Stories
Visit of Germans and Australians to our Jayapura Campus:
Where do we begin to tell the story of how real love can be. In the wee hours of 30th Dec, 16 of us made our way to the Jayapura campuses which is home to 150 and 35 staff boys and 183 girls and over 40 staff
Driving through the western ghats the Sahyadri range which is older than the Himalayas, stunning views, coffee and pepper plantations and a few of us braving motion sickness, we reached the boys' campus SSS Divyaniketanam after a journey of 7 hours by road. Welcomed warmly by Chairman Jaywant Bhatt sir, Secretary Surendra sir and Vice-Principal Seshagiri sir with their team and the students, we were treated to a sumptuous lunch ( over 15 items ) by the beaming boys led by our CHE leaders Parthu and Hrushank, befitting Goddess Annapoorneshwari's abode the resident deity of the area. After a short nap, we made our way to the girls' campus. What awaited us there was nothing short of a delight.
First, the stunning edifice rising up into the sky as one turns into the bend in the road. Then the beaming, smiling faces of the girl students as each of them present us with a rose . We offered prayers to the holy Goddess Annapoorneshwari watching over the campus with her benevolent doe eyes. This temple has an interesting story and more on that later.
The warden Ms. Bharti, administrative head and PU principal Dr. Seema, Ms. Mamatha the principal and the staff and the students extended a heartwarming welcome. After which we took the much-awaited campus tour. Huge corridors and rooms, well-lit spaces, massive quadrangles, spotlessly clean, every angle of the campus overlooking the forest views with breathtaking beauty, us visitors were only gasping in delight at every view and the facilities on campus, worthy or perhaps better than any IVY League campus. The campus is poised to become a degree college for girls soon and one can see how the Divine has planned it such. The sweet students took us with great pride to their classrooms, labs, libraries and each one of them with hearts filled with gratitude, regaled us with stories of campus life.
After another belly-filling session of tea and snacks, we were treated to a cultural program. Melodious songs and perfectly choreographed dances brought great joy and love in all our hearts. We were taken through a history of the campus which was established by Jaywant Bhat sir and his devout wife Shukuntala Bhatt ( another interesting story for a later time ). The.
After the wonderful program and a vote of thanks and group photographs, we were ready to go to the boys' campus once again for another series of programs. On the way, we stopped by at another goddess temple on the invitation of the priest Yagya Bhat a frequent visitor to MDH. Needless to say, we were fed again.
By 8 pm.we reached the boys'' campus and we were all seated at the prayer hall. After a warm welcome by institute heads, we again enjoyed a program dotted with songs and heartwarming speeches. One of the little boys whose birthday it was, offered a cheque for each one educate one and on thanking him, all the other students in unison said that each one of them on their birthday contributes whatever they can for e1e1. Where else can we find such great kids?
After Arathi offered by guests, we once again made way for a gastronomical dinner spread lovingly prepared by the kitchen staff and served by our smiling students. Love filled our hearts and food-filled our bellies. If overeating was a sin, this would be it.
By the time the students and we had our dinner, it was 10pm. We made our way to our rooms. Our jaws dropped at the spacious rooms and comfort provided for our stay on campus.
Woke up next morning at 6am to offer our prayers at the Sharada Devi temple.. a drive of about 30 mins from the campus. Headed back to campus and were treated once again to a breakfast spread of about 10 dishes.
It was then time for some very emotional moments as we bid goodbye to campus. After the customary prayer for the well being of the campus, students and staff we boarded the bus. Tears always welt up when we see all the students, pouring their love out and wishing us safe journeys. This time each of us visitors, received letters of gratitude from students which will be treasured. With deep gratitude, love, and prayers we left the campus .. the last day of the year on campus etched in our hearts forever.
Our visitors were also an eclectic mix of scientists, engineers, students, women entrepreneurs, and super achievers, Germans, Australians .. who then made our way to the Annapoorneshwari temple at Horanadu. We offered our prayers to the goddess of abundance. Being Panchami, a sacred day the temple was filled with a bevy of flower decorations, a feast for the eyes and the soul. Thanks to Jayawant Bhat sir, we again ate special delicious prasadam and braved ourselves for the long way home to MDH arriving in the New Year.
There is nothing like a campus visit to experience unbridled love and joy and get a deeper insight into the Divine mission. Those of you who love a spiritual joyride, suffused with wonder and reverence for the Divine Mission, join us for our next visit. Make 2020 an unforgettable year spent with our deeply grateful students.
Bountiful thanks to Jaywant sir, Surendra sir, Seshagiri sir, Dr. Seema, Mr. Yogeesha, Ms. Mamatha, Partha and Hrushank and all the students and staff for a most memorable end to 2019.
Thank you for reading. Prayers for our students. Do support the education of these wonderful students ...
Have a truly blessed year ahead!
Prashanthi Goswami
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Student life at Campus:
THE EARLY BRIGHT
The ringing of bells at the crack of dawn jerks the children up from their beds. There is none like children who can welcome the day in the most expectant and excited manner! It is Suprabhatham time.
The primeval sound of Omkar (Aum) emanating from the navel, traversing through the vocal cords and ending with the lips, is the source of all creation. The regular chanting of Omkar purifies the environment, creates positive energy, increases immunity, improves concentration, gives clarity and rationality, stabilizes the emotions and leads to higher states of bliss. Children chant the Omkar 21 times followed by holy hymns in praise of the Lord.
PHYSICAL FITNESS
Be ready to stretch your body and strengthen your muscles. It is Yoga time! Trained Yoga teachers in the Campus guide the students to get into the various postures ensuring that the curvature of their bodies is at the correct angles. Practicing Yoga in the morning catalyzes the metabolism, activates the internal glands, regulates sleep, balances the hormones and detoxifies the body.
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ACTIVITIES ACTIVATES
With a rejuvenated body, clear mind and a relaxed spirit the children embark on to the activities of the day. The morning prayers begin at 8.45 a.m. and it is time for learning and exploration. The classes begin!
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ACADEMIC EXPLORATION
In these Institutions, the teacher educates the children with the only intention to make learning a joy, and the students are ever ready to plunge themselves into the vastness of the know-how. The interest quotient of the students is kept high throughout. Interval breaks are well-timed for the kids to unwind and cool off.
EVENING EXTRAVAGANZA
The classes end at 4 p.m. and it is time for games! New games are taught to the children by the Physical Education teacher and the senior students are trained for competing in tournaments. The playground turns into the amusement park of these kids. Loud cheers, noisy giggles, peals of laughter, bruised knees and dirtied clothes – We just let them be!
This is also the time for the students to discover their interests in the arts. Music, dance, arts, and crafts are taught by specialized teachers.
TWILIGHT QUIET TIME
The clock ticks at 5.45 p.m. It is prayer time! The dusk alights itself on the horizons and leaves behind a sense of introversion. The children collect their minds together and sit for prayers. The loud singing of the names of God along with instrumental beats is a session that the children look forward to. After the singing and a brief meditation session, the students disperse silently.
STUDY TO GET STEADY
The evening prayers prepare them for studies. It is study time!
Students sit individually or in groups to study and understand for themselves the lessons taught in the classes. Teachers are available with them to clarify their doubts and help them.
SLEEP LIKE A BABY
A well-spent day deserves good rest at the end of the day. It is bed time! Eyelids droop and thoughts fade. Needless to say, the students are drifted off into a zone of stillness and deep rest.
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