Strides Newsletter - October 2022 - Issue 196
- Early Intervention and V-Excel Remedial Center
- Kaleidoscope Learning Center
- V-Excel Educational Trust
- Satellite Centers
- Vocational Training Unit
- Youth Empowerment Services
Counseling & Assessments
From Radhika Sasankh's Desk
....
Early Intervention and V-Excel Remedial Centre
From the staff of Early Intervention and V-Excel Remedial Centre
Greetings from Early Intervention and the Remedial Unit!
Every festival in India is welcomed with big celebrations and a unison of cultures.
During the month of October - two important festivals – Dusshehra and Diwali were celebrated. Dussehra coincides with the culmination of the nine-day Navrathri festival and also it marks the beginning of preparation for Diwali, which occurs just after Navrathri. During Navrathri, the Goddess is worshipped in her various forms as Durga Lakshmi and Saraswati particularly in South India.
Golu is the festive display of dolls and figurines in South India during Navrathri.These displays are typically thematic, narrating a legend from Hindu text to weddings, everyday scenes and decorations using steps. Colourful rangolis or kolams are done and special dishes such as sundal which are made of legumes, sweets, fruits, betel leaves, coconut along with kumkum are distributed every day.
Early Intervention and Remedial unit celebrated Dussehra by involving the kids in painting diyas and making potpourri. Every activity of EI has a therapy goal and painting of diya also was done with the aim of developing their imagination, recognize shades and colours, enthusiasm to explore and the eye hand coordination skills along with sensory stimuli.
Potpourri is a mixture of dried scented flowers and leaves whose combined aroma gives a pleasing and natural fragrance to the place where it is kept. We have been making these with the help of our staff and children. This time, we made a gift hamper for our donors with the items that were made by our students with the assistance of our staff. This was done as a mark of gratitude to all those who have been supporting us and without whom, it was not possible to bring a difference.
Success story:
We always strive for excellence and in this field of special education, it is the improvement that our children show, be it small or big, gives us the confidence and motivation to assure our quality and work.
Sharing the success story of Ms. Anagha, who has been coming to us for the past few months.
Anagha is currently studying in 10th std in P.S. sr. Secondary school and was referred to us with concerns of lack of focus, concentration, lack of Interest in studies and reluctance to go to school. Ms.Lavanya Ashok – Our coordinator who is also an Educator started working with the student on her Self-esteem. She used different strategies to make concepts clear and also started working on study skills and techniques. She was also motivating the girl through her conversations and lending a patient ear to Anagha's concerns. After working with the girl for around three months, we could see a marked change in the girl that was reflecting in her behavior and school performance. She was able cope up with her exams and could score well in her Term-1. exam. It was more of an emotional support and study skills that she required and we are quite happy with the results. Presenting you a graphic representation of her change in performance levels.
With Santa Claus and jingle bells on the way, we are getting ready for Christmas and also plans for the World Disability Day on Dec 3 rd. Will be back with more interesting news!!!
Kaleidoscope Learning Centre
From Shashikala Subramaniam's Desk
Dussehra / Navarathri season this year was a grand affair in all units of V-Excel, Chennai. During the Dussehra holidays, teachers from KLC went visiting the YES and VTU units to see the Golu arranged by the teachers and trainees, have Sundal and get Thamboolam, so traditional of this festival. There was a feeling of warmth, welcome and camaraderie and a feeling of togetherness. Thank you, Charu and Gayathri and all staff of these units, for this beautiful experience.
Vijayadashami. the last day of Dussehra, when Evil was vanquished by Good and gave rise to a new beginning, is also a day when new students start their schooling. In keeping with this tradition, KLC had 3 new students and 1 old student who had not been coming, join on 5th October. To celebrate this Day, we had a small pooja of Goddess Saraswathi by Vasanthi aunty.
Returning to school after long term holidays and settling down into a routine, for the students, is a challenging task. Music is one of the sure ways to help them. Senior school teachers and students, got together to plan this term's vocations, activities, the Bazaar, the play, mentioning what they needed by way of therapy and work. We have seen these students become more interactive in designing the curriculum to suit their needs, with the help of our teachers. It has been working well and effectively.
KLC vocational products found a market in "Pehnava" of Welcome group exhitbition held on October 8th at Welcome hotel. We got some order enquiry for our bamboo Planters too.
Diwali season follows Dussehra and our vocational group, particularly the candle making vocation got ready for this. They worked on painting mud diya with beautiful colours, decorating them and then filling them with Wax to convert it into "Candle Diyas". We offered it to our parents for sale and found a good market for it. They were very satisfied with the product too.
Tarang, for the month of October was by Savita Sreeram and her team. She kept the children and adults mesmerised by her bhajans, abhangs and singing at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan on 20th October. The students are exposed to various genres of singing by the artists who perform in Tarang and music always has been a favourite form of therapy for the students.
Dr. Vasudha Prakash was invited to address the audience in an International Conference on Learning Disability held on 21st October arranged by Hamsa (Rehab for KIds). She was also ably assisted by Nitya Venkatesh, one of our teachers, apart from others from V-Excel. Almost most of the conference was activity, movement based, and everyone enjoyed being a part of these activities.
Diwali celebrations in KLC has always been sensory friendly the last few years, with only lights, music, and snacks for those who attend. This year we wanted to bring in the feeling of togetherness and holding into the celebration. We invited all the parents of our students for a beautiful evening of music, dance, lights and dinner on Friday, 21st October. It was a mystical evening. Many parents with their children, other family members, joined us along with some friends of V-Excel. A few comments:
"Lovely Diwali celebration today – Lights, Music and tasty food are wonderful. Niranjan and all of us enjoyed today's celebration. Thank you"
"Thank you for yet another memorable celebration with lovely songs, beautiful lights and tasty food. We truly enjoyed the evening."
"Beautifully organised and we had a wonderful evening, thank you so much, we had a good time."
"This Diwali is special to Divya. Thanks for teaching us, to celebrate Diwali in an eco-friendly way. I am feeling happy as you all were taking care my child carefully and got her involved in the celebration. Thank once again to the whole team."
Gita adds, I would also like to add that this dinner was sponsored by Subbu and Shashi. A beautiful gesture by them to celebrate and share their joy on the occasion of their daughter Sara's wedding. Subbu has been a staunch supporter of V- Excel for the longest time and has brought to us many connections and many such occasions. We truly appreciate your gesture dear Shashi and Subbu.
Karthick, one of our special educators /teachers, participated in Chennai District Roller skating Championship 2022 conducted in the last week of October at Nehru Indoor Stadium and won the 4th prize. He is a teacher who is in-charge of our carpentry vocation and a calm, dedicated and purposeful person around the boys in school. Congratulations Karthick.
A short, interesting story about the setting up of our full-fledged Weaving Vocation in KLC. Uma, a parent of Prasaad (seen in the photo inaugurating the loom), one of our students had been requesting us for the last few years to involve our students and Prasaad in weaving as it is very therapeutic for them. After many failed attempts to do so, we finally started weaving as a vocation, in this academic year. But it was on very small or roughly designed frames. But we still saw the students enjoying working on them.
Finally in the month of October, Kavitha our curriculum coordinator identified a person who had designed a weaving loom for special students to work on, in Arni, Thiruvannamalai District. Long story short, we found that sponsorship for this frame came as if destined for us, hosiery yarn came from Thirupur and the Loom came to KLC. We inaugurated it on 27th October. All through the event, Prasaad had a huge smile on his face.
Art as a therapy both in group and individually, has been part of KLC curriculum for many years. And when therapy happens, the paintings that emerge from these sessions are beautiful and the students come up with apt descriptions and write ups about it. V-Excel organised TATTVA 2022, an art exhibition for paintings and artwork by and for students and trainees with special needs at Museum of Possibilities. KLC's students' paintings were also displayed for both sale and exhibition.The exhibition was visited by many parents, friends, well-wishers of V-Excel and much appreciated. A few of the paintings were also sold.There were totally 8 artist's work exhibited from KLC.They were all felicitated by the chief guest. Prasaad who was one of our artists was present there and he received the medal, a certificate and a gift voucher from the chief guest.
Feedback: The children's skills, imagination and emotions flowed so easily into their art which was beautiful, heartwarming and delightful to see. The captions were meaningful and inspirational with a positive message which was not to be missed. Kudos to the children, their parents and the whole team of V-Excel.
Click here to view the feedback published in New Indian Express newspaper on 31-Oct-2022
V-Excel Educational Trust
Festival celebrations
Festival celebrations are an integral part of V-Excel.
Navratri 2022 at YES was a grand event this year. Thanks to the support of the donors of steps and dolls, we could have a beautiful Golu at the Mylapore centre. This was covered in the well known local newspaper, Mylapore Times Newspaper Mylapore Times. An elaborate article about the Golu and the very purpose of it was published on 01 October edition of Mylapore Times.
To make it more special, YES golu has been selected as one of the winners of their Golu contest this year.
Training Program
On 08-Oct-2022, Gita Bhalla and Puja Bhalla conducted a workshop named Reading, Writing and Math enrichment in primary grades at NSN Memorial Senior Secondary School, Chrompet. 50 teachers participated from NSN Memorial Senior Secondary School.
Workshops were well received by participants
Youth Empowerment Services celebrated its ninth birthday
Youth Empowerment Services (YES) celebrated its ninth birthday on 11-Oct-2022.
We had a very special person as the Guest of Honor - Mr. V. Nandakumar IRS, Additional Commisioner, Income Tax Department. He shared his experiences as a remedial instructor and also interacted with the trainees and answered all their questions with patience.
To further mark the occasion, we released the first edition of YES's newsletter. This was put together by the newsletter club consisting of 7 trainees and 2 staff members. Mr. Nandakumar was gifted the first print issue and he shared his appreciation and wishes to the team.
We take this opportunity to thank him for taking the time to visit us and for his words of encouragement.
The Wisdom for living was a series of talks
The Wisdom for living was a series of talks. The topic on Sat.15 Oct. was "Spiritual filters for effective communication." The speaker on that day was, V-Excel Founder- Trustee, Dr. Vasudha Prakash.
A very well attended and much appreciated talk by V-Excel Founder-Director Dr. Vasudha Prakash, on Saturday 15th October at The Theosophical Society. Great venue, eloquent speaker, engaged audience, loads of take aways and food for thought and discussion on a weekend.
Free Dental Camp
Thank you to Dr. Geetha M. and Dr. Uma for setting up the free Dental Camp for our EI trainees and staff, at Sharadha on Saturday 15th October 2022. Was really helpful for parents to know how to take care of the teeth of their children, correct brushing techniques and the maintenance of the same.
The Doctors were touched to receive tokens of appreciation handmade by our trainees.
Volunteer services - Setting up a help desk for Therapeutic rehabilitation in DEIC (District Early Intervention Center), Stanley Hospital, Chennai
The Early Intervention unit of V-Excel, has been providing services for children with special needs for the last twenty years. We have extended our volunteer services by setting up a help desk for Therapeutic rehabilitation in DEIC (District Early Intervention Center) of Stanley Hospital for the past five months with our therapist, Mr. Vasanth. So far we have catered 72 students with various conditions therapeutically. Home programs are also given to the parents. Since the last two months, we have extended our services, with our Sr. Special Educator Ms. Mary Stella Arulraj providing Remedial services for children with ASD and other Developmental disabilities, Learning disabilities, speech Delay, ADHD . The services are provided once a week.
We are happy to share the news that has been published by the Ananda Vikatan Magazine appreciating the work of the hospital and ours.
Click here to view the Magazine.
Tarang
The monthly Tarang concert held on Thursday, 20th October 2022 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB) - Mylapore between 2.00 p.m. - 3.00 p.m.
V-Excel Educational Trust and BVB presents Bhajans and Abhangs by Savitha Sreeram (Vocals)
The International Conference on Learning Disability organized by Hamsa Rehab for kids
On 21st October, V-Excel Founder-Director, Dr. Vasudha Prakash and KLC teacher Ms. Nitya Venkatesh were invited as speakers at The International Conference on Learning Disability organized by Hamsa Rehab for kids. Their topic was learning and movement . This was very well received by the audience who participated fully in all the activities, leant and moved with enthusiasm and energy. Many queries for teacher training and workshops on the day. We look forward to sharing our good work with more and more.
TATTVA - 2022
TATTVA 2022, Freedom of Expressions organized by V-Excel Educational Trust on Saturday, 29-Oct-2022 in conjunction with 4 other special needs institutions was a fabulous hit. The approximately 90 exhibits were composed by 35 special artists. The event had coverage from 5 Tamil channels and a leading newspaper.
TATTVA 2022 was held at the cafe space of the Museum of Possibilities, Chennai and was inaugurated at by our Founder Director Dr. Vasudha Prakash and Mrs. Revathi Shankar. V-Excel staff members proudly assisted the many guests around the gallery.
The artists were felicitated at 4:30 p.m. Mr. S. Seetharaman, Executive Chairman at Super Auto Forge (P) Ltd. along with his wife, Mrs.Radha Seetharaman, distributed medals, certificates and gift vouchers to all the participants.
Fun therapy activities were held in the ground floor of the building in which many children and adults participated and enjoyed. Face painting corner was also there.
We take this opportunity to thank the State Commissionerate for Differently Abled and Vidya Sagar for providing the space for TATTVA 2022. We also would like to thank all the parents for their wonderful support.
Media coverage of V-Excel's art exhibition, Tattva 2022, freedom of expressions.
Satellite Centers
From Jayanthi Vishwanath in Nashik
On October 2, Mahatma Gandhi Jayanthi was celebrated.
On October 4th, all the students came dressed in traditional clothes. Saraswati Puja and Arti were performed. This was followed by a Garba - Dandiya dance performance by the staff and students of all the 3 Centers. Everyone enjoyed the program.
On 8 & 9th of October, 2 special educators Suvarna and Prerna attended a Paediatric conference on Developmental disabilities at Pune. The Topic of the 2-day conference was- A Multidisciplinary Approach to Developmental Disorders.
The first term evaluation of the students was done in the second week of October by the teachers to understand the level of achievement of goal that were set for them in June this year
With the arrival of the Diwali festival season, the students soon became involved in painting of earthen lamps, making paper lanterns, tea- lights among other things.
A Diwali lunch party was organised for the students on 20th October. They were entertained by a Magician. The students and their teachers danced and sang happily and enjoyed the delicious lunch spread.
On 29th, the Vocational students, along with their parents and teachers attended a fun filled activity session organized by UDAAN foundation. It was a very entertaining and value-added session and everyone enjoyed the experience.
Erode
Greetings from all of us at the Erode Center!
Our center caters to children and adolescents through our school program and Remedial Model. Our efforts always have been to involve all of them in the activities and celebrations with the goal of educating them and giving them an opportunity to enjoy. The month of October we planned for two celebrations-Diwali and Navratri. Students were involved in activities like colouring, crafts, arranging dolls, singing, enacting and dancing. We have students of varied abilities and it was a wonderful experience to witness the sharing and caring attitude of these young hearts . We also distributed sweets and burst crackers.
Solapur
On October 1&2, A&S Events conducted a Diwali Exhibition at Lingshetti Mangal Karyalay in Solapur. Sixty-five stall holders from different states participated. Mrs. Amruta Kadadi gave us a stall to sell the beautiful things made by our children. For this exhibition, children made and sold many beautiful diyas, Akashkandils, rangolis, gift boxes and other decorative items. The hard work put in by our teachers and children won us a trophy for our participation and contribution.
GDBPCON 2022, (National Conference of Growth, Development and Behavioral Pediatrics) was held on October 8 and 9 in Pune. Dr Radhika Manchanda, Mrs. Sunita Vaidya, Mrs. Dipali Karkase, and Mrs. Deepmala Suryavanshi attended on behalf of V-Excel Solapur. The conference covered several pertinent issues such as NICU care, nutrition, sleep hygiene, challenging behaviors, anxiety and depression, hyperactivity, autism and challenges of adolescent parenting. Our participation enabled us to gain knowledge and get answers for questions which are asked of us regularly.
On 10th October Prof. Anand Jagadeesan and Shri Sivaprakash Balasubramanian visited the Solapur center. They met children, observed classrooms and discussed work patterns with teachers.
They also met parents and took feedback about our services and work and things required for center development.
On 15th of October, the V-Excel team was invited by the trustees of Siddheshwar Devasthan to spread awareness about disabilities, in pre-primary and primary sections in mainstream schools for their teachers. 65 teachers and principals from different branches of Siddheshwar School participated in this awareness program. Mrs. Sunita Vaidya and Dr Radhika Manchanda addressed the teachers about Autism, ADHD and LD. They mainly focused on symptoms, screening, red flags and how teachers could help children in their schools. An educative and interactive session followed.
On October 21, we celebrated Diwali at the center. Children decorated the premises and made the environment festive. We invited Dr. Jagdish Patil, founder of Sakav Foundation and Mr. Rahul Birajdar as Chief Guests. He inaugurated a stall specially made for selling our arts and crafts. Mr. Suraj Jamadar from Spice and Ice Event Management company entertained the children with songs. Mr. Shirish Vaidya distributed gifts and sweets to all staff members and our therapist Dr. Radhika distributed gifts to all the kids. The celebration ended with delicious snacks and sweets.
Abhyasa Kendra, Srirangam
Kolu started at Srirangam V-Excel Educational Trust on 25th September 2022. Dolls were arranged according to the tradition and religious faith and they sang hymns and recited slogas in praise of Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi. We made 3 steps to arrange the dolls.
On the 1st Step the centre placed Lord Krishna's photo, Lakshmi and Saraswathi on both sides, before the Krishna's Photo, Lord Gajalakshmi doll placed. Vinayagar, Krishna, Varahiswarar were placed.
On the 2nd step, Vishnu Avataram dolls, Lord Panduranga along with Raghumayee, Vinayagar, Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Lord Rama and Seetha, Elephant dolls were placed.
On the 3rd step, we placed Saraswathi, Laksmi, Mariyamman, Shivan, Sai baba, Ragavendrar, and Lord Krishna.
We placed other themes like Kids' toy's, Mud Pot, Chettiyaar Stall, Fruits and vegetable, Playing Carrom board, Park and transport theme.
Below the three steps we placed Kumbam. Did Pooja for the Kolu dolls thrice a day. Every day we offered one variety of Neivethyam (Sundal, Pasipayaru, etc).
Staff and Parents also participated in the Kolu, offered a gift to the children and gave thamboolam to staff and parents.
Daily staff or Parents did bhajans in the afternoon during Pooja time.
Last day we called our dearest Bhagavathar Mr. Venkatesan and sang bhajans along with the trainees, did the Pooja and distributed prasadhams to all.
From Outreach Remedial Center, Pollachi
Dyslexia Awareness Rally
October being Dyslexia awareness month, we at Out Reach Remedial Center, Pollachi(In association with V-Excel Educational Trust, Chennai) conducted a Dyslexia awareness rally on 19 October, 2022, with 60 students (50 students from school adoption program + 10 students from Outreach Remedial Center).
Students were given placards about Dyslexia awareness and they raised slogans about Dyslexia and its strengths.
Mrs. Shymala Navaneetha Krishnan, Municipal Chairman, Pollachi flagged off the rally. Ms. Selvi. Headmistress, VSRA Middle school, Mr. Bala Murugan, Trustee and Dr. Manju, Trustee, Staffs of our school adoption program and Remedial center were present.
Mr. Arun, Proprietor, Vaidhyanath Associates and Mr. Ramesh Prabhu, Managing Director, Spark Chem sponsored caps and refreshments for students. Mr. Christopher, band master and team played the drums, to cheer our students and grab the attention of the public.
Government school students, were picked up in a bus from school and they assembled in the Municipal office. From there they were taken to a rally for 200 metre and after refreshment, they were dropped back in school.
This Dyslexia awareness rally was a shout out to the common public from our government school adoption program students that Dyslexia is not a disease, it's a skill set and ability and we are capable of learning and doing things differently.
From Anandam Learning Center, Ambattur
Greetings from Anandam Learning Center!
Thematic classroom decorations were prepared on account of inauguration of the new building of Ananda Karuna Vidyalayam.
The grand inauguration of our school was done by our Honorable Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitaraman during which our children chanted Veda and sang the school prayer songs.
For the Diwali celebration, we had two donors. One, a member of the Microsoft company who was interested to know about us connected through a virtual meeting to see our children's performances that included a dance on National song, Patriotic songs, Speech, Students experience after they joined our school. Parents sharing about the school. The teachers also explained about the curriculum being followed and regular activities for the children scheduled for a day at school.
On the evening of Diwali, our donors visited the center and distributed new dress and sweets for the students. A small program was organized that was well appreciated by all. We also involved our children in activities like coloring and drawing on the theme of Diwali. We could clearly understand the hidden talents of our students that was also visible in the art exhibition conducted at the Museum of Possibilities, Chennai.
Six of our children took part in TATTVA-2020 art exhibition with the support of V-Excel at Museum of Possibilities. This program was to focus and showcase the artistic talents of our special need students. The paintings and drawings of the students were exhibited. Our students won medal and certificates along with gift vouchers and they also took part in all the activities conducted there.
Wishes from the whole Anandam team and shall update with more interesting events in our November strides.
Vocational Training Unit
From Charumathi Sriram's Desk
Therapy based art activity by Supraja
Therapy based art activity by Lokesh
Functional Academics : Ramp walk training
This month began with auspicious Vijayadasami Puja celebration, stall at Pehnava ITC WelcomeGroup Hotel, Diwali celebration along with our usual vegetable packing project and executing orders.
Vijayadashami Puja On 5th October 2022
Vijayadasami puja was performed at VTU. Teachers came early and prepared payasam and sundal. Trainees joined and helped them. Vadhyar came and performed the puja at all the places including trust room, block printing and the Sreyes outlet. Everyone was given thambulam bags stitched by the trainees and teachers.
V-Excel Stall At Pehanava ITC Welcomegroup Hotel On 8th October 2022
VTU had a stall along with other units at Welcome Group ITC Hotel by Pehnava. Mani, Charu and trainee Ashwin manned the stall for the 2nd half of the day. It was well received and the Chief Guest was happy to promote our product in her You tube channel as live.
Charu, Usha, Bhagawathy along with 5 trainees went to golu at YES. The Golu was very beautiful with a theme.
An order was received for block printing on plain bedspread by Sakthi Ladies Wing of Hindustan Petroleum Company Limited, Chennai. Trainees were happy to print with the help of the teachers and more of them were involved in this process.
As part of the curriculum trainee, Supraja was sent to buy groceries and vegetables for VTU and was taught to use debit card as a shopping experience. Trainer Bhagawathy followed her but she was 5 feet behind and watched her. An orientation was given to her before the actual training. List of items were asked to prepare by her and the ATM pin was given to her and also taught her how to maintain confidentiality.
Tarang At BVB, Mylapore On 20th October 2022
VTU trainees, teachers and staff attended Tarang, performed by Ms. Savita Sreeram on Vocals. She sang bhajans and abhangs and all trainees enjoyed as most of it were known to them.
Diwali Celebrations with Friends on 22nd October 2022
VTU had Diwali celebration at the center along with volunteers from TQI and friends. Trainees lit the candles and prayed for the well-being of the society. They started bursting crackers, flower pots, etc. Those who had fear also started volunteering to burst the crackers. It was fun filled celebrations.
V-Excel Art Exhibition on 29th October 2022
An art exhibition was organized by our PR team. All units made their students and trainees express their talent through art. Expert team selected few for sale and others for display. It was conducted at the Museum for Possibilities and the Chief Guest was Mr. Seetharaman of Managing Director of Super Auto Forge. He gave certificate and medal for the trainees whose artwork was displayed for sale. From VTU, Lokesh, Chandra, Naryanan and Supraja's paintings were selected and were displayed. Five of their paintings were bought by few visitors. It was a grand event and was covered in most of the leading channels and daily.
Apart from the above events, our usual therapy, counselling, and functional academics, vegetable packing project were on regular basis weekly.
Trainees were busy with their usual vocational activities of executing order of lunch bags, pen stand and other bead work on surukku bags
Youth Empowerment Services
From Gayathri Suryanarayanan's Desk
Key highlights for the month of October 2022
• Vocational training program, Counselling and Therapy services.
• Participation in the Pehnava exhibition
• Kolu award from Mylapore Times
• Launch of YES Newsletter – YES birthday
• Celebrations
o Vijayadasami
o Diwali
• Internship with Accor group of hotels for YES trainees
• Participation in the Art exhibition
• Production
Participation in Pehnava exhibition at ITC Welcomhotel, Chennai
On 08 October 2022, YES team participated in the Pehnava exhibition organised by Ms. Shubha Jagan at ITC, Welcomhotel, Chennai. The exhibition started at around 11 am and went on till 7.30 pm. YES team were there in the morning to set up the stall and stayed back till lunch. Products from YES were displayed and got very good feedback.
Award for YES golu from Mylapore Times
As part of our Navratri celebrations, we had arranged a grand Golu at YES and the same was shared in the media also. We had also registered for the golu contest conducted by Mylapore Times. On 06 October we got the message from the magazine that our golu has been selected for an award. YES golu was one among 10 winners in the golu contest. YES received gift vouchers, one quilling doll and a photo frame as gifts.
Launch of YES newsletter on YES birthday
11 October 2022, YES unit completed its successful 8 years and steeped into the ninth year of operations. The preparations started about a month back and plan was to launch the first edition of YES newsletter on the anniversary day. A group of 7 trainees were selected and the newsletter club was formed. Trainees were given responsibilities like designing the layout, collecting data regarding the prominent events, milestones, celebrations and collecting pictures for the same. Trainees participated with lot of enthusiasm and it took about a week's time to put together everything and finally the newsletter got printed in house.
On the day of the anniversary, we had a special guest Mr. Nandakumar IRS, Asst Commissioner – Income tax department visiting our centre. He addressed the trainees and gave a motivational talk on self-confidence and self-motivation. Mr. Nandakumar also took time to interact with all the trainees before he launched the first edition of the YES newsletter. The newsletter club members were called and a group picture was taken.
Internship with Accor group of hotels
On 11 October, 3-member team from Accor group of hotels visited YES. This visit is the follow up of the meeting YES team had with the operations manager of Accor hotels. They took a tour of the centre, spent time in all the vocations and interacted with the trainees also. To take this forward they also had a separate GD with 4 trainees Shreeman, Ismail, Durga and N Hariharan. This is to check if they are eligible enough for an internship in their group hotels Ibis and Novotel. On 14 October 2022, we got the confirmation of internships for all the trainees for a period of 10 days, starting from 19 October 2022. 2 trainees joined at Ibis hotel at City centre and 2 trainees at their Siruseri unit.
Participation in the Art exhibition
5 of YES trainees contributed their artworks for TATTVA 2022, Freedom of Expressions, an art exhibition organised by V-Excel. Trainees Arvind, Eshvar, Ramanathan, Sujai and Arpith, under the guidance of Ms. Girija created beautiful artworks. The practice and trials happened for 2 weeks and then the actual ones were created. The artworks were of different medium, technique and theme. All the pieces were used very simple techniques and doable methods. Beautiful combination of colours added so much beauty to the artworks.
On 29 October, the day of the exhibition, all their artworks were framed and showcased. All the 5 trainees were felicitated with a certificate, medal and a gift voucher. Few of their paintings were sold while all the paintings were well received and appreciated.
Celebrations
Vijayadasami celebrations
On 05 October 2022, we YES celebrated Vijayadasami to mark the end of the Navratri celebrations. While on 03 October, staff members from other units visited YES golu and was given thamboolam. We also had the Ayudha pooja on that day. All the machineries, equipment and tools were cleaned and decorated. On Vijayadasami, we had a special pooja for the golu and a music session also. We made special offerings and chanted a few slogans to mark new beginnings on that auspicious day.
Diwali
As always, Diwali was celebrated with great enthusiasm and energy at YES on 21 October. We had fun games and group activities. Celebrations were moderated by trainer Lakshmi and Gayathri. All the other trainers participated along with the trainees. Divided into 4 different groups, each group made a Diwali greeting card. Fun games followed this and it included rounds like dumbcharades, rapid fire round and find the song. Around 3.30 pm, we had fire crackers time. Trainees and the staff members had a great time bursting crackers and lighting colourful sparklers.
Birthdays
Trainee Vishal Mehra celebrated his birthday on 07 October.
Production
Laundry services are going full-fledged and our client list has grown over the period of last few months. We also completed a few mug printing orders, chocolates and internal orders of printing receipt books.