Virtual Janmashtami Celebration at Podar World School, Sherkhi 2020-21
The Covid-19 pandemic is changing the way, major festivals are being celebrated. Shri Krishna Janmashtami has also taken a virtual route this year. Following the social distancing guidelines every aspect of human lives, including the celebration of festivals have taken a 360 degree turn by going virtual. Podar World School, Sherkhi too has celebrated the event virtually. What is most striking and touching to add here is the immense cooperation of students and their parents in the participation of activities wholeheartedly.
Class 1 to 3 had to enact the role of Kanha who is fed with a rich treat of butter, homemade makhan by their mothers dressed as Yashoda maiyya, or play pranks from the life of Lord Krishna. Every performance was live and unique in its way with the theme adopted to lure Kanha with makhan treat, or rebuking him for stealing makhan and finally feeding him affectionately with a rich treat of makhan. The unique and eternal bond that keeps a mother and her child in proximity to one another and the obvious fact that every child is a Kanha to her mother was evident from their affectionate gestures. Besides it also highlighted the requirement of healthy diet of one’s child. Milk and dairy products are an important part of a young child's diet. They're a good source of energy and protein, and contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, that young children need to build healthy bones and teeth. Class 4 and 5, as a part of celebration had to recite a shloka from the life of Lord Krishna preferably from Bhagwat Gita and explain its meaning. It was amazing to see each participant reciting the shlokas fervently with proper voice modulation and then explaining the lines in all its gravity. Class 6 to 12 students had to flaunt their creativity through thematic drawings or express their feelings through a write up as to ‘What they miss about their school on this occasion?’ Quite a number of students have presented their drawings and write ups that reflect their nostalgic feelings for their alma mater. A few students have expressed their nostalgic feelings of being a part of the celebration in the school and having fun with their peer group.
Through their brimming enthusiasm and wholehearted participation, both the students and their parents have exhibited that social distancing owing to the pandemic Covid 19 has not deprived them of enjoying their school life and the joy of learning. Thanks to the enterprising Principal, Ms Preeta Pillai for making things happen in the most organised and efficient manner even at times of pandemic to sync with the mission statement of catering to the unique intellectual, physical, social and emotional needs of students as they blossom into the future of our nation, by continuously surpassing the traditional boundaries of capabilities and achievement.
