Tag: 2022-23

Students of grade VI visited Dakshinachitra as a part of the Utsav experience. At the campus, they voyaged through Andhra Pradesh, visiting an amiable weaver and learnt about the deep-rooted, traditional method of weaving sarees. Next, they saw the model of Karnataka house, where they caught sight of houses made entirely of stone. After that, they trotted through Kerala, where houses were embellished with murals and boats galore. Finally, stepping into Tamil Nadu, they went to the Ambur House, with its antiquated statues and manuscripts. They traversed through the Chettinad House that had a vast indoor courtyard and intricate architecture. All this within an hour! Soon after, they went bullock cart riding, enjoyed watching folk dances and amusing shadow-puppet shows and made manuscripts on palm leaves. The best of them all? The food served on banana leaves; they had a wide variety of foods like an Onam Sadhya. After a day crammed with fun, the children returned to their respective buses- and still not fatigued.

-Yashini, Grade VI

The students of middle school were enlightened about the various aspects of culture and heritage, learning about age- old values and traditions that have survived for years, through Utsav sessions. Students had a variety of guests and sessions that gave them an insight into many new subjects along with plenty of reflection sessions. Dr Kethu Ramachandrashekar spoke about semantic drift, that is, the dynamic nature of language and encouraged students to appreciate culture and the way it has evolved to suit different times. Smt. Durga Duraisamy spoke to the students about temple architecture and the amount of planning and effort that goes into constructing the beautiful marvels that have stood the test of time. Dr. Devika’s session was about the rich values in our culture and reminded the students of the essential virtues embedded in our culture and traditions. Smt. Pavithra Srinivasan narrated about how dance could have an impact on our lives and demonstrated how it is a beautiful way to express oneself while representing the culture. Mr Anil Srinivasan taught about how music could bridge the gap between the past and the present and connect people spread across the globe. Overall, it was a blissful cultural experience for the students with much to reflect upon and a renewed sense of pride in our heritage.

– M Anisha, Grade VIII

Primary students celebrated our culture by experiencing and exploring different forms of art like music, dance and enjoyed storytelling sessions which emphasized the importance of respect, kindness, sharing, caring and discipline. The first day of Utsav for the Primary included sessions with Ms. Srividya, Ms. Laasya Narasimhachari and Dr. Nandinee. Through the mythological stories narrated by Ms. Srividya, students gained a better understanding of values like kindness, truthfulness, righteousness and respect for all. Ms. Laasya’s interactive dance session enabled students to appreciate the age-old Indian classical dance-forms. They also enjoyed learning about differences in hand movements, facial expressions for conveying messages. Using Naturopathy, Dr. Nandinee helped the children acknowledge our traditional medicine also called ‘paati vaithiyam’.

The following day had the students engrossed and engaged in more immersive music and theater sessions. During the captivating music session with Ms. Aarthi Govindarajan, the children got a glimpse of essential components of Carnatic music and how Carnatic swaras can be related to western notes. Theatre sessions on this day revolved around group work and activities to promote trust and reliance amongst peers.

On the final day of Utsav was a Villu Paatu by Smt Bharathi Thirumagan and her troupe, where inspiring songs were sung to instill in students the virtues of being humble, kind, and caring for each other. Everyday, students reflected on the various activities through sharing ideas, expressing gratitude, illustrations and decorating their Utsav boards.

Like a child who sits on the lap of the parent and listens to stories to imbibe values, Utsav provides an opportunity for the students to assimilate the rich and varied culture of our country and feel united in their diversity, thus aligning themselves to our ethos of ‘Vasudhaivakutumbakam’.

Students of grade I celebrated UTSAV by imbibing the values represented by our motto “Vasudhaivakutumbakam”. The motto urges one to perceive the entire world as one family, including plants and animals. Children visited the goshala at Kapaleeshwarar temple and fed bananas to the cows there, to apply and appreciate this value with respect to animals around us. They also got an insight into the history and religious practices of the temple. As part of UTSAV celebrations, children had sessions with Smt. SriVidya Jaishankar and Smt Aarti Govindarajan. Smt Srividya shared a story from Panchatantra tales on the value of true friendship. Later students reflected on the story by modelling their favourite characters from the story using clay. Smt. Aarthi engaged the students in a music session that helped children participate and gain an understanding about the basics of traditional music.

The students of grade IV went on a field trip to Dakshina Chitra located on the East Coast Road. On arrival, the students drank a refreshing welcome drink that tasted like rose water. With the help of a tour guide, the students were shown different types of houses at display. They saw the Ikkat house, Andhra house, Chettinad house and Kerala house. Students also got to have a fun bullock cart ride. They also got to try their hand with pottery and made small pots. Towards the end of the field trip they watched a puppet show about Lord Krishna. The trip ended on a memorable note and students got to take the pots back home that they made during the pottery session, as a souvenir.

– Sanghamitra Gokul, Grade IV

Grade VIII students of Hari Shree participated in the inter school event on ‘ Leader in Me’ where delegates and viewers from schools across South India were present. In their presentation, our participants connected the 7 habits of LiM with mental health, emphasising how daily incidents in an adolescent’s life, school or personal, affects their mental health and how one can use the 7 habits to overcome them. The Hari Shree stall at the event provided takeaways like affirmation cards, affirmation painted popsicle sticks, a self-reflection survey and self-care checklists connecting to the habit, ‘Sharpen the Saw’. Student participants got the opportunity to meet Mr. Sean Covey, who found their presentation creative, outstanding and loved the handouts.

– Swara Prasad Kaushik, Grade VIII