Today is Tuesday 17th January 2017, and this is the first hot meal that Just One is offering at the Shiva Ji Mission School in 2017. Generally Just One visits the school on a Saturday however last Saturday was a public holiday – Makar Sankranthi – celebrating a significant shift of the sun when days begin to lengthen. The menu today is similar to previous meals – vegetable curry, poori (Indian fried bread) and kheer (Sweet and spicy milk rice pudding), but as always the vegetables are seasonal and today feature potato, carrots and fresh peas.
We arrive at the school during their break and we find most of the children running around enjoying themselves in the tiny play yard. Some of the older children are sitting on the sides in groups, but the younger children are running and joyfully playing, full of energy with life seemingly bursting from them as they revel in this short break from their studies. Even those sitting on the sides yell and generally join in the celebration of this short freedom from the discipline of the classroom.
We arrive at the school during their break and we find most of the children running around enjoying themselves in the tiny play yard. Some of the older children are sitting on the sides in groups, but the younger children are running and joyfully playing, full of energy with life seemingly bursting from them as they revel in this short break from their studies. Even those sitting on the sides yell and generally join in the celebration of this short freedom from the discipline of the classroom.
Shortly after the break we begin serving the food. As usual some of the older students and some of the catering staff assist in distributing the food. The serving always starts in the rooms with the youngest children, some only 3 and 4 years old. We serve 2 rooms at a time with the oldest children being served last. The reason for serving only 2 rooms at a time is to ensure that each child receives as much food as they need. This always means that there are a number of rounds of serving for the vegetables and bread in each room, as well as the kheer being served only after the vegetables rather than together.
After the children are all satisfied including the servers, the older students serve the remaining food to the teachers. This is done with such joy and respect. A beautiful relationship has been created at this school between the students and the teachers. The discipline in the school is strong, but this in no way restricts the vitality and exuberance of the students. There is a balance between the discipline and freedom, and the result is a dignified atmosphere for all.
After the children are all satisfied including the servers, the older students serve the remaining food to the teachers. This is done with such joy and respect. A beautiful relationship has been created at this school between the students and the teachers. The discipline in the school is strong, but this in no way restricts the vitality and exuberance of the students. There is a balance between the discipline and freedom, and the result is a dignified atmosphere for all.
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