Amrita Vidyalayam - Changanassery

Amrita Vidyalayam Changanassery, one of the younger school in the Amrita chain, has been steadily catching the interest and attention of parents in the region. Though still a primary school that caters to students till class 5, it has fast become the school of first choice for the people in the area.

Br.Yogamrita Chaithanya lighting the lamp.

The product speaks volumes about its creator. Similarly, the students of this school are proud bearers of the inimitable Amrita signature. Each carries within him or her the culture imparted simultaneously with the lessons of the book. The approach is different right from the moment a child steps into the school premises. Every aspect of the child's involvement with the school is well thought after.

Prayers have been chosen keeping in mind the importance of each day of the week. Hence each day, the child chants different prayers associated with the significance of the day. Simultaneously, each child is taught a chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, and as they advance through the classes, they are taught the next successive chapter. Yoga and Meditation are as much part of the timetable as Math and Science. Hence without any ominous effort on the child’s part, just being in Amrita, the child picks up treasured aspects of our ancient Indian culture.

Vedic chanting….		Dandiya for you….

Our culture holds within its womb innumerable gems of literature, both instructive and interesting at the same time. Told in the form of stories, the epics ‘Ramayana’, ‘Mahabaratha’, ‘Bhagavatham’ and the like, leave no stones unturned in teaching right conduct for all situations in life. Reflection upon these sacred epics in times of trouble dispel all conflicts of the mind, and leave the person with no doubt upon the right course of action. Imbibing and practicing the principles prescribed in them endows a child with enormous strength of character that helps them stand untouched through the storms of life.

Hoping to bestow to its wards this treasure trove of wisdom, Amrita has published its own series of Value Education books based on the scriptures. With topics and stories sorted and sifted through by experts of the Indian scriptures, the Amritavidya series lays a strong foundation of virtues and ethics for the students.

"Bolo Ta Ra Ra, Bolo Ta Ra Ra!!!"		Krishna leela….

Every year, students of Amrita Vidyalayam Changanassery celebrate the successful completion of each academic year with performances in music and dance. This year of 2008-09, too, was celebrated with dance, drama and music. Varied dance forms ranging from the Bhangra to the Dandiya charmed the occasion.

The day was started off on an auspicious note by Br.Yogamrita Chaithanya, Matathipathi, M.A.Math Thrissur lighting the lamp. This was followed by the presentation of the Annual report, outlining the achievements of the school by the Principal. The guest of the evening, Mr.Kaba Surendran, a noted intellectual and thinker, distributed the prizes to the outstanding students of the year.

Little men and women….

Next followed the most awaited part of the evening—the cultural performances. First was a dance hailing our most beloved Guru, Amma performed with much vigor and energy by the little ones. This was followed by a dance from the state of Gujarat, performed during the ceremony of putting mehendi on the bride’s hand. Next was a western number by the tiny tots of the kindergarten, who stole away everyone’s hearts with their charming steps and faces.

The highlight of the day was a skit named, ‘The True Devotee’. The play depicted how even a person as sinful as a thief can progress spiritually, when he calls from the depth of his heart with innocent faith, unlike so-called scholars and intellectuals, who may have analyzed and studied the whole of the scriptures, but fail to make any real progress.

Another eye catcher was the chanting of the Vedas organized by the students themselves. A ballet.... Lord Sri Krishna’s leela depicted in dance.... a dance of Devi in her fierce form.... It was the choicest of evenings for the connoisseur of art!

"If you think you can, you can..." Ekalavya to the rescue!

A focused mind has tremendous power to achieve anything that it sets itself to. Depicting this beautifully was a skit wherein the legendary character of Ekalayva helps and motivates a handicapped boy through his trials and sorrows towards success. Though born with the disadvantage of being in a lower caste, and abandoned by his teacher, Ekalavya set out to learn archery. Believing firmly that a statue made of stone to be his teacher, he started practicing to shoot.

And how! By sheer hard work and dedication to his goal, he surpassed the foremost student taught by the same teacher who had rejected him. The children ended the day with the message, "If you have the will, you can break through the silence of even the stones."