ANNUAL FUNCTION 2010

31st Varshik Utsav , Purvanchal Kalyan Ashram

Date: 12th Dec, 2010

Venue: Kala Mandir, Kolkata 

Program: Audio-visual presentation on the history, activities and importance of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram

followed by a play "Uttistha Jagrata", by volunteers of Purvanchal Kalyan Ashram on how the youth of today can make a difference in the country's development with their philanthropic ideas.

 

 

Dear Friends,

You are cordially invited to the 31st Annual Function of Purvanchal Kalyan Ashram (West Bengal Chapter of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram)

Purvanchal Kalyan Ashram is organizing its 31th Annual Day on Sunday, 12th December2010. There will be a presentation on work of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram followed by a play with theme "Youth of India".
The play will show how today's youth wants to, and can contribute for country's cause.

It is an an opportunity to know more about Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, its work and get an insight on how youth can contribute towards India. Dont miss this opportunity and bring your friends along. The program starts at 10:00 a.m. sharp at Kala Mandir main auditorium.

Experiences : SHISHU MELA - 2010

Some Youth who went in the SHISHU MELA - 2010 have shared their experiences :  

Ms. Sonu Nahata, a freelance Content Writer :

" Children’s Day, to me, practically lost its meaning ever since I left school. It anyway just meant the pampering and the goodies we used to get from our teachers that day. But this year, 14thNovember has etched a beautiful memory on my mind.  ‘SHISHU MELA 2010’, gave me a chance to be with the underprivileged children and celebrate the occasion in its true essence.

It would be difficult to categorically point out the best part of the day. From the traditional welcome where each of the villagers lined up with folded hands and sang a folk song, to the races and games that were held for the vanvasi children especially to lift their spirits and bring a smile on their faces. From the prize distribution ceremony where everyone was a winner and took home something, if not gifts, good memories for sure, to the warmth and love with which the vanvasis served us the khichdi and chutney. Everything was enthralling. And of course the enthusiasm with which the senior members of the Calcutta team participated was commendable as well. Rarely one gets to see grandmothers racing. 

The idea of keeping simple matching-the-ball and bucketing-the-ball games was perfect. Even the 3-4 year olds’ could play easily and win their packs of biscuits. I tried my hand as well but was no match compared to the kids. Besides being playful, we also did some basic work of distributing slate and chalk to the children and buckets and other stuffs of daily use to the Shiksha Kendras.

In totality, it was a day wisely spent which otherwise would have faded away just like all the other 14th Novembers’. Had it not been for the Youth Wing of Kalyan Ashram to organize such an event, I would not have been able to meet the real people working at the grass root level for the actual development of our country. At the end of the day I must say I felt contented. "

Mr. Sidharth Shyamsukha, a Software Developer :

" Hundreds of smiling angels, displaying their enthusiasm in a 50 m dash, lining-up to test their aiming skills to bucket a ball and a laugh after picking up the right ball in a game of chance. These children from Shishu Shiksha Kendras of villages near Sonakhali actually made the day for 35 volunteers from Kolkata who had come to celebrate Children's Day with them. Children gave them a never forgetting experience apart from welcome flower rain and a sumptuous kichdi for lunch.

Youth wing of Purvanchal Kalyan Ashram organized second edition of Shishu Mela - a unique way to celebrate children's day with Vanvasi children on Sunday, 14th November 2010. After a 100km ride from Kolkata they reached Sonakhali Primary Govt. School, where around 120 children aged 4-7 years were waiting with their guardians and acharyas. On reception they were offered flowers as a traditional welcome.

Then started setting up the stage for the day's activities. Children were organized by their heights in different groups for the flat race event. And as the first 50 metre dash of girls started, the tempo rose and volunteers standing to identify the winners understood this was no easy job given the spirit and speed of the children. Then race after race for boys and girls with 10 participants filled the environment with such joy and fun that no one actually felt the summer-like heat of noon.

After the 50m-dash and biscuit race, it was time for some fun games. Children lined up to test their aim and luck. Children amazed the city volunteers with their aiming skills in bucket the ball game, volunteers found it tough to put the ball in bucket which their counterparts were doing easily. After another round of a game which was more fun and tested the luck of children (where everyone was assured of a prize!) it was time for Lunch :) 

Amazing Kichdi and Chatni was prepared by contribution of rice from every house of vanvasi brothers. After having a sumptuous lunch everyone gathered again for the prize distribution ceremony. Small children accepted their prizes with such grace, which speaks for their cultural bondage.

While coming back everyone was left with a feeling of ‘wow’. It must have been the best Children’s Day they would have experienced ever. And for those who missed it, there is always a next time !

"

SHISHU MELA - 2010 - PICS

Date - 14th Nov., 2010
Location - near Sonakhali Village , about 100 kms from Kolkata

The Youth team from Kolkata celebrated Children's Day with vanvsi children by organising the Shishu Mela on 14th Nov. These children aged 3-8 yrs get their basic education from Purvanchal Kalyan Ashram's Shishu Shiksha Kendras functioning in remote vanvasi villages. The volunteers held flat races, biscuit races, funfilled games for these children and gave away prizes to the winners. Races were also held for the vanvasi guardians aswell as volunteers from Kolkata. The day long event ended with a samuhik bhojan for all those present.

The Mela was a new experience for many volunteers from Kolkata - their 1st interaction with vanvasi ! On the other hand an event of this type organised specially for the vanvasi children with so much love and affection was something they never dreamed of. For them, this entire event - its gathering, races, games was a unique and thrilling experience ! 

Such events go a long way in fostering the relations between the vanvasi and the nagarvasi. They also boost the self esteem, confidence of the vanvsi and at the same time generate a feeling of love and belongingness among them. Thus the Shish Mela left a lasting impact on both the vanvsi and the nagarvasi from Kolkata.   

This yrs Shishu Mela was the 2nd such event organised following the last year's successful version !
Some pictures of the Mela :-

 

                                                       The team from Kolkata.

 

Flat Race

                                                                   Biscuit Race

                                                                Volunteer race

                                                                    Fun - Game

                                                           " Bucket the ball " Game

                                             Prizes being given away to winners of races

Buckets n Mugs given to each of the 11 Shishu Shiksha Kendra in and around Sonakhali Village; other prizes

Samuhik Deshbhakti Geet led by a volunteer.

      Vanvasi Children studying in Purvanchal Kalyan Ashram's Shishu Shiksha Kendras.

                                                         Entire gathering on Shishu Mela

                                                Volunteer Baithak after the Shishu Mela

SHISHU MELA - 2010

This Shishu Mela is back !!!

The Youth Wing is organising the Shishu Mela on 14th Nov 2010, Children’s Day near Sonakhali in Sunderban Area, about 100 kms from Kolkata ! This is the 2nd Shishu Mela following the successful event in 2009. It is a unique way to celebrate the Children’s Day by organizing races, games and other fun filled activities for about 220 vanvasi children aged 3 - 7 years. The Program also includes traditional swagat by vanvasis, cultural performances by them and a ‘Samuhik Bhojan’. These children get basic education at seven of Kalyan Ashram’s Shishu Shiksha Kendras functioning in the nearby villages. A gathering of about 450 people including us, local vanvasi and children, is expected.

Event details - 14th Nov, 2010:
0600 - departure by bus from Ultadanga
0900 - expected arrival at event site near Sonakhali village, breakfast in bus.
Mela starts - Swagat, races, games, prize distribution etc.
Samuhik lunch for all present including us
1600 - expected departure by he same bus for Kolkata
1900 - expected arrival at Ultadanga

Participation Exp - Rs. 250 /- per head. Details subject to change.
There are only 50 seats as on 1st cum 1st basis.

This is a chance to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of the vanvasi. Please contribute by participating in this event and/or by contributing towards the gift expenses for the children.We also plan to give each vanvasi child a slate - chalk, sweets and some articles of daily use like cutlery.

If you are willing to participate and/or contribute, please contact us through phone at 9831771962 / e – mail at  vasu_simplicity@yahoo.co.in or harshasurana@gmail.com / facebook page by 5th Nov. 2010.

Pictures of the Shishu Mela - 2009 :

Shishu Mela - 2009 : Video

This is a Video of The SHISHU MELA - 2009 organised by the Youth Wing on 14th Nov 2009 in the tribal village - Kukai, about 30 Kms from Kharagpur in West bengal.

This yr the SHISHU MELA is being organised at a tribal village near Sonakhali, about 100 kms from Kolkata on 14th Nov, 2010.

2nd Computer Education Camp

The ' 2nd COMPUTER EDUCATION CAMP ' was organised by Purvanchal Kalyan Ashram's  Youth Wing on 18th and 19th Sept.'10 at Mallarpur Chattravaas ( near Santiniketan ). Highlights :

• 7 youth from Kolkata volunteered in this 2 day camp.
• They organised 4 interactive sessions with the resident vanvasi children.
• One session included a very interactive quiz based on G.K.
• Others included education in Computer and English subjects, Animation Movies, Cartoons etc..
• The volunteers played several games like - word makers, mind games etc with prizes for winners.
• They also gifted a football to the children appreciating their love for the sport.  
• They also discussed possibilities with local vanvasi for development of the nearby vanvasi villages like water harvesting, cow culture ( products ), handicrafts etc.
• Such camps help the vanvasi children felt motivated and more confident of their abilities.

                      A computer education session in progress.

                            A session on English education                                                

                                Gift of a football for the football loving children

                    

           The vanvasi children residing in Kalyan Ashram's Mallarpur Chattravaas.

                      A word maker game in progress.

                      Interaction with the local vanvasi people. 

                                The entire team of volunteers.

11th MEDICAL CAMP ~ Pics

Camp held on 21st & 22nd August 

21st - Basia tribal village near Nachan Barrage, Durgapur

22nd - Khandari Danga tribal village near Chandipur off Burdwan Panagarh Road

Tribal patients treated - about 700 in 2 days

Common symptoms - Malaria, Fever, Stomach disorder, Skin ailments, Amenia, Vitamin deficiency, Eye weakness etc.

Team - 4-5, doctors, 2 medical assistants, 2 yoga experts, 2 eye specialists, about 20 volunteers incl youth n children.

11th MEDICAL CAMP

Purvanchal Kalyan Ashram team, Kolkata is organising the 11th Medical Camp  !

Dates : 21st & 22nd August, 2010.

Location : Day 1 (1st Camp) : Basia tribal village near Nachan Barrage, Durgapur (W.B.)
Day 2 (2nd Camp) : Khandari Danga tribal village near Chandipur off Burdwan - Panagarh road (W.B.)

Travel : On 21st Aug : Departure from Ultadanga, Kolkata by bus / cars at 615 am and return at 9pm. on 22nd Aug. 

Objective :  Health and Eye checkup, Interaction with doctors, Medication, Yoga instructions, Water Harvesting Activity, Village Development.

Medical Camp details :

• Interaction with vanvasis, traditional welcome by vanvasi, understanding their culture, problems, bridging gap between vanvasi and nagarvasi etc.
• Team incl Doctors, Medical Assistants, Eye Specialist, Yoga experts and Kalyan Ashram volunteers.
• Expected 500-600 patients with malaria, vitamin deficieny. skin diseases, viral fever, stomach disorders, eye problems etc. Special focus on TB.
• Work for volunteers - assisting doctors, managing vanvasi patients, explaining how to take medicines as prescribed by doctors etc
• Water Harvesting : survey land, motivating villagers to construct reservoirs, give instructions, form local team
• Optional tour exp share for Rs1200 (youth) & Rs1500 to Rs2000 (adults). 

 You are requested to participate in this camp either by collecting / sponsoring commonly used medicines before 17/08/2010 or going in this camp.

Contact for participation / contribution / detailed brochure & itineary - nirmal@hcsinfo.com or call 9831061925

Regards,
Purvanchal Kalyan Ashram Youth Team
Kolkata

COMPUTER EDUCATION CAMP - MALLARPUR

This is the 1st " COMPUTER EDUCATION CAMP " was organised by the YOUTH WING as a part of our new computer literacy campaign - " SAKSHARTA ESSENTIALS ".  17 Youth volunteers from Kolkata accompanied by 2 senior Purvanchal Kalyan Ashram karyakartas participated in it.

Summary - 

- Dates - 24th & 25th July 2010.
- organised at Mallarpur Chatravaas, near Santiniketan, Birbhum distt., W.B.

- volunteers reached on Saturday night - 24th July

- Tarapeeth darshan on Sunday early morning - 25th July

- 2 computers installed at the hostel

- discussions with the local PKA Women Self Help group for development of handicraft

- volunteers have agreed to form a schedule to come here more frequently & teach computers

- return to Kolkata on Sunday night.  

                                                               Fields surrounding the hostel

                                                   Hostel with some resident vanvasi children

                                                       Volunteers installing computers

                                                       Volunteers explaining basic working

                     Vanvasis watching a video presentation - 1st rendezvous with digital media for many

                                               Resident vanvasi children trying their hand

                                                       The entire group of volunteers

Computer Education Camp

Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram team, Kolkata is arranging a  Computer Education Trip!!

Date : 24th & 25th July (Saturday & Sunday)

Location : Mallarpur Chattravaas, Birbhum district, West Bengal

Travel : Departure Saturday at 16:40 from Howrah by Viswavarti Pass. Arrival at Howrah on Sunday at 21:45 by Ganadevta Express

Objective : Installation of two Computers at the Chattravaas as part of "Saksharta Essentials" Campaign.  

These computers will help the Vanvasi students grasp the Computer theory they learn in school in a better way and learn the basics of important softwares.

                                                            Mallarpur Chattravaas

Trip Details : 

Saturday:                              

•     Leaving Howrah at 16:40 by Viswavarati Pas.                                     
•     Reaching Mallarpur at 21:11
•     Proceed straight to Hostel
•     Dinner & Retire at Hostel

Sunday:

•      Assembling Demo.
•     Basic Computer sessions with resident students.
•     Quiz.
•     Movies / Knowledge session
•  Arrival at Howrah at 21:45 by Ganadevta Exp.

             
You are requested to participate in this camp. Please contact Piyush Agrawal by mail at fetchpiyush@gmail.com or call 9903727371.

10th MEDICAL CAMP - PICS

 Date - 13th June, 2010.
Venue - Tribal villages near Panagarh, Barddhwan dist.