VKVs are not only known for quality education, but also for conducting many value based shibirs and camps. These shibirs help the participants in developing their personality by inculcating values in them. One of these shibirs is the Sadgamaya Shibir, which is conducted for Class VII day scholars of VKVs and Class VI – VIII students of other schools. VKV Raga conducted the shibir from 23 to 25 November 2019. A total of 35 students participated out of which 21 were from VKV Raga and the remaining were from other schools.

The participants reported on 23 November at 4 – 5 pm and departed after the camp was over on 25 Nov 2019 at 4 pm. Next day, that is 24 Nov, the first session was inaugural session. The inaugural session was presided over by Smti Ebasi Maga, Alumnus of VKV Tafrogam, 1997 batch (Class X). In her short speech, she recalled the days of her hostel life and how the dedicated teachers used to teach the students. She added that whatever she is today, it is because she got education in VKV. She is presently serving in a Govt. Middle School, Dokum, 5 Kms away from Raga Town. She motivated the participants to learn maximum from the sessions in the coming two days and then report these things to their parents and friends so that all should know the work of Vivekananda Kendra.

During these 3 days’ camp, a variety of sessions were conducted besides Geet, Games and sports, Prerana se punaruthhan etc. The different topics taken up during these sessions by our teachers are as follows:

• Personality Development: Sri Sanju Gurung
• Sach aur Jhooth kaa Mukablaa (Story of Raja Harishchandra): Sri Kailash Chandra Tiadi
• Pariksha De Haste Haste: Smti Priyanka Tiwari
• Time Management: Sri Durga Bahadur Sonar
• Vivekananda Kendra and its work: Sri Abhishek Tiwari
• Vedic Mathematics: Sri Lokiodor Taye
• Contribution of India in the field of Science and Technology: Sri Om Prakash Upadhyaya

Besides these sessions, following sessions were also the major attractions in the camp:

• Geets and Patriotic Songs: Sri Om Prakash Upadhaya and Sri Abhishek Tiwari
• Prerana se Punaruthhan: Sri Trilochan Goutam and Su. Rashmi Rekha Das
• Yoga and Games and Sports: Su. Rashmi Rekha Das
• Apart from these, competitions were also conducted in Debate and Group discussion, written quiz, games etc.

  The concluding session was conducted on 25 Nov at 2: 30 pm, in which camp report was presented by Su Madhuri Baitha. The prizes for best camp participants, best diary writer, best group, best volleyball player and winners of competitions were distributed. Students shared their experiences and seemed very happy to be a part of such camps. A photo session was also done after the camp concluded at 4: 00 pm. The attendance details are:

  The overall feedback received from the students as well as the parents was very positive and encouraging. They all liked the camp and said that such camps bring remarkable changes in the life of the participants. The entire team of VKV Raga worked hard to make this shibir successful. We are ready to work for the betterment of our students in particular and the society in general.

VKV Raga celebrated Sadhna Diwas in a unique and befitting way. It was a memorable day for all of us. We not only inaugurated the Library Week Celebration, but also had an interaction session of our students with Sri Giamte Taminji, Secretary General, VKVs Alumni Asssociation.

Smti Priyanka Tiwari gave an insightful speech on the life and works of Mananeeya Enknath Ranade. She paid special attention on the story of Vivekananda Rock Memorial. She explained how Eknathji turned obstacles into opportunities and finally the grand memorial could be made a reality.

Taminji stayed the night of 18th here in our school and interacted with all teachers and motivated them to work hard for the Kendra. Today, after morning assembly, he interacted with the students of Classes VI – VIII for more than an hour. It was a very fruitful session in which our students asked many questions to him too. He gave examples of many local officers and doctors who are products of VKVs and are known by all for their honesty and punctuality in their official work. He also told the students about the hardships they had to face to study in those days. Taminji is one of the alumni of the first batch of VKV Kuporijo, passed X in 1987. All students were very inspired after listening to him. He left us at 10: 30 as he was on his way to Daporijo for other works of the Alumni Association.

Other than these two events on the occasion of Sadhna Diwas, we also inaugurated the Library Week today which will be observed upto 26th Nov. All VI – VIII students were made to sit on benches arranged as the letters V, K and V in front of the prayer hall. Then all students sat and read the magazines or books along with all the teachers for one period, that is the last 7th period of the day. It was a very beautiful scene. The students liked the way and expressed happiness about it. The teachers too were enjoying reading with the students. It was a memorable day for all of us.

Thus the day passed with its beautiful message, “All power is within you. You can do anything and everything.” The same message of doing something great for the society was given by Sri Taminji in his interaction. We all look forward for such inspiring and motivational events in the future.

Parents, Teachers and Students make up the triangular process of teaching learning process. From the very beginning of this academic Session, we have been laying stress on maximum involvement of Parents in the academic meetings conducted in the school so that necessary planning can be done for improvement of performance.

Hence, the third Parents’ Meeting of the session 2019-20 was conducted today after 4th period. The meeting was conducted for selected parents of classes I – VIII, whose wards are slow learners and could not score required Grades in order to pass the First Term Examination. A total of 31 parents attended the meeting for 40 students; total parents invited were 42. The meeting was conducted informally in the respective classrooms of Classes I – VIII.

Classes were conducted upto the 4th period, i. e., upto 11: 50 am. Then the meeting started from 12 noon onwards and went upto 1: 15 pm. Each class teacher interacted with the parents of the respective students. An OPEN HOUSE was also kept and the parents went through the answer sheets of their wards. They discussed about the steps to be taken to improve the performance. The main points discussed are as follows:

• The selected students are often absent and come to school irregularly. Parents were requested to send them regularly and monitor their studies at home.
• All parents were requested to go through the OPEN HOUSE, i. e., through the answer scripts of their children. They all observed the errors committed by their wards in the exams. Parents were requested to provide suitable study environment at homes.
• Some parents requested the school authority to keep remedial classes on Sundays which was readily accepted by all. Parents said that they would send their children to school on Sundays and other holidays. It was decided by the school that 2 hours from 10 am to 12 noon will be kept as remedial class time on Sundays and Holidays to give extra coaching to the selected slow learners, though the same was also done before the first term exam. But it has been found that the selected students do not come to these classes. The parents promised that they would themselves bring their children to these remedial classes whenever called.
• Matters of indiscipline by some students was also discussed with their parents, like late for school, disappearing from half way, improper haircut and dress code etc.
• Some parents again pointed out the unavailability of textbooks and requested the school authority to arrange for the same. The matter was also discussed in detail. The DC and DDSE, Raga have been asked for help in this regard. It has been expected that the problem will be solved from the next academic session.

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Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Raga celebrated Universal Brotherhood Day 2019 in a different way today. Usually, every year we used to conduct a cultural programme and parents were invited to witness it; but this year we decided to celebrate in a completely different way.

The students were called as usual in school time. After morning assembly, we took out a procession from the school upto the Raga Main Bazaar. Students raised slogans quoting Swamiji’s thoughts, Bharat Mata Ki Jai, etc. A boy of Class VIII acted as Swami Vivekananda while another Girl acted as Bharat Mata. A vehicle with the posters of Swamiji and Bharat Mata was decorated with banner and flowers. The students sat on it posing as described. The atmosphere echoed with the slogans and the school song, ‘Desh Hame Deta Hai Sab Kuch..’

The procession reached the market at 11 O’ clock. All the students were assembled in rows. We had given a permission letter to the DC and copies to Police Station and Bazaar Secretary. So all the shopkeepers were informed in advance of our programme. We invited them all. They came out of their shops and watched our programme till the end. Some students of the Govt. Middle School Raga Town also came to witness the celebration. First Sri VP Mishra spoke at length highlighting the importance and significance of the of the day. Then Kr. Maga Mega, VIII gave a glimpse of the world famous Chicago Address. The Principal then spoke on the golden jubilee celebration of Vivekananda Rock Memorial under the theme ‘Ek Bharat Vijayi Bharat.’ He also informed that the door to door Sampark Abhiyan has already started and each and every house would be visited by Karyakartas. It was nice to see all people listening with rapt attention. Finally, the School song was sung led by VIII Girls and followed by all. The programme was concluded with Shanti Mantra.

Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Raga conducted the Second Parents’ Meet for the parents of Classes I – III today, i. e, 31.08.2019. The meeting started at 11: 15 am and continued up to 1: 30 pm. The meeting started with three Omkaras and Om Sahanavavatu led by Class VIII girls and followed by all. Following are the main developments:

1. First of all, the School Song ‘DESH HAME DETA HAI SAB KUCHH....’ was led by Class VIII girls and followed by all.
2. The welcome address was given by Sri Sanju Gurung in which he expressed his gratitude and welcomed all to the meeting. The number of parents present was more than expected. He also thanked Sri Lonkey Akenji, Chairperson, SSG.
3. Then followed self introduction by all the teachers in which they told their names, year of joining VKV and the subjects handled. All teachers were present except Sri Lokiodor Taye and Su. Rashmi Rekha Das, who have gone to VKV Yazali escorting participants of Eknathji Memorial Football and Volleyball Tournament 2019.
4. The class teachers of classes I to III presented the result analysis of their respective classes in which they focussed on the top achievers as well as the slow learners whose performance need improvement. They also requested the parents to send their children with neat and clean uniform daily. The parents were also requested to send the children daily so that the number of absenteeism can be reduced. If any child is sick at home and undergoing treatment, then the information has to be passed to the school authority immediately.
5. Then it was the turn of parents to provide their feedback and suggestions so that the school can take up initiatives to improve the overall academic atmosphere of the school. Some of the main points are:
6. The school should inform the parents immediately if any child is sick after coming to school.
7. Some parents are busy in games like Housies and Lotteries and do not take care of their school going children. The concerned parent requested the others to pay attention at least during morning and evening so that their study can be monitored. Parents have to cooperate 100% with the school if they want their children to become good in studies.
8. The parents are very much concerned regarding unavailability of textbooks in the market. So the school authority was requested to arrange for the supply for books to the students. The principal should request the administrative office to solve this problem.
9. Since many students are coming from far off areas like Dokum, so the school should have bus facility for such children. Children suffer much during the rainy and cold winter season. They are unable to reach school in time.
10. Some remedial classes should be conducted for the slow learners.
    Sri Lonkey Aken, SSG Chairperson, then spoke at length regarding the school functioning and the role and contribution of parents:
11. Many parents think that the Hostel owned by Sri Rotom Tuluk is VKV Raga Hostel. He made it clear that it is completely Private and has no connection with the school. So the parents who have kept their wards in that hostel must talk to the Hostel owner either for supply of books or the vehicle facility.
12. He appealed the parents to drop their children up to the school premises and then go to their respective works. Many children disappear from the way and do not come to school. They fall into bad habits. It is the prime responsibility of the parents to ensure that their child has reached school or not.
13. If any parent is willing to start vehicle facility for VKV students coming from far – off places, it is welcome. He can manage it privately. However, he assured them that he will request school authority to talk to the administrative office regarding this.
14. Finally the school principal replied to the queries and suggestions put forward by the parents:
15. Parents must come to school once a month to see the child’s progress. They must ensure to create a study atmosphere in their houses so that the child can study properly. They should also check the books, notebooks and bags of their children regularly.
16. Remedial classes have been started in the afternoon and on Holidays for the slow learners. But it has been observed that only the good students come. So he requested the parents to send their children to these remedial classes.
17. Many children come without taking proper and balanced breakfast. Cases of headache, stomach pain, vomiting are often seen during class hours. So the parents were requested to send their children with sufficient homemade breakfast so that they can stay upto class hours without any problem.
18. Parents were also requested to purchase the right type of notebooks, especially for classes I – V. For example, 4 – Line notebooks for English and Envs, Double – line for Hindi and Squared notebooks for Maths, so that the handwriting can be improved from the very base.
19. The school has requested the DC and DDSE for supply of Textbooks to the students. If the books are received, then all children will be given the complete set of textbooks.
20. The school does not have a vehicle facility. So the parents of those students coming from far off places have to drop their children upto the school.
21. The vote of thanks was given by the Principal at last. He expressed his happiness for the unexpected presence of the parents in the meeting and hoped that they would show the same enthusiasm in the parents’ meet in future.
22. The meeting was concluded with Shantimantra at 1: 30 pm.
23. After this, parents were provided with tea and snacks.
24. The result of First Written Test was shown to the parents and their signatures were taken in the progress reports by the respective class teachers.

Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Raga celebrated the festival of Sreekrishna Janmashtami with much fervour and enthusiasm. To mark the occasion, following were conducted:

• The programme started at 10 am positively. The importance of the Day was highlighted by Sri Abhishek Tiwari. He told the biography of Lord Krishna and how he was saved from the clutches of the demons and ill-willed Maternal Uncle Kamsa. The teachings of the Gita given to Arjuna and its importance in the modern world was also focussed.
• The Puja was performed by Sri Kailash Tiadi. He led the mantras and followed by the students and the teachers. 51 names of Lord Krishna were also chanted.
• Then followed the Srikrishna bhajan competition conducted House-wise. Four bhajans were presented by four houses.
• Students of Classes IV & V posed as Little Krishna and Beautiful Radha dressed in colourful dresses and garlands. They were looking attractive and lovely. Judges were also there to judge which house can perform the best.
• Finally, Srikrishna Aarati was sung together by all to conclude the Puja. Tika was put on the foreheads of all.
• Then Prasadam (Porridge, prepared by Bhaiya) was served to all. Children looked happy and satisfied.

The most important festival of sisters and brothers in particular, Raksha Bandhan, was celebrated by our school on 16th August 2019. Though, as per Activity Calendar, the festival falls on Independence Day, we could not observe on the same day due to Independence day programme as our students and teachers were busy in General Programme up to 2 pm.

A total of two programmes were conducted to mark Raksha Bandhan.

• Celebration at School: Rakhis were prepared from woollen and silk threads by the girls of classes VI – VIII. There was usual celebration inside the prayer hall of the school. Sri VP Mishra spoke on the importance of the Day and how the festival brings love and prosperity to all. All girls tied Rakhis to teachers, the boys and vice versa.
• Celebration at Public Places: The girls of Classes VII & VIII were divided into three groups and they were taken to three important public places to tie Rakhis to people outside:
• First group led by Sri Sanju Gurung, Sri Om Prakash and Su. Rashmi Rekha Das visited the offices of DDSE, GHSS and neighbouring govt buildings.
• Second group led by Sri Lokiodor Taye, Sri Durga Bahadur Sonar and Su. Madhuri Baitha visited the govt offices of the DC and neighbouring areas.
• Third Group led by Sri Kailash Tiadi, Sri Abhishek Tiwari and Smti Priyanka Tiwari visited the bazaar and tied Rakhis to all shopkeepers.