After breakfast, classes commenced with students separating into their individual clusters. The curriculum for students this year was very diverse. Classes varied from the third graders learning Sanskrit, music, and poems, to the eleventh and twelfth graders learning Tagore’s Gitanjali, the Upanishads, and modern Indian history. Songs of friendship were sung, and plays written in Sanskrit were performed. Everyday, during playtime and story-time, the campers channeled their energies into physical and creative activities. Students and teachers played basketball, tennis, Kings and Ultimate Frisbee together. Aunty’s enthralling stories were a perfect way to end the day of learning, fun, and games. Her awe-inspiring tales of strong-willed individuals such as Sarojini Naidu and Vir Savarkar left deep impressions in the hearts of all.

On Wednesday, all students, counselors, teachers and helpers went to a park in two buses. During the bus ride, students sang bhajans and chanted hymns that they had learned in classes. At the park, classes were held and students played various games in the open field covered with green grass and surrounded by trees and a lake. As usual, it was a memorable day for all.

Summer camp ended with presentations by the third, fourth, and fifth graders on Thursday, July 10, and by the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth graders on Friday, July 11. The enthusiasm and hard work of the students was clearly evident in the well-prepared presentations performed in front of friends, family, and teachers. As a result of the hard work of students, many teachers and volunteers, all the three summer camps were very successful. It was a rewarding experience for all that participated.

In the usual Vidyapith fashion, the week was filled with much learning, fun-filled activities and delicious food. The children started their day out with breakfast, which was then followed by the morning prayer and assembly. After prayer, the students attended their four classes, with a snack break in between and a lunch following the last class. Lunch was followed by playtime. During playtime, both students and teachers alike played tennis, basketball, ultimate frisbee, and much more. After playtime, one more snack time ensued, which was followed by students attending their final class of the day. Evening prayer and a scrumptious dinner followed the fifth class. Finally, story time, conducted by Vandana Aunty, concluded the fun-filled day.

The kindergartners, first and second graders learned how to pray to the Sun God by doing Surya Namaskar (a twelve step yogic exercise done in the morning). In Bharati Aunty’s class, the kindergarterners and first graders learned a new version of the song, “This Little Light of Mine,” composed by the counselors. The kindergartners’ topic for the camp was “The Earth.” They learned stories about the Earth with Jyoti Aunty. They also prepared “Earth Fan Project” and learned Sanskrit words related to the earth. Their counselors were Anita Shah and Payal Patel.

The first graders’ special topic was “The Earth and Oneness.” With Jyoti Aunty and Bharati Aunty, they had a delightful time listening to stories about “Oneness.” They made wonderful projects using various colorful grains arranged artistically on a drawing made on wood. With Neirah Aunty, they learned a wide range of Sanskrit words to explain various things on earth. The first graders learned Pranam Mantra dedicated to the Sun, and its meaning. They also learned interesting facts about the Sun, which they wrote on their beautiful Sun Fans made by them during class. Their counselors were Kalindi Doshi, Dhairya Dalal, and Kanchi Kacharia.

The first and second graders learned from Sunil Uncle a poem entitled “All I See is a Part of Me.” The students loved the poem and sang it with great enthusiasm. The poem taught them about unity and oneness. The second graders’ topic was “The Universe.” Following the theme of the universe, Neirah Aunty taught students Sanskrit words for the planets, zodiac signs, constellations and stars. With Nina didi, they learned a bhajan “Jaya Shiva Shankara.” On Wednesday, the last day of the Camp I, all the campers spent most of the day at the park, picnicing and having classes, and everyone returned in the afternoon for an early dinner. In the evening, all the KG – second graders demonstrated everything they had learned during camp to their parents. The presentations was very well-received, and students and parents alike had a wonderful time that evening.

Throughout the week, the sixth, seventh and eight graders learned many different things. The sixth graders learned stories from the Upanishads. They also learned about Tulasidas and learned one of his bhajans. In their Sanskrit class, they studied the Festivals of India and made different projects related to the festivals. The seventh graders studied a Panchatantra story in Sanskrit, learned about Kabir and his Bhajans and Dohas, the meanings of various Hindu ceremonies, and Shanti Mantra. They also prepared projects based on the topics taught in their class. The eight graders studied the Basics of Hinduism, various Stories from the Upanishads in Sanskrit, memorized passages from Swami Vivekananda’s lectures, and learned Mirabai’s bhajans. The class made projects related to the biography of Mirabai. On Friday evening, students did a presentation based on everything they learned during the week to their teachers, parents and friends. They also presented skits based on their class topics, like stories from the Upanishads, Kabir and Mirabai.

In addition to these performances, all of the students sang a combined piece that encompassed five raags, featuring raag Gaud Malhar. The composition included a vivid description of the Shravan season in India, with the various vocal effects representing different aspects of nature. All in all, over the two days, the students of the Vidyapith’s Hindustani Classical Music classes truly put on a show to remember. The achievement of these students is truly a testimony to the dedication to musical instruction of Asthaji, Shri. Bhowmikji, and Dr. Deshpandeji.

Vivekananda Vidyapith likes to extend its best wishes to the Graduating class of 2003: Jayinee Adhvaryu, Pooja Bhatt, Nirmal Deshpande, Deepali Dhar, Anvita Khanna, Ravi Mehta, Nithya Nathan, Karishma Parikh, Ashwin Phadnis, Bhavin Rokad, Anil Shah, Pratik Shah, Lina Sivadasan, and Yogen Yadav.

The first performance, featuring only vocal musicians, took place on Saturday, June 7, 2003. The younger students began the concert singing solo compositions. Asthaji’s students then sang compositions and alaaps in groups of three. Finally, the older boys from Dr. Deshpande’s class sang and showed their skill in expanding on the raags with alaaps and variations. Students of all ages truly exhibited their talents and the hall echoed with musical notes for all to enjoy.

Mahendra Uncle read a passage from Swami Vivekananda’s lectures on “Karma Yoga” in which Buddha was presented as an ideal Karma Yogi. Mahendra Uncle also read teachings of Buddha from the Dhammapada. Uncle pointed that Buddha Jayanti is a very unique and special day as it is the day when Buddha was born, attained Nirvana, and attained Mahasamadhi. Swami Vivekananda, when he was a young man, had a vision of Buddha. Buddha’s teachings are very simple, direct, and logical. Twenty-five hundred years ago he brought a revolution in India. At that time Pundits were busy arguing about the existence of a soul, and performing rituals. They had missed the main goal of spirituality. The masses were ignored. Buddha taught in the language of common people and gave them a direct path, “Be Good and Do Good.” He showed the path to remove miseries in our lives.

Several Vidypaith students presented their thoughts on Buddha’s life and teachings. The celebration concluded with Jagdisha Aarati and partaking of prasad.

The tabla performance by Pt. Kiran Deshpande featured improvisations in teen taal. As Kiranji remarked at the beginning of his solo, “I will incorporate in today’s program some portions of each gharana.” Having accompanied a plethora of top artists in India, he has been shaped by all of the styles of gharanas that Indian classical music offers. His tabla truly resonated with a musicality rarely heard, with an impeccable sense of rhythm and improvisation. The evening truly showcased two high-class performers.

The function began with the Shanti Mantras, which are a traditional peace chant. The prayer invoked Lord Ganesha, remover of all obstacles, as well as the other deities. This opening chant was followed by a classical dance in the Bharata Natyam style. The younger students danced to a song in praise of the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi. The older students then performed the Natesha Kautavam, a dance in praise of Lord Shiva. The nupurs (bells on their feet) chimed in perfect unison, reinforcing the invigorating rhythm of the mridangam. The performance was flawless and graceful.

After the dance, the second grade students filed onto the stage to recite a few Pranam mantras. Needless to say, they were adorable. Between the different items, students recited inspiring and powerful passages, some by Swami Vivekananda and others from the Bhagvad Gita and the Gitanjali. The Saturday School music group performed a melodious rendition of Vande Mataram in raga Desh. Students in the class actually composed the variations and taranas themselves.

Next was the play, "The Selfish Giant" based on a story by Oscar Wilde. The giant was indeed very selfish, so much so that he scared all the children away from his garden and built a high wall to keep them out. Even Spring, Summer, and Autumn stayed away. Winter alone was the garden’s sole visitor and it stayed there year after year. Until one small boy found his way in and melted the Giant’s callous heart. The little boy helped the giant realize the joy of sharing his garden with others. The younger children in the play depicted the birds, the trees, the little children, and the flowers. The older students depicted the harsh season of winter, the mellow fall, and the pleasant spring. The play was wonderful, enjoyed by audience of all ages.

Following the play, Mahendra Uncle addressed the audience and shared his thoughts. He said that the play, "The Selfish Giant" had a great message for all of us to learn from. We build walls of religions, cultures, colors, wealth and other things to divide human beings. The more we receive education and make progress, the more we seem to become selfish and isolate ourselves from the rest of the world. Swami Vivekananda said "expansion is life and contraction is death." In his lectures, again and again he asks us to become unselfish. We must break down the walls that we build around us. The ultimate goal of spirituality is to feel oneness. Do we feel the pain of others and do something to alleviate it? That is the real question we must ask ourselves. Do we become happy by seeing other people happy? Mahendra Uncle said that when we see such plays and reflect upon their message, it will help us to become more unselfish.

After the speech, girls performed the Tippany Dance. This dance portrayed the typical working community of Gujarat, while they are engaged in building their homes. They pound on the foundation so that it will harden. The work is tedious and so they sing as they work, dreaming about going to the bazaar and buying beautiful things. The girls, with their bright costumes and red poles with which they pound the foundation, were spectacular. Following the Tippany dance was intermission, during which people took a little break and helped themselves to refreshments. After intermission, the Sunday school music group performed Vaishanava Janato, the favorite bhajan of Mahatma Gandhi. The alaaps and variations were splendid as was the use of instruments, which included flute and veena.

The next item was a mime, a silent production that conveys a theme through physical gestures and facial expressions. The mime was entitled Wheels and Wings, and it chronicled the progress in technology from the wheel to horse carriages to hot air balloons, Ford’s Model T, supersonic jets, and the space shuttle. It was a very unique item, exhibiting impressive creativity. The performers were skillful, climbing on top of each other to create a striking image of the Columbia space shuttle. This mime was dedicated to Kalpana Chawla and her fellow Columbia Space Shuttle crew who perished in the terrible explosion earlier this year. It received a standing ovation and brought tears to the eyes of many who remembered these brave astronauts.

The poignant poem by Rabindranath Tagore, Karna Kunti, was next presented in the form of a drama. The touching story which forms a part of the Mahabharata, was presented as a dialogue between Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas, and Karna, the Prince of Angadesh and commander of the Kaurava Army, just before the beginning of the Great Civil War. Kunti had been granted a boon, a mantra, when she was a girl and eagerly tested its legitimacy. Surya, the sun god, appeared before her and blessed her with a son. Bewildered and frightened, she abandoned the baby. The baby was found and adopted by a charioteer and his wife. The boy grew older and his skill in weaponry soon became apparent. While others treated him as inferior because of his family’s caste, Duryodhana befriended him and made him a prince. That boy was none other than Karna, Kunti’s long lost son. Kunti kept her secret for many years, but on the eve of the Mahabharta War, she could not bear to see her eldest son fighting against his brothers. She approached Karna in secret, ready to reveal to him his lineage and to beg him to join his five Pandav brothers. In this heart-wrenching dialogue, Karna refuses to give up his loyalty to Duryodhana and his determination to repay the Kaurava prince for his friendship and generosity. Karna stood steadfast, while Kunti begged, weeping uncontrollably. The audience watched with bated breath, and the brilliant performance of the two students who played the roles of Kunti and Karna bought tears to their eyes.

Afterwards, Vandana Aunty addressed all. She pointed out the hard work that was put in by several people which made this big event a great success and sincerely thanked all. The final item of the day was the Ghoomer Dance, a typical Rajastani folk dance. The high school girls, decked in bright orange and blue costumes, danced with vigor and grace, bringing out the vibrant colors of the land of Rajastan. In the end, it was evident that all the hard work of the students, teachers, and volunteers had paid off. The evening was a success and a great deal of fun. This Annual Function will remain in our hearts forever as a wonderful memory.

Mahendra Uncle read and discussed meaning of selected shlokas from the Shiva Mahimna. He then read from the book “Ramakrishna the Great Master” an incident from Shri Ramakrishna’s childhood related to Shivaratri. During the Shivaratri night vigil, the village people of Kamarpukur had arranged a play on Shiva, but the boy who was going to act as Shiva fell ill. Young Gadadhar (Sri Ramakrishna’s childhood name) was selected at the last moment to play the role of Shiva. Reluctantly he agreed. However, when he stood on the stage with matted locks and his body smeared with ashes, euphoria swept through the audience, because Gadadhar looked so much like Shiva himself. Gadadhar became completely lost in the thought of Shiva and stood motionless on the stage, his mind one with Shiva. This incident shows how much love Shri Ramakishna had for Lord Shiva, even at that young age.

After the reading, students of various ages presented their thoughts on Lord Shiva. The topics of the presentations included the symbolism of Lord Shiva, the worship of Shivalinga, and Shiva’s importance in Swami Vivekananda’s life. Following the presentations were bhajans and Shiva Arati. The celebration ended with distribution of prasad.

He works best who works without any motive – neither for money, nor for fame, nor for anything else. And when a man can do that, he will be a Buddha and out of him will come the power to work in such a manner as will transform the world. This man represents the very highest ideal of Karma-Yoga.

Life is over, and you stand
In Death’s presence.
O unprepared for the journey,
There is no rest on this road!

Be a lamp to yourself,
Be like an island.
Struggle hard, be wise.
Cleansed of weakness, you will find freedom,
From birth and old age.
As a smith removes flaws in silver,
A wise man removes flaws in himself,
Slowly, one by one, carefully.

Iron breeds rust, and rust devours iron,
So ill deeds devour their doer.

As a house unrepaired decays,
Goodness unrepeated declines.
Neglect of one’s appearance decays it,
Neglected, the mind stagnates.

Impure the calculating giver;
Impure are all evil deeds
Now and forever.

But nothing is more impure, O bhikkus,
Than ignorance.
Cast aside ignorance, and all becomes pure.

Life is easy for the shameless crow-strutter,
The mischief-maker, the minder of other people’s business,
The insolent and the evil-minded.

Hard is life for the humble man,
Hard for the pure, the clear-thinking,
The disinterested, and the gentle person.

Who takes life, tells a lie,
Covets others’ wealth, commits adultery,

And surrenders himself to strong liquors,
Even in this world, digs his own grave.

Listen, O man!
Indiscipline begets evil.
Avarice and ill deed bring long misery.

No fire like passion,
no jailer like hate,
no snare like delusion,
no torrent like craving.

How easy to see the faults of others–
we winnow them like chaff.

How hard to see one’s own!–
We hide them, like cheating at dice.

How will he destroy his own passions,
who rouses them by watching others’ faults,
who is forever finding something to condemn?

There is no path in the sky,
there is no refuge anywhere!
All is of the world, worldly–
only the Buddhas are free of the world.

There is no path in the sky,
there is no refuge anywhere!
Nothing in the changing world is unchanging–
only the Buddhas are free from change.
Path:
Eightfold teaching…………

Of paths, the best is the Eightfold,
the Four Truths are the best truths;
the best virtue is detachment,
best among men he who follows Dhamma.

This is the path.
It leads to insight. It liberates.
Follow it.
Mara the temptress is helpless before it.

End your suffering. Follow it.
This is my path, preached
after the arrows fell away from me.

Work out your Nirvana with diligence.
The Buddhas only set examples.
Those who follow Dhamma and practice meditation
are freed from the traps of Mara the temptress.

Whatever consists of component parts must perish.
It is wisdom to know this.
This knowledge destroys grief and leads to liberation.

Whatever consists of component parts is full of grief.
It is wisdom to know this.
This knowledge destroys grief and leads to liberation.

Whatever consists of component parts is not the real self.
It is wisdom to know this.
This knowledge destroys grief and leads to liberation.

Wake up! It is time to wake up!
You are young, strong-why do you waver,
why are you lazy and irresolute?
This is not the way to wisdom.

Be strict with speech, control your mind,
let not the body do evil.
This is the way to wisdom,
these the three roads leading to it.

Meditation brings wisdom,
lack of meditation is folly.
These are the two roads,
one leading forward, one backwards.
Chose the right one,
the one that leads to wisdom.

Not one tree – cut down the whole forest!
There is danger in the forest.
Cut down the forest of desires, O bhikkus,
and discover the road to liberation.

Take the ego like an autumn lily-
and snap it with your fingers!
Proceed then on the path to Nirvana
with one who has reached as your guide.

“This I choose for my winter home;
this for the monsoon, this for summer.”
-The words of a fool.
He fails to see his final destination.

Like floods that come and sweep away a sleeping village,
death descends on the drowsy mind greedy for children and cattle.

Nothing saves!
Not father, not sons, not kinsmen.
They cannot save a man from death.

Therefore, think deeply.
Like the wide and virtuous man,
stay on the path that leads to liberation.