In India, the 26th January is an important calendar date in all schools. It designates Republic Day, the day that the Indian constitution came into being. The Just One team is invited to participate in these celebrations at the Shiva Ji Mission School and it is also decided to incorporate this week’s Just One program into the Republic Day program.
The school is packed with children and also mothers, brothers and sisters – many, many more people than usual. A stage has been set up in the school’s playground and everyone is crowded around it, and even overflowing into the open backed classrooms. The program is simple but entertaining, with the students presenting a range of traditional and Bollywood dance, as well as drama pieces.
The school is packed with children and also mothers, brothers and sisters – many, many more people than usual. A stage has been set up in the school’s playground and everyone is crowded around it, and even overflowing into the open backed classrooms. The program is simple but entertaining, with the students presenting a range of traditional and Bollywood dance, as well as drama pieces.
From the youngest 3 and 4 year olds to the oldest students at 14-15 years, all take to the stage with enthusiasm, displaying grace, poise and confidence…. and occasionally a little stage fright from some of the younger students. But everyone is happy and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Dress up clothes are donated or borrowed for the performances, so everyone has the opportunity to look ‘special’. The same clothes are worn by different students in multiple performances but only boundless joy, excitement and support for each other is present. The children revel in the opportunity to share their talents and their joy.
Today’s Just one program offers ladoo – a traditional Indian sweet. The sweets are freshly hand-made, being smaller and healthier than those usually available from stores. Having more of these smaller ladoos means that even though we catered for only 300 students, we are able to ‘stretch’ them to cater for all the approximately 400 children present. Each student receives a carefully made newspaper packet containing a few of the tiny sweets.
During the performances the Just One team are honoured guests, seated with a photograph of Sai Maa standing on the presentation table in recognition of the support offered by Sai Maa to this school. At the end of the program the team offers each performer a writing book, pencil and pen courtesy of Sai Maa and Sai Maa Vishnu Shakti Trust. The funds for these items were donated by individuals in the Sai Maa global community for specific use at the Shiva Ji Mission School. Supplies were purchased for all students, with the remainder being held by the school until needed by the students. This additional bonus is gratefully received, and ensures that students have basic school supplies for the next few months.
Today’s Just one program offers ladoo – a traditional Indian sweet. The sweets are freshly hand-made, being smaller and healthier than those usually available from stores. Having more of these smaller ladoos means that even though we catered for only 300 students, we are able to ‘stretch’ them to cater for all the approximately 400 children present. Each student receives a carefully made newspaper packet containing a few of the tiny sweets.
During the performances the Just One team are honoured guests, seated with a photograph of Sai Maa standing on the presentation table in recognition of the support offered by Sai Maa to this school. At the end of the program the team offers each performer a writing book, pencil and pen courtesy of Sai Maa and Sai Maa Vishnu Shakti Trust. The funds for these items were donated by individuals in the Sai Maa global community for specific use at the Shiva Ji Mission School. Supplies were purchased for all students, with the remainder being held by the school until needed by the students. This additional bonus is gratefully received, and ensures that students have basic school supplies for the next few months.
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