a part or my project on PhD research on drinking water purification, I wanted to test the feasibility of rainwater harvesting and purification in Dharavi, Mumbai. And feasibility not only on technical level but more importantly on social and economic levels. For those of you, who haven’t heard about Dharavi ; I would recommend a visit. It would surprise you. Many times. My journey to Dharavi received a great boost from the support of the school Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Vidya Mandir(SSRVM), Dharavi. It was an absolute blessing. It gave me an opportunity to connect to the most unique opinion. The opinion of the young students. Honest and unadulterated. Through the students, a connection to their parents. And to know if the parents differ from their less informed off-springs. With these thoughts in my mind, I made an initial plan of action for my stay at Dharavi.

Work became effortless from then on. With a strong base in SSRVM, I conducted sessions with the students inside the school and the parents outside the school. These sessions were spread over one week and followed by the analysis of the data collected. The analysis of the questionnaire showed a majority consensus regarding the scarcity of water and the requirement for more and better quality water. The analysis further showed a majority acceptance of using rainwater as drinking sources after purification. Furthermore, I also was able to make a small laboratory at the school to demonstrate and involve students about practical testing of water quality. And this was one of the most exciting part of my whole endeavor. I realized how difficult it is to be a teacher to such free spirited students. For most of the students, this was a new experience. However, there was hardly any sign of nervousness in the understanding practical science. In fact, it was a challenge for me to handle such an energetic and curious group. I wish that every student can be as curious and expressive as the ones at SSRVM. On my fifth day, while I was working in the staffroom, I noticed something which completely surprised me. Teachers, in their free time were not coming in the staff room but tutoring students one to one in a separate room. This tutoring was not only for students which were lagging behind but also for students who wanted to learn more. I was surprised to see this “special” effort put in by the teachers. This was one of the most caring efforts I have ever seen in a school. And it reflects with each and every staff and student of the school. Overall, I am very thankful for the support given by SSRVM . The school is an example to the world on how to give an all-inclusive education in places like Dharavi. Its embracing culture should be replicated to all the schools for creating free spirited students for a free spirited future. I wish great luck to SSRVM for a bright and expanding future. With love, Rajat Bharadwaj

As

Rajat Bharadwaj is a PhD student from the Delft University, Nederland. He spent a week with the children at SSRVM, Dharavi. He shares his experiences at the school .

Rajat Showing the kids an experiment about usage of rainwater

Page 2: Mass Meditation

Page 3: “I CAN READ ENGLISH”

says A kid from the

largest Slum! The Principal speaks

Page 7: Peace Walk for

“ A CLEAN DHARAVI ”

by school children

In my first action, I wanted to know the current situation of water in Dharavi. I wanted to know the quantitative need for water, its quality and its social and economic impact on the lives of people. Secondly, I wanted to know if the people would accept rainwater as a drinking water source (after purification). And finally, I wanted to know if they would like such a system installed in their vicinity. However, this initial plan went much beyond these expectations after my first visit to SSRVM. One of the remarkable things I experienced when I walked into the entrance of SSRVM, Dharavi is that it embraces you from all sides. After my first talk, I received immense support from all the teachers of the school. And very soon I realized that the embracement does not only lie in the physical structure but is deep rooted in the DNA of the school. In its people, its structure and its working.

Vol. 2 November 2012

1.5 lakh Argentines meditate for World Peace

Today, Payeng still lives in the forest. He shares a small hut with his wife and three children and makes a living selling cow and buffalo milk. According to the Assistant Conservator of Forests, Gunin Saikia, it is perhaps the world’s biggest forest in the middle of a river. "We were surprised to find such a dense forest on the sandbar," Saikia told the Times Of India, adding that officials in the region only learned of Payeng's forest in 2008. Finally, Payeng may get the help -- and recognition -- he deserves.

More than 30 years ago, a teenager named Jadav "Molai" Payeng began

planting seeds along a barren sandbar near his birthplace in India's Assam region, the Asian Age reports. It was 1979 and floods had washed a great number of snakes onto the sandbar. When Payeng, then only 16,found them, they had all died. "The snakes died in the heat, without any tree cover. I sat down and wept over their lifeless forms," Payeng told the Times Of India. "It was carnage. I alerted the forest department and asked them if they could grow trees there. They said nothing would grow there. Instead, they asked me to try growing bamboo. It was painful, but I did it. There was nobody to help me," he told the newspaper. Now that once-barren sandbar is a sprawling 1,360 acre forest, home to several thousands of varieties of trees and an astounding diversity of wildlife -- including birds, deer, apes, rhino, elephants and even tigers. The forest, aptly called the "Molai woods" after its creator's nickname, was single-handedly planted and cultivated by one man -- Payeng, who is now 47. According to the Asian Age , Payeng has dedicated his life to the upkeep and growth of the forest. Accepting a life of isolation, he started living alone on the sandbar as a teenager -- spending his days tending the burgeoning plants.

man who made a forest

Vol. 2 November 2012

The 5th of September, commemorating the teachers’ day , the children of the school have taken up a great task of running the

Jai Gurudev, Nothing can compare the feeling that I come out with every Wednesday after a short session of ‘coaching’ at SSRVM Dharavi. Being a good student myself and with a high emphasis on education in my own life (graduated with a M.S from Michigan State University in Packaging Engineering), I always wanted to volunteer in this field and finally my intention was manifested last November by His grace. But still without any formal training in teaching field I was not sure if I will be able to add substantial value to the students. I mustered the courage to commit myself to once a week session in whatever area needed and was reciprocated warmly by the vice principal, Meenakshiji of the school. Once inside, nobody can tell this is the school located in midst of Asia’s biggest slum dwellings. I really felt the presence of Guru (and souls dedicated to his work) can transform mere place into a temple of knowledge. Now coming to the girls and boys, the ones who I got a chance to interact with were honest, sincere, sharp, with good grasp of the subject, keen to learn more, adventurous, fun loving,

cool and of course naughty like any other kid in the city! I am truly humbled by their innocence as well as smartness, their desire to learn despite challenging environment, sometimes with feeble family support and modest resources, which setsthem apart from other kids. I learnt quite a few things from these pure souls: better teaching methods, patience, more smiles and less anger over little things, creativity and fun, more acceptance, the value and fruits of commitment and so many more..and yet to learn.. A few things that I learnt exclusively from SSRVM kids: the sport and art of ‘B boying!’ (Courtesy dear Srini!). Equipped with daily SK, an education stepped in human values and above all His blessings and guidance from His able teachers, they are sure to rise and shine in their respective careers, lives and become empowered global citizens. I really appreciate the dedication of teachers and staff of SSRVM . Special thanks to Priya teacher for her support and leadership. -Love, Pallavi.

-Renu Deva

As a seed needs proper nourishment and condition

in right amounts at right time, even a child needs a proper care and conditions at right time to grow. Only then they can grow into fruitful plants with flying colours and be good citizens of the Nation. These children are the fruits of the invaluable efforts put in and they become seeds of change in Dharavi and the Nation. They will take care of their mother land. That said, they also need to learn how to stay at the top of themselves always and how not to stop there. Our recent achievements reverberate this. We have set a target for ourselves that by the 30th of September all the kids will be able to read in English. And, 95% of the kids did achieve the target.

This was celebrated in a befitting manner flying 200 balloons into the sky with “I CAN READ ENGLISH” written on them. The rest were being diagnosed, treated and supported for any learning disability by the Sion Hospital. Now, without stopping here, we set an ambitious target for the 30th of March- “ Every Child will be able to communicate in English.”. Our team is all set to put in relentless efforts to achieve it. Jai Gurudev

I stepped into the school thinking I’m going to teach them. What I did not know was that the children had something in store for me too.

I decided to teach in a low income school because I felt that children from

communities such as Dharavi have immense potential and deserve an education and opportunities which will empower them to change their lives. I wanted to be a part of this transformation.

minds. Some of them are protected with all their innocence but some are exposed to and intimidated by the harshness. Every day, I witness them building strength and courage to overcome their situations. Their undying spirit which gives the world a new chance every day is one of the biggest lessons I learnt. They are some of the most forgiving and warm hearts I have known. They have shown me that I can have big goals for them. They know that they will change their lives. Every day, they believe a little more that they CAN. -Ranjani Grade 5 Teacher

As students, they taught me how to teach. I learnt how to get back into the mind of a 10 year old and be able to take a step closer to learning. They gave me the joy of seeing eyes widen when I taught them about something amazing, and the satisfaction in seeing a student do a little dance in class when he does well and knows he in getting better. They allowed me to get in touch with my own childhood and re-live the best part of life. As I learn something new every day, re-read children’s classics for them and uncovering more knowledge than I ever have, I’m rebuilding some parts of my childhood for myself. I saw that their distorted domestic background and community created a strong impression on their vulnerable

TEACHER SPEAKS

Students of SSRVM celebrating that THEY CAN READ ENGLISH

PRINCIPAL SPEAKS

BEING A VOLUNTEER

Vol. 2 November 2012

School. The Head boy was made the Principal for one day and the students were teachers in all the classes. They did a really commendable job. At the end of the day, in a small gathering with the real teachers and acting teachers, they said

that, they have then realised how difficult it gets sometimes, being on the other side. This was a very great booster for the leadership qualities in the children.

TEACHERS’ DAY

DIYA MAKING IN SCHOOL

KRISHNA ART BY STUDENTS

BEAUTIFULLY PAINTED GANAPATI

THE DAY I WILL NEVER FORGET. It was the day when Renu madam was new in our school and she had arranged the program of refresher YES course. It was Saturday so as usual I went to the school , when I reached the school I saw that long blue mat was arranged out side. I thought something would be there. I took it lightly and when I came to know that we are going to do our kriya outside and not the usual kriya we are refreshing our kriya. So I was very happy. The teachers who had came to take our refresher course. they told their experience. After that there was a lot of enjoyment. We played lots of games. We learnt how to keep our ego aside. We should not feel shy, we should be natural and from the teachers words I got encouragement. When teachers told me and my friends to dance because there was competition between us. For the first time in front of everyone I danced without being awkward for. Those teachers were very good and we should meet them again and take some more knowledge from them. We did satsang. I learnt new bhajans and it was a fantastic! Jyoti ClassIX

STUDENTS ARTICLES

Vol. 2 November 2012

DIYAS READY FOR SALE

KRISHNA ART BY STUDENTS

THE DAY I WILL NEVER FORGET. It was morning when I was in Bangalore ashram. We got up early in morning because we had to go for a pooja. In pooja all boys were lying down and slept and were also sleeping. After pooja we went to kitchen to eat our lunch. Later we went to our room to sleep. Teacher said sleep now because we are going to meet Guruji at night. So we slept for some time. After we got up we wore our school uniform and got ready to meet Guru ji. I was so excited to meet Guruji. We met Bhanudidi she said us hello we too said her hello.I felt very nice to meet Bhanudidi but I was waiting for Guruji “When will he come?”And when will I meet him?. Finally after some time he came. Then we state chanting om between om mam called me to give gift to Guru ji I was feeling very nice that I will give Guru ji the gift. When I was giving the gift to Guru ji mam was saying something to guru ji but I couldn’t hear anything because I was just looking at guru ji. I don’t no what was happening in my surrounding. I gave the gift to guru ji and I bend to touch his feet but I was not getting his feet finally I got and felt happy. This day was very special day which I will never forget. -Prajakta, Class 9.

STUDENT’S ARTICLE

Vol. 2 November 2012

STUDENTS MAKING GANAPATI

I

Dharavi is

dirty!!

A woman working on Diyas at Kumbharwada

A visit to Kumbharwada

The pictures showing sorry plight of the Dustbins in Dharavi and the poor management of wastage

It all started with a thought to empower the children about the community. The thought of child

journalism came from the book Target 3 Billion by APJ Abdul Kalam. This was taken to the next step, where students were asked to gather news from their surroundings. They brought in anything special that they find and wrote articles about them. Once, I along with 4 other children from my class walked in the narrow lanes of Kumbharwada, to find some news. Kids talked to the potters there, they found some electric wires hanging dangerously and dirty dustbins forming an island of dust. This experience was with them for some time. They started observing more dustbins all around Dharavi. They sprung with an intensity to tackle the issue of cleanliness.

-DurgaPrasad Grade 6 Teacher

Vol. 2 November 2012

One of the Posters made by students.

“Clean Dharavi Drive”

PEACE WALK

ssrvmdharavi@gmail.com www.dharavischool.org http://www.facebook.com/ssrvm.dharavi

On the 10th of September

in the afternoon. Shahid, Danish and I were coming together to our home. We were coming and we saw that everybody was throwing the dust on the road. There was z dustbin but everybody threw the dust on the road. Then we went to shop immediately to buy sketch pen, gum and a drawing paper. We wrote that ‘please throw the dust in the dustbin’. But no one threw the dust in the dustbin. We wrote and stuck it on the dustbin. We waited for 5 or 10 min and then a boy named Khalid came and threw the dust on the road. So we said to him to read what is written on the

dustbin. He read and said sorry. We told him – ” if you see anyone throwing the dust on the road, tell them to throw the dust in the dustbin.” He said “ ok I will.” After that an old man came and threw the dust on the road. We went and said “Please throw the dust in the dustbin.” He said – ”Ok I will throw the dust in dustbin next time.” and after some time a lady came and she also throw the dust on the road. We went and said – ” Aunty! please throw the dust in the dustbin.” She smiled and said “thank you for telling me.” We said ok. And then we went to our home. -Sohrab, Class 6

With this Inspiration, the

whole school started making huge banners and posters. Students wanted to show the world that they wanted to make a change and THEY CAN do it when they get together. In just 5 working days of school, they managed to make the posters and laminate them along with the regular classes. They put 22 posters all over the Dharavi. When the passers-by told them that, these are being done so many times but no change is seen, and the kids replied befitting manner-” Try to karke Dekhe!!”

D-etermination

H-ard work

A-rdent

R-esilient

A-mbitious

V-ivacious

I-ndigenous

Pictures showing the hard work put in by children and

the teachers working together

A Peace walk

was conducted on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti covering the main roads in

Dharavi spreading the message of clean Dharavi. This was started by Mr. Ashok Survegandh Senior Police Inspector , Dharavi. The Drive was also supported by LEARN, an organized union of women in Dharavi. Hope ensuing activities bring the change.

ARTICLE FROM TIMES OF INDIA

Student’s Article

CONTACT

Vol. 2 November 2012