NIVEDITA

INITIATIVE Volunteers take action and help schools to be more exciting. NIVEDITA N.

Formal-clad techies rummaging through children's books and playing games with them is now a common sight at the Mandal School for Primary Education at Lingampally, as software professionals of Convergys have associated themselves with Project 511, an NGO. The NGO has adopted two sixty government schools all over the twin cities to better the way they function. Since 2004, the organisation has been helping the school and they have successfully moved it from under-the-tree to a building which they have furnished, provided electricity and water supply.

Organising events
"We celebrate various occasions with them and on this Independence Day we organised several games, distributed prizes and had lunch with these enthusiasts," Sonal Saxena, the coordinator, gleams.
The volunteers make schooling more fun for the students by organising events every month. With dance and singing classes being held every week, the kids enjoy coming to school. "Based on the student's interest, non-academic events are held for them every month and the enthusiasm is ubiquitous among the students," says a volunteer.Over the years, the attendance percentage of the school and the confidence levels of the children have soared high. The teachers are happy and even share the roof with the volunteers as they feel they are one among them. "The kids embrace us with warmth and happiness and invite us to their world," the volunteers, Vrinda, Mithila, Avika, Alok and Tony gleefully echo.

Expanding visons
At one level the initiative has expanded the children's vision and for the volunteers it offered a payback time to share what they have learnt from society. As Convergys enlivens their motto "Corporate Citizenship" one optimistically hopes Hyderabad retains its position in the field of education.

DEVELOPMENT The organisations BHUMI and CAST attempt to make sure that everyone gets an opportunity to lead a healthy life. N. NIVEDITA

The usually empty Labour Community Centre is bustling with activity as infants aged 4-9 months from Rasoolpura (the biggest slum in Hyderabad) are going through the Development Delay Assessment Programme. The programme is the initiative of a Hyderabad-based NGO, BHUMI along with an UK-based NGO CAST (Child and adolescent Support Team). CAST, chaired by Vicky Eyre, is a part of the non-profit organisation LIFE (Life Improvement for Everyone). Established in Romania, the organisation boasts of highly committed students, who have associated themselves with orphanages, organisations to improve the life of needy children and youngsters. Having equipped their volunteers with special medical training, they aim to spread a healthy living. The Development Delay Assessment assays the motor and mental development of the children.

Assessment

The development of a child is assessed using simple household items like different type of textures of cloth, bottle quarter-filled with dal. The way the child reacts to various materials is studied and the appropriate measures are prescribed by the trained specialists. With a model of a pendulum, neatly done using a bangle and a thread, Pavani, a young mother at Rasoolpura slum was happy to learn that her baby's eye sight is completely normal.The young mothers voice a common opinion that the programme has brought out a noticeable change in their babies by bantam actions like carrying their babies by their waist which helps them to reach out and grab many things and allowing them to search for their favourite toy, in the process, they explore extravagantly. "Using such simple yet effective techniques, the child grows to be more inquisitive, attentive and active" explains Mary Silson, Volunteer project coordinator for Bulgaria, CAST.The volunteers who channel information between the Mother and the UK specialists and the organizations like Operation Eyesight, FPA and SIDUR have been great contributors to this cause. In a span of 45 days they have conducted tests on children from various parts of Rasoolpura slum.

Enthusiasm

"The mothers are very enthusiastic. They want to learn more and more about their babies. Of the 290 children who have undergone these tests, only 30 children need special attention," gleams Haylee Lee, the Founder and Co-Director of LIFE.The healthcare programme does not limit to the child healthcare. The programme involves training for effective field work, constant involvement of the residents and professionals from various medical disciplines. BHUMI aided with CAST aims to introduce a healthy life into the slums like Rasoolpura. Me

New enterprise Healthy bodies house healthy minds. NIVEDITA. N

Boys pumping adrenaline is not an uncommon sight. But one in a slum? It's possible, as a few youngsters and members of the Family Planning Association of India who have come together for this unique venture.This World Health Day, a gymnasium was opened at Rasoolpura, the biggest slum of Hyderabad, to primarily inculcate a healthy routine for people in a place where indulgence in bad habits like chewing ghutka and tambakhu is rife. Located at the centre of Rasoolpura, the gymnasium is a semi-luminous room with a white background and a spread of dumbbells and exercising machines around the room for people to sweat it out! Even as kids and elders gape at the machines, the people feel that will be a change in the style of living there.

Affecting health

A year ago, during a routine health check by the FPA, it was discovered that the health conditions among the youngsters was deteriorating as they indulged in many bad habits. After several discussions with the local residents, they felt the ideal way to grab the youngster's attention was to create awareness about the bad habits and the need for a healthy living. A gymnasium, they felt, would be the solution."This gymnasium is beyond body building for these youngsters as it would create awareness about the various aspects of health, mind and soul through different sessions we plan to conduct" says Renu Kapoor, Manager, and Family Planning Association of India. All of 15 - 18 years old, these children feel that they don't have anything to do after college/school hence the ideal way of passing their time is by gambling and chewing tobacco in between.
"We want to be like a hero. We felt gambling was a way where we could show off our skills to our peers. But now since we know the ill-effects of it I feel this gymnasium would be exercise not only our mind but also our soul" says 17- year -old Rajashekar who is all geared up to tone his muscles.Dr. G.D Gilda, the Vice President of the Family Planning Association opines that for youngsters who indulged in *heroic-habits, "we felt it was time we show what it means to be heroic. This would be a good way to add some muscle to their body as well as their brain." "I am sure youngsters will take part in this initiative actively. There is already a health centre in our slum but due to lack of activity, we find very few youngsters. This would definitely be a milestone in our target to achieve sustainable development," says Nayeem, a resident of Rasoolpura cum coordinator of the Association.

Raring to go

Having trained many youngsters at a local gym for more than a year, the coach of the Rasoolpura gym Adnan says, "These boys are active as they walk a lot in this huge slum but they lacked the necessary fitness. I shall train them with basic exercises and then move on to some muscle building exercises." The gymnasium has fuelled a lot of excitement among all. Salman, a student of Zilla Parishad High School is aiming to be a part of this body building. "Haan Main bhi Salman Khan Banoonga bade ho ke (I will be Salman Khan when I grow up)". Way to go!

NIVEDITA N.
Theatre is a perfect art form for self expression. Centre stage: At the workshop

Enter a room hid in the corner of the British Council Library and you see a group playing with an invisible ball or fighting with the wall and in the back ground the trainer instructs "believe in everything you do." The trainer is Ratna Shekhar Reddy and it is a theatre appreciation workshop conducted by Samahara Arts for 14 - 30 year olds. Having conducted 23 workshops in two years, Ratna Shekhar Reddy wants to spread the theatre movement.
"I think everybody should be involved in theatre," he says, more so children. He believes that theatre is an art that offers one a platform for self-expression.

No stage fear
Children took to the activity with enthusiasm. Some were new comers to the medium. "I joined to get rid of my stage fear as I am a classical dancer. But now after attending this workshop, I am interested in acting," says Siri Reddy, a Std, X student, Narayana Concept School.
Then there were few young theatre buffs at the workshop. Amreen, a Std X student of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Jubilee Hills exclaims, "I pounce on every chance I get to do a play. I love it. Here the teacher believes in practical experiments rather than theory. That's what sets this workshop apart."

So what did the theatre workshop teach?
A 35mm view of the main stage drama, the participants were taken through the basic elements of theatre and technical aspects as well. All excited about the stage set up, lighting, role play and more, the participants were all charged up for the finale-a mini trailer of the stage performance.
With no re-takes and every emotion crafted to perfection this workshop found that children still have time for the stage in the time of the television.
And there is good news. For those who have been hooked on the art, the workshop doesn't end here. Samaahara Arts have chalked out a five year plan and the workshops for beginners would be held regularly.
Contact 9885288982 for more details.

Log on to these websites to have a sneak preview of what's happening on the children's theatre front worldwide.
http://www.childrenstheatre.org/
http://www.childdrama.com/mainframe.html
http://www.rangshala.com/

NIVEDITA N.
The visually challenged kids showcased their talent.

Deafening applause filled the Hari Hara Kala Bhavan hall as the visually-challenged made the audience rhyme to their beats and dance to their tunes. The occasion was to celebrate passion for life and the event was "Hrudaya Spandana." The event was organised by Sahaaya Foundation to demonstrate that visually- challenged need opportunity and not sympathy. "The main idea behind the programme was to show every body what these kids can do. Their talent had to be showcased," says Krishna Prasad Chandu, Joint Secretary, Sahaaya foundation.
Music makeover
Aged between 10 and 15 years, the children did not have any formal training in any of the instruments they played. From racy numbers to soulful original compositions, the orchestra played while the singers and the dancers displayed their immense talent.

"I have been practising for several years now and this platform is extremely special for me as I got to prove myself in the presence of several artistes from the film industry," says Phani of Musumuri Academy of Classical Dance, KPHB Colony, who received rave reviews. The academy vowed to return next year with the same passion but confirmed that a fine rendition would be done by the visually challenged kids.

Inspiring all, the event proved to exemplify hard work, perseverance and a zest to "live life king size."

NIVEDITA N.
Meet the recipient of the Rank and Bolt award.
Winner all the way: Varsha

India is the only country to drive the British away through non-violence," G. Varsha Vishwanath exulted to the judges of Air India, who interviewed her before awarding the prestigious Rank and Bolt award. A CSR initiative by Air India, the award recognises responsible citizens-students and teachers, and lauds values in children in particular. This is not the first award for Varsha though. Apart from the title, "Amazing Kid" by C channel, the Taekwondo prac titioner has won several prizes in essay-writing, elocution, debate, poetry and more.

Powerful!
"I had read a story on Swami Vivekananda where he breaks the tube light with his power of concentration amid a large gathering, since then he has been my role model," she adds. Varsha expresses her gratitude to her mother, who she believes is her inspiration. "My family has always been supportive and my teachers have been my guiding light," she says.

NIVEDITA N.
Painting what you wanted to be was fun.


While some of them aspire to go to the moon, some want to be a super man and save the world. Children from various schools all over the city gathered to paint their "Aspiration" at a painting competition conducted by Daira Art Gallery, Banjara Hills. The paintings made by these children were exhibited at the gallery for sale to contribute to the ASHA foundation, a Hyderabad-based NGO. "Unity is strength, we believe," says Atiya Amjad, founder of Daira art Gallery, "and hence there was no first, second or third prizes for the paintings chosen."

Feel good

She further adds "The main reason we chose to put the paintings up for sale was to inculcate a social responsibility among all."
"The competition was more of fun. I feel good when my painting is being used for something good," says Sreenith, Std. VIII student of Orchids International.

Another event that had loads of painting was the "Let's go German" at Goethe-Zentrum. Paintings, cuisine and literature, the event had it all. "We wanted to bring German culture into Hyderabad," says Monika Hirmer, the Programme coordinator, Goethe- Zentrum. Apart from the German lessons, the children witnessed works of painters from Hyderabad Open University, Warli painting and Madhuban painting from Orissa who demonstrated their intricate art with ease. Artiste Vaikuntam narrated the stories of his paintings, unfolding magical tales.

"We were so happy to be a part of the event. All of us took part in everything. We learnt many new things here. I made a dish in the 'Kutsche' (which means kitchen in German)" says Sufiya, Std. VII student, Vidyaranya High School.

A workshop that blended literature and craft?



Meeting an author is any book lover's dream. Aniruddha Sen Gupta, author of Fundoo 4: The Mystery of the MindNet joined students of Delhi Public School, Secunderabad at their weekly reading session. And it was loads of fun for the students who sat listening to narratives from his bagful of tales.

Reviving his childhood moments, the Goa-based author shared his experiences with the students as he spoke to them about his debut sci-fi adventure novel. "The idea behind is the book is to prove that nothing is magical and one must not believe in the fake magicians," he said.
"The book was amazing. We could connect to the characters easily," says Malvika, a Std. VII student.
Yet another book - related event had children all agog. Reviving the fading art of storytelling, Lounge Habits, Jubilee Hills, conducted a workshop for children aged seven to 12 to take them in to the wonderful world of stories.

Fantasy and fun

With internationally acclaimed stories with morals being animated by Mithu Chawla, the storyteller, children could not help but imitate the characters involved in the story. "Stories take kids into a land of fantasy and creativity, which is much needed to excel in any field," says Mithu.
Children got the chance to craft their favourite character from the story.
"I have made Bumble Bee the main character of the story. I have also learnt that we should not be rude to any body from the story," says Khushi, a Std. III student of Euro School. Perhaps, this is just the beginning of a new workshop trend that blends literature and craft.

NIVEDITA N. A workshop that will instill a sense of freedom, belonging and responsibility in you.

Making moves: At the Theatre Workshop

How about acting in a play? Sounds interesting? And it is not difficult.
The courses from Children's Theatre Workshop finds children between 6-13 years old totally engrossed in their roles.
The workshop is the brainchild of Vaishali Bisht. It helps children overcome inhibitions and develop their interpersonal skills. Drop in at the amphitheatre at Saptaparni where children are at their creative best.

Ice breakers

In the very first step, the children are asked to make the sounds of things they like. With this breaking the ice activity they work on voice modulation.
The children's imagination soars with the story development activity, which facilitates the student to make up his/ her own story out of simple objects.
The problem solving forum where the kids enact the hassles which trouble them the most enables them to empathise with people. For starters there is the basic workshop followed by the advanced course.

Going Greek

"I had joined this course after I heard a lot about it from my friends who had done the basic as well as the advanced course" says Daniyah, a Std. VII student of Nasr School.

The curriculum includes Greek tragedy, Sanskrit form, romanticism, absurd form and realism. Complicated? But the children here understand it all. At the end of the advanced level workshop, they choose one form of drama and script a story and perform it.

Getting it right

With Salman Rushdie's famous novel Marooned and William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream enlisted on their list of plays, the children have their hands full.

"Though it may seem a Herculean task to talk in biblical English the kids manage to pull it off without having somebody back stage to lip sync," smiles Vaishali.
The workshops instil a sense of freedom, responsibility and belonging among kids and they tend to perform better in any field they choose.

Children's Theatre Workshop (2341 1862) at Saptaparni, Road No. 8, Banjara Hills

Things to do for Deepavali

Make something special this festive season for the special people in your life.

HOME MADE GOODIES: For the festive season

Greeting cards embossed with decorative paper, yummy chocolates, wax, mud-moulded lamps and colourful lanterns are some of the handmade gifting ideas that children in the city are busy crafting for Deepavali this year.

Priceless

Mrs. Subhashini, a Pre-Primary Teacher at Little Scholar School expresses her happiness by showing off a hand-made card by her three-year-old student. The cute card has a beautiful message that reads
"To my best Teacher... Happy Diwali". She further adds, "the affection that a hand made gift shows is priceless." Leaving no stone unturned some kids have tried their hand at cookie and chocolate making as well.

With Chocs

As Mukti from Ofen says, "a group of students from an international school insisted they wanted to learn how to make cookies," she smiles. And they did. Sailaja, who can craft 40 shapes of chocolates and busy with orders for Deepavali adds, "Children love chocolates and they have a huge variety to choose from." So what are you planning to make as a gift for your best friend, teacher and family?

Nivedita N.

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Let's make this Deepavali more interesting and do something creative and different! We shall make and decorate diyas this Deepavali. You must be wondering how? You don't have to be smart or talented but must have fun with it!
First things first. Lets ask mom for those diyas from last year and paint them, play with the colours.
You don't have to be an expert in diya making to make creative diyas adds Neha a student of Std X as she gives us a simple tip -"take wheat flour and water and make a dough. With that you can make the diya of any shape or size." Making diyas out of clay are simple because we can shape them the way we like, say a Mickey or a tortoise. And the clay smells good.
It is also safer. All you have to do is make a shape and then let it dry completely. There! You have a diya made of clay.
Now to decorate the diya there are things like bindis, glitter and shells to choose from.
Aditi a student of St. Francis loves art. She makes it a point to decorate the diyas every Deepavali. She suggests, "we can stick small decorative glass pieces (and be safe here) on the edge of the diyas which will look gorgeous."

There are a lot of different diyas available outside which you can purchase like leaf shaped diyas and a lot of other varieties. But the fun way of enjoying Deepavali is by making your own diyas.

The handmade diyas which we will make will definitely lighten up our Deepavali. So enjoy a safe Deepavali.

NIVEDITA N.
The Chowmahalla palace is one of the "must visit" places in Hyderabad.

Kings and stories about them always have been fascinating.
Ever wondered how a palace looked like or the ways of the nobles seemed like? Here is a palace closer home to drop by to get a glimpse of nobility. And this one has a lot to offer.
The Chowmahalla palace echoes the benevolence of the Nizams who seated their guests of the Asif Jahi dynasty amidst splendour. Constructed in mid 19th century, The Palace relives the majestic lifestyle of the Nizams.
Embellished with a finely structured fountain at the fore, a walk through the garden is refreshing.

Grand architecture

The Khilawat or the Durbar Mahal, speaks eloquently of the marvellous architecture of the dynasty.
The chandeliers and the glittering marble Durban are delightful. The closet of the gallantry reflects the valour of the warriors. One cannot take their eyes off the photo gallery of the Mahallat (the ladies of the house).
Draped in Hyderabadi 'Chaugoshia' costume and jewellery, the pictures of the princesses voice nobility and royalty with grandeur.
The Mahtab Mahal houses the lavish spread of artefacts used by the Nizams.

It includes a unique Piscean symbolising sovereignty bestowed upon the Mughal dynasty by Khusru Parviz, a Persian King. Like wise, the Aftab Mahal is a store house of the bedazzling costumes, ornaments of the Asif Jahi dynasty.

The clock tower, fondly known as Khilawat clock is a fine work and it has been ticking since 250 years. It is believed that the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad lived in the Roshan Bangla, which is named after his Mother, Roshan Begum. The present Nizam, Barkat Ali Khan Mukarram Jah and Princess Ersa Jah have opened the Chowmahalla Palace to the public in January 2005.

The Chowmahalla palace

Where: Near Lad bazaar
When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (closed on Friday, National holiday)
Ticket: Rs. 25, (Rs. 50 camera, Rs. 100 video)