ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR CLEAN CITIES-INDIA
FOR THE YEAR 2009-2010
Some of the important events / activities of the Society during the year
2009 – 2010.
Our Founder President
It is with a sense of deep sorrow that we report the passing away of the
Founder President of the Society, Padmabhushan Begum Zehra Ali Yavar Jung
on 19th February 2010.
She passionately strived to uplift the underprivileged children and
women living in slums - it was her life’s mission. Her noble ideas and vision
concretised in the establishment of a Children’s Complex in Bandra East. At
the complex daily almost 2000 slum children and women benefit from 42
programmes – educational, recreational, nutritional, health related and skill
and knowledge oriented designed to meet their developmental needs.
Generations will remember and cherish her concern and care for the
disadvantaged. We salute her memory.
Pre-School Education
This year 303 children were admitted to K. G. and Nursery classes.
Almost all the parents opted for English medium classes even though most of
them are not literate. This has necessitated the employment of a teacher to
help our teachers to upgrade their English conversational skills.
As children come from either Marathi or Hindi speaking families even the
English words are first taught in either Marathi or Hindi. This has helped
teachers to tell the children the Marathi or Hindi equivalent words depending
on the mother tongue of the child. It has been observed that in this way
children picked up not only the English words but also the Marathi and Hindi
equivalent words.
In order to make learning an enjoyable experience, the Play Way method
of teaching is adopted. Through games, stories, songs and other group
activities the children learn and at the same time imbibe basic values in life.
Group activities are fashioned in such a way as to promote the concept of
sharing and caring at a young age. Creative activities like art, music and dance
help us to identify their latent talents and we try to promote them. Cartoon
films and picturised nursery rhymes are screened regularly for the children.
We are using story-telling as an effective tool to communicate with the
children and to make it more interesting and interactive children are made
active participants in the process of story-telling.
Teacher Training
14 Teacher Trainees from the Malti Jayant Dalal Centre for Pre-Primary
Teachers’ Education were placed in our Pre-School for fieldwork experience
from 8th to 12th March, 2010. Their visit was mutually enriching for both the
trainees and our teachers. While the trainees benefitted by the experience of
our teachers, our teachers could learn many new action songs both in Hindi
and English.
41 Teacher Trainees of Arya Vidya Mandir along with their Coordinator,
Ms. Manjula Warrier and Teachers, Ms. Zarina Bawa and Ms. Jessie D’Souza
visited our institution on 27th August. The trainees who were talented,
enthusiastic, creative, highly motivated, interacted meaningfully with the
children and teachers.
Teacher Trainees from Sadhana Education Society were placed in our Pre
School for field training.
Singing Competition
In the inter-school Group Singing Competition organized by Bombay Arts
and Sports, our Pre-School children presented a song ‘I Love You, You Love Me’
which was greatly appreciated by the audience.
School for the Hearing Handicapped
10 new students have been admitted this year to the School for the
Hearing Handicapped bringing the total to 39 children.
The Group Hearing Aid Room of the Hearing Handicapped School was
renovated and equipped by the Lions Club of Juhu through the donation of
Smt. Manaswini Ashok Parekh. The room was got painted and retiled and the
windows fitted with grills. New electrical connections were done and a new fan
installed. The carpentry work included a semi-circular table aesthetically and
functionally designed with twelve chairs and a chair for the teacher. The latest
Arphi Group Hearing Aid system was installed. This facility can now
accommodate 12 students at a time.
Smt. Manaswini Ashok Parekh. formally inaugurated the room in the
presence of Mr. Umesh Gandhi, District Lions President, Mr. Milan Ajmera,
Vice President, Lions Club of Juhu and other members of the Club and our
Vice President Mrs. Kulsum Dubash
and Jt. Hon. Secretary Dr. Licy
Bharucha. Mrs Dubash thanked Smt. Manaswini Ashok Parekh and the Lions
Club Juhu for providing this facility and also Dr. Mrs. Rakhee Vakil for taking
the initiative and interacting at all levels in getting the project completed.
Speech Therapy Sessions
Two groups (Hindi and Marathi medium) of our hearing handicapped
students attended speech therapy sessions at the Ali Yavar Jung National
Institute for the Hearing Handicapped on every Thursday and Friday.
Medical Examination
After the admissions were over all the Pre-School Children and Hearing
Handicapped students were examined by our Honorary Doctors. Out of a total
of 337 students examined, 152 were found to be underweight and malnourished and 69 had dental caries. Only 46 children were in good health.
While those suffering from minor ailments were treated at our Medical Centre,
those requiring specialized treatment were referred to Municipal and other
hospitals. Medical examination also helped to check and record their
immunization status. Those who were underweight and mal-nourished have
been put on a regular nutritive mid-day meal supplemented by ‘nachni kheer’
and vitamins, along with similar children from the community, total numbering
500 children per day. It has been observed that within a short period of time
the health status of these children has improved considerably.
It has been our constant endeavor to educate and empower the
community members especially the women on different aspects of health care,
family planning, child care, their rights and responsibilities as a member of the
family and of the community, through films, talk by experts etc.
Pulse Polio Programme
We have been taking up the pulse polio programme as a crusade against
polio so that every child in the community served by the Society is covered by
this programme. In this work the Kherwadi Municipal Health Centre headed by
Dr. Deepali Kaulas has been of great help. We have been able to administer
polio dose to 427 children below the age of 5 years who were left out from the
main immunisation programme conducted by the Municipality.
Film shows
While every effort is made to prevent polio among children, if
unfortunately a child is afflicted by polio, how to handle the child was told to
the parents through a film “Tikubai”. The film is based on the real life story of a
woman from a village in Maharashtra. She used to carry her polio afflicted son
on her shoulders, as there was no facility in the village, to the city hospital to
give physiotherapy and other treatment. In due course her son was able to
walk without crutches and become a contributive member of the family.
Tikubai was a keen observer and she fabricated equipment similar to the
one she had seen in the hospital fashioned from locally available material and
started giving physiotherapy and other exercises for children in the village
afflicted by poliomyelitis. In spite of may odds, with an iron will and sheer
perseverance she got the support of the women in the village and continued her
good work. The local Panchayat appreciated this by giving her financial
support.
Dr. Deepali, Assistant Medical Officer of the Kherwadi Municipal Health
Outpost then spoke to the parents and told them that if polio vaccine was given
at regular intervals they could escape the fate of Tikubai and protect their
children from polio. The film and the interesting talk given by Dr. Deepali had a
telling effect on the large number of community members.
A film “Waaris” on Family Planning was screened. The film showed how
superstition and gender bias are often responsible for large families. After the
screening of the film Dr. Deepali of the Kherwadi Muncipal Health Outpost
explained natural and other safe methods of family planning.
The film, “Too Young To Marry” was screened for the benefit of parents of
Balwadi Children and other community members. The film conveyed the
message that girls should not be married before they become adults as it is not
only against the law but early marriage often forces the girls to leave their
studies and become young mothers, a responsibility which they are not
equipped to handle. Early motherhood also adversely affected the health of the
mother and child.
After the film show Dr. Suman Rao, Honorary Doctor of our Medical
Centre talked to the parents on the need for giving an opportunity to their
daughters to grow up to the right age and then get married so that they do not
face problems as young mothers and wives.
A film entitled, “I have learnt everything” was screened for the parents of
Balwadi Children as also adolescent girls from the community. After the film,
Dr. Deepali Kaulas. Asst. Heath Officer, of the Kherwadi Health Outpost of the
BMC explained the various stages of a girl’s development and also the need for
giving a balanced diet to young girls and pregnant mothers who are usually
prone to anaemia.
A special screening of the film, “Girls as well as boys have a right to
education” was arranged for the parents from the community. The film showed
the importance to giving equal attention to girls’ education and their health and
nutrition. The film was interesting and informative. Taking advantage of the
gathering our Hon. Doctor, Dr. (Mrs.) Uma Sharma explained to the parents
how to prevent ailments which are a common feature during the monsoons like
flu, leptospirosis, diahorrea, malaria, cholera and jaundice and what action
should be taken if unfortunately any one fell a victim to these diseases.
A film on simple rules of hygiene, entitled “Meena’s Three Wishes’ was
screened for the parents of the Balwadi and Hearing Handicapped students
and others from the community on 8th September. The film depicted the many
illness that are caused by poor hygiene and sanitation and how these could be
prevented if people followed simple rules of hygiene like washing hands with
soap and water before and after eating, and after using the latrine and drinking
boiled or filtered water. After screening the film, Dr. Deepali, Medical Officer of
the BMC Kherwadi Health Post, gave a talk on the importance of personal and
environmental hygiene, the need for washing their hands before attending to
children, washing every utensil before use, washing food before cooking,
keeping all cooked food covered and taking care to see that children are not
given food items sold by roadside hawkers. She also emphasized the need to
keep the home and surrounding areas clean to prevent the spread of diseases
and maintain the health of the family.
Swine Flu
In the light of the scare that was created of swine flu we had requested
the Head Teachers to go around the classes and if they found any child with
symptoms of flu to take the child to our Honorary Doctor for a check-up.
Simultaneously the parents were also called and the child and the parents
were referred to the Medical Officer of the nearby Municipal Health Centre.
The parents were also advised to follow up the treatment and to bring the child
back to school only after obtaining a fitness certificate from the Municipal
Health Officer. All this was done in a very quiet manner so that there was no
panic or scare of the swine flu.
Eye Camp
The most precious God given gift is eyesight but many do not take proper
care or get treatment for eye ailments with the result they tend to lose their
eyesight.
An Eye Camp was organized by the ONGC Mahila Samiti at our Medical
Centre on 7th November, 2009 by the ONGC Eye Specialists, Optometrists and
para-medical staff. They examined 101 persons including our staff members
and children. Almost all of them required new spectacles which were supplied
to them along with eye drops and other medicines free of cost.
Since we registered the names of persons well in advance and gave them
tokens giving time spacing at an interval of half an hour there was no
overcrowding or waiting in a line for a long time. The ONGC medical staff who
conducted the eye camp were greatly appreciative of the orderly manner in
which the Camp was conducted.
We are grateful to the ONGC Mahila Samiti, for organizing this Camp
which has benefitted a large number of persons suffering from eye ailments
and in getting spectacles free.
Talks
Dr. Deepali, Assistant Medical Officer of the Kherwadi Municipal Health
Outpost, BMC, gave a talk on the periodicity of the various vaccinations to be
taken by children/mothers.
Periodicity
1. As early as detection of pregnancy
2. 1 month gap
3. At birth of child
4. At 6 weeks (1½ month)
5. At 10 weeks (2½ months)
and DPT (Diptheria,
6. At 14 weeks (3½ months)
7. At 9 months
10. Every 6 months (From 9 months
to 5 years)
12. 10 years
13. 16 years
Vaccine
Tetanus Toxoid
Tetanus Toxoid
Oral Polio
HBV – Hepatitis B
HBV- Hepatitis B
and DPT (Diptheria,
Pertusis, Tetanus)
HBV- Hepatitis B
Pertusis, Tetanus)
HBV- Hepatitis B
and DPT (Diptheria,
Pertusis, Tetanus)
Measles with Vitamin A
8. At 15 months MMR
(Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
9. At 18 months DPT
(Diptheria, Pertusis, Tetanus)
with oral polio
Vitamin A
11. 4 ½ to 5 years DPT
(Diptheria, Pertusis, Tetanus)
Tetanus Toxoid
Tetanus Toxoid
Since many of the parents go to private doctors and are not aware of the
facilities available at the Municipal Corporation we have made out a chart,
considering the cosmopolitan nature of the community, in Hindi giving the
periodicity and the injections to be taken and placed it outside our Medical
Centre so that more and more parents can take advantage of the facilities that
are available at the Municipal Medical Centre. For those women who cannot
read, we have requested our Medical Officers to explain the same to them.
Learning Disabilities
On 3rd December, a talk was arranged on Learning Disabilities among
children for our teachers and parents from the community. Dr. Preeti Verma,
Head of Special Education, SNDT Women’s University was invited to give a
lecture on various learning disabilities. The lecture was an eye-opener for
them. They showed great enthusiasm and requested that they been given
opportunities to interact with the doctor along with their children. Dr. Verma
has very kindly agreed to come again for another session. Mrs. Kulsum
Dubash, Vice President, who has been taking an active interest in identifying
learning disabilities at an early age, presided over the lecture.
Ideal Mothers and Healthy Baby Contests
On 30th March, 41 children who were selected at the Healthy Baby
Contest and 5 mothers at the Ideal Mother Contest were given prizes when the
office bearers of Bazm-e-Niswan were also present.
Dr. Suman Rao, our Medical Officer advised the parents to take
particular care of the health needs of the children and to protect them from
childhood diseases.
Observance of Festivals
In order to create awareness about the richness of our cultural diversity
and to promote harmony, the festivals of Haldi, Kum Kum, Gudi Padwa, Naag
Panchami, Raksha Bandhan, Parsi New Year, Gokul Ashtami, Ganesh
Chaturthi, Onam, Dusserah, Diwali, Christmas and Eid were celebrated with
the participation of the children, teachers and parents. The children were told
the significance of each festival in a simple story form and were also given
sweets specially prepared on such occasions.
Teacher’s Day
Teacher’s Day was celebrated with the participation of all the Teachers,
children and staff of our institution. The teachers had a meaningful discussion
as to their role in laying a strong foundation for the Pre-school children for
higher levels of education and also instilling values in them.
Creative Art Centre
During the Summer Vacation, we have been able to enroll over 120
children, both boys and girls, in our Creative Art Centre. Our Art Teacher held
structured classes for them and they were taught different techniques of
painting. This helped them to creatively use their time and talents during the
vacation.
At the 15th Annual Art Competition 2009 organised by Very Special
Arts India, Delhi Chapter (affiliated to Very Special Arts International,
Washington), the following handicapped students have won certificates of merit
and cash awards in different age groups :
Anil Kedare
Shankara Dhangar
Kavita Pawar
Rahul Jadhav
Noorjehan Shaikh
Aarti Bargude
Sandeep Gupta
Sabir Kayuum
Shilpa Singh
2nd Prize-Rs.1500/2nd Prize-Rs.1000/2nd Prize- Rs.500/Consolation-Rs.250/Consolation-Rs.250/Consolation-Rs.250/Consolation-Rs.250/Consolation-Rs.250/Consolation-Rs.250/-
We organised an on-the-spot painting competition with
participation of 260 children from various schools in and around Bandra.
subjects for the competition included Landscape, Peace, Green Mumbai
Heritage. The winners were awarded prizes on 15th August, Independence
at the hands of the Chief Guest, Mr. A.P. Kurian.
the
The
and
Day
Our Creative Art Centre has been approved as a Centre for holding the
Maharashtra State Child Art Competition organized by Bombay Arts & Sports.
At the on the spot painting competition organized on 8th September at our
Centre, 101 students participated.
65 paintings of our children were sent as entries to the Shankar’s
International Children’s Competition 2010.
52 paintings of our children were sent as entries to the All India Child Art
Club Competition.
240 children participated in the All India Camel Colour Contest 2009.
In the Maharashtra State On the Spot Painting Competition organized
by Bombay Arts & Sports our children have won the following prizes:
Western Suburbs
7 to 9 years
Noorjehan Shaikh
1st Prize (Cash Prize of Rs.100/-)
Samiksha Shetty
Deepika Sakla
Mansi Mali
Shubhangi Sarwan
Noorsalam Shaikh
3rd Prize (Cash Prize of Rs.60/-)
3rd Prize (Cash Prize of Rs.60/-)
4th Prize (Cash Prize of Rs.50/-)
4th Prize (Cash Prize of Rs.50/-)
Consolation Prize
9 to 12 years
Surabhi Parker
Rajesh Kore
Priya Maurya
Kirti Paranjpe
Heena Behwal
Tanya Naik
Sayalee Bait
1st Prize (Cash Prize of Rs.100/-)
2nd Prize (Cash Prize of Rs.70/-)
3rd Prize (Cash Prize of Rs.60/-)
3rd Prize (Cash Prize of Rs.60/-)
4th Prize (Cash Prize of Rs.50/-)
Consolation Prize
Consolation Prize
12 to 16 years
Ravi Mali
Rekha Kadam
Priyal Sethia
Birendra Prajapati
Nidhi Ashiwal
Sunny Mali
1st Prize (Cash Prize of Rs.100/-)
2nd Prize (Cash Prize of Rs.70/-)
3rd Prize (Cash Prize of Rs.60/-)
4th Prize (Cash Prize of Rs.50/-)
Consolation Prize
Consolation Prize
State Awards
Trisha Mali
Priyanka Vishwakarma
Umesh Ashiwal
Unnati Jadhav
Savita Ashiwal
Shivangi Tiwari
Merit Certificate
Merit Certificate
Merit Certificate
Merit Certificate
Merit Certificate
Merit Certificate
At the Kala Pratishthan’s Rangsharda Art Academy Competitions the
following children have won gold medals:
Shahnaz Shaikh
Sabir Kayum
Sabir Kayum
Priyanka Vishwakarma
Samiksha Shetty
Harshad Jadhav
Prashant Rekhe
Prashant Rekhe
Rekha Kadam
Rekha Kadam
Lokesh Naidu
Reena Mali
Priya Maurya
Drawing
Gold Medal
Painting
Gold Medal
Drawing
Gold Medal
Drawing
Gold Medal
Drawing
Gold Medal
Drawing
Gold Medal
Drawing
Gold Medal
Painting
Gold Medal
Drawing
Gold Medal
Drawing
Gold Medal
Drawing
Gold Medal
Drawing
Gold Medal
Greeting Card Gold Medal
Rajesh Kore
Drawing
Gold Medal
In the competition for Art Teachers our Art teacher, Mrs. Vijaya Tembkar,
has won a prize (Gold Medal) for her entry.
The Child Art Club, Hyderabad, which conducts art competitions at the
national level for over 2000 schools spread all over India have bestowed the
‘Kala Bhushan Award’ for Best Art Teacher to our Art Teacher, Ms. Vijaya
Tembkar. Mrs. Sarojini Babjee, Secretary General, Child Art Club came all the
way from Hyderabad to personally hand over the ‘Kalabhushan Award’ to the
Art Teacher and other awards and certificates to the children.
In the
competition our children have won the following awards:
Gold Medals
Surabhi Parker
Rohit Gupta,
Trisha Mali
Atif Khan (HH)
Sabbir Kayuum (HH)
Silver Medals
Priyanka Vishwakarma (HH)
Shilpa Singh (HH)
Prerna More (HH)
Bronze medals
Rekha Kadam
Birendra Prajapati
Jishan Farooqui (HH)
Asha Kshitij (HH)
Anil Kedare (MR)
State level
Gold Medals
Highly Commended Certificates
Suha Shaikh
Vaishali Mishra
Priyal Sethia
Harshad Jadhav
Lokesh Naidu
Anil Kedare (MR)
Sanaa Shaikh (HH)
Sandeep Gupta (HH)
Nikhil George
Sonali Sarode
Rohit Gadwal
Shivangi Tiwari
Shahnaz Shaikh (HH)
Pranil More (HH)
Commended Certificates
Vijay Karekar
Rajesh Kore
Nidhi Ashiwal
Kavita Pawar
Prayag Pendhere
At the Parle Mahotsav Drawing Competition, Sankesh Bangera won
the 3rd Prize – a shield, Rs.500 and art material and Samksha Shetty and
Prashant Rekhe won Consolation Prizes of art material.
At the On-the-Spot Painting Competition organized by Nehru Centre
for handicapped children, the following children from our Centre have won the
awards in different categories and age groups:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Rachna Palkar (HH)
Anil Kedare (MR)
Sabir Kayuum (HH)
Muskaan Shaikh (HH)
Priyanka Vishwakarma
1st Prize-Rs.500
1st prize-Rs.500
2nd Prize-Rs.300
3rd Prize-Rs.200
Consolation Prize-Rs.100
(HH-Hearing Handicapped, M.R.-Mentally Retarded)
All India Camel Colour Contest 2009
The following students of our Creative Art Centre have won awards at the
school level:
“A” Group- K.G.
Aarti Bargude
Suha Shaikh
Alisha Myatra
1st Prize
2nd Prize
3rd Prize
“B” Group – Stds. I & II
Vaishnavi Gaikwad 1st Prize
Noor Islam Shaikh 2nd Prize
Kavita Pawar
3rd Prize
“C” Group – Stds. III
Yash Gaikwad
Shubhangi Sarwan
Manil Sarwan
& IV
1st Prize
2nd Prize
3rd Prize
“D” Group – Stds. V to VII
Kirti Prajapati
1st Prize
Rohit Gadwal
2nd Prize
Reshma Behiwal
3rd Prize
“E” Group – Stds. VIII to X
Birendra Prajapati
Rekha Kadam
Laxmi Sambre
1st Prize
2nd Prize
3rd Prize
At the Regional level, out of 49916 entries, the entry of Trisha Mali won
the 1st Prize. She was awarded a Medal and a Certificate at the hands of noted
film actress and TV host, Ms. Pallavi Joshi, at a special function held at Nehru
Centre on 17th January. Shilpa Mishra, Yash Gaikwad, Ruchita Desai, and
Shahnaz Shaikh won Appreciation Prizes. The award winning paintings of our
children were exhibited at the Nehru Centre.
10 students trained at our Creative Art Centre have appeared for the
Elementary Grade and 9 students the Intermediate Grade Drawing
Examinations conducted by the Government of Maharashtra.
We feel proud of the achievements of our children as also the hard work
put in by the Art Teacher, Ms. Vijaya Tembkar.
Library
Under the aegis of the Library a number of children’s films were screened
for the children especially on Saturdays. These films were not only
entertaining but also educative and some of them helped to kindle the spirit of
adventure in them. The children also played indoor games during the
mornings and many of them who are good in singing were encouraged to
attend group singing sessions of patriotic songs every afternoon.
Remedial Teaching
Remedial teaching for children backward in studies selected from the
Municipal Schools has continued and the children have made considerable
progress in their studies.
Competitions
Our children who participated in Handwriting, General Knowledge and
Sharpen your Memory competitions organized by Bombay Arts and Sports have
won the following prizes.
Handwriting Competition
Priya S. Morya
1st Prize
Sharpen Your Memory Contest
Mamta Pal
1st Prize
Neha Behiwal
2nd Prize
Vaishali Mishra
3rd Prize
Anju Pathak
Consolation Prize
Gauri Londhe
Second Prize
Hindi Section
Hindi Section
Hindi Section
Hindi Section
Hindi Section
Marathi Section
Pratiksha Parab
Consolation Prize
Marathi Section
Collection of Books
We have a well-stocked Library of books in Marathi, Hindi, English and
Gujarati. This year we have added 178 Books to the collection of books in our
Library bringing the total number of books in our Library to 8216. Mrs.
Kalpana Parmar a trained Librarian provides guidance to the children using
the Library and also oversees all activities including recreational activities
undertaken under the aegis of the Library.
Recreation
The Children’s Complex provides excellent facilities for indoor and
outdoor recreation which are availed of by a large number of children from the
neighbouring slums where there are hardly any facilities or open space for
recreation.
Children’s Play Park
Our President, Begum Bilkees I. Latif, inaugurated and dedicated to the
memory of Begum Zehra Ali Yavar Jung our Founder President, a Children’s
Play Park, supported by the State Bank of India at our Complex, in the
presence of National Council members, children and others. This was a much
needed facility for our children. We are grateful to State Bank of India for
giving financial assistance for this project.
Cultural Activities – Music and Dance Centre
We have appointed three new Teachers in our Music and Dance Centre –
Mrs. Sharmila Gokhale as Music Teacher, Mrs. Rehana Patel Rane as Kathak
Dance Teacher and Mrs. Vasudha Raikar as Tabla Teacher.
On 22nd November, 2009, 37 students took the theory examination in
Music and Dance conducted by the Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya
at our Centre.
Out of 118 students who appeared for different examinations in music
(vocal and instrumental) and dance conducted by the Akhil Bharatiya
Gandharva Mahavidyalaya from our Centre, 17 have obtained Distinction, 63
First Class, 17 Second Class and 4 Third Class. The results show the high
level of training given to the students.
Skill Oriented Courses]
Beauty Culture, Mehendi, Fabric Painting
55 students have successfully completed the Mehendi Course, 2
students the Fabric Painting Course and 138 students the Beauty Culture
(Basic and Advanced) Course. Most of these students have secured gainful
employment or have started out on their own.
Tailoring and Embroidery
In place of Mrs. Usha Makre our Tailoring Teacher who retired on 2nd
July, 2009 we have appointed Mrs. Zohra Shaikh a qualified Tailoring Teacher.
40 students have successfully completed the Tailoring and Embroidery Courses
(1 year Government Course and 6 months basic course in Tailoring and 2
months course in Embroidery).
Computer Training
In the Maharashtra State Certificate of Information Technology (MSCIT)
examination, 27 students of our Computer Centre passed out of whom 22 have
obtained between 60 to 80 percent marks and 8 above 80%. During the year
97 students enrolled for different Government approved computer courses.
Spoken English
As many girls coming to our Society for various skill oriented
programmes ultimately seek jobs, it is important that they are able to answer
questions at interviews in English. The Society runs a Spoken English course
which apart from training them in conversing in English also train and groom
them for appearing for interviews for jobs and teach tem how to conduct
themselves at the workplace.
Medical Centre
2318 patients including staff members and Pre School and School for the
Hearing Handicapped children and their mothers and children and women
from the community were treated for different ailments by the Medical Officers
– Dr. (Mrs.) Uma Sharma and Dr. (Mrs.) Suman Rao attending our Medical
Centre.
Adult Literacy Programme
More and more women from the community are eager to learn to read
and write and they are encouraged to take advantage of the Adult Literacy
Programme conducted in Hindi and Marathi at our Society. Emphasis is given
on functional literacy so that the women can perform better in the day-to-day
chores. The neo-literates are encouraged to use the Library so that what they
learnt remained with them instead of their slipping back to illiteracy.
Functions/Programmes
1. Summer Camp
For about 100 school children (girls and boys) of the age group 10 to 16
years from nearby schools, the two-day Summer Camp organized by the
Society on 24th and 25th April, 2009 was a most enjoyable experience of
learning and an opportunity for making new friends. The Camp had the
benefit of enlightened resource persons.
The Camp was inaugurated by ‘Uncle Pai’ (Mr. Anant Pai, Editor of Tinkle
and Amar Chitra Katha). He regaled the children by narrating interesting and
inspiring stories and told them that one has to set a goal in life and work hard
continuously to reach it.
Two competitions were organized by Ms. Vijaya Tembkar, Art & Craft
Teacher - one on making decorative badges with the names of the participants
written on it which they could wear throughout the two days of the Camp and
the second one of greeting cards on the themes ‘Unity in Diversity’ and ‘Save
the Environment’. The children came out with some excellent ideas on both
the themes.
Mrs. Suchitra Dandekar, one of the resource persons, talked to the
children about values like integrity, courage, truthfulness and humility which
are essential ingredients for character formation. In addition, she said, in the
fast changing world of today it was necessary to cultivate good communication
skills, a positive attitude to life, a pleasant countenance, self esteem and
sustained hard work to achieve success. Later she divided the children into
groups and told each group a different story and asked them to enact it. This
exercise helped the children to exhibit their acting talents and they thoroughly
enjoyed it.
Prof. K.G.Krishna Kurup, Principal, Patuck Technical College, told the
children about the various technical courses which they could pursue, after
completion of S.S.C. and H.S.C. examinations.
Smt. Shanta Snehi, a veteran freedom fighter, who joined Sewagram
Ashram as a child inmate spoke to the children about her interaction with
Gandhiji. She also narrated short stories which the children listened with great
interest.
Mrs. Kashmira Dhirawani, Librarian of SNDT Women’s University, talked
to the children about the ‘Joy of Reading’ and said that with the onset of many
T.V. channels and the internet children were forgetting the art of reading.
Among other things, she told them about the various courses in Library
Science which would help them secure employment easily.
Mrs. Melanie Chandrashekhar, Principal, Bombay Scottish School, was
the Chief Guest at the concluding function of the Camp. Speaking to the
children, the Chief Guest advised them to take advantage of the facilities
offered by the NSCCI and work hard to come up in life.
2. Independence Day
The Chief Guest,Mr. A.P. Kurian, Chairman of Association of Mutual
Funds hoisted the National Flag to the singing of the National Anthem followed
by ‘Jhanda Ooncha Rahe Hamara’ by students of our Music Centre.
The formal function started with the ‘Pledge of Service’ administered by
Ms. Prabha Sawant, Head Teacher. Rev. K.I. Dyvasirvadam, Presbyter of St.
Stephen’s Church, then said a prayer invoking peace and harmony. He also
recalled the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters.
Thereafter Kum. Diksha Shirke rendered the song, ‘Tu Hindu Banega na
Mussalmaan Banega, Insaan Ki Aulad Hai Insaan Banega’. Her introductory
remarks and the rendition of the song which captivated the hearts of the large
audience.
This was followed by the song, ‘Deep Deep Jhodakar Tu Ek Surya Ban’
by Neha, Vaishali, Priya, Shweta and Babita, students of our Music Centre. 13
year old Divya Dicholkar sang the soul stirring patriotic song, ‘Sare Jehan Se
Aacha’ in her melodious voice.
Not to be outdone by girls, 12 year old Dheeraj, a student of our Music
Centre, rendered the song, ‘Is Dhara ko Hamara Naman Chahiye’. It was a
treat to listen to him as his voice had a rare tonal quality.
Diksha then presented another song ‘Hum Bachche Hai Veer Desh Ke’
dedicating it to the children of our country.
‘Ho Jao Taiyaar Sathiyo’ a patriotic song was rendered by Mrs. Sharmila
Gokhale, our new Music Teacher.
A fitting finale to the programme was the soulful rendition of ‘Mere
Watan Ke Logon’ by Kum Divya Dicholkar.
Mrs. Lizy Kurian handed over the prizes to students who were successful
at various competitions.
Mr. A.P. Kurian, the Chief Guest, recalled the great sacrifices made by
our freedom fighters and exhorted the children to work hard to preserve and
safeguard the hard won freedom and serve our motherland with integrity,
devotion and patriotism.
3. Gandhi Jayanti
Situated as we are in a communally sensitive area we celebrate
important occasions to bring together people professing different faiths on a
common platform to promote a feeling of oneness and amity. Gandhi Jayanti
was one such occasion, which was celebrated with the participation of
children, grown-ups from the community, religious leaders from different faiths
and invited guests.
The programme began with the Sarvodharma Prayer, ‘Om Tat Sat Shri
Narayana Guru Tu’ by Sangeeta Mirkar a renowned classical singer followed by
a bhajan, ‘Mere Man Me Jyot Jagado Bhagwaan’ by Yogesh Arya, a young and
upcoming artist.
Thereafter Kirtins from Gurudwara Shree Guru Singh Sabha, Khar, sang
the Gurubani in their melodious voice. Maulana Sabir Ahmed Saheb, a
Muslim Scholar, explained the basic tenets of Islam and the need to promote
tolerance among people professing different faiths.
The bhajans, ‘Sabke Liye Khula Hai Mandir Yeh Hamara’ by Kum.
Diksha Shirke, ‘Sabarmati Ke Sant ne Kar Diya Kamaal’ by Divya Dicholkar,
‘Payoji Maine Ram Ratan’ and ‘Janam Safal Honga Re Bandhe’ by Mrs. Alpana
Kashalkar and ‘Allah Tero Naam’ by Mrs. Sangeeta Mikar enhanced the
solemnity of the function.
Rev. K.I. Dyvasirvadam of St. Stephen’s Church said a prayer
emphasizing the need for promoting amity and peace among all people. This
was followed by the singing of the hymns, ‘Lead Kindly Light’ and ‘Abide with
me’, by the Church Choir – hymns which greatly touched Gandhiji.
The soul-stirring rendition of ‘Vaishnavi Jana Toh’ by Shri Rambhau
Raut, and the singing of ‘Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram’ by all the participants
was a fitting finale to the entire programme.
Apart from the large number of students and community members,
others present included Dr. M.R. Khwaja, National Council Member, Dr. Licy
Bharucha, Hon. Jt. Secretary, Dr. T.J. Mathew, and Mrs. Sita Sainathan,
Members, Mr. Yogesh Bhatnagar, Executive Director, ONGC and Mrs. Sadhana
Bhatnagar, Mr. C.S. Varkey, former Director of Pfizer and many members of St.
Stephen’s Church.
4. Children’s Day
Children’s Day was celebrated on 14th November. In the morning the
Balwadi children and children of their age group from the community came in
colourful clothes. They participated in different games, singing and dancing.
They were also shown cartoon films, which they enjoyed very much. Around
noon they were served a delicious meal. They were also given a packet of
sweets, biscuits and cake to carry home. When the parents came to collect
their children they were happy to see the beaming faces of their children.
Around 185 grown-up children came at 1.00 p.m. They were first served
lunch. After lunch they were entertained by Magician Rajeev Rane with many
tricks, which they enjoyed very much.
At the drawing competition held thereafter the children were given a
portrait of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and they drew various shades of his
personality in pencil shading and colour. The best portraits were awarded 1st,
2nd, 3rd Prizes and Consolation prizes. After the painting competition the
children participated in group games.
5.
Republic Day
On Republic Day the National Flag was hoisted by the Chief Guest, Mr.
Thomas Puliyel, President, IMRB International, to the singing of the National
Anthem. The Pledge of Service to our motherland was administered by Ms.
Prabha Sawant to all present.
The children put up a cultural programme of song and dance which was
greatly appreciated by the audience. The programme began with ‘Ganesh
Vandana- Aala, Aala, Aala Mazha Ganraja Aala’ a prayer in song and dance by
Lavina, Sonali, Shubhangi, Priya, Laxmi, Teju, Anju, Shweta, Vaishali and
Gauri - students of our Remedial Teaching Class. This was followed by a ‘Koli
Dance’, and actions songs ‘Five Little Monkeys’, ‘Kil Bil Kil Bil Pakshi Bolti’, ‘I
Love you, You Love Me, ‘Zhoka Geyu Ya’ and ‘Mannu Bhai Motor Chale Pum
Pum Pum’ presented by our Balwadi children. Vaishali, Neha, Anju, Priya,
Mamta and Babita presented an energetic exercise in dance, ‘Frolics’ led by
Shweta. Gauri, Pratiksha and Sulakshan, students of our Music Centre
presented a Tabla jugalbandi, which was another highlight of the programme.
The deaf students of our School presented an Adivasi Dance, which brought
repeated applause from the audience. What stole the entire show was the
‘Whaghya Murli Dance’ performed by children of our Remedial Teaching class
choreographed by Rehana, a dance instructor and choreographer.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Puliyel said that he enjoyed every minute
of the programme and was extremely grateful for giving him and his wife an
opportunity to participate in this function. He complimented the teachers and
staff for training the children so well. He felt happy that we have a Good
Citizenship programme so that the children imbibed certain values and grew
up as good, caring, and responsible citizens attuned to the needs of those less
privileged than them. He exhorted the children to dedicate themselves to the
service of our nation and remain united under all circumstances.
Mrs. Chitra Puliyel, Professor, NM College of Commerce & Economics
gave away prizes to the children who were successful at various events.
6. A Centre of attraction for children
The greenery and open space of our Complex have attracted a number of
children from nearby schools. On 9th, 10th and 18th November 750 pre-primary
students of New English School came to our Children’s Complex in three
batches for an outing. The children enjoyed themselves in our play park and
took a walk along the paved pathways enjoying the greenery around.
KHAR DANDA CENTRE
The Centre jointly run by NSCCI and YMCA has provided pre-school
education to 215 children from 11 slums in Khar from Santa Cruz to Bandra.
These children were given wholesome and nutritious meals cooked at the
Centre the provisions for which were donated by the Lions Club of Juhu Link
Road. The Centre provided counselling to women, rehabilitated families,
provided vocational training and employment to needy boys, girls and women,
and health-care and literacy to the community. It also secured admission into
schools for boys and girls for continuing their education and provided them
stay in hostels. Financial assistance has been given to the underprivileged
children for their school fees by the Ammada Trust. Free coaching in roller
skating, basketball, karate and ketsugo is also given to children and youth
from the community. The Arogya Kendra provided health care through the
honorary services of Dr. Rhoda Ibrahim, Dr. Yogesh Kantharia and Dr. Shalu
Butani.
In collaboration with the BMC the Centre also provided polio
immunization for pre-school and other children. Qualified counsellors
conducted counselling sessions for parents on the art of bringing up children,
personal hygiene, health and nutrition and personality development. 100
children were taken to the Zoo for a one day picnic. Independence Day and
Republic Day were celebrated with the participation of 500 parents and
children. 175 women and girls participated in International Women’s Day
celebrations. 72 women were trained in Mehendi and Beautician and 39
women in Tailoring Courses. Adult Literacy classes were held with the help and
guidance of Minni Menon, Arlene Mehta and Serena Fonseca. Dr. Kranti
Farias conducted Spoken English classes for men, women and children. 11
students participated in the Youth Cultural Festival and presented a lavani and
koli dance winning the 2nd Prize for the Koli Dance. A Magic Show and Games
were organized for the children and gifts and snacks were given to them on
Children’s Day.
GHATKOPAR CENTRE
The Centre jointly run by NSCCI and YMCA admitted 278 children to the
Nursery, Junior and Senior K.G. 136 students successfully completed the
Tailoring, Mehendi and Beautician Courses.
Gymnasium facilities were
provided for the poor youth of Ghatkopar. Regular coaching in Table Tennis
was provided to children. 317 children benefitted from the basketball coaching
classes annually. 16 teams participated in the 2nd Intra YMCA Basketball
Tournament in different categories. 119 teams participated in the 22nd Bombay
YMCA Open State Level Basketball Tournament 2009. Dr. Peter Philip, was the
Chief Guest at the finals. The annual programmes at the Centre included the
Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations with the hoisting of the
National Flag followed by a cultural programme. The pre-school children were
taken to Deshmukh Chintamani Garden for a picnic. New programmes like
guitar, keyboard, drums, western dance and karate classes have attracted a
number of children to the branch.