“The main purpose of education should be to impart a culture of the heart.” —Amma
“Amritam Project”, a project initiated by Amrita Institutions, aims to fulfil this vision of Amma by spreading universal happiness. Amma believes that every individual is endowed with the capacity to help others, and the various activities undertaken by the ashram under her able guidance is proof of how willingness to help transforms society into a better place to live in. The only qualities required for this is self-motivation and an attitude of selflessness. These values, if instilled in the minds of students at a tender age, will help in uplifting society and the self.
The first event of Amrita Vidyalayam, Juinagar for the academic year 2016-17 was the introduction of the Amritam Project to our teachers and students. A core group of teachers and student coordinators were formed in order to carry out the work efficiently and sincerely. Through a short and inspiring story, Principal Brni. Rekha explained the importance of the maxim, “Where there is a will, there is a way”. The students were brimming with excitement at the thought of dedicating their time and effort for such a project. They had unique ideas and were enthusiastic to put them into practice at the earliest. Detailed instructions on how to carry out the activities throughout the year were discussed. Akhilesh Muraleedharan was appointed Student President for the Amritam Project by our Principal Ma’am.
| PROJECT | TEACHERSINCHARGE | CHIEF COORDINATOR | COORDINATOR |
| Sevamritam | Ms. Sreedevi , Ms. Shibina | Nishant Raj | Simant Khatua, Aditya Hegde |
| Sealing of desires | Ms. Vaishali, Ms. Kala | Urvi Bhatt | Anvisha Pathak |
| Bhooth Yagnam | Ms. Poorvi | Neha Ashok | Tanishq Sharma |
| Wealth from Waste | Ms. Monika Sularia, Ms. Neetu | Shrutika Naik | Sohail Khan |
| Grihamritam | Ms. Sunita, Ms. Resham | Nitya Nair | Vandana Chauhan |
All the projects were started on an auspicious note on Monday, June 13, 2016.
The Sevamritam Project – “A handful of rice and a heart full of love” was inaugurated by our Principal Ma’am Brni. Rekha after lighting the lamp and offering prayers at the lotus feet of Amma. Students from classes I through higher secondary brought rice which was collected by the teachers. This will be sorted and donated to needy families adopted by the school at the end of the month.
The birthdays of students were celebrated as part of the Snehamritam Project by calling them on to the stage during morning assembly. On this day, the teacher announces a good action that the birthday student has pledged to undertake. Principal Ma’am personally offered sweets and blessed the students.
Wealth from Waste created cloth bags from old school uniforms which will be distributed among people in need to spread the message of keeping the environment safe by reducing plastic. It was very thrilling to see the eager students bringing old uniforms and turning them into cloth bags.
Students were informed about the opportunities available to them to serve and how there are so many people in the world who lack the basic necessities in life. As part of the Sealing of Desire Project, they were guided to thank the almighty for the abundance that they enjoy, and were urged to seal some of their desires in order to foster a feeling of compassion towards the needy. Each class room has a piggy bank where students write about the desires that they have given up.
Five bird feeders and water bowls were placed on the school premises as a part of the Bhootha Yagnam Project. Students from pre-primary through Grade II bring grains on days allotted to them. This will help us to build compassion in our hearts not only towards our fellow human beings, but also to Mother Nature who nurtures us.
Value education can take place at home, in schools and anywhere we are. If young minds are channelled to think and care not only about themselves, but also about their surroundings, the world would become a better place to live in. With this in mind, the Grihamritam Project was introduced, wherein every child will mention in class how in his/her own small way their actions contributed towards making their surroundings a better place to live in. Students are given a choice of actions for each week which will help in focusing on one activity per week, such as saving electricity, making sure the garbage is sorted into dry/wet waste, conserving water, etc.
Our teachers and students are very enthusiastic about making sure that each of the projects are successfully carried out. We thank Amma for showing us the way to create a better world.
