Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Activities January 2011

31 – VRD story telling on Gandhi and spinning demonstration at Vidyodaya school for Prakriti Foundation’s Tree of Life festival.

30 – Peace March from Gandhi statue to Presidency college, cultural event at Presidency College. 800 children participated.

29 – Youth For Peace – Peace Mela t Besant Theosophical School.

Meeting at Presidency College with NSS volunteers.

Police station for permission letter for the peace march.

Shopping of materials for workshops.

28 –Meeting at Besant Theosophical School.

VRD moderator of panel on whither classical arts at the Sarang festival at IIT Madras.

Workshop for Youth for Peace at Besant Theosophical School with students from six schools.

VRD introducing Koothu performance at Dakshinachitra.

A big article on VRD in The Hindu Metroplus.

Shopping of materials for workshops

27 - Meeting with brochure designer and printer. Shopping for materials for workshop.

26 – Tiruvarur for the release of a book on Devashriya Mantapam paintings by David Shulman organized by Prakriti Foundation.

25 – Meeting with brochure designer for youth for peace festival.

24 – Guiding visitors in Kalakshetra and a lecture on Gandhi and the Nataraja sculpture by V.R.Devika.

23 – Sunday. Meeting of the residents association of Anuraga apartments.

22 – Meeting with Ahalya and Manasa in the office. Preparation for youth for peace festival.

21 - Workshop for Youth for Peace at Besant Theosophical School with students from six schools.

Meeting with Director of collegiate Education and handing over the letter for permission from the Director of Collegiate Education to the Principal, Presidency College.

20 - Workshop for Youth for Peace at Besant Theosophical School with students from six schools.

Meeting with Director of collegiate Education .

19 – Workshop for Youth for Peace at Besant Theosophical School with students from six schools. Shopping for materials.

Meeting with Presidency College Principal for permission, she wanted us to get permission from Directorate of Collegiate Education

18 – Meeting with Koothu actors in the office for Youth for Peace festival

Workshop for Youth for Peace at Besant Theosophical School with students from six schools.

16 – Sunday- Youth for Peace session for the children of Hand In Hand at Kanchipuram by Sangeeta Iswaran

14 – Meeting at Cholamandal artists’ village with Sangeeta Isvaran and Shailesh BO for Youth for Peace festival

12 – Meeting at Presidency College for youth for peace festival with NSS coordinators.

Rehearsal at Avvai Home for youth for peace festival.

Meeting at the US Consul general’s house.

11 – Meeting with Sangeeta Isvaran, Pralayan and Raviraaj for youth for peace festival.

Theatre festival of National School of Drama regional festival at Museum theatre. Play on Gandhi by group from Manipur.

Spin a yarn Session at Bala Vidya Mandir– Resource person Chitra Nagesh and Dr.S.Kulandhaisamy.

10 – Seminar on mind and consciousness in the University of Madras.

Visit to Besant Theosophical School, Besant Arundale School and Sankara Vidyashram for Youth for peace festival.

Handed over the permission letter for Youth for Peace to Police Commissioner’s Office

Marappachi theatre performance of Sanchari at Spaces theatre.

9 – Sunday – Youth for Peace session for the children of Hand In Hand at Kanchipuram by Sangeeta Iswaran

8 – Meeting at the office for Koothu festival and for youth for peace with Pralayan.

7 - Kiron Bhatnagar in Aseema Office, meeting with N.Muthuswamy, director Koothuppattarai.

Meeting on peace initiatives at Observer research foundation organized by USEFI.

Spin a yarn session at AMM School – resource person Dr.S. Kulandhaisamy

6 – V.R.D’s meeting at Kattaikuttu centre in Kanchipuram with Ms.Kiron Bhatnagar of Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi for preparation for koothu festival and documentation.

5 – Meeting with Ghatam artist Uma Shankar for Prakriti foundation.

Vasantha Meeting with Presidency college Principal for the Youth for festival.

Vasantha Meeting to hand over the letter to the schools for youth for festival rehearsal at Besant school from 18th to 22nd.

4 – VRD Meeting at Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram and Meeting at Kalakshetra with faculty from the college of Wooster, Ohio, USA.

Spin a yarn session at Bala Vidya Mandir – Resource person Kalai Rani

3 – VRD Lunch Meeting at Amethyst with theatre persons with faculty from the college of Wooster, Ohio, USA

Meeting at office with the resource persons Kannan Kumar,Kalai Rani, Chitra Nagesh.

Spin a Yarn Session at Avvai Home – Resource person Kannan Kumar

2- VRDMeeting at Spaces and Meeting at Cholamandal artists’ village with faculty from the college of Wooster, Ohio, USA

1 – VRD Meeting at Dakshinachitra with faculty from the college of Wooster, Ohio, USA

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Activities - December 2010

31st December 2010 – Meeting at Kalakshetra.

V. R. Devika coordinating the recki trip of two faculty members of the College of Wooster, Ohio to India

30th December 2010 - Sri Krishna Gana Sabha’s Natya Kala Conference.

Meeting at the University of Madras.

29th December 2010 – Sri Krishna Gana Sabha’s Natya Kala Conference and meeting for Youth for Peace.

28th December 2010 - Sri Krishna Gana Sabha’s Natya Kala Conference and meeting for Youth for Peace.

27th December 2010 – Sri Krishna Gana Sabha’s Natya Kala Conference.

26th December 2010 – Meeting at Cholamandal Artists’ Village.

Meeting at The Dhananjayans Bharathakalanjali to prepare for the Natya Kala Conference.

25th December 2010 – Meeting with Kalanidhi Narayan, Shyamala Surendran and the Dhananjayans.

23rd December 2010 - Article on the Youth for peace Initiative was published as part of the “Initiate Change” series in the Hindu NXg dated 23rd Nov 2010.

V. R. Devika at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi for ICPR fellows meet

22nd December 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School by Chitra Nagesh

V. R. Devika attended the award ceremony at Vigyan Bhavan. The Prime Minister honoured two philosophers with life-time and achievement awards.

21st December 2010 – “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Bala Vidya Mandir School by Dr. Kulandhaisamy and Chitra Nagesh

V. R. Devika in Delhi for ICPR fellows meet

20th December 2010 – “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Kannankumar

“Spin a yarn for life” session at Avvai Home for Class VI students by Kalairani

“Spin a yarn for life” session at Avvai Home for teacher trainees by Kannankumar

V. R. Devika in Delhi for ICPR fellows meet

18th December 2010 – Meeting for Youth for Peace and Sangeet Natak Academy Koothu festival with Leela Samson at Kalakshetra

17th December 2010 – Meeting at Lalit Kala Academy

16th December 2010 – Article on the Youth for peace Initiative was published as part of the “Initiate Change” series in the Hindu NXg dated 16th Dec 2010.

Meeting at the University of Madras

Meeting with Ms. Leela Samson

15th December 2010 – “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School by Kannankumar

Meeting at University of Madras, Prakriti Foundation on poetry festival

13th December 2010 – V. R. Devika had a Youth for Peace meeting with Sangeeta Isvaran and Pralayan

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Priya Nagesh

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai Home School by Kalairani

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai Home for teacher trainees by Kannankumar
Saree-link painted in connection with Youth for Peace at Kalakshetra by members of the public.

Article on “Penmai”, the DVD on reproductive health by Dr. Gita Arjun, was published in the Metroplus, of The Hindu dated 13th December 2010. This DVD was produced by The Aseema Trust and Kalanjiyam Trust.

12th December 2010 - Saree-link painted in connection with Youth for Peace at Kalakshetra by members of the public.

11th December 2010 - Saree-link painted in connection with Youth for Peace at Kalakshetra by members of the public.

10th December 2010 – “Spin a Yarn” sessions at AMM School by Kalairani and Chitra Nagesh

“Spin a Yarn” session at Besant Theosophical School by Kulandhaisamy

Seminar on “Consciousness, Mind and Brain” at Department of Philosophy, University of Madras

Saree-link painted in connection with Youth for Peace at Kalakshetra by members of the public.

09th December 2010
– “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Sankara Vidyashramam School by Kannankumar

Article on the Youth for peace Initiative was published as part of the “Initiate Change” series in the Hindu NXg dated 09th Nov 2010.

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Navbharath Matriculation School by Dr. Kulandhaisamy

Saree-link painted in connection with Youth for Peace at Kalakshetra by members of the public.

08th December 2010 – V. R. Devika and Vasantha Parthasharathy met with Prof. Dr. Vijayalakshmi, Principal of Presidency College in connection with the Youth for Peace program.

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School by Kannankumar

“Spin a Yarn for life” session T Navbharath Matriculation School by Priya Nagesh

Saree-link painted in connection with Youth for Peace at Kalakshetra by members of the public.

Meeting at University of Madras

07th December 2010 – Youth for Peace meeting in office by V. R. Devika with Pralayan and Sangeeta Isvaran. Kalai Selvan for Chakram Chakram

06th December 2010 – V. R. Devika attended the Crafts Mela at Kalakshetra

05th December 2010 – V. R. Devika attended the Crafts Mela at Kalakshetra

04th December 2010 - “Spin a Yarn and Youth for Peace” sessions at Chengalpet Juvenile Delinquent Home and Speed Trust by Sangeeta Isvaran

V. R. Devika had a “Peace and I” saree-link meeting with Jaya Jaitley and Leela Samson.

"Who is my s/hero?" was an essay competition that Prajnya Peace initiatives had for 10 year olds in Chennai schools. On 4th December 2010, V. R. Devika along with Rathi Jaffer and Amuktha was on the panel to select the ones that would go in our next Chakram Chakram. It was most difficult to choose and very much contested. Three English essays and three Tamil essays have been chosen.

03rd December 2010 – “Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM School by Kalairani and Chitra Nagesh

“Spin a Yarn and Youth for Peace” sessions at Hand in Hand Kanchipuram and Kattaikuttu Centre by Sangeeta Isvaran

Seminar at University of Madras

02nd December 2010 - Article on the Youth for peace Initiative was published as part of the “Initiate Change” series in the Hindu NXg dated 02 December, 2010.

01st December 2010 – V. R. Devika had a meeting with Trustee Ms. Shanta Guhan. Meeting also with Sai Shravanam for the theme music for Youth for Peace

Thursday, November 18, 2010

ACTIVITIES - November 2010

ACTIVITIES – NOVEMBER 2010

30th November 2010 – “Spin a Yarn for life” sessions at Bala Vidya Mandir School by Kalairani and Dr. S. Kulandhaisamy

V. R. Devika had a Youth for peace meeting in the office with Pralayan, Sangeeta Isvaran, Kalaiselvan, Yuvaraj and other volunteers.

V. R. Devika had a meeting at Kattaikuttu Centre for the Koothu festival

29th November 2010 – V. R. Devika and Vasantha Parthasharathy met with the Principal of Presidency College, Chennai in connection with the Youth for Peace project.

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Kannankumar

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai Home School for Class VI students by Kalairani

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai Home for teacher trainees by Kannankumar

28th November 2010 – V.R. Devika had a meeting with Kausalya Jaganmohan and Anitha P for Pierce Leslie programmes.

27th November 2010 – V. R. Devika was the Chief Guest at the performance of traditional folk dances of Tamil Nadu, Kolattam, Tappattam and Oyilattam by children from the villages belonging to the Kramiya and Sangama Rural Heritage Clubs. This performance was held at Alliance Francaise, Nungambakkam, Chennai on 27th November 2010 from 04.00 to 06.00 p.m.

26th November 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM School by Chitra Nagesh

25th November 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Kannankumar

Youth for Peace meeting in office by V. R. Devika with Sangeeta Isvaran and Pralayan

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Navbharath Matriculation School by Priya Nagesh

24th November 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School by Sangeeta Isvaran.

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Navbharath Matriculation School by Priya Nagesh

23rd November 2010 – V. R. Devika received “Sathya Vimarshaka Sundaram” Award from the Bharathanjali Trust which celebrated its 20th Anniversary and Swami Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s 85th Birthday. The function was held at 6.00 p.m. at “Sri Maha Swamigal Auditorium” Vani Mahal (Main Hall), G. N. Chetty Road, T. Nagar, Chennai -17

V. R. Devika organized the discussion on “The Aftermath of the U.S. President Barack Obama’s visit to India” at the Department of Philosophy, University of Madras on the 23rd November 2010 at 2.30 p.m. The Speakers were Mr. Matt Beh, Political Officer, U. S. Consulate General, Chennai; Dr. R. Manivannan Head i/c Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Madras and Mr. Satyamurthy, Senior Journalist, Director, Observer Research Foundation, Chennai Chapter.

“Spin a Yarn for life” sessions at Bala Vidya Mandir School by Kalairani and Dr. S. Kulandhaisamy

V. R. Devika and Vasantha Parthasharathy met with the Commissioner of Police, Mr. T. Rajendran and Deputy Commisioner of Police, Mr. Satyamurthy in connection with the Youth for Peace Project.

22nd November 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Kannankumar and Sangeeta Isvaran.

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai Home School for Class VI students by Kalairani

“Spin a Yarn for life” at Avvai Home teacher trainees by Kannankumar

21st November 2010 - V. R. Devika was felicitated by the Karnataka Rajyotsava Samithi -2010 in the Karnataka Rajyotsava Celebrations at Dr. U. Rama Rau Kalamantapa at 111, Habibullah Road, T. Nagar, Chennai 600017.

19th November 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” and Youth for peace sessions at AMM School by V. R. Devika and Sangeeta Isvaran.

18th November 2010 – “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Sankara Vidyashram by Chitra Nagesh

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Kannankumar

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Navbharath Matriculation School by Priya Nagesh

Article on the Youth for peace Initiative was published as part of the “Initiate Change” series in the Hindu NXg dated 18th Nov 2010.

17th November 2010 – V. R. Devika had a Youth for Peace meeting with Sangeeta Isvaran

V. R. Devika attended Karnaprayag adoption Centre’s 30th Anniversary celebrations and the first oration on surrogacy by Justice A.R. Lakshmanan.

16th November 2010 – Meeting at Bharatha Kalanjali

“Spin a Yarn for life” and “Youth for Peace” sessions at Bala Vidya Mandir by V. R. Devika and Sangeeta Isvaran

15th November 2010 - Children's day was marked in a unique manner at Olcott School. As part of the Aseema Trust’s “Spin a yarn” project, Mr. Kannankumar had trained children of class 8 in Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School and Olcott School in Oyilattam with a song based on Gandhi. On 15th November, children from Besant Arundale School participated in the Children’s day celebrations in Olcott School. The Oyilattam was performed in a unique manner with the children from Olcott School singing for the group from Besant Arundale and vice versa. This was a wonderful experience for the children as they performed together even though they had not rehearsed even once together. They thoroughly enjoyed the programme and look forward to many more such exchange programmes in other schools of the neighborhood.

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai home or Class VI children by Sowmya Balakrishnan

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai Home for teacher trainees by Kannankumar

14th November 2010 – Details of the DVD release of “Penmai – to be a woman” jointly by the Aseema Trust and the Kalanjiyam Trust, was published in the Adyar Times dated 14th November 2010.V. R. Devika took part in the Rajesh Memorial performance of Bharatha Kalanjali as the compere

V. R. Devika had a meeting with the girls from SOS for a programme at Karnaprayag

V. R. Devika attended the Children’s day performance on Pancharatna by Pavithra Srinivasan at Shri Krishna Gana Sabha.

13th November 2010 – V.R.Devika took part in Children’s Day Celebrations of Hand in Hand at Kanchipuram and had a meeting at Kattaikoothu Centre for Youth for peace and a Koothu seminar.

12th November 2010 – V. R. Devikagave a seminar on Gandhi at the Department of Philosophy, University of Madras

V. R. Devika attended a meeting at Bharatha Kalanjali

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM School by Kalairani

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Besant Theosophical Society School by Chitra Nagesh

11th November 2010 – V. R. Devika attended meetings at the University, and at Bharatha Kalanjali

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Kannankumar

Article on the Youth for peace Initiativewas published as part of the “Initiate Change” series in the Hindu NXg dated 11th Nov 2010.

10th November 2010 – Youth for peace meeting with Sangeeta Isvaran, Vikram Raghavan and Ritvik Raja of Youth for Classical Music (YACM).

“Spin a Yarn” session at Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School by Kannankumar

V. R. Devika attended a meeting in the University.

V. R. Devika attended the book launch on Mamallapuram by Professor Swaminathan

09th November 2010 – Youth for Peace meeting at the Aseema Trust office by V. R. Devika and Sangeeta Isvaran attended by D. K. Oza, I.A.S; Ms. Priyadarshini Rajagopalan, Prajnya Trust besides the Aseema staff.

V. R. Devika also attended a meeting at Dakshinachitra.

08th November 2010 – Invitation by the U. S. Consulate General and the NDTV Hindu to aspecial program to mark U. S. President Barack Obama’s visit to India. The President delivered a speech in the Indian Parliament at 5.30 p.m. Following this Mr. Andrew T. Simkin, U. S. Consulate General Chennai and prominent Chennaiites Mr. N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu; Mr. Ramkumar Ramamoorthy, Vice President, Global Corporate Research and Communications, Cognizant Technology Solutions; Dr. Swarna Rajagopalan, Political Scientist and Writer and Ms. V. R. Devika, Cultural Activist and Managing Trustee, The Aseema Trust lead an interactive panel discussion with invited guests. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Sanjay Pinto, Executive Editor, NDTV Hindu.

This panel discussion was broadcast as an exclusive program “Vanakkam President Obama” on NDTV Hindu on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. with repeat telecasts.

V. R. Devika attended the Week, Hay Festival Inauguration at the residence of The British High Commissioner.

04th November 2010 - Article on the Youth for peace Initiativewas published as part of the “Initiate Change” series in the Hindu NXg dated 04th Nov 2010.

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Kannankumar

03rd November 2010 – “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School by Kannankumar

Meeting for Youth for Peace at Aseema office chaired by V. R. Devika and attended by Premnath, Kalairani and Vasantha Parthasharathy.

02nd November 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM School by V. R. Devika and Sangeeta Isvaran

01st November 2010 – V. R. Devika attended book launch of the Hindu.

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Kannankumar

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai Home for Class VI girls by V. R. Devika and Kalairani

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai Home for Teacher trainees by Kannankumar

Monday, November 1, 2010

ACTIVITIES - October 2010

ACTIVITIES – OCTOBER 2010

26th October 2010 – “Wall paper on Peace” published in the Hindu Young World dated 26th October 2010, in the Kaleidoscope section.
V. R. Devika gave a power-point presentation on Gandhi at Anjuman Higher Secondary School organized by the American Consulate.

25th October 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Kannankumar.
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai Home for the teacher trainees by Kannankumar

22nd October 2010 – V. R. Devika gave a lecture demonstration on Koothu at Dakshinachitra for Semester at Sea students and Faculty.

21st October 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Kannankumar.
“Spreading the message of peace on a sari” was published as part of the Initiate Change series for Youth for Peace in the Hindu, NXg.
V. R. Devika attended a meeting on Nature Conservation by the Nature Conservation Society.

20th October 2010 – Release of the CD “Penmai – to be a woman” by Dr. Gita Arjun at Bala Mandir German Hall at 3 p.m. The programme started with the song “Engal vazhkai engal kaiyil” sung by the children of Navbharath Matriculation School. The CD was released by Ms. Maya Gaitonde, Secretary, Bala Mandir and the first copy was received by actor Revathi. Children from several schools attended the programme and were the first beneficiaries of the educational CD. Biscuits for the children were sponsored by Adayar Departmental Stores, Adayar.

19th October 2010 – Interview with Pralayan regarding his experience on working with the children of Avvai Home for the production on Gandhi and peace.

18th October 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai Home for the school children by Sowmya and Kalairani.

15th October 2010 – Saraswathi pooja was celebrated in office. V R Devika and the Aseema Trust were happy to welcome Shantha Guhan, Vishalam Ramanathan, Kannankumar, Chandra, Premnath and the teachers from Avvai Home for the Pooja. We ended it with “prasadam”.

14th October 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Kannankumar.
Responses from the readers to the quote on Dignity and Self-respect (dated 07OCT10) were published in the Hindu NXg as part of the “Initiate Change” series for Youth for Peace on 14th October 2010.

12th October 2010 – The poster “Chakram Chakram” a bilingual Wall News bulletin on peace for and by the children from the Aseema Trust was released by Nirmala Lakshman, Joint Editor of The Hindu and Mr. Nandakumar, IRS at the Chennai Girls Higher Secondary School, Saidapet. This poster was produced by the Aseema Trust as part of its Spin a Yarn project.

Chennai Mayor M. Subramaniam inaugurated the poster display by the students of the school. The girls had been given three themes to work on viz., Cleanliness is Godliness; Individual action leads to Collective power; Love and Peace are ultimate weapons. VGP Parijatham Trust partnered with the Aseema Trust in the poster contest.
The NSS volunteers of Avvai Home presented a short production with music, movement and dialogue on Gandhi, directed by Pralayan, the eminent theatre artist, assisted by Manikandan, Hari and Lakshmi, Avvai Home.

V. R. Devika had a meeting with the teachers of P. S. Senior Secondary School.

V. R. Devika had a meeting with the French Consul General.

11th October 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Kannankumar
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai Home for Class VI students by Sowmya Balakrishnan
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai Home for teacher trainees by Sowmya Balakrishnan

08th to 11th October 2010 – V R Devika will give a key note address at the IAEVG-Jiva International Career Guidance Conference: 8-10 October 2010 in Bangalore on the topic “Seven Deadly Sins and Work as Gandhi saw it” with a demonstration on the spinning wheel.

07th October 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Kannankumar.
Responses from the readers to the quote on Courage (dated 30SEP10) were published in the Hindu NXg on 07th October 2010 as part of the “Initiate Change” series for Youth for Peace.

04th October 2010 – The Aseema Trust and the Department of Philosophy, University of Madras have organized a seminar on “Reading Gandhi for the Post Modern World – Non-Violence: Transformation, Communication and Social Justice” at the Department of Philosophy, Tholkappiyar Valagam, University of Madras, from 10 am to 5 pm.

“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Kannankumar

03rd October 2010 – V R Devika did a story telling and spinning session at MGR Janaki School, Arcot Road Saligramam at 11.45 am on 03rd October 2010.

02nd October 2010 – The Aseema Trust has organized a residential camp for 25 girls of Avvai Home at Dakshinachitra Heritage Centre, from September 26th to October 02nd, 2010 under the National Social Service Scheme. The theme of the camp is “Peace and I”. The well-known theatre artist Pralayan has directed a production on the theme which will be staged by the girls at Dakshinachitra at 11 am on 02nd October 2010.

This production was staged at the Government of Tamilnadu’s commemoration of Gandhi Jayanthi at Gandhi Mantapam, Sardar Patel Road at 6 p.m.

01st October 2010 – V. R. Devika gave an illustrated spinning and story-telling session at the India Immersion Center of Global Adjustments at 6 p.m.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Activities - September 2010

ACTIVITIES – SEPTEMBER 2010
30th September 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Sri Sankara Vidyashramam School by Chandra
The Youth for Peace initiative was conceived with the intent to engage young people in developing concepts of peace at three levels: ideological, practical and analytical. The Aseema Trust in partnership with the Hindu NXg has begun publishing a series "Initiate Change" inviting reader's ideas and responses to the quotes mentioned in the paper. The first of the series was published on the 30th September 2010, with the quote on Courage written by Gandhi himself in the Young India of 16th july 1931.
26th September to 02nd October 2010 – The Aseema Trust organized a residential camp for 25 girls of Avvai Home at Dakshinachitra Heritage Centre, from September 26th to October 02nd, 2010 under the National Social Service Scheme. The theme of the camp is “Peace and I”. The well-known theatre artist Pralayan has directed a production on the theme which will be staged by the girls at Dakshinachitra at 11 am on 02nd October 2010.
24th September 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM Matriculation Higher Secondary School by Priya Nagesh
V R Devika gave the Rukmini Lakshmipathy Endowment Lecture on “Gandhian Communication for Transformation” at 12 noon on 24th September 2010 at Women’s Christian College, College Road, Chennai.
23rd September 2010 – “Takli Spinning” demonstrated and taught by Dr. S. Kulandhaisamy to the NSS girls of Avvai Home from 2 to 4 p.m. under the auspices of The Aseema Trust, represented by Vasantha Parthasharathy, Sowmya Balakrishnan and Bharathi Baba. Bharathi also helped teach the students Takli Spinning.
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Sri Sankara Vidyashram School by Chandra
22nd September 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School by Kannankumar
21st September 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM Matriculation Higher Secondary School by Kulandhaisamy
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Bala Vidya Mandir School by Krishnan
20th September 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai Home for teacher trainees by Sowmya Balakrishnan
17th September 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM Matriculation Higher Secondary School by Professor Swaminathan
15th September 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School by Kannankumar
14th September 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM Matriculation Higher Secondary School by Priya Nagesh
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Bala Vidya Mandir by Krishnan
13th September 2010 -“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Kannankumar
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai home for Class VI students by Sowmya Balakrishnan
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai Home for Teacher trainees by Sowmya Balakrishnan
12th September 2010 – Our resource person Palani’s wedding.
V R Devika attended a luncheon meeting at the US Consul General’s house.
07th September 2010 to 11th September 2010 – V R Devika at ICPR at Lucknow
09th September 2010 -“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Navbharath Matriculation Higher Secondary School by Sri Kulandhaisamy
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Sri Kannankumar
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Sankara Vidyashram School by Chitra Nagesh
08th September 2010 – V R Devika attended a meeting at ICPR with Professor G. Mishra
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School by Sri Kannankumar
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Navbharath Matriculation Higher Secondary School by Sri Chitra Nagesh
07th September 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM Matriculation Higher Secondary School by Chandra
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Bala Vidya Mandir School by Sri Kulandhaisamy
05th September 2010 – Prakriti Foundation’s New Festival 2010, at New Delhi.
06th September 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Sri Kannankumar
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai home for Class VI students by Sowmya Balakrishnan
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai Home for Teacher trainees by Sowmya Balakrishnan
05th September 2010 - Returns for FCRA accounts filed online.
04th September 2010 – V R Devika at Prakriti Foundation’s New Festival 2010, at New Delhi.
Vasantha Parthasharathy met with the auditor of the Aseema Trust.
03rd September 2010 – V R Devika attended a meeting at Gandhi Smriti regarding the Chakram Wall newspaper
V R Devika attended Prakriti Foundation’s New Festival 2010
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM Matriculation Higher Secondary School by Chitra Nagesh
Vasantha Parthasharathy met with the auditor for filing of returns for the FCRA account.
02nd September 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Sri Kannankumar
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Sankara Vidyashram Senior Secondary School by Chandra
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Navbharath Matriculation Higher Secondary School by Sri Kulandhaisamy
01st September 2010 – Meeting of resource persons in office and sessions for September 2010 allotted by Ms. Vasantha Parthasharathy. No sessions in schools due to Janmashtami.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

we have been too busy to blog...

Sorry... I know we lag behind in our blogging but then we have been too busy. Me with my PhD work going in fits and starts, my travels, ppt presentations on Gandhi at all kinds of places, the spin a yearn project, many many new ideas coming up ... among them is a wall bulletin for schools, a youth for peace convention. Sangeeta Isvaran is going around in Brazil and Mexico and US with the sari link project... we are also doing a youth for peace camp for girls of Avvai Home at Dakshinachitra... I am organizing a seminar on Gandhi at the department of Philosophy, University of Madras on 4th October, giving an endowment lecture on Gandhi at the Women's Christian College, Chennai, and preparing for a key note presentation on Gandhi and work at the Jiva career congress at NIMHANS Bangalore.

We welcome Bharathi who has come in as a volunteer into the Aseema family

with much love,
Devika

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Activities - August 2010

ACTIVITIES – AUGUST 2010
31st August 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM Matriculation Higher Secondary School by Sri Rammohan
30th and 31st August 2010 - V R Devika attending meetings at The Department of Culture, New Delhi, on connection with the project “Youth for peace”
30th August 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Sri Kannan Kumar
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai home for Class VI students by Sowmya
27th to 29th August 2010 - V R Devika attending and presenting a paper on “Nai Talim” at GANDHI SMRITI & DARSHAN SAMITI, New Delhi
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai home for teacher trainees by Sowmya
27th August 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Sankara Senior Secondary School by Prof. Swaminathan
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM Matriculation Higher Secondary School by Chitra Nagesh
26th August 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Priya Nagesh
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Navbharath Matriculation School by Chandra
21st August 2010 – 20 college girls from Maithri Educational Institute, taken to Dr. E. V. Kalyani medical Centre, for medical check-up by Dr. Gita Arjun and her team.
Talk on Gandhi and spinning demonstration by V R Devika at Titan, Mogappair
20th August 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM Matriculation Higher Secondary School by Prof. S. Swaminathan
19th August 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Priya Nagesh
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Sankara Vidyashram School by Sowmya
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Navbharath Matriculation School by Dr. S. Kulandhaisamy
18th August 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Sankara Senior Secondary School by Prof. S. Swaminathan
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Navbharath Matriculation School by Chandra
17th August 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM Matriculation Higher Secondary School by Chandra
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Bala Vidya Mandir School by Dr. S Kulandhaisamy
16th August 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Priya Nagesh
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai home for Class VI students by Sowmya
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai home for teacher trainees by Sowmya
13th August 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM School by Dr. Kulandhaisamy
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Avvai Home for teacher trainees by Sowmya
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Besant Theosophical Society School by Priya Nagesh
12th August 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Sankara Vidyashram School by Krishnan
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Navbharath Matriculation School by Chandra
11th August 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School by Kannankumar
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Navbharath Matriculation School by Dr. Kulandhaisamy
10th August 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM School by Chandra
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Sri Sankara Senior Secondary School by Chitra Nagesh
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Bala Vidya Mandir School by Rammohan
09th August 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Priya Nagesh
“Spin a Yarn for life” sessions (two) at Avvai Home by Sowmya for the Class VI students and the teacher trainees
07th August 2010 – V R Devika gave an illustrated talk on Gandhi and demonstrated on spinning on the Charkha for the NSS volunteers at Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai
06th August 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM School by Chitra Nagesh
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Besant Theosophical Society School by Kulandhaisamy
05th August 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Sankara Vidyashram School by Chitra Nagesh
04th August 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School by Kannankumar
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Navbharath Matriculation School by Chitra Nagesh
03rd August 2010 – Lecture and demonstration by V. R. Devika on “Koothu” at Rukmini Arangham, Kalakshetra
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM School by Chandra
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Bala Vidya Mandir School by Chitra Nagesh
02nd August 2010 - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Priya Nagesh
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Sri Sankara Senior Secondary School by Dr. S. Kulandhaisamy
01st August 2010 - Citizen’s run