Candle Light Ceremony
The candle light Service is solemn, unique, beautiful – aperfect blend of ethics and aesthetics. Introduced in 1934 first as a memorial service for the late Mr. Paul Appasamy, it later became a service of dedication in the year 1935 – ’36 when the House System was introduced. The cistern in the midst of our compound, donated by Mrs. J.R. Narasaiah, was instituted solely for this purpose.
The ceremony begins at dusk with the students assembled in the beautifully decorated auditorium – which on this occasion stands as an irrefutable trade mark of the deft precision of the decorator’s fingers. The students are clad in white – radiating an air of purity, innocence and oneness. As darkness descends upon the face of the earth, the electric lights are switched off, plunging the hall into darkness. The students then begin their march towards the stage while the soft mellifluous ‘Ave Maria’ floats from the piano keys. The darkness gradually lifts as lighting their lamps from the stage, the students arrange themselves in the shape of India in accurate formation. This arrangement signifies the spread of the light of knowledge all through the nation – the symbolism of ‘Lighted to Lighten’ being beautifully illustrated.
Then follows the reading out of passages from the Gita, Bible and the other scriptures as all heads bow in reverence. The speech by a distinguished visitor and responsive prayers participated in by the pupils. Then into the still night rings out the music of ‘Unto knights in the days of old’ as the students step out into the darkness and file past towards the cistern. Their voices echo and re-echo in the night as they arrange themselves around it. Rueful that the service has come, all too soon, to an end, the students silently float their candles in the water – an action signifying the spread of knowledge all the world over. The water reflects the lights of a hundred faces. The service thus draws to a close.
Sarvodaya
Founded on the principles of the Mahatma, Vidyodaya has attempted to inculcate in her students the highest codes of conduct. The ideals of non-violence and peace and the ideal of the brotherhood of man have been an essential part of the childhood of several thousands of girls.
Every Thursday afternoon, during the lunch break, there is a unique programme called ‘Sarvodaya’ in the school. The students assemble to listen to Bhajans being sung to the background of the Charka. There are a group of girls spinning during this time. Passages are read from the works of Gandhiji. An atmosphere of peace and serenity pervades when Sarvodaya is in progress and all the students and teachers participate in singing ‘RaghupathyRaghava’ at the end.
Un Club
Two devastating wars, the second fought out with deadlier sophisticated weapons, left the peoples of the world shaky but wiser. They started thinking of living as peaceful neighbours in human brotherhood and the result was the birth of the solid world body – The United Nations Organisation. Ever since it came into existence the UNO is striving hard to establish peace and to promote healthier relations between the countries of the world, while its special bodies work for the economic and social advancement of the people.
The Government of India, on August 31, 1934, in a press release, announced the names of six schools in the country including Vidyodaya chosen to carry out the UNESCO scheme of experimental activities in education. This resulted in the formation of the U.N. Club in Vidyodaya, in place of the already existing International Club.
The students of the High school and lately the students of the Middle School also are the members of the U.N. Club.
Each class takes up the study of a topic based on the theme of the year with Class XI taking up the study of UNO, its formation, its organs, its specialised agencies and all their varied activities with special accent on the achievements of the UNO thus far. Maps , charts and models pertaining to the subject are made by each class. In seuccession each class arranges an exhibition displaying the results of their sustained efforts, with artistic elegance. Students of the particular class act as guides and eloquently express the significance of each exhibit. The best exhibits of each class are chosen to be displayed on the great day. With a trophy being awarded to the class putting up the best exhibition there is a sense of keen competition evoked in the students who strive hard to attain perfection.
The UN Day celebration is always been a highlight of the activities. The UN Club choir learns a good many songs of different countries and provides a rich fare. Folk dances and plays reflecting the theme of the year are presented.
The hall and the auditorium where the day’s programme takes place is a symphony of blue and white, (the colours on the UN Flag) the flags and pictures adorning the stage and the walls all round form other attractions.
As a wonderful day draws to its close leaving the students infinitely richer in knowledge, their minds echo the message for the day warming their hearts and inspiring them to greater heights of glory, and leading them on thorough new paths envisaging a wondrous world of harmony and peace.
Vanamahotsav
‘ A thing of beauty is a joy forever’ – said Keats and it is not very difficult to find a thing of beauty. It is everywhere around us. The huge and tall trees, the little growing plants and the colourful flowers of different shades offer an incessant delight to our eyes.
In order to respect and revere nature and growing things, our Schools celebrate Vanamahotsava, a tree-planting service every year. A beautiful service is held annually to appreciate the infinite beauty in Nature and to express our thanks to the Creator.
The Tree Planting Ceremony was first held in the year 1950 – ‘51 after a beautiful service in the hall decorated like a green arbour. Smt. K. Asirvatham planted a Royal Palm as a symbol of the grace and dignity of plant life.
