We
commenced Prarthana on 18th July ’08 on
the auspicious tithi of Guru Poornima. Ours is
a small compact group of 7 children to begin with
and now we have a new enrolment, that makes it
8. An enthusiastic lot, who are equally busy with
other extra curricular activities yet very devoted
to Prarthana.
We celebrate all festivals with great enjoyment
–Guru Poornima, Nag-Panchami, Krishna Janmashtami-
we tied a handi full of chocolates on a beam and
actually had a pyramid with the Pachis at the
base some kids on our shoulders and Maams helped
around in actually breaking the handi! We put
Krishna in the Palna, sang bhajans and danced
around the Palna and not to miss the yummy Prasad
that followed!
During Chowthy we had a Cooking Experience for
children –together we made steamed Modaks
and Nevris.
Phulla Gantche, decoration of Arati Paleru,
Happy Pearl Necklace, GuruPaduka Decoration (craft
Activity), Dahi Handi (craft), Photo Frame to
put HH Swamiji’s photo and Flower Rangolis
are some of the interesting activities we did.
We played a game –Ring the thing- few items
like spoon, vati, pela, keys, pen etc, were placed
on the floor, a ring was given to the child and
the Teacher said “Chamasaha”, child
had to throw the ring on the spoon. Children enjoyed
this game.
Children have been taught Shri Parijnanashram
Trayodashi, Shri GuruPaduka Stotram
Bhajans –Guru Sharanam, Pahi Shiva, Pahi
Pahi Gajanana, Guru Mahima, Aaj Sakhi Sun
Children have been taught to perform Devi Anushthan
at Prarthana. We made good use of our forced holidays
due to Swine Flu scare. Since we were unable to
conduct Prarthana we told the children to perform
Devi Anushthan under the guidance of their parents
at home during the Prarthana time. This activity
was very successful.
Vimarsha is a very beautiful, thought-provoking
process. It is full of surprises and each child
thinks in a unique way. We covered various topics
like Contentment vs Motivation, Listening, Humility,
Focus-Concentration, Attitude towards food, Qualities
of a good shishya, Guru-Shishya relationship,
Prayer, Ishta Devata. Children come up with innumerable
ideas during Vimarsh . Please read our Child Speak
section to know their responses.
Prarthana is an inseparable part of our life;
rather it is a way of life.
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