Carnatic music lecture/demonstration by Dr. Ramachandran Balakrishna at the Cultural School Assembly today.
Dr. Ramachandran Balakrishna learns Carnatic violin from Shri. K.V.S. Vinay. He had his initial training with Shri. Nagarajan (a disciple of Padma Bhushan Shri. Lalgudi G. Jayaraman) and subsequently with Madurai Shri. P.V. Raghavan before moving to the Boston area. Ramachandran also works on his music with his mother, Smt. Sudha Balakrishnan. Ramachandran is a Principal Transportation Scientist in the Boston area.
submitted by Muthu Rajasekaran, ISW School parent
Namaste to all!
As we embark into the beginning of new year 2024 kids learnt about harvest festivals, namely Pongal, Sankranti, Lohri and how it is commonly celebrated across different parts of India. Thanks to all the parents who volunteered to teach and share their experiences of the harvest festival.
At ISW, the Saraswathi puja was celebrated on March 10, 2024. The celebration at ISW is a long-standing tradition that has been cultivated under the presence and guidance of Ms. Carolyn and Ms. Shiamin for the past 30 plus years – which has been and will be cherished by the past, present and future students of ISW. Prior to the big day, Ms. Sonia and Ms. Sarita taught the bhajans (Sharda Stavan and Hey Ram, Hey Ram) to the kids that they will be reciting on the day of puja. Amidst their busy schedule of language class and practicing bhajans, few kids even signed up to perform solo performance during the puja.
On the day of celebration, kids wore traditional Indian attire and were excited to offer their devotion to Goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts. Special thanks to Ms. Carolyn for the idols and decorations – a serenity and glimpse one could only experience in a temple.
Each kid was given a plate with some flowers, diya, and an idol of Saraswathi maa, and then the puja ceremony preceded by Mrs. Anju Shukla. As the Guru Mantra and Saraswathi Shloka’s went on, thekids meticulously took the flower petals and kum kum and offered their prayers to Saraswathi maa. Then in one single file, the kids along with Ms. Sonia and Ms. Sarita recited the bhajans (Sharda Stavan and Hey Ram, Hey Ram), which was pleasant to hear and was witnessed by the parents who graced the occasion with their family members. After the prayers, the solo performance of the kids was conducted. To our surprise, many kids who didn’t initially sign up for the solo performance also showed interest and were given a chance to showcase their spirituality – Afterall what better occasion can erupt their confidence than the day of wisdom and knowledge is being worshipped.
The enchantment of Goddess Saraswathi Maa’s songs, slogans and dance performance by the kids filled the room with eternal and divine aura. At the end the kids received blessings from the teacher and had the sacred thread tied onto their wrist, and then proceeded to collect the prashad.
Overall, this year’s Saraswati puja celebration was a huge success, and once again thanks to all the teachers and parents whose effort is much appreciated in every step of the kid’s nourishment and traditional upbringing. Together we can make our community and culture stronger!
Every year the ISW School families support the Giving Tree. We collected over $100 in gift cards and mittens. It will be donated to Abby's House, which is Worcester’s largest provider of affordable housing specifically designed to meet the needs of women and children. Thank you to the parents, teachers & children.
On December 2, we had the Michael family come in and share the Christmas story (this is a tradition now as they have been coming in for 8 years). Also the kids enjoyed the treats.
We also sang Christmas carols with the Dhol Tasha team. Thanks to Rajesh and team for the beautiful fusion. They also took request from kids, and it was a very festive environment Link to Xmas Dhol pics
On November 19, ISW Students continued with their lessons each weekend. During assembly, Bindiya Jain and Mrunal Khandkar taught the children how to use the Mandala Art technique to decorate their Diwali diyas.
The following weekend Vijay Gupta, renowned violinist, performed two scintillating pieces, one based on western classical music and the other, composed by his wife, Reena Esmail, blending Hindustani classical style. He also engaged the children describing his own life story growing up in the US and answering many curious questions from the kids.
Later, the children went outside to build forts, a tradition in some parts of Maharashtra at Diwali.
Link for Photos
ISW School will be hosting Vijay Gupta, violinist and Music Worcester's artist in residence, for the school Assembly on November 5, all are welcome. Do RSVP.
Video attached
We have started school with a flourish, currently we have 131 +13 (Sanskrit) students enrolled. Its great that we have a higher number of younger students than any of the previous years.
Last Tuesday we started our online sanskrit class for Adults. We have got decent registration for our pilot program and are excited to introduce this new language as a part of ISW School.
Last Sunday we also distributed our textbooks to students. Students were excited to get new books to continue their learning.
The School Open House was held on September 17 Attended by oour new and returning parents , and all our teachers and staff, after a welcome speeach , and introduction of all the teachers, Puneet and Jagan talked about ISW School and other ISW events and programs
Classes began on Sat/Sun on 23/24, so far 122 kids/adults have registered We thank our 35 volunteer teachers and volunteers, and we are seeing an interest in our new
Sanskrit Conversational online classes for adults starting on Oct 3 (Tuesdays 8:30 pm)
FB Live (link) is available until mid October, 2023, so do watch it We also had KV Krishna Mohan from Star 9Telugu TV record interviews with our teachers, and both are being shown in Hyderabad, (link) (link) India
SCHOOL REGISTRATION LINKS
Links to register below, register by Sept 12, to get free books
मैं और भारतीय संस्कृति लेखिका ~ सुरभि दिंडोरे
मैं क्या खाती हूँ, क्या पहनती हूँ, जो संगीत सुनती हूँ, जो भाषा बोलती हूँ, किस धार्मिक कार्यक्रम में भाग लेती हूँ -इन सब बातों का मेरी भारतीय संस्कृति से गहरा संबंध है।
भारतीय भोजन अपने मसालेदार और विशिष्ट स्वाद के लिये विश्वप्रसिध्द है! भारतीय संस्कृति में खाने में बहुत विविधता है। मसालेदार खाना मेरा पसंदीदा खाना है। मुझे अपनी मॉं को भारतीय खाना जैसे रोटी,सब्ज़ी, दाल, चावल,सब्ज़ियाँ बनाने में मदद करना अच्छा लगता है ।
मैं जो भारतीय कपड़े पहनती हूँ, उन में कढाई, ज़री, शीशे के साथ जटिल और रंगीन डिज़ाइन होते हैं। ये हमेशा हर अवसर के लिये सुंदर और आकर्षक दिखते हैं! मैं भारतीय कार्यक्रमों में भारतीय कपड़े पहनती हूँ और इससे मुझे अपनी संस्कृति से जुड़े रहने में मदद मिलती है।
भारतीय संस्कृति में संगीत की एक अलग ही पहचान है। यह मधुर और भावनात्मक है और यह भारतीय समाज को एकता प्रदान करता है। मैं जो भारतीय संगीत सुनती हूँ ,वह हिंदी में गाया जाता है। साथ ही भारत सितार, वीणा, हारमोनियम, तबला और ढोल आदि अनोखे वाद्ययंत्रों के लिये जाना जाता है।
भारतीय संस्कृति में धार्मिक गतिविधियों का एक विशेष स्थान है। ये मुझे उन देवताओं से जोड़े रखती हैं जिनकी मैं पूजा करती हूँ। मैं और मेरा परिवार अनुष्ठान और पूजा करते हैं जो हमें हमारी मान्यताओं से जोड़े रखते हैं। हम सामूहिक धार्मिक कार्यक्रमों और समारोहों जैसे गणेश पूजा और दिवाली में जाते हैं। ये सब हमें सही और नैतिक बातों पर विश्वास करके एक बेहतर इन्सान बनने में मदद करते हैं।
भारतीय संस्कृति में परिवार और मातृभाषा का एक महत्त्वपूर्ण स्थान है। घर पर, मैं और मेरा परिवार एक दूसरे से मराठी भाषा में बात करते हैं। हम जो प्रार्थना करते है वह मराठी में होती है। भारत में हमारे घर पर भी मराठी बोली जाती है। हमारी मराठी संस्कृति गीतों और साहित्य से भरी है।
अंततः भारतीय संस्कृति एक प्राचीन और महान संस्कृति है और मुझे उस से जुड़े होने का अभिमान है।
Indian Culture and I
Writer ~ Surabhi Dindore
What I eat, what I wear, the music I listen to, the language I speak, the religious programs I participate in – all these things have a deep connection with my Indian culture.
Indian food is world famous for its spicy and distinctive taste! Indian culture has a lot of variety in food. Spicy food is my favorite food. I like to help my mother in making Indian food like roti, curry, dal, rice, and vegetables.
The Indian clothes I wear have intricate and colorful designs with embroidery, zari, and mirrors. They always look beautiful and attractive for every occasion! I wear Indian clothes to Indian events and it helps me to stay connected to my culture.
Music has a different identity in Indian culture. It is melodious and emotional and it provides unity to the Indian society. Most of the Indian music I listen to is sung in Hindi. Also, India is known for unique musical instruments like Sitar, Veena, Harmonium, Tabla and Dhol etc.
Religious activities have a special place in Indian culture. It keeps me connected to the deities I worship. My family and I practice rituals and worship that keep us connected to our beliefs. We go to mass religious events and celebrations like Ganesh Puja and Diwali. All these help us to become a better person by believing what is right and moral.
Family and mother tongue have an important place in Indian culture. At home, my family and I speak to each other in Marathi. The prayers we say are in Marathi. Marathi is also spoken at our home in India. Our Marathi culture is full of songs and literature.
Ultimately, Indian culture is an ancient and great culture and I am proud to be associated with it.
Last month, ISW School teamed up with We Care Charity and collected sarees and Indian clothes. We collected more than 40 bags of clothes and sorted them at Tejal Doshi home. It all went to We Care Charity's location in New Hampshire, where they made boxes to sorted and package 4250 pounds of saris and clothes to India. This is the largest amount they have shipped in one time. We Care Charity thanked all those who donated their beautiful clothes. Clothes are shipped to our vetted organizations in Rajkot and Dharampur in Gujarat and to Udaipur, Rajasthan. Submitted by Tejal Doshi.
Also inviting school kids for ISW School Art and Writing Talent project for the India Day brochure contest. Submit your artwork by July 15. Only 1 artwork will be chosen and published on the front cover of India Day brochure. We are also looking for our school students to write about any/or both topics- 60 Years of ISW/ 30 years of ISW School (History/achievements/vision). The write up cannot be more than 1/2 page. Only 2-3 write ups will be selected. This is a chance for kids to show their art and writing strengths. Send email to schoollead@iswonline.org
--Sonia Gera & Priya Vaidya
Pictures from event, compiled by Kiran Gahlot
On Sunday May 21st, ISW Cultural and Language School celebrated its Annual Day which marks the end of the academic year for the school. This year it was an extra special celebration as the school completed 30 years since its inception. On a bright and sunny morning, this fabulous event was graced by the presence of over 270 attendees including students, parents and teachers. The event started with reciting the Indian and American National Anthems. It was followed by amazing and extraordinary performances by each of the language classes (Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Gujarati, and Kannada). After each performance, the students were handed out the certificates, attendance awards and they posed for the group pictures. Dances, skits, speeches, songs, the performances included so much talent, it was a real treat to see the kids grow with each other and become so fluent in these languages. The program also marked honoring the ISW volunteers with the PVSA (Presidential Volunteer Service Awards). ISW President Puneet Kohli felicitated Mrs. Carolyn Passey, co-founder of the school and Mrs. Shiamin Melville, co-director of the school for their dedication and commitment to the school. Last but not the least, the celebration ended with a very youthful, musical and lively performance by the teachers. They danced to the medley of songs in four different languages from the 1980's era and ended the program by singing the "... ज़िन्दगी मिल के बिताएँगे '' It was loved by everyone and the air was filled with exuberance and enthusiasm. The program ended with a scrumptious lunch feast. All the families had pitched in to bring potluck items.
Behind the Scenes:
Committed to making this event memorable and special, ISW faculty and administrators worked relentlessly until the day of the event. With support and encouragement from our co- directors Shiamin Melville and Ruchi Chauhan, the event was meticulously planned so that it showcases not only the students' linguistic abilities but also gives a glimpse of the rich Indian culture. The event truly depicted the "Unity in Diversity" theme of our school.
The decoration team led by Bindiya Jain worked on creating beautiful bulletin boards and a unique centerpiece to decorate the hallways of the main lobby. While one of the boards had pictures from assemblies held throughout the school year, the other one had messages from students written on hearts that created the number "30". The hall was decked with marigold garlands and windows had mirror-work umbrellas to add more colors to the decor!
Teachers' dance performance was choreographed by Anupama Debroy and the medley had songs in four major languages (Tamil, Marathi, Hindi, and Gujarati) taught at our school.
The idea for the grand finale of the event was conceived by Sarita Deshpande. Intended to bring everyone together and spread cheer, the song created a melodious and mesmerizing environment where the audience joined the teachers singing the final few lines of the song while clapping their hearts out! It was truly an amazing 30th anniversary celebration and as our co-founder Carolyn Passeyji mentioned, "Cheers to another 30 years!"
Message from our co-founder Carolyn Passey
Thank you to Ruchi, Shiamin, and all the teachers, parents and students for allowing the school to continue to flourish and grow for the past 30 years!
Today’s celebration was just perfect - from the festivities planning to the decorations, all the well prepared student presentations thanks to the teachers and the students hard work, the great food thanks to the parents, to Sarita and Anu for the most fun way of ending the day with dance, music and song, and to everyone who “dressed” me and showered me with so much love!! The whole day was filled with laughter and fun and I am so glad I could be a part of it!!!
I hope everyone has a wonderful summer and I look forward to seeing many of you at India Day!!
Cheers to another 30 years!!
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