A graceful performance on `Hum Honge Kamyaab by our Vibhutipura government school children enthralled the audience.

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1 VIDYA BANGALORE FEBRUARY

2 Many thanks to all our donors, Rekha Rao, Mali Foundation, Semikron, SG, Synergy,AIG, Broadcom and many other souls and hearts who have silently contributed to our cause and services. February holds many significant days to many people across the world, and this February, we had the day of the year for VIDYA Bangalore. Not only big, but a very memorable one too; loads of happy memories to carry through, deep insights to ponder on, fun moments, music to the soul to "heal the world". It was VIDYA Utsav - Avesha - Celebrating Empowerment at hotel Marriott Courtyard, Bangalore on the 7 th. The celebration of empowerment began with VIDYA anthem sung by the entire VIDYA family. The rendering exuded the spirit of VIDYA,glorified amidst a larger audience. 2

3 A contemporary dance drama by the South Bangalore scholarship students on the resonating words of Nobel laureate, Malala, brought to light the challenges faced by women across boundaries. It was certainly a moving performance and every woman who watched would relate to it with either her own or of others who have experienced such scenario in their lives. A graceful performance on `Hum Honge Kamyaab by our Vibhutipura government school children enthralled the audience. The chief guest, Rtd. Lt.Gen. Arjun Ray in his address spoke about the vital requisites in present day education system - "Re - skilling" and updating one's skills, innovation in applying the learnt skill, critical thinking, collaborative working attitude, persuasive communication and competency in the chosen discipline. 3

4 The powerful and thought provoking speech by Gen. Ray was succeeded by a panel discussion on "Empowerment through Holistic Education. The discussion was moderated by prof. Murali of University of British Columbia and the panelists- Mrs Tara Kini, Mrs. Shreya Menon and Mr. Rajiv K touched upon major challenges faced by today's education system and ways to overcome the same. Mrs Tara Kini aptly remembered Swami Vivekananda as she voiced that "education should uncap the potential in an individual and not to fill knowledge and lessons in the students." Education system that kindles curiosity and confidence, bringing to fore the identity of an individual and a system that creates team players was stressed on. Bridging the gap between EQ and IQ and the rural - urban was pointed out by Mrs. Shreya Menon Soft skills and collaborative working psychology is the need of the hour added Mr. Rajiv Mr. Murali, professor, Sauder School of Business, Vancouver BC, deftly led the discussion. Prof. Misra was of the opinion that good governance is needed to create thinking individuals and good systems. 4

5 What better way to culminate the event than Sharon and Mrs. Rashmi Misra o n stage presenting "Heal the world" and the entire VIDYA family joining her, holding the "light of knowledge". The experience and exposure that the students got was par excellence. Every day they are reminiscing their engagement with the Bollywood singer Sharon Prabhakar. Karma yogathon, an annual event organized by our partner Total Yoga is held across cities & countries and brings in yogis from various spheres to perform yoga in large groups. The proceeds from the event go towards supporting education for the children, youth and adults of VIDYA. This year too, Karma yogathon was held at U. B. City Mall, Bangalore VIDYA students too participated in the event and had a great time together with an added knowledge of the value of the age old art. The VIDYA stall with its varied products was appreciated by all. The saying goes, "history repeats". At VIDYA successes repeat!!! 15 students from VIDYA Mali Foundation cleared their respective NIIT Intel computer courses with good credentials. 5

6 Congratulations and good luck to all! Our first BCOM student Prathima, won second prize in the athlete meet of Loyola degree college. VIDYA scholarship student Chandan came first in skating competition and has been appointed as skating coach in a sports academy. In addition to this he will soon become a trainer for swimming. All the best for all his endeavours. Entrepreneurship is a culture to pursue with passion, formulate and follow with fervor, build by gaining knowledge and equip oneself of the trade through experiences and exposure. VIDYA Bhagini, Bangalore vocational training students are given practical lessons of their training, thanks to exposure visits. Students' customary exposure visit, this time was a trip to Chitrakala Parishad. The products on display, as always reflected and gave an insight on good presentation skills, Pricing, knowledge on the traditional weaves of different parts of the country, and highlighted the trends of the day. The students thoroughly benefitted from the visit and got an understanding of the nitty gritty of the arts that they pursue. 6

7 As expressed by Rajshree the coordinator, such visits "enlighten us and motivate to discover a new passion" Along with our events our regular academic and vocational training programmes went on at a faster pace to prepare for the evaluations and exams that are waiting around the corner. Students of South Bangalore were privileged to visit Ritz Carlton for a Hotel show around. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to get a deep insight into the Hospitality Industry. Many are now exploring employment opportunities at the Carlton. A talk on self defence took place at the centre by Major Vishnu Venugopal. He gave awareness to women on how to handle themselves when caught in a difficult situation by using their strong body parts to protect themselves. Students of High School are busy with exam preparations. Saraswati Pooja was organized by the children to seek blessings of the goddess for their upcoming exams. 7

8 Counselling session on tackling exam fever was conducted for second PUC students. Graduation day ceremony was arranged at Loyola PU college premises for II PU students. Our VIDYA first PU students gave a fantastic farewell to their seniors by dancing to the Senorita number. VIDYA family wishes good luck to all second PUC students to come out in flying colours. Our VIDYA Engineering students Devraj, Ramkumar, Brahma and Dawood have completed their recent university semester exams with great performance and high scores. Looking forward to Women s Day Celebrations Next month. 8