Hailstorm devastates lives at four villages

The hailstorm, followed by unseasonal rain continued for a week during 5^th to 12th March, has ruined 100% standing Rabi crops and many houses with traditional mud tiles in Nanded District. We had conducted a survey to assess the extent of damage. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) had major role in the survey. The feedback was immediate need of shelter - repairing of their houses. Considering their priority we focused the relief work and surveyed the 4 severely affected villages namely Shevala (old), Shevala (New), Alur, Nandur and part of Sagroli. All the beneficiaries are either agri labour or small farmers. We found 230 houses need roof replacement either by tiles or tin. On high priority, trucks loaded with tiles were ordered directly on the site. Same day distribution of tiles and renovation of their houses was in action. Due to a helping hand, people in the villages were flooded with relief. Thanks for the wholehearted generous support of the Caring                                                                   Friends.

Formation of a Union for Donkey Welfare:

Allied with Brook Hospital for Animals, the institution has been extending the health and hygiene services for around 5000 donkeys from 114 villages in the surrounding, for the past three years under  the EQUINE Welfare Project.

                A team of 10 members actively involved in the project keep moving as a care unit around the villages, spreading awareness among the owners about the health and hygiene of the ever ignored animal in the society.  It is also realized that the Govt. has made provisions for the vaccinations and treatment for various diseases of different animals except the Donkey.  But there is no such facility made available for the mostly ignored animal like donkey.

Therefore, all the owners of donkey realized the need to form a union of Donkey Owners to seek the rightful  treatment and vaccination for the animal at Govt. Hospitals,free of cost.  The Union is also to raise its voice to include Donkeys in the animal census and extend insurance facility to them.

                Meanwhile  Maj. Chatterjee, trustee,  Brook India;  Jaizan Jalil, Mr Pramod Deshmukh and The Project Director, Rohit Deshmukh interacted with the donkey owners at a few villages about the assistance provided by the project and its effects on the animal.  The villagers and owners were happy to have such help and assistance from EQUINE Project in preparing the First Aid Box, Stables, Hoof Cutting etc.

Banana Plantation flourished on Dry Land :

Mr Nagnath Padampalle a hardworking farmer at Umraj, a remote village in Taluka Kandhar, Dist Nanded owns 7 acres dry land.  He used to harvest his crop only on 4 acres.  The rest of the 3 acre land was infertile and had no irrigation facility.

                But, now his conditions are changed as the institution’s watershed facilities reached to his land. The work is still in progress at the place with the allied efforts NABARD.

                Due to the project, The water level in the well in the farm increased. Therefore, he planted 3500 banana plants that flourished plentiful.  The farmer has extended his gratefulness towards institution's services and technical help for the plantation, from KVK at Sagroli.

Great Fun Witnessed at the Sagroli Food Festival, First Time Ever Organised:

Tanishka, Sakal Media Group and KVK, Sagroli jointly arranged ‘Sagroli Food Festival’ here at Sagroli on

8th February.  It was inaugurated by Sarpanch, Shri Prabhu Muttepod.

                There were twenty stalls serving various food preparations like Pau-Bhaji, Gulab Jamun, and a never ending list of mouth watering snacks.  Though it was arranged for the first time, it attracted

 overwhelming response from the people.

                SSM enjoys a great women resources in the form of the Self Help Groups.  They were also involve in conducting the Food Festival. In addition, the festival was also  aimed at inculcating professional skills in women.  Such festivals would provide an appropriate platform to introduce the preparations made by the self help groups.  A stall run by Mrs. Tara Thakur, displayed a message – ‘Educate Girl-Child’, An another stall focused over the Aims and Objectives of ‘Sagroli Ahead' Project.

                Shri Pramodji Deshmukh thanked Sakal Media Group for providing such an opportunity to Rural women.

“Educate your Girl Child’ the theme emphasized on the 67th Republic Day rally :

Apart from the festivity celebrated on the 26 January, this year, the students of SSM emphasized the dire need to educate  girl children.  In a rally, the students were able to reach the parents in the village with their  thought provoking slogans.  The visual presentations made by the students certainly have served the purpose.

                Secondly, another section of students dressed up as some inspiring Personalities related to Maharashtra and conveyed their messages through placards. Looking at them, Viewers remembered Keshav Karve, Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil, Govind Bhai Sharf, Savitribai Phule, Ramabai Ranade, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and Karmyogi Babasaheb Deshmukh.

                The main programme was held at SSM’s central grounds.  After  unfurling the tricolor, the Chief guest of honour, Dr Shesherao More, a renowned historian in the region, spoke about some important episodes from the Indian Independence struggle.

‘Smart Classes’ for Sainiki Vidyalaya cadets :

Every time, a new officer from the elite India forces takes over  as  the 'Commandant’of the school, the whole campus appears reenergized and become pro active, because, these officers always strive to uplift the existing standards of students,  teachers and the school as a whole

                Commander Mahato RP, from elite Indian Navy, has been no exception.  Right from the day he joined this year, he took up various issues one by one and succeeded in improving dignity and discipline at the campus. 

                This day, the entire campus and all its components exhibit a sort of Military bearing with remarkable discipline and determination.  The concept ‘Info Tech as teaching tool’ has been brought into reality when the first ‘Smart Class’ of the school was inaugurated on 26^th Jan 2014.  This is considered first step towards switching over to modern methods in imparting  quality education.

                The ocean of knowledge available on Internet and other digital media are to be brought into the class room to make the teaching highly effective. For that, Each smart class is going to be equipped with a series of gadgets like LCD projector, screen, white board, computer with internet connection, a decent and dignified atmosphere inside the class room and so on.

                It is observed that introduction of Smart Class certainly has motivated students for better achievements, increased their curiosity in learning.

                ‘By June this year, all the classes at the school are going to be modified to ‘Smart Classes’ say the Commandant Mahato.

Chacha Nehru Children’s Festival Celebrated :

‘All work, no play makes Jill a dull boy”.  True, whether its elders or youngers, develop a kind of apathy in their work, if their routine goes the same for weeks together.  In case of students also its no different.  For the same reason, the SSM plans different events for the students and staff to maintain their energy levels. 

                Similarly, ‘Chacha Nehru Children’s Festival’ is too, such an event organized by the District Women and Child Welfare Department, Nanded at the District Head Quarter on 27^th and 28^th January.

                All the inmates of the Children hostels run by the Department were invited to participate.  SSM has also sent 13 students from its two units of Children welfare hostels.

                One of the objectives of the event was to bring out the hidden talent of the hostel children.  A number of literary, cultural and athletics, other sports competitions were organized on the occasion.  It was evident that the morale of the participants was boosted in the Bi-day festival.  The SSM’s participants too returned with flying colors by bagging the First, Second places in series of events.

                In an informal gathering arranged at the campus, the Chairman, SSM, appreciated the participants.

SSM pays homage to Sudhakarrao Doiphode :

Sudhkarrao Doiphode, a senior Journalist, The Editor, ‘Dainik Prajavani’ news paper and a well known social reformist in the vicinity of  Nanded District, passed away on 22^nd Jan.

                SSM deeply mourned the sad demise of Shri Doiphade. While expressing his condolences, the chairman, SSM, felt that the organization has lost one of the its most valuable guides and a sincere supporter,  forever.  There was a unique bond developed  between Shri Doiphode and SSM.  It continued till he breathe his last.  Shri Diphode visited the campus a number of times and gave his valuable guidance to the teachers, students and all the volunteers of SSM.

                 May his soul rest in peace.

Long Live The Tradition of ‘Suryanamaskaras,’ an Indian Style of Morning Exercises :

It was an eye catching view to see 4000 students performing the healthy  exercises early in the morning, while the Sun is just on rising. The  Occasion was National Youth Day and Ratha  Saptami.

                Since ages, the ‘Suryanamaskara’ are  believed to be a ‘Complete Exercise’.  They include ten formations and breathing exercises.  The exercises strengthen  body, soul and mind.

            Since 1959, it has been a tradition of SSM to observe ‘Ratha Saptami,' and conduct mass Suryanamaskaras.  This year, in the presence of two invitees from Pune, Shri Avadhut Aaradhy and Shri Hemant Aaradhy, 4000 participants including students and staff members did ‘Suryanamaskaras’ in a circle formation.  Before it, master Shyam Hambarde briefed about the importance of ‘Suryanamaskaras.’

                District Sport Authorities Commended the event.

Book Release Ceremony :

                Manik Lokade, an ex student of Shivaji Highschol, penned his thoughts as poems and published  a collection titled, ‘Sushikshit Bekar’ (Educated unemployed youth).  He has expressed his struggling experiences and rocking support of his mother in  his hard ship.

                On 19^th February, his poetic collection was released by Shri Pramodji Deshmukh, in the auspices of Sarpanch Shri Prabhu Muttepod.  Shri Deshmukh appreciated Manik's literary work.  He also urged teachers to practice to write something everyday.

Success in Elocution Competition

Ministry for Water Supply and Sanitation, Government of Maharashtra, organized an elocution competetion on 21 January, at Nanded.  Kumari Mayuri Maharaj, Shivaji Highschool, stood second in the competition.  She was awarded with a certificate and a cash of Rs 700.

                Another District Level Elocution competition  was organised at the Janta High school Naigaon.  Kumari Mayuri Prachand, from Shivaji Highschool ranked second and  she was given a certificate and an Rs 750/- cash incentive.

Drawing Competition By Ministry of Agriculture :

In an attempt to create  awareness on ‘Save Water Movement,’ Ministry of Agriculture (GOM) organized a drawing competition for school children.  Around 70 students from Shivaji Highschool participated.

                SSM has been working in the field of ‘Watershed Development,’ for the past 25 years. So students are well acquainted with the concept of ‘Save Water’. The organisors have heartily appreciated students and teachers for their overwhelming response.

                                                                                

Drawing Competition By Sakal Media Group :

Every year Sakal Media Group conducts a ‘Drawing Competition’ for school children here at Sagroli. More than two hundred  children participated this year. The Art Masters of SSM guided students. Results are awaited.

Shiv Jayanti Celebration :

Birth Anniversary of Shri Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was celebrated on 19^th February.  Students presented some incidents from the life of Shivaji Maharaj on stage. The little play lets took the spectators back to those days of medieval period, in Maratha History.

                Sainik Vidyalaya cadets also staged a drama, ‘Maharashtra Dharma Wadavava’.  The theme was  on Shivaji’s thoughts over ‘Religious conversions. The tiny tots of Millennium English School performed a drama on ‘Shivaji’s oath to establish Swaraj’.

                All the play lets presented that day received loudest applause from the people.

Competitions on Sports and poetry writing :

Every month on the second Sunday  the parents of Sainiki Vidyalaya students are allowed to meet their wards and seek appraisal of the performance of their children. This time, for a change, the  parents were invited to witness the performances of their children in sports and games. Accordingly, competition were organized in different sports.  Everyone enjoyed the day!!

Voters' Awareness Campaign held on 18th February

‘Voting’ is fundamental right of Indian citizens.  But voters are seen highly indifferent  towards exercising this right. 15^th General Elections are fast approaching. SSM felt, It is the most appropriate time to create an awareness among voters to discharge their duty.

                On 18^th February, all the students of Shivaji Junior Basic School participated in a rally organised on ‘Voters Awareness Campaign’.  It was a joint task of Biloli Tahasil Office and Junior Basic School.  During rally, voters were  appealed to cast their votes. It was received well.

Sagroli Sunrise proves its mettle at the Mumbai Marathon :

Athletes from SSM’s Sagroli Sunrise Sports Project performed satisfactorily in the Standard Chartered International Marathon held on 19^th January at Mumbai. 

                Jnaneshwar Koldlade exhibited an excellent performance and broke all the records in  Half Marathon event.  Maroti jadhav was at the immediate follower at the event.         Sunit Kanna, Meenakshi Pawar, Maroti Takle, Sharadchandra Khapate, Mahav Shewate were the other athletes to have recorded appreciable success in 42 KM run.

                Mr Carlton Pareira, Sultan Dhurani from Mumbai associated with the sponsorship of the project and Shri Pramodji Deshmukh complimented the success.

Our Village Goes to School

SSM’s consistent struggle for the quality improvement and an overall development of the Rural commuity has been carried out through a number of projects.  All projects aim at activity based teaching and learning processes for the enlightenment of the beneficieries.

                Thus, An activity proposed in English language course book (std. VI)  has been executed  in the village for creating an environment helpful in learning English Language. The walls of houses in the village have been painted with a variety of vocabulary and illustrations.  This has increased the curiosity in language learning outside the class room.  Children enjoy reading spellings, their meanings, phrases, synonyms, antonyms etc.

                Besides English Language, Mathematical Formulae and different facts in Science have also been illustrated on the walls.   The impact was evident. 

Commencement of HSC and SSC Board Examination 2013-14 :

The Board Examinations for the SSC and HSC this year were commenced on 3^rd of March.  Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Highschool has been the examination centre for many years.

                Around 310 students from SCS Highschool, MCVC and Sainiki Vidyalaya are taking the exams after a thorough preparation and revision of their studies. All the outgoing students were bid a farewell.

Marathi Language Day Celebrated:

The birth anniversary of the great Marathi poet ‘Kusumagraj’, Mr V.V, Shirwadkar has been celebrated as the Marathi Language Day, on 27^th Feb.

                The Department of Marathi in SCS Highschool arranged a  programme to mark respect to the celebrity.Many children spoke on the history of the language and the contribution of men of letters in Marathi literature. 

Commencement of Geography Talent Search Examination :

The examination was arranged at SCS High school on 1^st December to motivate students to be curious and gain more information through studying Geography.

                It was perhaps for the first time that around 136 rural students took the examination and 80 students have gained success.  The coordinator, Mr Pramod Bhandare’s efforts were recognized by the Geography Talent search Centre at Mumbai and he was duly felicitated. 

Gold and Silver Medals at the competitive written examination on ‘Gandhian School of Thought’:

The Mahatma Gandhi Research Foundation, Jalna conducts a prestigious written examination on ‘Gandhian School of Thought’, every year. Thousands of students take part in the competition from all over Maharashtra.  This year too, the students of SCS high School bagged 2 Gold, 2 Silver and 2 Bronze medals.  The winners, Pradeep (VI), Shradha (X), Ankita (VI), Prasad and Sharvani were felicitated at the campus.

Sanps......