Felicitation of Shri Jashiben and Christening of Jashiben Shikshan Sankul
A grand, dignified function was organized on January 10, 2019 in the auditorium of Shantikumar Kothari Vidyalay (Balbharti) to celebrate the birth centenary of Saraswati Vidya Mandal matriarch, president of the Vidya Mandal and the first principal of Asarwa Vidyalay Shri Jashiben Nayak; and also to mark the eve of our institution entering 75th year of its existence.
Honorable Governor of Madhya Pradesh, former chief mister of Gujarat and former education mister of Gujarat Smt. Anandiben Patel was the chief guest at the function. Dr. Sudhir Jain, Director, IIT Gandhinagar was the distinguished guest.
This momentous program began with the singing of the inspirational song “Ek Naya Itihas Rache Ham”. Shri Prashantbhai Nayak, member of the executive council of Vidya Mandal formally welcomed the gathering with a feeling of joy and pride.
Trustee Shri Upendrabhai welcomed Honorable Smt. Anandiben with a bouquet of flowers while executive council member Shri Ira Nayak Ghosh welcomed Dr, Sudhir Jain with a flower bouquet.
The function began with the lighting of the auspicious lamp by the dignitaries. The joint secretary Shri Sajubha Zala outlined life and work of Shri Jashiben while the secretary Shri Jyotindrabhai Dave while recalling our 75-year history of struggle, reiterated the commitment of Saraswati family towards the cause of education and knowledge. This was followed by a 35 minutes long, novel and interesting presentation of the bird’s eye view of 75 years of history of the Vidya Mandal through “Vachikam”. The presentation was based on the research by a former teacher of Asarwa Vidyalay and member of editorial board of Gharashala, Shri Amitaben Palkhiwala and assistant teachers of J. N. Balika Vidyalay Shri Chetanaben Raval and Shri Mrunalben Oza.
The “Vachikam” presented Saraswati’s journey of development and struggle in a very effective manner. Honorable Smt. Anandiben Patel and other invitees were impressed by it and appreciated the style and content of the presentation.
Chief Guest, Honorable Smt. Anandiben Patel felicitated respected Shri Jashiben with a shawl and presented a cheque of Rs. 1,11,111 as Gurudakshina on behalf of Saraswati Nagarik Samaj, the alumni association of the Vidya Mandal. In turn, Shri Jashiben graciously handed over the money to the Vidya Mandal for utilization towards promoting interest in arts like music and drama among the students of Vidyamandal.
Replying to the honor conferred on her, respected Shri Jashiben blessed the Saraswati community and wished that its flame of knowledge and values, shines for eternity in the eastern parts of the city of Ahmedabad.
Distinguished guest Dr. Sudhir Jain enumerated various facets of Shri Jashiben’s personality. He said that in her beats the heart of a mother and a teacher. Her persona has a rare confluence of education, literature, art and above all, love for children. He conveyed his best wishes for the progress of the institution.
In her address, the chief guest Honorable Smt. Anadiben said that contribution by respected Shri Jashiben towards education and human development in the eastern parts of Ahmedabad is salutary and inspiring. She expressed her happiness that Shri Jasiben is active among us even at the age of 100 years. She expressed her confidence that the 75-year history of struggle and development of the institution presented through the novel medium of “Vachikam” will inspire generations to come. She appreciated the fact that the institution has preserved its character throughout its long history. She conveyed her best wishes for the future development of the institution.
Students of six schools of Saraswati Vidya Mandal presented a short but intense culture program at the function. The children sang songs sung at the Vidya Mandal over the last 75 years. They included songs celebrating seasons of rains and spring as well as patriotic songs and joyful children’s songs.
The music for the songs was composed and conducted by music teachers of Vidya Mandal including S/S Bhartbhai Upadhyay, Haridas Gandharv, Khyatiben Khatri and Bipinbhai Nayak. They beautifully presented and recreated our musical heritage of 75 years. The program was choreographed by Shri Ira Nayak Ghosh a member of the executive council.
The vote of thanks was proposed by a member of the executive council and an alumnus of the school Shri Rajendrabhai Dave
The entire program was compered by the assistant teacher from J. N. Balika Vidyalay, Shri Swatiben Pandya.