Shishu Mela 2012 Report

                                                           SHISHU MELA KALYANI 2012

On the morning of 25th November, a bus left with 35 volunteers, mostly sleepy to our journey from Kolkata to Kalyani. A one & half hour ride, with delicious breakfast & pleasant weather, seemed to be a good start for the day. We were escorted by a 'Flower Shower' & smiling faces of the children when we reached the place, a maidan in between the town of Kalyani, where more than 150 children from different Chatravaas were gathered to witness a celebration of themselves. Quickly, we refreshed ourselves & followed it up with a little briefing of all the volunteers. A Kalyan Ashram event mostly starts with a music & dance welcome. And so it did. The Karyakartas made all the necessary arrangements & it looked so beautiful & exciting that even we joined them for a jig. Some photos suggest that too. Then we paid homage to the deities & our unsung heroes, after hoisting the flag. Finally, the children out there, seemed more encouraged because they knew races gonna start now, what they were waiting for. First was the race, from the age group of 5 to 14 years, everyone participated, not once but twice. More so because, with every win there is a prize, just like us. Second, was Bin The Ball game, where you have to bin the ball in a basket from a distance, where even the volunteers gleefully took part. Final event was the relay race, which looked difficult for these children but then they did a pretty good job to complete the races. Even we had prizes for that too. After doing all this, we all took a break to just relax & take note of what all we did, how we did & many more. Lastly, a sumptuous lunch was like the icing on the cake. Again, we had a small session of play with the children before leaving for our city. The most saddest part was the goodbye, always has been. You just can't get enough of them, they're      

filled with so much of love & compassion, you'll be motivated to put more effort in it, to spend some more time with them. We went back from where we came, with lots of amazing memories with the children, the people out there, the positive vibe & the food.

Shishu Mela 2012

                             SHISHU MELA - 2012

                        Purvanchal Kalyan Ashram

                                       Youth Wing

Everyone heading towards the maidan.

Remember, That we celebrated Children’s Day in School? Of course, who doesn’t. We used to have loads of fun, with ice creams, sweets, games & dance. But, for some children this is just a DREAM..  Its time to make a difference in their lives..  Be a part of the SHISHU MELA being organized by the Purvanchal Kalyan Ashram, Youth Wing on 25th Nov. ’12 & witness the never before experience of your lives..

A kid enjoying his stint with drum with his smiling father.

Kalyan Ashram is working for the overall welfare & upliftment of the Vanvasis (people living in rural areas) since 1952. Through its various projects in different areas, we attempt to combat the exploitation & feeling of deprivation faced by the Vanvasis created after decades of neglect. Today, We have a strong workforce of more than 1044 full time dedicated karyakartas spread over more than 49,935 villages in India who are getting the benefits from about 14,500 service projects by Kalyan Ashram.

The Kalyan Ashram, Youth Wing is organizing the Shishu Mela this year, as it has been doing successfully for the past three years. As we all know, Children’s Day is celebrated on 14th of November, but due to social milieu this year, it has been scheduled on Sunday, i.e. 25^th of November. It’s being organized amidst a Vanvasi habitation in Kalyani town, which is about 50 kms from Kolkata. An inaugural traditional swagat by the Vanvasis people kickstarts the program. The Program includes races, games & interaction with children. A participation of 120 – 150 pre-primary Vanvasi children below 6 years of age from the nearby villages. A gathering of more than 300 Vanvasi people is expected.

This endeavor will give you an opportunity to get acquainted with the tribal culture & tradition. The CHILDREN are the future of the nation & so this an effort on our part to encourage & bring them forward..

If you’re willing to participate or contribute any gifts for these children then contact the volunteers (given below). The timings & details are subject to change with prior notice. The participation expenses share – Rs. 300/- per head.

Traditional dance to see us off, last year.

                                          ..CHALO JALAYE DEEP WAHAAN..

Contact us at:

Sidharth Shyamsukha  Mob. No. +919903047170

or via email on - sidharth.shyamsukha@gmail.com

Urvashi Chaudhri  Mob. No. +918820890780

or via email on - urvashichaudhri@gmail.com

Shishu Mela - 2011

On 6th Nov 2011, Sunday 63 volunteers from Kolkata visited Keshiari near Kharagpur and organised a memorable fun filled event for vanvasi children from nearby areas. Upon reaching the campsite, the volunteers received a very warm and traditional welcome from the vanvasis which comprised of vanvasi dance, drum beats, flower rain and slogans like 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'. The event started with Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram's flag hoisting by senior Poorna Kaleen Karyakartas. This was followed by flat races, biscuit races and games like bucket the ball etc. A total of 180 vanvsi children aged 3 - 6 yrs studying at Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram's Shishu Shikshka Kendras in nearby villages, accompanied by their guardians participated in this unique day long event. The entire gathering totaled to more than 400. After races, 3 doctors from Kolkata also conducted a basic medical health checkup of these children for signs of any underlying illness or diseases. Races for acharyas ( teacher in charge of the Shishu Shiksha Kendras ) were also organised and similar races were organised for the volunteers from Kolkata aswell. This was followed by a lunch for all those present. The programme ended with a prize distribution ceremony for the winners in the races and gifts of slates, sweets and articles of daily use were distributed by the volunteers to all the 180 strong children as a token of love and  affection. The local vanvasis ended the day with a traditional dance in which the volunteers also participated. Ultimately the entire 63 member team from Kolkata  comprising of volunteers from all age categories left the spot by evening amid slogans of  'Bharat Mata ki Jai' & 'Vande Mataram' . This was a truly memorable  day for both the vanvasis and nagarvasis. It was a day when the nagarvasis (volunteers) got a chance to meet the vanvasis, spend some time with them and make an effort to make a difference in their lives. 

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.

Pics of Shishu Mela

The following are pics of Shishu Mela organised by Purvanchal Kalyan Ashram's Yuva Samity on 14th Nov 09 to celebrate Children's Day. Location - Kukai village , 30 kms from Kharagpur, dist- Midnapur (w), West Bengal.  

 

The 'Shishu Mela' organised by Kalyan Ashram Yuva Samity on 14th Nov. 09 was a great success ! This program was a memorable day in the life of the 120 vanvasi children of various Shishu Shiksha Kendras run by Kalyan Ashram in Kukai village, 30 kms from Kharagpur, West Bengal. 

Celebrating Children's Day with vanvasi children made the volunteers  realize that true happiness was in 'giving' rather than 'taking'.. They felt that the vanvasi's need for support was greater than ever. This program strengthened the bond between the vanvasi and the nagarvasis.

Some representatives of Century Extrusions Ltd., Kharagpur who were invited by Kalyan Ashram to attend the mela were impressed by Kalyan Ashram's work and also pledged their whole-hearted support in future activities.


Highlights of the event :

- team of 15 volunteers from Kolkata.
- 120 vanvasi children of Shishu Shiksha Kendras attended, aged 3-8 yrs.

- total around 250+ vanvasis (incl. children)
- races organised for vanvasi children & guardians
- stall games for children - 'bucket-the-ball', 'match-the-ball'

- apart from prizes all 120 children were given slate, chalk, toffes, katori etc.
- 'samuhik bhojan' for all present (arnd 270-80)  

In order to participate / contribute in such programs in future you may contact - vasu_simplicity@yahoo.co.in, basantgupta08@gmail.com