ANNUAL DAY OF SANDEEPANI SISHUVIHAR

        23rd February was the Annual Day for the tiny tots of Sandeepani Sishuvihar. Apart from a colourful cultural programme by the tiny tots as well as their mothers who performed in the Thiruvadira group dance, there was mini convocation for the outgoing UKG students. A certificate, a lighted small brass  lamp, a shawland a book on quotations of Swami Vivekananda, were handed to each of the 7 students by the Guests who had come to attend the function and by Ma.Didi.

        Smt Rema Menon an educationist and counsellor for students was the Chief Guest. Other Guests were the ward councillors Smt Rekha Satprakash and Smt Parvathy Sukumaran were the other invited Guests.The programme 4pm and concluded at 7pm. The parents took full responsibility of the expenses of the programme.

REPUBLIC DAY& KUTUMBA SANGAMAM

The children and parents of Sishuvihar every year have been organizing the kutumba yogam with participation of all. This time teachers and parents tried to involve the yoga students and tailoring unit students and well-wishers to bring everyone under the umbrella of Kendra Kutumbam.

Being the 70^th Republic Day, the programme started 9.30 a.m with National Flag Hoisting at Ananda Dham by Man. Lakshmi Didi with children chanted the pledge, and sang the National Anthem.

All the children and parents moved into Dakshina Hall for the yogam to start.

Didi lighted the lamp inaugurating the yogam. Kum Kokila set the tone with her devotional bhajans. Sri Joshi gave simple exercises making everybody active and on their toes. Sutapa Didi gave an action song for all to make everyone attentive and active too. It was time to honour all those who stood totally with Kendra throughout the relief activities that Kendra undertook in the recent floods. Sri Udayan, Sri Joshi and Smt Lany were honoured with a shawl. Apart from these three all those who have been participating in all Kendra Activities right from its inception shared their experiences and how associating with Kendra has helped them to change the direction of their lives.

Man. Lakshmi Didi in her Republic Day speech highlighted the effect of Tyaga in our lives, (tyage neke amrithatwa manasahu)and how Karma Yoga can help everyone to transform themselves.

There were games for parents and children.

All the participants participated actively creating a festive atmosphere with songs, games and Hindustani music and folk dance programme by our ex-Sishuvihar students who have grown up. The whole day was really a Kutumba yogam, learning,sharing and above all enjoying the bliss of togetherness.

VIVEKNANDA JAYANTHI

12^th JANUARY-National Youth Day

 Samatva Yoga Sangamam started on dot at 6 a.m on 12 th January at Anandadham. Dr. M.V. Natesan Professor from Sri Sankara Sanskrit University, Kalady, Dr. Vivekanandan Retd Major General and Man. Lakshmi Didi were on the dais for the program. The program started with Vedic Hymn setting the tone of the program, followed by Ma. Lakshmi Didi’s welcome address. While talking to the students of yoga she highlighted Swami Vivekananda's concept of yoga and Ma.Eknathji contribution, making yoga as the core of Vivekananda Kendra in all its activities.

The talk by the distinguished Professor let the tune for the flow of Samatva yoga. He did it effortlessly filling the minds of Samatva yoga students and made them feel the necessity for making yoga as part of their life, by giving number of similes. Given the minimum time for him, he did justice and filled their minds with inquisitiveness.

The bonus came from retired Major Gen. Vivekanandan who  spoke from his rich experience and encouraged one and all to make yoga a part of their being.

This was followed by Samuhika Surya Namaskar led by Sri Joshi. To the tune of the ambience that was set by the distinguished guests, he created the tune of Samatva yoga and made everyone follow with breathing practices and Surya Namaskaram. The atmosphere was filled with vibrations of pranava chanting.285 members constituting yoga satra, varga, tailoring unit students and parents and students of Sandeepani Sishuvihar, took part.

 On the same day, Swamiji’s Jayanthi celebrations at Ananda dham, Kodungallur was planned at 10 am. Dr. Lakshmi Piyush, HOD of Sanskrit department, Sri Krishna College, Guruvayur was the Chief Guest. She inspired the prize winners who had come for the celebration, with her fiery speech. Talking to the parents and teachers, she said that giving the powerful thoughts of Swamiji and other inspiring thoughts vibrating with truth to their wards right from their childhood, it could mold their wards’ characters, thereby making them good citizens. Prize winning students were awarded. This time Amrita Vidyalayam received the rolling trophy for patriotic group song whereas the Trophy for folk group song was shared by Shantiniketan International School and GUPS Konathukunnu. Eleven poor but meritorious students of GGHSS Kodungallur, five of them from class X and five from the XIth class were awarded scholarships worth Rs 500/- each and Kum.Nasreen of class Xi received the Sridevi Namboodiripad memorial scholarship worth Rs 1000/- for being best in studies. As usual prasadam(sumptuous lunch) sponsored by Mr and Mrs Murali, our close wellwishers, was distributed to all after the programme.

On the 13^th January Sishuvihar children along with SamskarVarga children celebrated Swami Vivekananda Jayanthi in their own special way.

Dr. Sukumaran, an ayurvedic physician and a longtime associate of Kendra, was the Chief Guest. All we're blessed to have the august presence of a Swami from Ramakrishna Math Sri Satyatmakananda to bless the children. The program started with prayer and lighting the lamp by Ma Lakshmi Didi and Chief guest and little Ananth dressed as Swamiji. Didi addressed the parents emphasizing the need to sustain the values that are nurtured in Sishuvihar. Dr. Sukumaran too stressed the need for cultural education to be preserved for posterity.

Rev Swamiji too gave his blessings. He appreciated the efforts taken by the parents and teaching staff in dressing up each kid as symbolic characters from the puranas e.g, Siva-Parvati, Rama-Sita Devi and Lakshmana with Hanuman, a dedicated farmer and his wife’s dinacharya, Sri Krishna,Sri Sankaracharya and so on.

A Tableau by Samskara Varga children was highly appreciated by all. The theme was jala pralayam and the relief work by the voluntary organizations. Then each child presented their talents by uttering the sayings of Swamiji. The efforts taken by the parents and teaching staff was highlight of the day. The program ended with Shanti mantra.

On 3^rd February, Swamiji Jayanthi was celebrated jointly by Sri Ramakrishna Math Thrissur and Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundation-Kodungallur at Vivekananda Vijnana Bhavan, Punkunnam Thrissur.

The programme started at 4pm.with Vedic prayers followed by deepa prajwalanam by Rev Swami Nandatmajananda, Dr Jijin Krishna and Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi.

 Dr Jijith Krishnan (Associate Professor of Medicine, Govt.Medical College, Thrissur) was the Chief Guest. Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi presided over the function.Sreemad Swami Nandatmajanandaji gave the benedictory address.

In her presidential address Lakshmi Didi introduced Vivekananda Kendra and its activities and thanked Sri Ramakrishna Math for giving an opportunity to start the activities at Thrissur. She drew the attention of the parents and teachers in inculcating the values in the students so that strong foundation is laid down in them.

 The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Pottore school children who presented an excellent patriotic song we're the first prize winners in patriotic song competition. Dr. Jijin Krishna, Asst. Professor at Thrissur Medical College, gave an inspiring speech drawing number of incidents from Swamijis life, gave titbits to mould the life so that all can become worthy children of Swamiji.

Second prize winners .Sandeepani Vidya Niketan, Thrissur presented their song to the accompaniment of  by music instrument which  was appreciated by one and all

Paramekkavu Vidya Mandir was in the third position.

The winners of Quiz competition were Paramekkavu Vidya Mandir in the first position, Chinmaya Vidyalaya in the second position and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Poochatty in the third position. The best all round rolling trophy for the best performing school went to Paramekkavu Vidya Mandir.

While giving his benediction Sw. Nandatmajananda encouraged the children to adopt the teachings of Swamiji and mould their life so that they become ideal children of Mother India.

SAMARTHA BHARAT PARVA

As a part of Samartha Bharat Parva, the YCC participants planned to conduct a number of Satras to prepare the students from December for Samuhika Surya Namaskar programme for the 12^th of January. Sri Joshyji conducted 3 satras at Kara D.J.Hall, Kirtoli D.J.Hall and at Paramkulangara N.S.S.hall, totaling 30 members in all. Besides the 3 satras 25 ladies and 15 Sishuvihar parents were also trained by Joshiji.Smt Suja conducted 3 satras with 13 students at Valsalayam, 10 members at Edavilangu and 6 members at Thrissur. Smt Mani conducted a satra with 32 members at Elthuruthu. Sri Udayan conducted a satra at Vinayakapuram with 6 members.

Folk and patriotic group song competitions were held for the junior and senior students of various schools of Kodungallur, on 4^th January 2019. 50 students from six schools participated.

As part of spreading the activities  of Kendra to Thrissur town this year. In collaboration with Sri Ramakrishna Math we organized the patriotic song and quiz competition on the eve of Swamiji Janma Thithi.

The Patriotic group song and quiz competitions were held on 25^th January for schools at Thrissur. 12 schools took part. 150 students along with their escort teachers were present on that day. The competitions were held in Vivekananda Vijnana Bhavan, Punkunnam Thrissur.

MATRUPUJA AND OTHER ACTIVITIES OF SISHUVIHAR AT ANANDADHAM

                                         MATRU PUJA/ SCHOOL TRIP /  AND SPORTS DAY

                                        MATRU PUJA

 Every year commemorating the birth anniversary of Holy Mother Sarada  Devi’s Birthday, Sandeepani  Sishuvihar  organizes Matru puja. Not only the present students of Sandeepani Sishuvihar but also the children of Samskar Varga and children from the neighbouring houses, get an  opportunity to learn how to worship the feet of their mothers and grandmothers.

                                                                                                  

26^th December morning was the Matrupuja. 25 children took part. Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi guided them.                           

                                                                  SCHOOL TRIP

January 2^nd proved to be a memorable day for our Sandeepani Sishuvihar childr3en and their guardians as they were to go on an excursion to the famous Malampuzha dam.  At 6.30a.m. the Ayyappa Air Bus carried 16 kids, 7 other children and 31 parents and 2 teachers,  with plans to halt in between and visit other places of interest.  At 8.45 a.m  they reached Peechi dam site and had their eagerly awaited breakfast.  After visiting the dam and gardens they proceeded towards their destination Malampuzha by 11.45 a.m.  Fort, Hanuman temple, were visited on their way and had their lunch at Children's Park at Malampuzha.  Children were enchanted to see the vast collection of fishes and other aquatic animals in the aquarium as also the snake park.  They were thrilled to go up the dam through the ropeway.  The various rides at the Park were equally enjoyable.  The beautiful flowers, trees and well maintained lawns made them happy and joyful and like little birds and animals they jumped from place to place thoroughly enjoying the freedom (from classrooms) they waited for the evenings’ light show which was a sight for Gods.  At 7.00p.m they started back, had food on the way and got back to Kodungallur by 11.45 p.m.

                                             SPORTS DAY

16th January was sports day for UKG and LKG children. Su Bindu teacher and Salitha teacher conducted sports for the children. Many interesting games like frog jump, memorygame, eating 

game , running race, spoon race were conducted. Mothers of the tiny tots gave a helping hand.

SPIRITUAL RETREAT 17TH DEC TO 21ST DEC 2018

17^th December to 21^st December, the people of Kodungallur were blessed by the Holy presence of Srimad Swami Haribrahmendranandaji, who was to be the chief resource person for the Spiritual retreat at Anandadham.

On 17^th December in the evening at 8 p.m.Sreemad Swami Haribrahmendrananda Tirtha  from Somashram, Uttarkashi, arrived at Anandadham. He was received with Purna Kumbha.He got introduced to the students and devotees who were eagerly waiting to have a glance of him.

Classes started from 18^th, after the formal inauguration, at 6.15 a.m. Usual Kendra routine was followed, with pratahsmaran followed by yogabhyas, before the classes started everyday at 6.30 a.m. First session in the morning was taken by Swamiji on Patanjali Yoga sutras.This was followed by second session on Karma Yoga according to Swami Vivekananda conducted by Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi.Third session was again by Swamiji followed by Cyclic Meditation conducted by Sri Sudhakarji.

After lunch there was Veda chanting session conducted by Sushree Gayathri Didi from Bangalore. She taught the Purushukta to the Shibirarthis.After tea was another session by Swamiji upto 6 p.m

After this bhajanSandhya and supper followed.

44 participants were blessed with the experience of this Satsang.

SUKRUTAM BHAGAVATHA PURASKARAM FOR MA. LAKSHMI DIDI

Sukratham Bhagwatham an organization of Bhagavata Devotees  presented Sukratham Bhagavatham Puraskaram to Ma. Lakshmi Didi at a well attended function on 20^th December at Ernakulamin the august presence of Sri Udit Chaitanyaji,the great Bhagavatha exponent.

WORKSHOP FOR TAILORING UNIT STUDENTS

One day workshop for Nivedita tailoring unit. The workshop was inaugurated by Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi as the participants we're chanting the pranava mantra. Didi in her inaugural address laid emphasis on self-transformation and become a role model for others and requested all the mothers to make use of the opportunity of learning to stand on their own feet.

Smt Prabha teacher who is versatile in number of art forms like fabric painting and embroidery introduced the students to the basics of the above arts. All we're engrossed in that till lunch time.

In the post lunch session it was family counseling. Smt Divya from Tejus, Irinjalakuda conducted the lively interactive session with ease with the help of couple of students. In the end all the participants expressed their opinion. Kendra honoured both the teachers of the tailoring unit The program concluded with Shanti mantra.

SADHANA DIVAS

On 18^th November both elderly QCI students and Samskarvarga children paid their homage to Ma. Eknathji by pushparchana. Jeevanvrathis, Su. Nilakshididi from Odisha Prant and Sri Srinivasji from Andhra and Telengana Prant were present on the occasion. Sri Sudhakarji spoke to the members about the nature of the ‘ leader’in Ma. Enathji.

On 19^th November which is regarded as Sadhana Divas, our Yoga satra and Yoga varga participants celebrated Ma Eknathji’s 104 th birthday by offering floral tributes in front of his portrait, after their regular practice of yoga in the early morning and after a short talk by Didi. Ma. Lakshmi Didi while talking to them explained the efforts taken by Eknathji in building the Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra, with the spiritually oriented service mission. Knowing the importance of yoga in one's day today life, he made arrangements for getting trained all the jeevanvrathis way back in 70s. She encouraged all to hold on to this kamadhenu, the maha mantra’ jeevane yavadadanam syat pradanam tatodhikam’ and make their lives purposeful and joyful.

Ma Eknathji’s Birthday was also celebrated on the same day by Sandeepani Sishuvihar too. The parents, tailoring unit students, yoga varga members assembled at Dakshina hall of Ananda Dham to celebrate the event. All Children were well prepared to play their own role.

Bindu teacher, inmate of Anandadham, welcomed all the above for the function. The programme started with the prayers by all in unison. Master Arav and Agneya set the tone of the function with their brilliant performance former dressed as Ma. Eknathji and the latter as Swamiji. All the children were dressed as Ma.Eknathji, supported them with their part, reciting from memory, short paragraphs from the Sadhana Oru Tapas (Sadhana of Service –Malayalam version). Ma Lakshmi Didi in her talk explained how Ekanathji made an impossible task possible and built the Memorial in short span of time an encouraged all who were present visit Kanyakumari to have firsthand experience. The programme concluded with paying floral tributes to Ma. Eknathji and chanting of Shanti Mantra.

SISHUDINAM

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Sishuvihar children in Amrita Vidyalayam with their escot teachers. For the firs time both LKG and UKG tots participated in an Inter school Art competition.at the end of which each received a memento and a balloon, the most precious gifts. The heavenly smile in their faces!!

Children are like precious gems. Children are adorable. They are like divine gifts that parents get from the almighty. Their eyes are full of innocence. They smile when they receive love and admiration, they cry when it is their first day at school away from their parents, they giggle when they mingle with their buddies, and they signify nothing but the pure and faithful love. They truly symbolizes god.

14th November is celebrated as children's day in all over India. Childhood memories are sweetest of all. They can be savored for a lifetime. Children's day celebration is fun for the little ones but it is important for the parents too. Every parent must understand the importance of the children's day. Parents should be well aware about the little desires of their angels.

The tiny tots of LKG and UKG of Sandeepani Sishuvihar put up a short programme with the help of their teachers on 14th November which is their 'Sisudinam'. It began with an opening prayer, lighting of the lamp by three 'Sishu' Guests Master Arav, dressed as Chacha Nehru , Master Agneya dressed as Swami Vivekananda, Kumari Anagha as Sister Nivedita. They were welcomed to the dias by offering a colourful rose flower to each by the LKG tots.Sri Sudhakarji and Mananeeya Didi too sat with them to encourage them and give their blessings. Each of the tiny tots presented either a song, rhyme or story. The tailoring students and teachers, the yogavarga members and inmates of Anandadham were all present to watch them perform!

  

DIWALI CELEBRATION

 On 6th November, 25 children

                                from Sanskar Varga groups of Aripalam, Edavilangu, Sringapuram and  Sishuvihar kids of UKG class along with their mothers were present for Diwali celebration on 6th November in the evening at 4.30 p.m.Ma.Didi spoke to the children and mothers about the significance of this Diwali day. Home-made sweets were served to all of them . At  the end all the children and mothers went to light lamps around the newly constructed park named ' Sishuvihar Vrindavanam'. 

SNEHA MILAN

                       Sneha Milan

Yoga varga and yoga satra leaders of Sringapuram-Anandadham, Keraliswarapuram, Anjepalam and Moothakunnam decided that from 5th November onwards, every Monday they all would gather at Andadham campus for Samuhika Surya Namaskar.
On 5th morning (Monday) at 6.a.m. Sixty one  practitioners gathered  at Anandadham's Sishuvihar Vrindavanam for Samuhik Surya Namaskar. After this Ma.Didi spoke to the practitioners. She told them that each of to    them should become the messengers of positive thoughts,by regular practising of this discipline called Yoga. Their lives could be examples to attract more and more seekers of this path of peace and wellbeing. One's health is always in one's hand  and Yoga is like a 'Kamadhenu' which provides whatever one asks for  -she said.
 It was a good start and need to be continued, all felt so.

Vishwabhanu June '18 - Sep '18