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OMKARANANDA EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY
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Visiting Omkarananda Shishu
Shiksha Niketan School
by Oryan Jucht
One sunny morning Usha, Narender, Vinod
(the marionette bird)
and myself, Oryan, visited Omkarananda Shishu Shiksha Niketan. The
school accommodates nearly 60 children. The school building consists of
four basic rooms with the two back rooms having no windows and as such
no lighting. In the two front rooms two lessons were being conducted,
one to the oldest students, a group of 10 year olds, the other to the
four year olds who completely captured our attention.
Since the back rooms have no light, two
classes took place outside under some shade recently provided by the
Omkarananda Educational Society. Frankly, I was quite jealous of those
students writing conscientiously in their notebooks while sitting
outside. Only one small glance was needed to take in the natural,
peaceful view of the great Himalayas and to feel inspired.
The students’ behavior astounded us.
They were so polite, sincere in their studies and well-disciplined. Even
unattended, the small ones went on with the lesson, each in turn going
up to the board to read in Hindi and English.
We were greeted with chai and the
children performed Hindi songs and dances. We gave the school some
simple toys; balls, a badminton set, carrom board, rings and a harmonium.
We also brought skipping ropes which only one girl knew how to use. Usha
challenged the students to a skipping competition for her next visit. A
water tank was also provided because the school has no running water.
However, this visit would not have been
as special without the star guest Vinod. He surprised everyone by
popping out of Narender's bag and greeting the children who did not
understand where this big, fluffy, pink bird came from. This talking
marionette scared some children as they had never seen anything like it,
but by the end of the visit they were kissing and hugging it. Vinod
liked it so much that he did not want to leave.
There are so many things in this world,
electricity, running water, a toilet that all seem trivial to us but to
others they are not taken for granted. Not even for one moment did I
feel pity for these children who live surrounded by such breathtaking
nature but there is no doubt that this school and many others like it
need help. Help will provide the pupils with a more comfortable
environment to study in, with light not only on sunny days and a variety
of games to play at break time.
We are often not aware of the change we
can bring to our neighbours’ lives. Only a small gesture from us would
help to dramatically improve their situation.
For more information visit:
www.iyengaryoga.in
Or if you
too would like to help please contact
Usha Devi.
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