Vani Niketan School – Netala, Uttarakhand
Where in the world is Netala ? Well, that is the question I had when Nirmala Ramasubramaniam, a student of Swamini Pramananda (a disciple of Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswathi) brought to my attention the plight of Vani Niketan School.
Vani Niketan School is in Netala, about twenty kilometers north of Uttara Kashi, in the Himalayas. From Hardwar / Rishikesh it is a five hour drive by Jeep. Everywhere you turn, you see the Himalayas. All the roads are maintained by the Border Roads Organization, a Military unit of the Government of India. The roads are a major supply route to the troops stationed higher up in the Himalayas to protect the borders with China and Pakistan. Swamini Pramananda has an Ashram in Netala, on the banks of the river Bhagirathi.
Vani Niketan School, with 120 students, fell into hard times when the man behind the school, at age eighty three, left Netala. I have no idea what prompted that decision and I did not really care to know. My only thought was “what do we do now”?
Swamini Pramananda, whose Ashram is near the school was apprised of the situation. She immediately called Nirmala Ramasubramaniam and asked her if she can coordinate a relief program to rescue the school from imminent closure. NIrmala called me because of my affiliation with Kanchi Kamakoti Seva Foundation Inc. (KKSF)
My first reaction was that if children’s education was involved, we adults have a moral responsibility to ensure that the school is never closed and we have to do all we have to to strengthen the school. I requested Dr.A. V. Raghunath, my co volunteer in KKSF and Niramala’s husband (an MBA from Columibia Unvesity), Mr. M.K. Ramasubramniam (Ramesh) to lead the effort in generating support here in the US. I also requested my “go to guy” in India, Mr. K.S Ramamurthy,( Ramu Uncle) a young 78 year old to go to Netala and assess the situation first hand. Ramu Uncle is a Gandhian in the truest sense. (Pl visit SODEWS.org) . Ramu Uncle lives in Yelagiri, about 120 miles from Chennai. Netala is at least 1200 miles away from Yelagiri. But he went, in February 2010, because he loves kids so much. Thanks to noble souls here in the US, who supported this cause, the school did well in the academic year 2010-2011 and KKSF has agreed to and is supporting the school for the academic year 2011 – 2012. I am pleased to report that the school is functioning well and we can all give ourselves a pat on the back.
Ramu Uncle insisted that there be local support for the school. I am pleased to report that we have received matching grants from the people of India, mainly from the contacts of RamuUncle. Ramu Uncle will be going to the school at the end of October 2011 to evaluate the progress. I visited the school in July 2011 and my plans for the school were written in a memo I sent to the various stakeholders, which is copied below.
Any help you can render is greatly appreciated.
Visit to Vani Niketan School, Netala, Uttarakhand.
My wife, Geetha and I returned to Rishikesh, from our first trip to Netala. We stayed at the Ashram of Swamini Pramananda. The place, the people, and the warmth shown by the folks in the Ashram and at the school are beyond description. The Ashram is located on the banks of Bhagirathi River, a tributary of Ganga. Any direction you turn, you will see the Himalayas. You have to see it to believe it. Fortunately for us, the Bhagirathi was flowing incessantly. In the winter months, when there is no water in the Bhagirathi, Tigers have been spotted at the Ashram and in the town, from the forest across the river.
Given the harsh weather, terrain, and the financial meltdown of Vani Niketan School finances, my respect and admiration for the work done by Swamini Amma, Ramu Uncle, Poornima and Mr. M K Ramasubramaniam (Ramesh) in saving this school from extinction or falling into the hands of those who may not have the same passion for education as these volunteers do, is commendable.
The work we are all doing is but a small first step in the service of the children, the most vulnerable amongst us. When we see these young students, the dedicated teachers, the Principal Rajmathi Panwar, we will realize that we are not only fortunate to be helping, but assisting in the cause of education. (Ramu Uncle has firsthand knowledge of the power of education.) Uttarakhand in general is one of the most backward States in education in India. One of the most telling moments for me was when Rajmathi’s husband, a school teacher in the Government School nearby, implored with me to send two teachers from South India. He categorically said that teachers from South India have a good command of the English language and will teach the sciences better than the local teachers.
My observations of what needs to be done (not necessarily in any order) during the next 3 years is:
1. Form a very active Parent Teacher Association.
2. Full implementation of Purna Vidya at all grade levels and training of teachers in Purna Vidya.
3. Prepare a (Wish List) Capital Budget, including Computers; Play ground, Play Equipment, Science Equipment, Infrastructure Improvements, Approach Steps to the School, School Bus.
4. Duplicate a “KUMON” style home work system for all grades. Pl visit www.kumon.com
5. Use of Online / off line educational materials.
6. Creation of a strong / active School Board of Trustees.
7. Create a formal Plan for Shram Dhan, particularly the men.
8. Arrange School trips.
9. Teacher training.
10. Look for two dedicated teachers knowledgeable in English / Sciences.
11. Internet Connectivity
12. Staff training in computer literacy.
13. Foreign involvement of ex - Uttarakhand residents.
14. Creation of Face book account.
15. Explore how other NGO’s like Rotary, Lions, etc. can help.
16. Creation of a formal plan for NRI volunteers to teach / assist in the School.
17. Creation of a formal reporting system about student performance, finances, compliance matters.
18. Role of donors and level of commitment for the next three years.
19. Sustainability of the school for the next decade.
20. Pursue contact with Uttarakhand Association of North America.
21. Creation of “Adopt a Student” program
22. Generate funds within India
23. School lunch program
I seek your input in all matters involving the school. I am confident that with Mohan Murali on board and under the guidance of Mr. M K Ramasubramaniam’s (Ramesh) leadership, we can get 120 donors at $250 per donor (Rs.11,250) for a total of $30,000 or Rs.13,50,000.
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