A martial arts student went to his teacher and said earnestly, “I am devoted to studying your martial system. How long will it take me to master it?”
The teacher’s reply was casual, “Ten years.” Impatiently, the student answered, “But I want to master it faster than that. I will work very hard. I will practice every day, ten or more hours a day if I have to. How long will it take then?”
The teacher thought for a moment, “20 years”.
In life we require Sadhana and Shradha to live a meaningful and successful life. It should be our earnest efforts to see that our students are growing with both qualities which would help them to master the basic skills from School education.
There are many things to share which had happened during the last two months.
VKVAPT Team Meeting: The first meeting with the CICs in this session was held on 15 and 16 June in VKVAPT, Dibrugarh. In the beginning of the meeting there was a Swadhaya on the 8th chapter of ‘Sadhana of Service’ of Mananeeya Eknathji. All the five CICs reported various matters relating to the respective schools like joining of teachers, vacancies, requirement etc. In addition to these, there were discussion on many administrative and accounts related matters, updates on teachers’ recruitment drive, teachers’ performance in the last APS etc. Mananeeya Pravinji was present throughout the days and guided all.
Sargam Camp: The first Sargam camp for this session was held at VKV Itanagar from 25 June to 29 June 2016 in which 20 selected students from the VKVs Balijan, Nirjuli, Vivek Vihar and Itanagar and 5 selected teachers attended the camp. Students and newly selected music teachers were trained in singing Patriotic Songs and Bhajans & Chanting of Prayers and Bhagawad Gita (Chapter 16). On the whole, the participants have learnt 36 different items. The main resource persons for the camp were Shri R Krishna Kumar from VKVAPT, Smt. Anjali Das from Balijan and Shri. Chayan Sarkar from VKV Yazali. The Sargam Team presented one patriotic song each on all the three working days during the camp in the school assembly of VKV Itanagar. Shri Deepak Chandra Bhatt, Executive Engineer, Central Water Commission graced the valedictory function held at 3.30 on 29th June 2016. The camp was an enriching experience for the participants. The trainees are expected to train more students in their respective schools.
Personality Development Camp Conducted: VKV Yazali conducted one day PDC for the students of Class VIII to X from the school on various dates in the month. Altogether 71 girls and 96 boys participated in the Shibir. The one day Shibir focused on giving valuable message of Swami Vivekananda, Various aspects of Personality Development etc. In addition to these, there were Yogasana practice and Group discussion and presentation.
Motivational lecture in VKV Roing: A motivational lecture was organized in VKV Roing on 23 June. 39 students of Class XII attended the lecture. Sri. Rome Mele, APCS Topper (Second), an Ex VKVian of Roing, was the speaker. Sri Mele motivated the students by telling that by preparing strategically one can achieve success in competitive examination. He also expressed his gratefulness towards VKVs for his strong foundation and for instilling values in his life.
Celebration of International Yoga day: All the VKVs of Arunachal Pradesh celebrated International Yoga Day with lot of enthusiasm. In addition to the in-house program, many VKVs participated in programs organized by Govt. or other agencies. In the school level competition there were Suryanamaskar and asana practice along with motivational speech on the benefit of yoga for body, mind and intellect. VKV Kharsang celebrated the occasion by involving the students of 3 neighbouring Government schools who came to VKV Kharsang and participated in the celebration. Notables among the public program were the following:
Participation 80 trained students of VKV Vivek Vihar & 250 students of VKV Itanagar in the grand program at IG park which was witnessed by Governor Sri J.P.Rajkhowa and Union Minister, Sri Kiren Rijjiju; the participation of 50 students along with staffs of VKV Wessang in the program organized in Officer’s Club by AYUSH, Art of Living and VKV Wessang which was witnessed by DC Sri Rajit Takuk and other dignitaries; 80 students of VKV Roing took part in the public program at General ground Roing which was inaugurated by Sri. Mukut Mithi, Honorable Rajya Sabha MP. In addition to the school level program, VKV Dollungmukh visited the neighboring village to motivate the villagers to practice yoga in the school
Inauguration of Class Room Library: - Class room Library set up with the help of Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam, Naharlagun Branch was inaugurated on 29th June 2016 at VKV Nirjuli. The main objective of the creation of Class Room Library was to make available the age appropriate books to primary class students and conduct guided reading inside the class room to introduce them to the world of books in the initial years of schooling. The children also would be given a chance to borrow books for further reading at home.
The inaugural function was held at VKV Nirjuli wherein Shri. Rajesh Jagota handed over the keys of 9 class room Libraries to Principal VKV Nirjuli in the presence of Shri. Unnikrishnan. P.M, Education Officer of the Trust and large number of students and staff of the school. Shri. Rajesh Jagota, Shri. Pandey, Chief Engineer and Sri Unnikrishnan addressed the students and staff on the occasion.
Share and Care: - Some well-wishers, who has tremendous love and care for the works of VKVs in Arunachal Pradesh, continue make their presence in Arunachal Pradesh through their small efforts. Er. Jayant Katdare former National Chess player from Nagpur and Executive Engineer in Maharashtra Electricity Board is an excellent example for that. He had visited VKVs in November 2014 on invitation for giving Coaching to Students in Chess. He kept guiding us in his regard. He has recently contributed high quality Chess boards & coins, books related to chess to VKVs. Thanks to him.
Language Lab for EMRS Bana: - The Language lab at EMRS Bana became fully operational. The Students of EMRS Bana will have modern facility to Learn Language. The Lab was set up with the help of the Department of SJTEA.
Inauguration of VKV Kimi:- VKV Kimi the 35th VKV was inaugurated on 2nd June by Smt. Manju Pankaj, spouse of Shri.P.C.Pankaj Chairman and Managing Director NEEPCO, Shillong in the presence number of NEEPCO officials, Local People and Students. Shri. Nanda Kumar P.T is the founding Principal of the school. The initial classes has been started from class I to III. The school is mainly to cater the educational need of NEEPCO Hydel Project at Kimi, West Kameng District and also the Local Populace of Kimi.
Inauguration of VKV Chayang Tajo:- The inauguration of VKV Chayang Tajo was a much awaited event in the whole area . The eagerness of the people was evident from the report published in the Arunachal Times on 8th March 2011. The newspaper report titled “ For a cause called VKV School “ states “Chayang Tajo, Mar 7: They are poor, old and barefooted. All they earn is a paltry sum of about 4000 bucks each in a year as ‘honorarium’ from the state government in return of their services. Yet for the cause of establishment of a VKV school at Chayang Tajo they are more than ready to donate half of the honorarium, no matter, even if it meant two-bag-less rice for them.
The gaon burahs (village elders) of Chayang Tajo, with this, go on to show that they got big hearts if not big literate heads.
“In addition to this (honorarium), I’ll give away one mithun to the cause,” declares, amidst a loud applause, Taffe Eri, the president of Chayang Tajo Goan Burah Welfare Association. “Nobody could better understand than us what it meant to be not educated,” he adds while speaking in a public meeting on 27th February last.
A day before the said public meeting, Honchun Ngandam, Minister for Horticulture, had laid the foundation stone of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya at SIB complex, Chayang Tajo in the presence of Karya Bagang, the local MLA and hundreds of villagers. The minister on the same day graced the Nyokum Yullo Festival’s eventful sacrifice day as Chief Guest while the director horticulture, J Ratan as the guest of honour”
Smt Karya Bagang, Shri. Tara Bagang, noted Social worker and Shri. Ashok Tajo, ADC and alumni of VKV and scores of public leaders have worked ceaselessly to get the building completed and also for other necessities.
VKV Chayang Tajo the 36th VKV was inaugurated on 25th July 2016 in befitting function at Chayang Tajo. Shri. Rajiv Takuk, Deputy Commissioner, East Kameng District, Smt. Karya Bagang, MLA 9th Chayang Tajo Assembly, Shri. Ashok Tajo, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Er. Pai Dawe, large number of well-wishers and parents were present for the inauguration ceremony. VKV Chayang Tajo has at present classes from I to III. Gradually classes will be increased every year. It is situated 80 Km away from Seppa, the District Head Quarter of East Kameng District. Shri Sanjeeb Kr. Kar is the founding Principal of the School.
Inauguration of B.Ed. college:- It was a long cherished dream of Kendra to start a B.Ed college to groom aspiring youths to be committed and competent teachers to the overall educational scenario of the state.
Vivekananda Kendra College of Teacher Education at VKV-Complex, Nirjuli held the inaugural function to mark the historical beginning of a new B.Ed college on 25th July 2016 at VKV Complex. The inauguration was done by Dr. Joram Begiji, Prant Pramukh of Vivekananda Kendra and the Chief information commissioner, Government of Arunachal Pradesh in a befitting Programme. Speaking on the occasion Dr.Begiji said that Vivekananda Kendra of Arunachal Pradesh is committed to provide quality higher education to the people of Arunachal Pradesh and the B.Ed College is one another effort to fulfil the dream of Mananeeya Eknathj.
Shri Unnikrishnan P.M, Education Officer of VKVAPT was also present on the occasion and he underlined the need for creating a base for future professionals in the field of education to improve its overall quality.
VKCTE is affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University and approved by National Council of Teacher Education, Govt. of India.
Participation in various training programs:-
CCE Workshop at Naharlagun: - Shri. K. Jaishankar, Principal, VKV Itangar; Shri. Rajan. P., Principal, VKV Banderdewa; Shri. Sangram Chowdhury, VKV Nirjuli, Shri. Dhrubajyoti Nath, VKV Yazali; Shri. Balasaheb D. Nagarale, VKV Balijan and Shri M.V. Ravindran, VKV Vivek Vihar participated in a 2 day Capacity building Programme conducted by CBSE – Centre of Excellence, Kolkata on Co – Scholastic aspects of CCE on 28th & 29th June 2016 at Royal International School at Naharlagun. Smt. Ratna Singh, Principal, Hindustani Kendriya Vidyalaya, Guwahati and Master Resource Person for CCE, CBSE, New Delhi was the main resource person for the program.
Science Teachers Training workshop:- 10 Teachers namely Shri. Amitava Mondal, VKV Balijan; Shri. Prashant Neog, VKV Banderdewa; Shri. T.Sritharan, VKV Nirjulil; Shri. Vinod Kothawade, Shri. Aurobindo Mohanty and Shri. K.K.Subramainan from VKV Itanagar, Shri. Gupta Bigop Parida, VKV Vivek Vihar, Shri. Anupam Dey, VKV Yazali, Shri. Surjit Singh, VKV Oyan & Shri. Manu Kumar .H.N, VKV Sher participated in a 2 day Science Teachers training workshop jointly organized by CSIR,NEIST Branch and Royal Society of Chemistry, Kolkata on 19th & 20th July at Naharlagun. Smt .Vimala Oak, Royal Society of Chemistry was the resource persons for the camp. The workshop threw light on the active learning process through various activities like show me the board, card sort, concept map, dart method, word search, dominoes, Bingos & Tarsia. Teacher were trained in hands on activities in finding the pH of different fruits and leaves, Production of carbon dioxide by baking powder and vinegar, Ionization with iron oxide, Electrolysis, Decomposition reaction, Displacement reaction, Double displacement reaction &Oxidation.
Vedic Ganit Workshop: - 13 teachers of mathematics from VKVs of Arunachal Pradesh participated in a Vedic Ganit Workshop organized for the teachers of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas North East by Vivekananda Kendra Shiksha Prasar Vibhag (VKSPV), Guwahati at Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture (VKIC) Uzanbazar, Guwahati from 21st to 23rd July. Sri Sriram Chouthaiwale from Nagpur, Maharastra was the main Resource person for the Workshop. Vedic methods of Addition, Subtraction, multiplication, division, finding squares of numbers and various mathematical operations with polynomials were the focus of the workshop.
Bhoomi Puja at VKV Baljan for New Hostel complex: -
The Bhoomi Puja for a new Girls’ hostel complex at VKV Balijan was performed on 14th August 2016 in the presence of Man. Pravinji, Secretary, VKVAPT; Shri. Chukku Takar , Additional Deputy Commissioner, Balijan; Dr.R. N. Pal , Founder Director, National Yak Research Centre, Dirang, Shri. P.M Unnikrishnan and number of well-wishers, students and teachers of VKV Balijan. The complex was designed by Ar. Kento Ori and Er. Jakre would supervise the project.
Superannuation: - Shri. G Raman, Smt. Venuga Devi and Su. Upasana Sharma have retired from their long years of service in July 2016. All three have made self-effacing farewell for their dedicated long career whose entire adult life spent in various VKVs for the service of this Himalayan State. The emotional Raman Sir has remarked that his mind is fully with Aruanchal and he would cherish the memories of being with little kids, their pranks, seeing them growing in front of his eyes etc forever.
Hosting of State Level Van Mahotsav by VKV Itanagar. :-VKV Itanagar hosted the 67th state level Van Mahotsav Programme on 4th July 2016. : Smt. Shakuntala Gamlin IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Sri K D Singh, Advisor to Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Sri. Onkar Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), Environment and Forest (E&F), Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Sri. G N Sinha, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), Wildlife and Biodiversity (WL&BD), Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Dr. Rajendra Kumar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), Planning and Development (P&D), Government of Arunachal Pradesh etc were the important dignitaries present for the programme.
The Chief Secretary inaugurated the function by planting a tree. All the dignitaries also planted trees in the campus. After the massive tree plantation, the awareness programme was held in Man. Eknathji Centenary Hall. Shri. Unnikrishnan.P.M, Education Officer, VKVAPT delivered the welcome address. The Chief Guest Smt. Shakuntala Gamlin narrated the conditions of Japan, where the cities have come up with natural beauty of trees with their concentrated efforts. She shared her dream for Itanagar that it should be developed as the Smart & Green City by planting trees in large numbers. She also lauded the efforts taken by VKV authorities for keeping the campus clean and full of vegetation in the campus. She also congratulated the VKV authorities for providing ideal environment for learning for children.
She has announced that the approach road to VKV Itanagar which is in a precarious condition would be made concrete soon.
Visit of Chief Secretary to VKV Dollungmukh: VKV Dollungmukh students and staffs were enthralled when they got an opportunity to receive the Chief Secretary Smt. Shankutala Gamlin, IAS; various officials from Government of Arunachal Pradesh and NHPC Officials who made an unannounced visit to the school on 3rd July 2016. She interacted with the staff and students of the school.
Inauguration of Non- formal Sanskrit Education Centre @ VKV Nirjuli:- A Non Formal Sanskrit Education Centre was inaugurated on 26th August by the Education Officer of the Trust Shri. Unnikrishnan.P.M in a simple ceremony at VKV Nirjuli. Non Formal Sanskrit Education centre is the initiative of Rastriya Sanskrit Sansthan, deemed University under Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. VKV Nirjuli will be the partner for the programme. Initially there would be 3 batches of 30 persons enrolled in the program.
Glittering performance of VKV Students in District Level Science Seminar:-
It was a great moment for the VKVs of Arunachal Pradesh when students from various VKVs stood first in 14 Districts in the District level Science Seminar. The names of the first position holders are given below:
Sl.No. Name of VKV Participants Name
1 Nirjuli Km. Apurv Sarkar
2 Sher Km. Takam Dado Madang
3 Tafrogam Kr. Sanghmitra Phukan
4 Ziro Km. Taku Tako Amung
5 Yingkiong Km. Anne Aje
6 Koloriang Km. Yumlam Kena
7 Roing Km. Priya Barua
8 Jirdin Km. Toyir Kango
9 Nivedita Vihar, Seijosa Km. Pung Taku
10 Kitpi Tawang Km. Lobsang Dolma
11 Amliang Kr. Kapnai Losu
12 Kuporijo Km. Lukyir Taji
13 Niausa Khunwang Harisik
14 Kharsang Tumniang C Kongkang
Alumni Meeting: - It was an effort to form a core group of alumni who are ready to take up the responsibilities of organizing other alumni members. Advocate Pritam Taffo has organized the meeting of alumni wherein 24 alumni who studied in various VKVs namely Jairampur, Balijan, Sher, Kuporijo, Seijosa & Oyan participated. Dr. Ajit Kanitkarji facilitated the discussion for the need and strengthening of VKV alumni activities in the state. Shri. Unnikrishnanji, Shri. Rupeshji, Shri. S.C.Dixit, Shri. Pradeep.Y and Sri K Jaishankar were present for the Programme.
Annual Principal Meet: The Annual Principal meet for the session 2016-17 was held at VKVAPT, Dibrugarh on 28 and 29 July 2016. Except the Principals of the newly established schools namely VKV Kimi & Chiyang Tajo, all the Principals and Vice Principal attended the Meet. The Meet also was graced by Kendra elders and Trustees who guided the all. In the evening of the 28 July, Sri Rinchin Dorjee, Trustee addressed the participants. Mananeeya Pravinji while setting the tone of the meeting expressed happiness on the performance of the students in the Class X examination which has made a threefold improvement than the last examination in terms of CGPA 10 scoring. At the same time, he emphasized that while imparting quality education, we should ensure that the core values need to be infused to the students. Mananeeya Balakrishnanji in his guidance suggested everyone to be self-motivated and not to depend on the external motivation which is transitory. Mananeeya Bhanudasji in his session’ Effective Leadership’ explained with examples the qualities of a good leader based on the core values upheld Vivekananda Kendra and the ideal people like Swami Vivekananda and Mananeeya Eknathji. The Kendra Prarthana also contained all necessary messages which give immense strength to overcome any difficulty. In addition to the guidance of the elders, there were also detailed Result Analysis of the various VKVs in the last Class X and XII examination, Steps taken by the schools as well as VKVAPT to achieve good result, Action taken Report of various decisions taken in the last Principal Meet and discussions on various administrative matters.
Principal’s Workshop: A workshop for the Principals of VKVs of Arunachal Pradesh was conducted on 30th and 31st August 2016. Dr Ajit Kanitkar, a renowned Management expert was the main facilitator of the Workshop. Through various activities like Group Discussions and Presentation, Role Play, brainstorming etc many topics were dealt with which are of utmost relevance to the principals. Through the activities, the participants revisited the goal of the organization, analyzed the changing scenario of the overall atmosphere of the school and making plans to meet the challenges posed by such changes, made plans to strengthen each school, chalked out measures to strengthen the teaching staffs, school support group, alumni etc. The principals also made SMART plans for the session.
Follow up meeting of Chintan Baithak: A follow-up meeting of the Chintan Baithak which was held in the last session was conducted on 1st August 2016. All the participants of the last Chintan Baithak were present in the follow-up meeting. The action taken Report of different decisions were presented in the beginning. Afterwards, there were more discussions on various aspects of school strengthening. The activities which are felt to be taken up in this session to strengthen all aspects of the schools were chalked out.
Vivek Inspire Mentor’s Workshop: The Second Mentors’ Workshop relating to the VIvek Inspire Program was held on 8th & 9th August 2016 at VKV Itanagar.43 Teachers from 28 VKVs in Arunachal Pradesh attended the workshop. Sri Vivek Pongshe, Secretary Education Jnana Prabodhini, Smt.Jyothi Khemkar and Smt.Mrinmayi Vaishaymapayn from Jnana Prabodhini, Pune were the resource persons for the camp.
Orientation about various tests like GMAT, CAT, CSAT, CET, PSA & NTSE, Emotional Awareness, Self-Study Skills and different games to create mental alertness were the important activities. The Participants have prepared their action plan for the rest of the months and also shared the best practices in their respective schools. Shri. Unnikrishnan.P.M, Education Officer delivered the concluding address.
Vivek Inspire Students Workshop: The students’ workshop for the first and the second batch of the Vivek Inspire students were held in three nodal centers VKV Nirjuli, VKV Ziro and VKV Roing from 2nd to 7th August and 9th to 14th August respectively. Resource persons drawn by Jnana Probodini, Pune conducted the workshops in all the venues.
