Independence Day at Vivekdeep

Every year on Independence Day, I shift the flower pots kept in our terrace to make space for the flag post and hoist the tricolor with my daughter Riddhi on tow. This year however, we celebrated the day a little differently.

National Anthem

After the flag hoisting and National Anthem at Vivekdeep, we briefly discussed the importance of the day.

Tribute to our freedom fighters

Then the stage was set free for the students. Attendance was 100%. First, there was a group song. It was actually the test of consistent efforts put by my wife Reena and sister-in-law Neena over a couple of weeks. The enthusiasm of the students and applause of the audience said it all J

Group song

Then each student presented his creative avatar in the form of either painting (Riddhi even shared her crayons !! ) or patriotic song or poem.

Patriotic poem

They did that without any support from the teachers.  Though some of the younger ones forgot the lines and fumbled and some nudged the partner to take out the paper from his pocket- but these are not to be discussed J

Let’s sing together

Each one was a winner in overcoming huge inhibition to stand in front of an audience to give vent to his creativity.

Attentive audience

All their efforts were duly acknowledged with prizes !

Appreciation matters

Young Achiever

I am no less

Why would only the children speak ? We then invited the parents to voice their opinion about Vivekdeep, if they found any change in the behavior of their children after undergoing 4 months of this program.  Vehement opposition, vigorous nodding of heads and looking the other way ultimately gave way to our constant coaxing. The reaction was quite natural. Afterall, do masons, gardeners, vegetable vendors and painters speak in such a gathering ? They are only spoken to.

Parent’s feedback

Ultimately, when one by one they got up and spoke, they spoke with passion, love and deep respect for this life changing program. Throats chocked, tears welled up and the audience was moved !!

Thanks to all

Then a formal thanks giving was done to all the patrons for their continued support and also to the parents for lending their children for this experiment.

Refreshment is also needed

Refreshment packets were the material ‘take home’ for all J J

Our ambitions are not limited by our limited resources. We dream big while looking at these young sparkling eyes – joyous, unadulterated and full of confidence !!

Let’s repay our debts to the society. If you also share the same feeling, then we welcome you with open arms J

All your help will be thankfully received and acknowledged. You may send your Cheque /Draft drawn in favour of ‘Sri Ramakrishna Sangha’ payable in New Delhi. We are waiting for your suggestions at:

Vivekdeep

Sri Ramakrishna Sangha

B 703, Paarijat Apartments

Plot 28, Sec 4

Dwarka

New Delhi 110078

ramakrishnasangha@vsnl.net