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

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Activities - July 2010

July 30th - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Besant Theosophical Society School by V R Devika and Priya Nagesh. Power-point presentation on Gandhi by V R Devika
Vasantha Parthasharathy met with Ms. Rajalakshmi of Avvai Home regarding students participation in the Citizen’s run to be held in 31st July 2010.

July 29th - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Navbharath Matriculation School by Chandra
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Priya Nagesh
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Shankara Vidyashram School by Dr. S. Kulandhaisamy

July 28th - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School by Shri Kannankumar and Sowmya Balakrishnan
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Navbharath Matriculation School by Chitra Nagesh and Krishnan
Accounts of the Aseema Trust audited at office by the Chartered Accountant from Venkatraman & Company, queries answered by Vasantha Parthasharathy.

July 27th - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Sri Sankara Senior Secondary School by Manikandan
Report in The Hindu Young World dated 27th Jul 2010 “Spinning to reality” by Nileena M.S.

July 26th - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Priya Nagesh
Vasantha met with Ms. Rajalakshmi at Avvai Home to discuss timings for dance sessions for the Class VI students and teacher trainees for the current year 2010.

July 24th – CD by Dr. Gita Arjun, shown by Raviraaj to V R Devika and Vasantha at the Aseema office

July 23rd- “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Vidya Ratna P. T. S. Hr. Secondary School by Dr. S. Kulandhaisamy and Dr. C. Shenbagavalli
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM School by Chitra Nagesh

July 22nd- “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Prince Matriculation Hr. Secondary School by Dr. S. Kulandhaisamy and Dr. C. Shenbagavalli
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Navbharath Matriculation School by Chandra
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Priya and Aparna Nagesh

July 21st - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Srimathi Matriculation Hr. Secondary School by Dr. S. Kulandhaisamy
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Sai Vidyalaya School, Chennai-4 by Dr. C. Shenbagavalli
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School by Kannankumar and Sowmya
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Navbharath Matriculation School by Chitra Nagesh and Aparna

July 20th - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Chennai High School by Dr. S. Kulandhaisamy and Dr. C. Shenbagavalli
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM School by Chandra and V R Devika
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Sri Sankara Senior Secondary School by Manikandan

July 19th - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Vidya Ratna P. T. S. Hr. Secondary School by Dr. S. Kulandhaisamy and Dr. C. Shenbagavalli
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Priya Nagesh

July 17th - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Gandhi Peace Foundation, Chennai-18 by Dr. S. Kulandhaisamy and Dr. C. Shenbagavalli

July 16th - “Spin a Yarn for life” sessions (two) at Srimathi Malathi Srinivasan Matriculation Hr. Secondary School, Chennai 600014 by Dr. S. Kulandhaisamy and Dr. C. Shenbagavalli
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Besant Theosophical School by Priya Nagesh
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM School by Chitra Nagesh
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Sri Sankara Senior Secondary School by Sowmya Balakrishnan

July 15th - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Navbharath Matriculation School by Palani and Chandra
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Priya Nagesh

July 14th - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School by Shri Kannankumar, attended by Sowmya. V R Devika accompanied Ms. Nileena from The Young World, Hindu and explained what was being done at the session. Ms. Nileena observed the session and also conducted an interview with Ms. Kalaiarasi, the principal of the school.
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Navbharath Matriculation School by Chitra Nagesh

July 13th - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM School by Palani

July 12th - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Chandra and Srividya
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Sri Sankara Senior Secondary School by Manikandan

July 10th – V R Devika addressed The Lions Ladies Club, Saidapet.
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Stella Maris College by Dr. S. Kulandhaisamy and Dr. C. Shenbagavalli

July 9th- “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Besant Theosophical School by Shri Kulandaiswamy
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Sri Sankara Senior Secondary School by Sowmya
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM School by V R Devika and Chitra Nagesh
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Srimathi Malathi Srinivasan Matriculation Hr. Secondary School by Dr. S. Kulandhaisamy and Dr. C. Shenbagavalli

July 8th- “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Priya Nagesh and Sowmya Balakrishnan. Class observed by Srividya.
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Shankara Vidyashram School by V R Devika, observed by Srividya
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Navbharath Matriculation School by Palani
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Prince Matriculation Hr. Secondary School by Dr. S. Kulandhaisamy and Dr. C. Shenbagavalli

July 7th- “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School by
Sowmya Balakrishnan, Sri Kulandaiswamy and Sri Kannankumar
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Navbharath Matriculation School by Chitra Nagesh
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Srimathi Matriculation Hr. Secondary School by Dr. S. Kulandhaisamy and Dr. C. Shenbagavalli
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Vidya Ratna P. T. S. Hr. Secondary School by Dr. S. Kulandhaisamy and Dr. C. Shenbagavalli

July 6th - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at AMM School by Palani
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Bala Vidya Mandir School by Chitra Nagesh
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Chennai High School by Dr. S. Kulandhaisamy and Dr. C. Shenbagavalli


July 5th - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School by Priya Nagesh and Sowmya Balakrishnan.
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Sankara Senior Secondary School by V.R.Devika and Manikandan
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Vidya Ratna P. T. S. Hr. Secondary School by Dr. S. Kulandhaisamy and Dr. C. Shenbagavalli

July 3rd – Meeting at office conducted by V R Devika to review sessions taken in June and confirm sessions for July 2010. This was attended by Vasantha Parthasharathy, Sowmya, Mathangi, Palani, Manikandan, Vasanth and Chitra Nagesh.

July 2nd - “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Sankara Senior Secondary School by
V. R. Devika and Vasantha Parthasharathy.
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Besant Theosophical Society School by Krishnan
“Spin a Yarn for life” sessions (two) at Srimathi Malathi Srinivasan Matriculation Hr. Secondary School by Dr. S. Kulandhaisamy and Dr. C. Shenbagavalli

July 1st – “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Kumararani Meena Muthiah School, taken by V.R.Devika
“Spin a Yarn for life” sessions for classes VII and IX at Olcott School, taken by Sowmya Balakrishnan
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Navbharath Matriculation School, taken by Palani
“Spin a Yarn for life” session at Prince Matriculation Hr. Secondary School by Dr. S. Kulandhaisamy and Dr. C. Shenbagavalli

Monday, June 21, 2010

Activities - June 2010

June 30th - “Spin a Yarn for life” session conducted at Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School by Sowmya Balakrishnan.
“Spin a Yarn for life” session conducted at Navbharath Matriculation School by Chitra Nagesh.
Submission of the synopsis of PhD on Gandhi, by V R Devika at the University of Madras
June 29th – “Spin a Yarn for life” session conducted at Kumararani Meena Muthiah School by V R Devika and Sowmya Balakrishnan.
“Spin a Yarn for life” session conducted at AMM School by Palani.
“Spin a Yarn for life” session conducted at Bala Vidya Mandir School by Chitra Nagesh.
V R Devika met with education experts from U.S. at the U.S. Consul General’s house
June 28th – Chitra Nagesh conducted a “Spin a Yarn for life” session at Olcott School
June 25th to 27th - V.R.Devika’s meeting at Indian Council of Philosophical Research, New Delhi
June 22nd - Session at Kumararani Meena Muthiah School (under SDTT project) by V R Devika.
Session at Bala Vidya Mandir by Chitra Nagesh
June 21st - Session at Olcott School under the SDTT project conducted by V R Devika, with Priya Nagesh and Sowmya Balakrishnan.
June 20th - V. R. Devika spoke at the meeting of Tamil Heritage group at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
June 19th - Meeting at office V R Devika, Vasantha and Sowmya to fine-tune school schedules for June 2010.
June 18th - Priya Nagesh conducted session on "Spin a Yarn for life" under the SDTT project at Besant Theosophical School.
June 17th - Palani conducted a session on "Spin a Yarn for life" under the SDTT project at Navbharath Matriculation School.
June 16th - V.R.Devika conducted a session on "Spin a Yarn for life" under the SDTT project, along with Vasantha Parthasharathy at Besant Arundale School.
Chitra Nagesh conducted a session on "Spin a Yarn for life" under the SDTT project at Navbharath Matriculation School.
June 15th - V.R.Devika conducted a session on "Spin a Yarn for life" under the SDTT project at AMM School.
Chitra Nagesh conducted session on "Spin a Yarn for life" under the SDTT project at Bala Vidya Mandir School.
June 11th - Priya Nagesh conducted a session on "Spin a Yarn for life" under the SDTT project, at Besant Theosophical Society school, with introduction by V. R. Devika.
Palani conducted a session on "Spin a Yarn for life" under the SDTT project at Navbharath Matriculation School.
June 09th - V.R.Devika conducted session on "Spin a Yarn for life" under the SDTT project, along with Chitra Nagesh and Palani, at Navbharath Matriculation School.
June 08th - V.R.Devika conducted session on "Spin a Yarn for life" under the SDTT project, along with Mathangi, at Bala Vidya Mandir School.
June 03rd - V.R.Devika conducted a workshop on Gandhi and peace education for teachers of bridge schools for drop out children run by Hand in Hand in Kanchipuram on 3rd June 2010.
June 01st – Meeting at office on “Spin a Yarn” project. Presentation on Gandhi

Activities - May 2010

May 28th - Concert by Bombay Jayashri at SOS Children's village.
May 7th - International Visitor Leadership programme - Meeting with R.J.DeSena Founder President Council for Peace, Creative Arts Team, the City University of New York and witnessing performance of "Face It" - presented by City at Peace - New York.
May 6th - International Visitor Leadership Programme - meeting with Ms.Elizabeth Enlow, Regional Director, American Friends Service, Ms.Karen Bernstein and Ms.Nivedita Gutta, of Safe Horizon Mediation Programme, Ms.Jane Brody of Peace first New York City.
May 4th - International Visitor Leadership programme Meeting with Mr.Lakshitha Saji Prelis, Associate Director, Peace building and Development Institute, American University, Mr.Jefferey W.Helsing, Deputy Director, Education and Training Center of U.S.Institute for Peace, center for Mediation and Conflict Resolution, Washington DC
May 3rd - May 22nd - Summer workshop at SOS Children's Village.
May 3rd - International Visitor Leadership programme visit Meeting with Ms.P.Kowall, Programme Officer, Office of International visitors, US Department of State, Mr.Lau Gieszel, President elect of Association for conflict resolution at Meridan International House,Surprise meeting with Joanne Huskey, Mr. Charles F.Dambach,President and CEO Alliance for Peace building, Ms.Patricia Maulden, Institute for Conflict Resolution, George Mason University, Washington DC.
May 1st - Talk on traditional performing arts, Nataraja icon etc for Natya Institute, New Jersey.

Activities - April 2010

April 30th - First consultation held for Avvai home girls at Dr.E.V.Kalyani Medical Centre.
April 24th - 28th - Conference of the International Partnership Network, Toronto, Canada.
April 19th - 30th April 2010 - Summer workshop at Yellow Bus, Besant Nagar.
April 16th - Meeting at World Education office, Boston, MA.
April 16th - Visit of Ms. Niyati Mehta of Sir Dorabji Tata Trust to The Aseema Trust office.
April 15th - V R Devika in conversation with Prof.David Reck. India, arts, Gandhi etc. Amherst College, MA.
April 15th - Talk on Gandhi film studies dept. Amherst College by V R Devika, MA.
April 14th - Talk on Gandhi Mt.Holyoke College by V R Devika, MA.
April 13th - Meeting at Avvai Home, Meeting at the office with SOS Children's village director.
April 13th - Epic Theatre in India - Drama of Queen Goddess Draupadi - illustrated talk by V R Devika at Mt.Holyoke College, MA.
April 13th - Meeting for internship opportunities in Chennai. Mt.Holyoke College, MA.
April 10th - V R Devika attended "Gond Art of India" seminar at Wellesley College, MA.
April 9th - Girls and performing arts in India talk presented by India Studies Centre, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.
April 7th - Gandhi - presentation to two public schools in Chicago.
April 6th - Meeting with Raviraaj at office.
April 4th - "Traditional performing arts of Tamilnadu", Gandhi etc talk for students of Natya Institute, Chicago.

Activities - March 2010

March 31 - Talk by Dr.Gita Arjun at Avvai Home.
March 25 - Public lecture on Gandhi, The College of Wooster, Ohio.
March 25 - Master class on Bharathanatyam Mudras, dance department, The College of Wooster, Ohio.
March 23 - Visit to Short Pump elementary school for talk on Gandhi, Richmond, Virginia.
March 23 - Demonstration of spinning wheel, Montessori school, Richmond, Virginia.
March 21 - Talk on traditional performing arts of Tamilnadu, Gandhi, Nataraja etc for students and parents of dance school of Padmarani Rasiah.
March 20 - Talk on Gandhi at the Satsang of Yogaville, Virginia.
March 19 - Girls and Art in India Jenkins Art Centre, University of East Carolina, Greenville, North Carolina.
March 18 - Talk on Gandhi - Ledonia Wright Centre, University of East Carolina, Greenville, North Carolina.
March 17 - Introduction to Asia, class of Prof.John Tucker, University of East Carolina, Greenville, North Carolina.
March 17 - Hinduism class of Prof.Derek Meher, University of East Carolina, Greenville, North Carolina.
March 16 - Public lecture on Gandhi at Unitarian Church, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
March 15 - Visit to Martin Luther King memorial and exhibition, Atlanta, Georgia.
March 12 - Illustrated interaction with BA class of theatre arts University of Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico.
March 11 - Talk on "Power of Performing Arts in India" for the theatre arts department, university of Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico.
March 10 - Talk on Gandhi for the Interdisciplinary masters, University of Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico.
3rd March 2010 - V.R.Devika left for her lecture tour of Mexico, US and Canada.

Activities - February 2010

23rd February 2010 - Brain storming and orientation meeting for the new projects with Raviraaj, Mansadevi, Priya Nagesh, Sowmya, Vasantha and Devika in the office.
22nd - Prakriti Foundation's Poetry with Prakriti book release with Madras Book Club.
16th - 19th February 2010 - V.R.Devika's visit to New Delhi to ICPR.
15th February 2010 - Prakriti Foundation's Butoh dance from Japan performance at Chandra spaces.
13th February 2010 - Orientation workshop for teachers in charge and resource persons ahead of the start of the project "Traditional performing arts and Gandhi in Education" in ten schools of Chennai with support from Sir Dorabji Tata Trust.
12th February 2010 - V.R.Devika gave a talk on "Siva, Nataraja and the constellation Orion" on the occasion of Sivarathri at MGR Janaki college.
10th and 11th February 2010 - Visit of filmmaker David Skinner and his artist wife Catherine Skinner to office.
8th February 2010 - UMA session at Avvai Home by Sowmya.
7th February 2010- V.R.Devika's illustrated presentation on "Gandhi's Ahimsa and pluralism" for Rotary International's conference on "World Peace for youth" conference in Cochin, Kerala.
5th February 2010 - "Spin a Yarn .." outreach at Cochin Bhavan's Elamakara School and Vidyodaya.
1st February 2010 - UMA session at Avvai Home by Sowmya.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Activities - January 2010

31st January 2010 - Prakriti Foundation's Tree of Life festival sand sculpture contest at Elliots beach
30th January 2010 - Sarvodaya day celebrations at Central Railway station, Chennai with Gandhi mission and Anusuya foundation. Spinning, songs and dance on non violence.
29th January 2010 - University of Madras and story telling and power-point presentation on Gandhi at AMM School.
28th January 2010 - V.R. Devika gave illustrated talk on Gandhi for Martin Luther King jr Day, organized by the Indo American Society at Stella Maris College and attended citizens meet for Indian Express.
27th January 2010 - V.R.Devika chief guest at annual day of Karumuthu Thiagaraja Chettiar school, Madurai.
26th January 2010 - V.R.Devika chief guest at Republic day parade flag hoisting at Perambur railway school. Meeting at Bharatha Kalanjali, rehearsals at Mogappair Rukmini Natyakshetra.
25th January 2010 - Southern Railway head quarters, UMA session at Avvai Home by Sowmya. Mothers day of SOS Children's village.
23rd January 2010 - Prakriti Foundation's events of book release at Kalakshetra and Gharana music festival.
22nd January 2010 - Power point presentation on Gandhi at Yellow bus school, Prakriti Foundation's Gharana music festival.
21st January 2010 - University of Madras and meeting of Medha Maithri on geographical connections
20th January 2010 - University of Madras and Kalakshetra,
19th January 2010 - University of Madras, Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan and Southern Railway head quarters.
18th January 2010 - Meeting with General Manager Southern railways for 30th January programme with Mr.Rammohan. Visit to Parijatham trust for women entrepreneurs. UMA session at Avvai Home by Sowmya.
16th January 2010 - Meeting with Mr.D.K.Oza at Central Station.
15th January 2010 - Meeting with Dr.D.K.Oza for 30th January programme.
14th January 2010 - Pongal festival at Dakshinachitra.
13th January 2010 - V.R.Devika cultural resource at Mamallapuram for visitors from US
12th January 2010 - Meeting at Roja Muthiah Library with Ranvir Shah and Lori Hudson.
11th January 2010 - UMA session at Avvai Home with Sowmya.
10th January 2010 - V.R.Devika and Vasantha Parthasharathy guests of honour at the valedictory of cultural week of Rukmini Devi Natyakshetra, Mogappair. V.R.Devika at the Natya seminar of Rangamandira at MGR Janaki College.
9th January 2010 - Sports day celebrations at Avvai Home Sowmya and V.R.Devika attended it.
8th January 2010. V.R.Devika's meeting with Lynn Weil communications director of the House of Representatives committee on foreign affairs US.
8th January 2010 - V.R.Devika in conversation with dancer Priyadarsini Govind at Rasam restaurant organized by Deccan Chronicle newspaper.
7th January 2010 - Prakriti Foundation's Book release and talk by Romila Thapar on cyclical and linear time in ancient India.
3rd January 2010 - Meeting of Mamalla heritage group. Talk on Pallava Art. V.R.Devika felicitated with a shawl and a shield by philanthropist Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetty for receiving the Gnanasamudhra award.
2nd January 2010 - V.R.Devika gave a presentation on Gandhi and a demonstration of spinning to the students of Rukmini Devi Natyakshetra at Mogappair, Chennai.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Spin a yarn for life .......

Our new project "Spin a yarn for life through arts..." supported by Sir Dorabji Tata Trust began with a performance of the dance Ahimsa Devi by children of Rukmini Devi Natyakshetra and spinning on the Charkha by students of Avvai Home on 30th January 2010 (Mahatma Gandhi's martyr day marked as Sarvodaya day) at the Central Railway Station. The month of May is the month of summer holidays after school examinations and we organized a summer camp for children in performing arts and education and a performance of interactive Carnatic classical music by the well known musician Bombay Jayashree at SOS Children's village. The project began in right earnest in schools of the city with a session at Bala Vidya Mandir, Adyar on 8th June 2010. The days coming up will be full of these sessions. Mahatma Gandhi as a background to think of peace and self reliance and living nature-friendly lives in today's world is the theme. We have the support of excellent resource persons like Prof. S.Swaminathan, Chitra Nagesh, Priya Nagesh, Palani and others in this project. V.R.Devika is the honorary director of the project.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

VRD's travels




V.R.Devika has just returned from a fabulous trip to North America. 66 days with 28 lectures, one conference, one week of International Visitor leadership programme as the guest of the US State department. She took 14 flights, 12 train and bus journeys in Mexico, USA and Canada and met fantastic people.
Pictures at picasaweb.google.com/vrdevika
March 10 - Talk on Gandhi for the Interdisciplinary masters, University of Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico.
March 11 - Talk on "Power of Performing Arts in India" for the theatre arts department, university of Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico.
March 12 - Illustrated interaction with BA class of theatre arts University of Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico.
March 15 - Visit to Martin Luther King memorial and exhibition, Atlanta, Georgia.
March 16 - Public lecture on Gandhi at Unitarian Church, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
March 17 - Introduction to Asia, class of Prof.John Tucker, University of East Carolina, Greenville, North Carolina.
March 17 - Hinduism class of Prof.Derek Meher, University of East Carolina, Greenville, North Carolina.
March 18 - Talk on Gandhi - Ledonia Wright centre, University of East Carolina, Greenville, North Carolina.
March 19 - Girls and Art in India Jenkins art centre, University of East Carolina, Greenvilee, North Carolina.
March 20 - Talk on Gandhi at the Satsang of Yogaville, Virginia.
March 21 - Talk on traditional performing arts of Tamilnadu, Gandhi, Nataraja etc for students and parents of dance school of Padmarani Rasiah.
March 23 - Visit to Short Pump elementary school for talk on gandhi, Richmond, Virgina.
March 23 - Demonstration of spinning wheel, Montessory school, Richmond, Virgina.
March 25 - Master class on Bharathanatyam Mudras , dance department, The College of Wooster, Ohio.
March 25 - Public lecture on Gandhi, The College of Wooster, Ohio.
April 4th - "Traditional performing arts of Tamilnadu", Gandhi etc talk for students of Natya Institute, Chicago.
April 7th - Gandhi - presentation to two public schools in Chicago.
April 9th - Girls and performing arts in India talk presented by India Studies Centre, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.
April 10th - "Gond Art of India" seminar at Wellesley, MA.
April 13th - Meeting for internship opportunities in Chennai. Mt.Holyoke College, MA.
April 13th - Epic Theatre in India - drama of queen, Goddess Draupadi - illustrated talk at Mt.Holyoke College, MA.
April 14th - Talk on Gandhi Mt.Holyoke College, MA.
April 15th - Talk on Gandhi film studeies dept. Amherst Colelge, MA.
April 15th - In conversation with Prof.David Reck. India, arts, Gandhi etc. Amherst College, MA.
April 16th - Meeting at World Education office, Boston, MA.
April 24th - 28th - Conference of the International Partnership Network, Toronto, Canada.
May 1st - Talk on traditional performing arts, Nataraja icon etc for Natya Institute, New Jersey.
May 3rd - International Visitor Leadership programme visit Meeting with Ms.P.Kowall, Programme Officer, Office of International visitors, US Department of State, Mr.Lau Gieszel, President elect of Association for conflict resolution at Meridan International House,Surprise meeting with Joanne Huskey, Mr. Charles F.Dambach,President and CEO Alliance for Peace building, Ms.Patricia Maulden, Institute for Conflict Resolution, George Mason University, Washington DC.
May 4th - International Visitor Leadership programme Meeting with Mr.Lakshitha Saji Prelis, Associate Director, Peacebuilding and Development Institute, American University, Mr.Jefferey W.Helsing, Deputy Director, Education and Training Center of U.S.Institute for Peace, center for Mediation and Conflict Resolution, Washington DC
May 6th - International Visitor Leadership programme - meeting with Ms.Elizabeth Enlow, Regional Director, American Friends Service, Ms.Karen Bernstein and Ms.Nivedita Gutta, of Safe Horizon Mediation Programme, Ms.Jane Brody of Peace first New York City.
May 7th - International Visitor Leadership programme - Meeting with R.J.DeSena Founder President Council for Peace, Creative Arts Team, the City University of New York and witnessing performance of "Face It" - presented by City at Peace - New York.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

First Session for Avvai home girls at Dr. E. V. Kalyani Medical Centre on 30th April, 2010

As an outcome of the talk on Reproductive Health by Dr. Gita Arjun at Avvai home on the 31st March, 2010, the Aseema Trust was happy to take 17 girls to Dr. E. V. Kalyani Medical Centre for their free medical check-up on 30th April, 2010.

The girls were registered and then went one by one for their height-weight check-ups. This was followed by blood tests for haemoglobin content. Dr. Gita Arjun and her team comprising of Dr. S. Rajasri and Dr. Soumya Balakrishnan next did medical check-ups for the girls. The required medication was prescribed and some capsules were even provided free by the doctor. The results of the blood tests are awaited for further treatment.

There will be no consultation in the month of May 2010 as the children will be away from Chennai for summer vacation. The next check-up is scheduled for 26th June, 2010.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Summer workshop at Yellow Bus - Koothu by Palani



The Aseema Trust facilitated a summer workshop on traditional therukoothu movements at Yellow Bus School from 19th to 30th April 2010, Children in the age group of 6 - 12 enjoyed their time with Purisai Palani grand son of Kalaimamani Purasai Kannappa Thambiran.


Please see the attached link for the photographs of the first session on 19th April, 2010.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Dr.Gita Arjun at Avvai Home


The Aseema Trust is very happy that the most distinguished gynecologist of Chennai, Dr.Gita Arjun readily consented to answering questions about their bodies that the girls of Avvai Home school had expressed during their sessions of our project UMA (Using Media to address health issues among Adolescents) in partnership with World Education, Boston. The meeting took place on 31st March 2010 at Avvai Home.
For more photos click here.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

traditional performing arts

V.R.Devika gave a talk on Traditional performing arts for the prestigious south India heritage group organised by Mr.Chari at TAG centre.

Monday, February 15, 2010

siva nataraja orion

V.R.Devika gave an illustrated talk on Siva , Nataraja and the Orion constellation on the occasion of Sivarathri on 12th February 2010 at Janaki MGR College at the invitation of its Natya department.

Friday, February 12, 2010

The HIndu young world report of Sarvodaya day at Central

The Hindu Young World February 9, 2010
Progress for all
SELINE AUGUSTINE
Sarvodaya Day saw unusual activity at the Central Station with singing, dancing and spinning the charkha.
Mahatma gandhi coined the word 'sarvodaya' as the title of his translation of ruskin's tract 'unto this last'. sarva means all, and udaya means uplift.
All dressed up :Waiting to get the feet a-dancing.
As usual the Central railway station was crackling with life and frenetic movement on Saturday last. But as the passengers and their kin entered the main hall they did a double take on seeing half a dozen school girls busy spinning the charkha! It was Sarvodaya Day and the Aseema Trust, Anusuya Foundation for Women and Children, Gandhi Mission, Chennai, together with the Southern Railway had come up with the idea of paying tribute to Gandhiji on his death anniversary.
The founder director of Aseema Trust, V. R.Devika, said the reason for choosing the Central station is that “it is only in the railway station that you can see people of all hues, all dispositions and all status”. The girls from Avvai Home were adept at spinning and when onlookers were invited to try their hand at the charkha, a few foreigners were eager to volunteer.
Try your hand
There was this woman from Bihar who was waiting for her train later in the evening, Bemikaladevi — she came and took to it like a duck to water. It almost seemed like she had missed working on the charkha, Devika remarked.
The day's programme was to urge men and women of India to unite for peace and justice based on Gandhian principles of truth and non-violence. The date was chosen as it is on this day 62 years ago that the Father of the Nation fell a prey to an assassin's bullet.
Interestingly, it was Mahatma Gandhi who coined the word Sarvodaya as the title of his 1908 translation of Ruskin's tract, Unto This Last. Sarva means all, udaya means uplift. Thus the word signifies Progress for All.
Sowmya Madhanagopal and her students took the stage next and sang songs and bhajans dear to the heart of the Mahatma, beginning with Vaishnava Janato. A good many in the audience joined when the troupe came to “Shanti Nilava vendum”.
Then came the show stealers, the little dancers from schools in Anna Nagar. Trained by choreographer Premnath, the colourfully costumed kids danced to the song, Ahimsa devi (recorded by Bombay Jayashree) which described her 63 attributes. The Anusuya Foundation honoured all the artists and the programme came to a close with “Raghupathi Raghava”.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Spin a yarn in Cochin....

The Rotary International in Cochin had a conference on "World Peace for youth" February 5 - 7th 2010. V.R.Devika was asked to speak on "Gandhi's Ahimsa and pluralism". She was asked by Shyamala Surendran, managing trustee of Sarvodaya International, kerala chapter to do an outreach of Aseema's "Spin a yarn .." project by giving a presentation on Gandhi and ahimsa and a demonstration of spinning on the Charkha to two schools also. The response from the students of class 9 and 11 of Bhavan's Elamakkara and of classes 5 and 6 of Vidyodaya were tremendous as well as the two hundred and odd students of various colleges in Cochin who had registered for the conference judging by the number of students who came up to Devika to discuss during the lunch break.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

January 2010

The Aseema Trust ended January with the Sarvodaya Day commemoration at the Central Railway Station, Chennai. A wonderful collaboration with D.K.Oza's Gandhi Mission and Anusuya Foundation and with the enthusiastic participation by G.Rammohan, the event was memorable.
see more pictures here http://picasaweb.google.com/trustaseema/SarvodyaDay30thJan2010#
We had spinning on charkha by girls from Avvai Home lead by the warden Mrs.Jeyaraj and Bharathanatyam dance on Ahimsa Devi (sung by Bombay Jayashri) by the students of Rukminidevi Natyakshetra run by Premnath our ever sincere resource person and songs liked by Gandhi sung by Sowmiya Madanagopal and students. We projected still images and video clippings of Gandhi on a screen. Passengers waiting in the concourse said they had a most satisfying day. Bemikalamba, on her way back to her Madhubani village in Bihar after visiting Rameshwaram had to spend ten hours in the Chennai station due to the late arrival of the connecting train to Patna. She rushed in when she saw the spinning wheels and began to spin furiously getting very fine thread. This was just what we wanted.. connection with the masses. She joined in when we all sang Raghupati Raghava Raja ram at the end. As we were coming out, the police men and women at the gate told us that they had the most moving time in their entire career watching this.
January has been hectic. Sowmya Balakrishnan has joined us and we are very happy with her enthusiasm and her expertise. She has been conducting the dance sessions at Avvai Home school and teacher trainees. Sessions were held by her on 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th. Raviraaj and Mansadevi of Kalanjiyam did sessions on evaluation of impact of these sessions.
V.R.Devika gave a ppt presentation on Gandhi and Khadi at Premnath's Rukminidevi Natyakshetra on 2nd and was the guest of honour with Vasantha at the valedictory of their cultural week on 10th.
On 13th and 14th, V.R.Devika guided two couples from the US at Mamallapuram and Dakshinachitra's Pongal festival. We participated in full measure at Prakriti Foundation's annual Dennis Hudson memorial lecture and the release of Vaikunta Perumal temple an interpretation by Dennis Hudson. 4th - 8th.
On 8th V.R.Devika was asked to do a face to face with dancer Priyadarsini Govind for Deccan Chronicle newspaper.
V.R.Devika attended the Mamalla heritage group talk sessions every Sunday. She also interviewed usha Rajkumar, an entrepreneur extraordinary for Eves Touch magazine.
V.R.Devika gave a ppt presentation on Gandhi and spinning to the children of Yellow bus school on 22nd more pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/trustaseema/AtYellowBus#

and participated in Prakriti Foundation's Gharana Dhrupad festival 22, 23, 24.
SOS children's' Village mother's day celebrations on 25th.
V.R.Devika gave an illustrated talk on Gandhi at the Martin Luther King jr day of Indo American Society at Stella Maris College. on 28th.
V.R.Devika gave a ppt presentation and told stories of Gandhi as part of Prakriti Foundation's tree of life festival at AMM school on 29th.
Sarvodaya day on 30th.