Delhi Cantonment. Unit credentials and Sena Medals were also presented for gallantry on the occasion every year
The importance of Army Day should be explained to the children as part of Balvikas class 5. MODHERA DANCE FESTIVAL (GUJARAT) The sun temple at Modhera in Mehsana district of Gujarat is dedicated to Lord Surya, the sun god, has its outer walls covered with sculptures in which the gures of Lord Surya are prominent. The beautiful Sun Temple acts as the backdrop during the festival of Indian classical dances held every year in January for three Image source: Indian Holiday days. The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat organizes this annual festival of dance. The idea is to present classical dance forms in an atmosphere they were originally presented in. Resting on a knoll in the village of Modhera, the ruins of the 11th century Sun Temple are an impressive sight. The outer walls of the temple are covered with sculptures in which the gures of Lord Surya, the sun god are prominent. The Sun Temple at Modhera is positioned in such a manner that the sun s rst rays illuminate the deity in the innermost sanctum through the main entrance. The incredibly beautiful Sun Temple acts as the backdrop during the romantic fete of classical dance. The idea is to present classical dance forms in an atmosphere they were originally presented in. Children should explained the signicance of Modhera dance festival and its importance in promoting ne arts and Indian culture as part of Bal Vikas Class.
6. KOKBOROK DAY (TRIPURA) Kokborok day (Borok day) is a festival celebrated in the Indian state of Tripura to celebrate the development of the Kokborok language. It is observed every January 19. The Kokborok language is an ofcial language in Tripura. This day is chosen to commemorate its initial recognition as an ofcial language in 1979. The activities include cultural programmes and literary activities. Kokborok is the Indigenous language of Tripura, spoken for thousands of years among the indigenous communities of Tripura."Kok" means language and "borok" means people (the people Image source: YouTube who speak Kokborok). Kokborok is one of the Tibeto-Burman languages widely spoken in the Northeast part of India and neighbouring CHT hill tracts of Bangladesh. The Kokborok language is one of the fastest growing and developing Tibeto-Burman languages in the region. The language is spoken mainly by the Debbarma, Kalai, Reang, Jamatia, Tripura, Noatia, Rupini, Murasing and Uchoipeople. However, the language has similarities with other Tibeto-Burman languages such as Bodo, Garo and Dimasa. The communities who speak Kokborok are categorised as Tripuri communities. All the communities who speak Kokborok are known as "Tipra/Tripuris." Children should explained the signicance of Kokborok day and its importance in promoting the language of Tripura, as part of Bal Vikas class Key activities done this week:
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WEEK 4 JANUARY 2019
If you want to uphold the reputation of the country, respect your fellowmen. First and foremost, develop love for your motherland. Feel proud that you are a Bharatiya. Realise that you are born in a sacred land which is the birthplace of many noble souls. You should always keep in mind the glory and grandeur of Bharat and conduct yourself accordingly. Only then are you eligible to be called a Bharatiya. Your actions should match your words. Merely extolling the glory of Bharat and conducting yourself in a mean manner is futile.
– Sri Sathya Sai Baba
MAJOR EVENTS OF THE WEEK
21st January – Monday Thai Poosam
22nd January – Tuesday
23rd January – Wednesday
24th January – Thursday International day of Education
25th January – Friday
26th January – Saturday Republic Day
27th January – Sunday SN Name of the Seva Beneciaries Seva Group Suggested Ref in Guideline Key values to be taught Duration book
Motivational talk to Villagers villagers by renowned V-M-2 Education is empowerment 1 and Quarterly 1 Hours people on importance (Pg 154 – 155) and Knowledge is power Children of Education SUGGESTED WEEKL Inspiring community through periodical Villagers Children- Community V-V-3 Our children are as and Quarterly 2 Hour 2 interaction (Children (Pg 155 – 157) brilliant as we allow them to be Children performance – Dance, drama, singing etc)
National patriotism C-M-5 True patriotism is doing 3 Children Half Yearly 1 Hour classes (Pg 99 – 100) some thing for the country Y SEVAPLANNER
Celebration of Republic Thousands laid down their lives, 4 Day (Mock Children Yearly 1 Hour Innovative so that our country breathes this Parade by children) day. Never forget their sacrice
Bal Vikas class C-M-4 Value education Children Weekly 1 Hour 5 (Talk on Thai Poosam) (Pages 98 – 99) BV Group 1, 2 & 3 – Chapter 34 NOTES January – Monday st 21 uesday – T
January nd 22 ednesday – W
January rd 23 – Thursday
January th 24 NOTES riday – F
January th 25 – Saturday
January th 26 – Sunday
January th 27 KNOW THE FACTS
1. THAI POOSAM (TAMIL NADU) Thaipusam or Thaipoosam is a festival celebrated by the Tamil community (Tamil Nadu) on the full m o o n i n t h e Ta m i l m o n t h o f T h a i (January/February). It is mainly observed in countries where there is a signicant presence of Tamil community such as India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa, Canada and other places where ethnic Hindu Tamils reside as a part of the local Indian diaspora population such as Réunion, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana,
Suriname, Jamaica and the other parts of the Image source: Palani.org Caribbean. It is a national holiday in many countries like Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Mauritius. In certain states of Malaysia and in the nations of Sri Lanka and Mauritius it is a government and a bank holiday. In Singapore, it was previously a national holiday but was removed from the ofcial list of national holidays. The word Thaipusam is a combination of the name of the month, Thai, and the name of a star, Pusam. This particular star is at its highest point during the festival. The festival commemorates the occasion when Parvati gave Murugan (Karthikeya) a Velor "spear" so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman. It is commonly believed that Thaipusam marks Murugan's birthday. The Kavadi Attam ("Burden Dance", also written as cavadee) is the ceremonial sacrice and offering performed by devotees during the worship of Murugan. It is often performed during the festival of Thaipusam and emphasizes debt bondage. The Kavadi itself is a physical burden through which the devotees implore for help from Murugan. Devotees prepare for the celebration by cleansing themselves through prayer and fasting for 48 days before Thaipusam. Kavadi-bearers have to perform elaborate ceremonies at the time of assuming the kavadi and at the time of offering it to Murugan. The kavadi-bearer observes celibacy and consumes only certain types of foods known as Satvik food, once a day, while continuously thinking of God. On the day of the festival, devotees shave their heads and undertake a pilgrimage along a set route, while engaging in various acts of devotion, notably carrying various types of kavadi (burdens). At its simplest, this may entail carrying a pot of milk, but mortication of the esh by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with vel skewers is also common. The simplest kavadi is a semicircular decorated canopy supported by a wooden rod that is carried on the shoulders to the temple. In addition, some have a small spear through their tongue, or a spear through the cheeks. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thaipusam Signicance and background of Thai Poosam can be explained to the children as part of Bal Vikas class so that they can appreciate the cultural diversity of this country 2. REPUBLIC DAY Republic Day, celebrated on January 26th every year, is one of India's most important national events. It was on January 26th, 1950 that the constitution of India came into force and India became a truly Sovereign, Democratic and Republic country. On this day, India nally enjoyed the freedom of spirit, rule of law and fundamental principle of Governance. The patriotic fervor of the Indian people on this day brings the whole country together even in her embedded diversity. Image source: scroll.in This year, the Republic Day celebrations will have 10 heads from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Brunei - as chief guests. It's when regional identity takes a backseat and what matters most is the universal appeal of unity and brotherhood projected by all Indians. The Indian constitution basically stands for the aspirations which 'the common man of India' cherishes. Republic Day is celebrated most majestically in the capital; New Delhi, where symbols of the great nation s military might and cultural wealth are displayed in what is the world s most impressive parade. All Government buildings are illuminated lending the city the atmosphere of a fairyland. This day is celebrated with much zeal and pride all across the nation. Well, there s a lot of practice and physical exercise, over 6000 marchers, 1200 students and 5000 artists from all round the country who make it happen in a span of 6 months!!! This spectacular celebration is possible because of the 33 departments and 3200 ofcials who work round the clock to ensure a glitch free ceremony and fool-proof security.The process of selection of the participants begins 6 months in advance. Every year 42 contingents with 144 soldiers march down Janpath on this day. All of them arrive before 1st of January in order to begin their practice in full swing. Around 10,000 personnel's reside in Delhi Cantonment and Parade Ground during this while. This year we will witness 3 more contingents of the Women Ofcers from the Air, Navy and Army. Source: https://www.festivalsondia.in/rajgir/ Signicance and background of the Republic Day can be explained to the children as part of Patriotism class. This will help them to understand and appreciate the sacrice of the armed forces of this country and create ability to value the freedom. This shall be followed by mock march past by students.
3. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION On 3 December 2018, the United Nations General Assembly adopted with consensus a resolution proclaiming 24 January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development. By doing so, the international community reiterated that education plays a key role in building sustainable and resilient societies, and contributes to the achievement of all other Sustainable Development Goals as it dedicated a special day to celebrate education worldwide. UNESCO, as the specialized United Nations agency for education, will facilitate the annual observance of the Day in close collaboration with main education actors. Ms Marie Paule Roudil, Director of UNESCO New York Ofce, stressed that education is not only a key goal on its own in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development but the one goal that gives people the means to realize it. “Gaining the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to out sustainable development into practice and craft innovate solutions is crucial for global goals”, she said. She also outlined the contribution of education to poverty eradication, improving health outcomes, promoting gender equality, environmental sustainability and building peaceful and resilient societies, while sharing the ndings of the latest Global Education Monitoring Image source: National Center for Education Report “Building bridges, not walls”. Statistics - US Department of Education Source: https://en.unesco.org/news/general-assembly-proclaims-24-january-international-day- education International education day shall be celebrated by holding a community level / village level talk on importance of education by renowned speakers. This shall be followed by a community function by the children consisting dance, drama and songs by the children. This will help to showcase the talents of the children to the villagers. Key activities done this week:
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WEEK 5 JANUARY 2019
“Man has been endowed with buddhi or intelligence, so that he might at every turn decide what is benecent for observance and what is detrimental. Gandhi while going through hate ridden regions, prayed, “Sabko san-mati de Bhagwan!” (O Lord! Give everyone Good intelligence!) The intelligence has to be kept sharp, clear and straight.”
– Sri Sathya Sai Baba
MAJOR EVENTS OF THE WEEK
28th January – Monday
29th January – Tuesday
th Martyr’s Day (Death anniversary 30 January – Wednesday of Mahatma Gandhi)
31st January – Thursday
1st February – Friday
2nd February – Saturday
3rd February – Sunday SN Name of the Seva Beneciaries Seva Group Suggested Ref in Guideline Key values to be taught Duration book
C-M-24 Computers are machines Computer exposure to Children (Pages 120 – 121) and can never match a human; children & Computer & Monthly 1 Hour 1 T-M-2 cause they have chips in education for teachers Teachers (Pages 132 – 133) place of hearts SUGGESTED WEEKL Maintaining cleanliness C-M-15 Cleanliness is a state 2 Children Monthly 1 Hour in classrooms (Pages 111-112) of purity, clarity and precision and corridors
Field Day (exposure to C-M-9 The only source of new environment) – Children Quarterly 1 Hours 3 (Pages 104-106) knowledge is experience Visit to nearby bank
The greatest sacrice is Y SEVAPLANNER Talk by Military Jawan Yearly sacricing one's own 4 (serving or retired) Children 1 Hour Innovative happiness for the sake of others
Bal Vikas Class C-M-4 Value Education (Special Talk on Children Weekly 2 Hour 5 (Pages 98 – 99) BV Group 1,2 & 3 – Chapter 35 Mahatma Gandhi) NOTES January – Monday th 28 uesday January – T th 29 ednesday January – W th 30 January – Thursday st 31 NOTES riday ebruary – F F st 1 ebruary – Saturday F nd 2 ebruary – Sunday F rd 3 KNOW THE FACTS
1. MARTYR'S DAY (MAHATMA GANDHI DEATH ANNIVERSARY) Martyrs' Day marks the death anniversary of the father of nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who was assassinated on Jan 30, 1948. Originally the martyrdom of the soldiers while defending the sovereignty of the country during the freedom struggle was remembered on Republic Day, January 26, and this gave way to January 30. On this day not only Prime Minister and chiefs of the armed forces salute the martyrs at India Gate but also common men show their gratitude towards them by giving up their normal activities for some time and observing silence for 2 minutes. Sirens are blown at every government establishment around 11 am. At that time Image source: Biography.com everyone, be it in industrial units or government ofces even the commoners stop their work and observe silence for two minutes as a remembrance of the martyred souls. The siren again blows after two minutes, i.e. around 11.02 am allowing resuming work. The day sees the triumphant celebrations, showcasing the latest weapon achievement and advertising military might.The followers of Mahatma Gandhi worship him and quote- He is the greatest human being so far appeared on this earth. Bapu is a symbol of virtues and greatness. This man lived the life of a saint. His status of Father of the Nation cannot be challenged as the political party led by him enjoyed full monopoly after independence. He believed in anti violent ideologies. Gandhi and his followers played a signicant role in ousting British. January, 30 is a Martyrs day to remember the freedom ghters of our country, where as January 25, is considered as a Martyrs day to remember those who lost their lives in the Anti- Hindi agitations during 1937-38 and 1965. Source: http://www.4to40.com/indian-festivals/martyrs-day/ Martyrs day should be celebrated by undertaking cleaning of the classrooms and the school surroundings by the children followed by a special talk on Mahatma Gandhi. Following are the 6 lessons we can teach the children from the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Additionally a serving or retired Jawan can be invited to the school, felicitated and made to speak to the children about sacrices of the defense personal to protect the country so that we all can sleep peacefully. 1. Anything is possible – Mahatma Gandhi was not born in a family of great leaders nor was he a child prodigy or a genius like many other famous people. He was a common man who used to be very shy in childhood. He still emerged as a leader and a great man. The lesson you can learn is to believe in yourself and do what feels right. Never think any less of yourself. 2. Keep trying – He never stopped trying until he succeeded. Step by step and slowly, he achieved what he wanted. We can learn the lesson of trying till we succeed. Success comes slowly to those who try and not to those who lose patience and stop trying. 3. Non-violence – Mahatma Gandhi always followed the path of non-violence and achieved what he wanted through peace. Sometimes, things around us make us sad and upset. But we can learn from him the lesson to stay calm in the tough situations. Try to follow the path of peace instead of violence to handle the tough situations. 4. Simplicity – You don’t need materialistic things to be happy. Gandhi Ji was a very simple man. He was happy and positive in whatever he had and never lived a fancy life. Money and materialistic things don’t matter if you are not happy. Simple living and high thinking was his mantra. 5. Be a role model – Gandhiji’s famous quote- ‘Be the change you want to see in others’ teaches us to be a role model and to lead by example. He was an active participant in all his campaigns, whether it was Dandi march, satyagraha or quit India movement, he was a role model. So, it’s always better to change yourself rst and then expect the world to change. 6. See no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil – We all heard of this lesson when we were small. Gandhiji’s 3 monkeys are every famous who teach us this lesson. We often complain about so many things which we see around. But if we look at Mahatma Gandhi’s life, we get to learn many important lessons which can be useful for us. Our kids can denitely learn some lessons of truth, nonviolence, and leadership qualities from him and his life. Source: https://kreativemommy.com/6-lessons-kids-mahatma-gandhi-life/ Key activities done this week:
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