Tuesday, January 10, 2012

INSTILLING LIFE VALUES IN YOUTH - THE GANDHIAN WAY

Dr.S.Kulandaisamy, Secretary, Gandhi Peace Foundation, Chennai is an Engineer by profession. He has specialised in Gandhian thought and follows a mission to touch young minds and initiate them into Gandhian thought and culture through Peace Education. He believes in resolving conflicts through micro actions for peace.

As I read one of his write ups last year in The Hindu, Young World, I too had a personal feeling that non violence is on the hike among students and inclusion of Peace Education into the course module would definitely help mould our kids in a better manner.

Later I came to know that 51 modules on Gandhian values was published by him, with stories, quiz, quotes, anecdotes and illustrations. Further I understood that these are compiled and published as books and distributed among interested students. The simple material, well presented and suitable for students for various levels in an appropriate manner is definitely a choice to be utilised by the citizens of tomorrow.
Cover page of the book Gandhian Way to Peace

The Gandhi Peace Foundation, Chennai, conducts various certificate courses for students from Class IV. The modules are different for each standard. Attempting them would definitely influence one on the long run and thus are lessons that lasts a lifetime.

There are similar courses for college students, teachers, parents and women.

Gandhi Peace Foundation, Chennai offers these books to each student at a rate of Rs.200.Lessons are presented in such a way that they instill into young minds values in a very subtle way. There is a questionnaire at the end of the material which students can attend and score to avail a certificate. Toppers join together at the Foundation on Gandhi Jayanti day to share their experiences and ideas in a creative manner. It helps to build a network of like minded people.

Students can attempt these modules anytime of their choice and from the comfort of their home also.

The Foundation also conducts workshops to facilitate Inter religious understanding and Peace Education in schools.

To read an interview with the expert, please visit the following link:
http://www.hindu.com/2011/05/07/stories/2011050763190200.htm


To know how to proceed to join the programme at school level, please follow this link:
http://www.hindu.com/yw/2011/06/21/stories/2011062150281100.htm


To get to know on how to form a youth forum under the aegis of Gandhi peace foundation, read:
http://www.gandhitopia.org/group/mgnd/forum/topics/youth-forum-for-micro-peace

Sandra Satheesh, a student from CMI Public School, Devagiri shares her experience on the course she attended in 2011 along with her viewson gandhian thoughts at:
http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/kids/article2520573.ece

For any other details, Dr.S.Kulandaisamy can be contacted at Gandhi Peace Foundation, 332, Ambujammal Street, Alwarpet, Chennai. PINCode: 600 018. Phone: 044-24993839/ 9962479005. On email : kulandhaisamy.gpf@gmail.com.





Sunday, January 8, 2012

THIRUVATHIRA - A FESTIVAL FOR WOMEN

Kerala celebrates  Thiruvathira on 8th January 2012. A major festival of the state, it has many legends and myths attached to it. A festival that merges well into the culture of traditional Hindu families, it offers varying dimensions for following, depending on one's age and ambition.

Traditional folklore includes many items to keep devotees engaged during the night hours of Thiruvathira. Poratte or pulikali is one such event where in Calicut city even children are enthusiastically engaged in...
A video recorded at night from a courtyard:


The materialistic target is a suitable groom for unmarried girls, long lasting courtship for married women, Merging with the Lord and uplift for spiritual aspirants and elders.

To know about the different legends, rituals, special foods and its recipe, read:
http://calicutnet.com/articles/alisha/thiruvathira.htm

 Formerly an occasion for family get to-gethers, fulfuling all dimensions are practically difficult nowadays. Although most of the conservative aspects get left out, the festival still maintains its space of yore...

http://sadhguru.podomatic.com

http://sadhguru.podomatic.com