Ekadaksha Learning Center

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The month of November began with a surprise for the children at Ekadaksha.Yes!! A surprise "Halloween party" was arranged at the center on the 1st of November. It was an initiative of 'Dhaara', MCTM International School,Chennai. This plan was proposed by Ms. Saanvi, a Grade 12 student who collaborated with CAS (Grade 11) students of the school. The boys and girls decorated the center with "Halloween theme".Games like - Ghost cup knockdown,Witch hat ring toss,Pumpkin toss were arranged in different rooms.There was a photo booth arranged with different halloween props and a tattoo corner where children could choose designs to be painted on their hand or face. 

Ekadaksha was decked up so colorfully with hanging bats,spiders,balloons,colorful posters,hanging ghosts etc giving a true feeling of Halloween. As children of Ekadaksha entered the center at 10.30am they were excited to see the lovely and warm welcome by the MCTM team.

Each class of Ekadaksha were given two student volunteers from MCTM School.The student volunteers were introduced to the class children and they started interacting with them.The volunteers assisted their class throughout the programme. They helped the children in playing games,taking them around, taking pictures with props and at the tattoo corner. In every game room,the MCTM team encouraged and motivated the children of Ekadaksha- they explained the rules,gave a demo and then cheered the children to play the game.They also gave gifts to the winners. After the game time,photoshoot and drawing of tattoos,the students of MCTM gave a peppy dance performance which was so enjoyable.Children of Ekadaksha too joined the dance and it was so much fun.At the end,there was a soothing music performance by one of their students to which everyone sat and listened with a feeling of calmness filling the air.

The event ended with a vote of thanks given by a student of MCTM Inernational school followed by Ms.Archana Joshi,Founder of ELC,thanking everyone for making this wonderful event happen at Ekadaksha. Exciting goodie bags were given by the MCTM team to the staff and children of Ekadaksha. 

This event was one of a kind where our children had the opportunity to interact and enjoy with neurotypical children of their age group.It was very touching to see the children interacting with each other. Inclusion was happening in a casual manner where children of Ekadaksha felt so much at ease to interact and get along with MCTM students.The students and teachers understood our children well and gave inputs in such a way our children could process and understand. They made the whole atmosphere very comfortable. 

Ekadaksha thanks the Principal of MCTM International school for encouraging this project 'Dhaara' and to the teachers Ms.Papitha and Ms. Janani, for making sure the show ran smoothly. Thankyou to Ms. Saanvi, whose idea, thought and planning made this event a great success and learning. A big shout out to all the students who participated and played their roles perfectly. Thankyou. 

This kind of inclusion and opportunity is what we strive for.It was a wonderful opportunity and exposure for the children of Ekadaksha and all of them enjoyed the event whole heartedly. 

Click here to see the wonderful pictures of the Halloween event.

Deepavali is the festival of lights.Deepavali or Diwali is one of the favorite festivals for children for the joy of bursting crackers.People celebrate Diwali by lighting diyas,preparing sweets and savories,performing Lakshmi puja and by bursting crackers.It is also believed that Diwali is celebrated to mark the triumph of light over darkness,destruction of the evil "Narakasura" and to celebrate the victory people light diyas and burst fireworks.

At Ekadaksha,Children came wearing bright colorful dress to celebrate Diwali with joy.A small story was narrated describing how god came and destroyed the evil asura "Narakasura".Once the evil was removed ,to symbolise the spread of brightness and light,Children came one by one and lit diyas.A big diya was stuck on the wall and all children stuck diyas in it and the center was illuminated with diyas looking bright and colorful.

Then came the most awaited part - Bursting of crackers.It was made children friendly where balloons were filled with colorpaper and then blown up balloons were tied on a rope.Instead of real crackers,children came one by one and pricked the balloon.The bursting sound and laughter filled the space.Few children were hesitant to burst the balloon while few came forward with interest to do it.They choose to say their option of "Yes or No" through the Avaz app using which they communicate their wants and needs.Few children like Deva,Sahana inititally said no to burst the balloon but seeing other children doing it,they too came forward to burst the balloon.Every one enjoyed the bursting sound and it was a different experience for the children.Loud noise and sound may be disturbing for our children and they at times get irritated,but this diwali,exposing them to different sounds gave us an opportunity to realize that children do enjoy sounds when given in a child friendly and customized manner.Once they get used to it,they are able to adapt well and accept the loud sound and noise that usually happens all around during diwali time.

They also had a lovely group photograph time with their classes and enjoyed the free dance and ended the celebration with joy and smiles.

Click here to see the happy faces and the celebration.

The remedial children also had a great time celebrating Diwali.They shared their thoughts speaking few lines about diwali and had a solo and group picture.

Click here to see the diwali celebration of remedial children.

Beyond the festive lights and decorations,deepavali carries a deeper message,that,it is a reminder that goodness and truth will always triumph over evil and darkness.Spreading light and love,Diwali is a time of happiness and togetherness.Lets celebrate it together and spread love and light.Happy Diwali to all.

Navratri is a nine-day festival celebrated in all parts of India,each region celebrating it in different forms.The festival is dedicated to the worship of goddess Durga and her nine forms. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil. In the south,people decorate their homes beautifully by putting "Bommai kolu", while in the North they decorate pandals and worship goddess durga. There are various dances like garba, dandiya, kolattam etc. which are performed in different parts of the country. 

At Ekadaksha Learning Center,Navratri was celebrated with a skit,dance performance and golu - A mix of all traditions followed in the country.

The message that,"Everyone has the power to chase the evil and make room for good things to happen" - was conveyed to the children by performing a simple skit. As everyone gathered to celebrate Navratri with their beautiful dresses and enthusiasm,the celebrations couldn't begin as a demon entered the place and was disturbing everyone. The demon was hindering them from celebrating happily. All the children and teachers then seeked help to chase the demon away.As they cried for help,Goddess Durga appeared before them and said that she would help them by giving power to each and every child to chase the demon(evil) away. One by one,all the children came and hit the demon with a painted arrow. Finally the demon got scared and ran out of the center.Thus,it was understood that everyone of us has the power to chase away the evil within us and around us. Once the bad is removed we make room for good things to happen.

Click here to see the pictures of our children chasing the demon away.

Then the festivities began with a simple kolu - a display of art and craft products made by our children using waste materials. Click here to see the "Art from waste" - a display of products made by children of Ekadaksha  which adorned the kolu.After this,a simple puja was done and the importance of Health,Wealth,Knowledge and Happiness was explained using charts and music.On the auspicious occasion of Navratri everyone offered prayers to Goddess Durga seeking good health,wealth,knowledge and happiness. The children were then given a chance to look at the kolu and clicked group pictures.

This was followed by a vibrant dance performance by the ExpressA children and teachers, celebrating the triumph of good over evil.

Click here to see the Navratri celebration pictures.

The remedial children too had a good time celebrating Navratri.They had an interaction about Navratri,each one sharing their thoughts on Navratri and showing their Art from waste. They took pictures showing the kolu craft they made and also had a group picture together. The celebration ended with a garba dance followed by yummy snacks. 

Click here to see the navratri celebration of remedial children.

Navratri is a celebration of faith,culture and unity.It brings people together. The colorful attire,energetic dance and devotional songs and music filling the air,it creates an atmosphere of joy,happiness and togetherness.Lets together celebrate Navratri making room for good and beautiful things to happen in our lives.Happy Navratri to everyone.