Manthan, an Education Today Foundation initiative is an Art, Craft and Science festival. The month of August was charged with activities and events at Arya Gurukul, Ambernath as it hosted Manthan and brought together students of various schools to create a whirlpool of new ideas and thoughts.
The final events were held on 10th and 12th August showcasing the exhibitions and the valedictory event. The event received participation from eleven schools and five hundred and forty-three students of Kalyan, Dombivili and Ambernath suburbs. Categorically students were divided as per their grades and various interschool competitions like Recitation, weave a Tale, Eloquence, Seminar, Debate, We Talk, Creative Writing, Blog Writing, Collage and poster making, Jingle to the beats, STEAM challenge etc. were conducted for the students since 5th August. The venue for all the competitions was Arya Gurukul, Ambernath.
Displays of the students’ artwork and presentations were inaugurated on 10th August, at Arya Gurukul, Ambernath.
The inaugural program started with the lighting of the lamp and divine prayer by the students. Mr. Prakash Kisan Nawale graced the event as the Chief Guest and shared his thoughts about every individual having a unique thought process. Mr. Prakash Kisan Nawale is one of the Scientific Officers at the Homi Bhaba Science Education Centre since 1997. Dr. Reeta Sonawat a distinguished Professor in the department of Human Development at SNDT Women’s University and Dr. Chitralekha Ray, a Homeopathy practitioner as well as the President of a Women Welfare Association were the guest of honour at the event. The Academic Director Arya Global Group of School Dr. Neelam Malik announced event open. The highlights of the inaugural event were its cultural performing arts presented by the students of St. Mary’s High School and Arya Gurukul Ambernath. The Chairman of Arya Global Group of schools Mr. Bharat Malik addressed the gathering and emphasized that the human rights ought to change as per changing needs and requirements of individuals. He also stressed on giving students freedom of expression.
On day 1 of ‘Manthan’ one witnessed Project Based Learning (PBL) counters where one could witness the students’ understanding of Human Rights through their crafts for sale the revenue generated from which would be used for charity. Another whole section was allotted for books to be sold. The entire first and second floor corridors of the school building had displays of posters, quotes on various human rights. The classrooms had models, presentations by students from Little Aryans pre-schools, St. Mary’s High Schools, Arya Gurukul Ambernath, Arya Gurukul Nandivili and many other schools. Approximately two hundred models have been presented for the Inter-school model competition.
Highlights of Manthan 2024-
The Theme for this year’s Manthan was Universal Human Rights- from World Citizens to Citizen Learners and students presented various speeches, engaged in Debates, did seminar presentations, created posters and art installations, undertook a creative writing exercise created music and nukkad natak that revolved around the theme of Universal human rights. Blog writing and Photography was also introduced as a new-age skills.Manthan is a rare and excellent opportunity for the students to build on their life skills. It was inspiring to watch the children present their research on stage and answer the judges’ questions confidently.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest and the guests expressed their appreciation towards organizing such a multifarious event, creating a platform for many with potential.
