Childhood and Growing Up in Vishwalaya

New website

2009-08-11T02:15:00.000-07:00

We have just created a new website! Please take a look, at http://vishwalaya.appspot.com. If you like our site, and you think it is appropriate, please link to our site on your website or blog so that we will be more searchable on Google.

Our history

2008-05-26T23:40:00.000-07:00

“Children dance before they learn there is anything that isn't music.”

William Stafford

Finding light

Vishwalaya- the Universal Temple, also called Ram Ram’s Paradise for Children, which now houses and educates more than 30 children, began with a single child, no buildings and no funds. When Ram Ram first came to Ravugodlu, he was a wanderer in search of meanings. He sat on the granite slopes of the hills or in one of the many caves. The village women, who had to go a long way off to work or to fetch water, one day decided that he could take care of their children while they were away. Ram Ram had neither roof nor means at that time, but when more children were entrusted to him, he simply put his trust in life and over the next two and half decades a little ashram grew and functioned around Ram Ram.

Ram Ram used to say that he did not set up anything; he was only an instrument of a higher power. How could he have embarked on such a task, he would ask, when he himself did not know where his next meal - if at all any - was coming from?

The man and his mission:

Ram Ram was many things to many people but he did nothing to attract anybody. On the contrary, he could often be harsh, critical and downright rude if he thought you were not fit to be in the Paradise for Children. The one role he enjoyed was that of grandfather to the many children and the villagers of Ravugodlu. But many continued to regard him as a guru, a holy man, a sanyasi, whose potent blend of earthly wisdom and scriptural knowledge was a guide to life.

Vishwalaya takes formal shape:

Word spread and slowly Ram Ram’s place began to grow. Buildings came up; more children came, often from far off. More visitors, more funds. Through the years, children have come and gone, having sought shelter in Vishwalaya leaving only when they reached maturity or when reclaimed by parents. At present, there are over 30 children here; from one-year olds to early teenagers (Even the occasional grown-up who seeks shelter here is not turned away.) Ram Ram believed that every child has a right to paradise on earth. And so nearly three decades after the first child was given into his care, when he had neither home nor help, Vishwalaya was registered as a Trust.

A vision yet to be realized

After Ram Ram’s death three years ago, funds that come in the form of personal donations stopped coming in with the same regularity. When he was alive, visitors came in plenty and gave generously, now that he is no longer physically present, both visits and help have reduced, making the task of finding a regular source of funds has become a challenge.

But as Ram Ram points out, “When the flood of love arises and all the boundaries are crossed, then no destructive karma can happen, no negativity arises, love overflows unconditionally”

Changes:

Some changes have taken place in the daily lives of the children and the ashram. It was decided that the children and their caretakers would move to Bada, a village 8km from Dharwad, from Aug 14, 2007.

The main reason for this move was that the stone quarrying in the hills next to the ashram has intensified, due to a government decision to consider cancelling all quarrying licenses in the coming year. Apart from the danger of constant truck traffic on the paths, there is the added risk of debris flying down to the ashram, which is at the foot of the hills as well as the constant noise of blasting.

In Bada, we stay on a four-acre mango orchard, with a small farmhouse, which we have leased for the next two years for a nominal payment of RS 30000. The owners have been kind enough to make repairs with some extensions that can accommodate around thirty children and staff. We have cleared a small patch of land for a vegetable garden.

An added advantage of being here is that people are less busy than in Bangalore and are happy and willing to be involved in our activities.

A suitable methodology

Our approach to academics for the children and the methods we adopted, have not been drawn from formal pedagogical reserves, but have more or less evolved spontaneously in relation to the needs of the children.

It has not always been possible to find teachers willing to use alternate perspectives and also to work voluntarily or on he rather bar salary we could afford to pay, but we have worked on and through the last three-four years, have managed to identify, use and test the elements that we consider to be the core of our method of teaching.

Theater as an interesting and effective means to educate children
Language as a basic tool in learning.
Traveling with a play as a means to see, understand and pass on an understanding of various aspects of History, Geography, Science and Mathematics
Living and working on a farm provides a means for the children to work in and understand the workings of nature. It also helps us grow our own food and medicines.
The main emphasis is on learning basic language such as the mother tongue, Hindi and English. In the process we will explore ways to impart language skills to diverse groups of children.

We do not follow any particular school of thought on education since our founder, Ram Ram insisted that education comes from the entire corpus of ideas on love and compassion and their every-day practice. We are not “against” any system, we are for all that nurtures a child’s growth

We will be following the agriculture calendar to dictate the time-frame for academics, theater, craft and traveling. The teachers, after three months of work with the children find it more comfortable to teach without the constraint of the prescribed syllabus.

We have had a volunteer from Finland teaching the children English and video-documenting the everyday life of the children.

Today the teachers feel that working for the next five years, we could evolve an alternative teaching-learning system, which would be of special value to children with a history of discontinued education at various levels, and do not have the support of a family system.( For more details, ask for our newsletter at vishwalaya@gmail.com)

Vision

To evolve a three- year course for our children and others like them, coming form unfortunate backgrounds. This is to enable them to get the basic qualification of S.S.L.C which will give them access and equal opportunity to make occupational choices and utilize the support provided by the government.

Our supporters

Ms Rie Goto has continued to support us in various ways, after initially completely sponsoring our needs here for the first three months. She recently sponsored a trip to Gokarna for two days. Lastly, she has decided to raise funds for the next one year from June ‘08 to March ’09, towards children’s education.

Mr. Roy has extended his support of our kitchen and the Finnish volunteer Mr Terotook care of the vegetable and milk bill.

We have a new bank account specifically for the children’s project with HDFC Bank Richmond circle branch and the account number is Vishwalaya-05232090000072. My mobilde number is still the same 9448374418.

Looking forward

Today, Ram Ram;s dream of the ashram where the children can grow their own food and are surrounded by all fruit and nut trees, a paradise for childhood seems near to being. It is by the grace of the Guru, that from last May till now, different aspects of our life here in Baad have been a step closer to Ram Ram’s paradise.

Six-month workshop in Dharwad

2008-05-08T09:58:00.000-07:00

Six months workshop in Dharwad with 19 children from August-October-07

Vision

To evolve a three year course for children from difficult background. This is to enable them to get the basic qualification of S.S.L.C which will give them access and equal opportunity to make choices for their living and utilize the support provided by the government.

Rationale

Children from difficult background lack the support and the opportunity a family provides. A main drawback is “exposure” which renders them incapable of making choices.　Academics is one aspect of education, which helps a child grow up capable of living in this society. We have no definite answers but we are considering the aspects that matters a child’s growing up.

Background

We have been working with children from difficult background using theater craft and art for the past 7years. We started with language in 95 by publishing books for children in the vernacular and reaching out to the government schools to revive the value of language in the process of learning through story’s theater. This experience made us come face to face with the need of bringing the existing literature to children who are becoming literate with the help of illiterate parents.. In 2000 we started theater as a method. Our experience so far has brought us to a point where we find it relevant to start a three-year course for children who can appear for the secondary school leaving certificate exam conducted by the state.

Objective

Language

The objective of the workshop is to evolve reading and practice material from the existing Kannada literature. Presenting the selected literature from a historical perspective

(The main inspiration behind revaluing the old literature is for the vast imagery, the million hues of color and the unspoken infinite values they voice.)

Science, mathematics and history

water which flows and rains,

the air that moves and escapes,

the space that bares the night and day and unchanging,

allows you to experience understand its mysteries

but not the patented science which has forced in to our life.

In the context of science, the Macaulay intention behind the education has made a relevant day-to-day experiential science in to fragmented information limited to the need of a clerk. From this difficult yet inevitable situation we are taking a step towards framing a question about the vision behind learning science, math’s and history till secondary level of a child’s education.

In this context we would be looking at the basic concepts of science like water, air, energy, solar system/space and so on to be explained as an unit rather than a lesson which continues from 5^th standard to 10^th standard. Looking at each unit in comparison with the state syllabus as to what needs to be included while explaining the concepts. In mathematics,, to teach the basic concepts, like addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, basic algebra, and geometry.

Location

Bada a village, 8km from Dharwad. This is geographically in the center of Karnataka. This also has long cultural history and very diverse in the dialect. This place has many university’s we also find people less busy than in Bangalore. They are also willing to give their time for our work. Involvement of professional people will help us get the best results with our efforts.

Rationale

At present the space in ram ram:s ashram is not yet marked by the government for us to conduct various out door activities. The stone quarrying has been increased since the quarrying license will be cancelled in a year’s time. So there is lot of sound by blasting and lots of trucks plying spreading dust. One of the major drawbacks in the recent time has been to find people who have spare time to use four hours for just to reach the ashram and get back.

Methodology

Our approach to academics and the methods we adopted were not structured or regular but more spontaneous. Since we could not always find a voluntary resource person curious to look at teaching from a different perspective and work with diverse age group of children. One of the rezones also being,, the lack of resources in terms of money and administration.

Theater as means to educate children from difficult background.
Language as a basic tool in learning.
Traveling with a play as a means to see and understand various aspects of history, geography science and mathematics, which are accessible.
Living on a farming land is being part of means and end this also helps to use food as medicine to nurture the growing up child.
The main emphasis is on learning basic language such as the mother tongue, Hindi and English. In the process we will explore ways to impart language skills to diverse group of children.

In our approach to education we are not fallowing any particular school of thought on education or children since the founder Sri ram Ram insisted that we need all thoughts on love and compassion from all cultures that exist and existed in this world. In this context we are not “against” any system but we are for all that nurtures a child’s growth

So we have reprioritized the aspects that needs to be taught is based on a child’s life as one of the beings on this space and the needs required to co-exist and in the end also to full fill the social conditioning of education(S.S.L.C.)

We will be fallowing the agriculture calendar which would dictate the time frame for academics, theater, and craft and traveling.. We are not targeting a particular social model for our children. We are only exposing children to various models and at the same time we foresee children acquiring choices to choose a life style in the present society.

Childhood- balya is for children who are below ten year old. Ram ram:s key observation was about their energy dedication to learn to know every thing around them and they participate totally in any thing an elder can show. It is on the same line the space where scheduled activities are happening they are welcome as long as they fallow the rule. So far the younger children have been included in all the activities with out exclusion

Schedule

Time	Activity
5am to 7am	Prayer, garden and kitchen work
7am to 8am	Personal time for cleaning
8am to 8-30am	Ragi porridge
8-45am to 1-30	Academics
9-30am to 10am	Break fast
1-30pm to 2-30pm	Lunch break
2-30pm to 5pm	Academics
5pm to 7pm	Prayer, garden and kitchen work
7pm to 8-30pm	Theater, play reading
8-30pm to 9pm	Dinner
9pm	Bed time

Schedule content (Academics from July to oct-07)

We are looking at the basic concepts of science like air, water energy and so on to be taught as a unit inclusive of the state syllabus. This will be taught four hours a day from 8-30am to 1-30pm with a break at 9-30 to 10am. This includes out door activities related to the subject.

Basic mathematics like addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, basic algebra and geometry will be taught four hour’s day from 8-30am to 1-30pm with a break at 9-30 to 10am. This includes out door activities related to the subject.

In theater, reading plays ad understanding them will be taught from various aspects of theater like direction, costume, stage etc. this will be taught for two hour’s a day from 7pm to 8-30pm

In Kannada reading and writing practice will be done through material edited by Basavaraja hokkunda and others. The classes will be held from 2-30 to 5-30pm

On land children will spend time helping grow spinach, perennial vegetables and flowers. From 6am to 7am and 5pm to 6pm,

In the kitchen children in age will support the cooking work. This will also happen at 5am to 7am and 5pm to 7pm,

Schedule content (Theater production and performance from Oct to Jan-08)

One month long theater workshop will be responsible to produce a professional play with property set, costume which can travel. A director two assistants and manager will be involved in the project. The time schedule will be flexible and depends upon the director. This workshop will be held between October and November 07

Children will travel with the play to perform in selected government high schools (around 60schools). We will be obtaining the permission from the D.D.P.I of education department. This tour will be planned in such a way that the children get to see and understand important places around Dharwad. This will support them in their academics.

Human resource

Ms.Saraswathi, who has completed theater diploma from Hampi university Karnataka. She also grew up as a child in the ashram and now want to share back what she received. She will be in charge of the children’s home and she will also take play reading class, growing food and kitchen.

Mr.P.Nagendra who has done his B.S.C and B.E.D a qualified teacher with experienced in Mathematics and he will be paid a honorarium of two thousand five hundred per month for the next three months.

Mr.Prakash who has done his B.S.C and B.E.D a qualified teacher with experienced in Science and he will be paid a honorarium of two thousand five hundred per month for the next three months.

Mr.Basavaraj hokkunda who was teaching kannada in Christ collage has returned to his home town. He will co ordinate the teaching resource, school and the workshops.

Mr.Naresh will organize the resources for the theater production and plan the performance tour. He is an theater activist involved with Vishwalaya for the past seven years.

Mr.Kabbur, is an musician (tabla) and an theater activist who will secure the local support for the project. He has organized a farm house in a mango grove in a village called Bada near Dharwad.

Vinoda Krishna will be in charge of the whole project and will be staying with the children and conducting the workshops with the resource people.

Ms.Rie Goto, secretary of Vishwalaya has taken the responsibility of raising the necessary resources for the project. At present she is running a travel agency called Masala tours. Since she herself a traveler also worked in well fare activities in many countries. She has been involved with the well being of the children for the past four years.

Mr. Vinoda Krishna, trustee of Vishwalaya will be managing the project. He has worked on alternative education with many N.G.O’s and institutions like Aurouville, Pondychery for the past 18years.

Result

The children who will benefit are the fallowing

	List of children and adults who will be in the camp

	Name	Age	Remark

1	Nagamma	13
2	Bhavya	12
3	Pallavi	11
4	Ganesha	11
5	Gopi Krishna	11
6	Manjula	10
7	Nethra	8
8	Ashwini	8
9	Sumantha	8
10	Pradeepa	9
11	Hemantha	7
12	Mahendra	7
13	Abhishek	5
14	Priya	4
15	Manoja	3
16	Budha	2
17	Chithra	20	Slow learner
18	Rajeshwari	16	Slow learner
19	Sumantha	3

	Teachers
20	Saraswathi	28	Warden/ Theater teacher
21	Basavaraj Okkunda		Language teacher
22	Prakash		Science teacher
23	P.Nagendra		Mathemetics teacher

	Consultants
	Basavaraja Okkunda	46	Academics
	Naresh	38	Theater

At the end of two months a process on rethinking about teaching syllabus will be started

We would have well documented process to share with others so that we can find a best way to teach with in the present constrains.

Expanded network with resource people, who could contribute to the subjects of their interest.

Planning workshops to consolidate the second phase of syllabus and methodology

Cost

Approximate Budget for three months Academics camp in Dharwad

Recurring expenses

Food expenses	6000
Rent for the farm house	5000

Honorarium for
Science teacher	2500

Language teacher	2500

Mathematics teacher	2500

Theater and Warden	3000
consultant theater Mr.Naresh	2500
consultant theater Mr.Basavaraj	2500
Kitchen help	1500
administrative expenses like local conveyence, travel, stationery, medical communication etc.	3450
Travel telephone expenses for Project incharge	1300

	32750	98250

Non Recurring expenses

Metal boxes for children	6250
Storing containers	2000
40asorted ones
Buckets	1500
pots and jugs

To organise three workshops on subjects with teachers at Dharwad Rupees 3000/10-15people		12000
repair work for the farm house this will be credited to the land owner account	7000
travel expense to dharwad for 20 people	3000
Travel expense from dharwad for 3 teachers (Rs1000/person)	3000
	22750

Theater production

Puppetry and Mask	10000
Acting property	3000
Stage property	7000
Costume	5000

Honorarium
Director	4000
Stage manager	4000
Asistan-1	2500
Asistan-2	2500
	38000

Abstract for three months

Non reccuring expenses	22750
Theater production	38000
Reccuring expenses	98250

	159000

Our stay in Belekall Betta

2008-02-25T05:02:00.000-08:00

We all came back from Belekall Betta last week. The stay on top of the hill with Swamy Ranganatha and Kalyanamma’s Samadhi who lived their in the forest which is full of elephants. She stayed their all alone till she passed away. The temple and guest house facing a vast valley where clouds are always making patterns with their shadow and light. This hill is 1180ft high from the sea level. The clouds descend any time some times covering us and at other times passing through us with the wind. In the first place I had not spent my complete time even for few days with the children in the past seven years. For the first time after many years I had regular routine with out stress. This time gave us really to plan our future with the grown up children. We have decided to camp near Dharwad for the next three to four months till we find a land to buy and start the work. We had a Brahmin couple cooking for all of us. They made verities of food for children and also fed them till they were content. This made the children very happy to have some thing they like to their heart content. We were able to organize a jeep for amma to come and visit us. She was very happy and children took her around and took care of her so well I was really moved by their love. We also had visitors from Ingrsand Roll Company in Bangalore. Being on top of this isolated hill we received so much moral support from people who visited us. And we were surprised that so many visited traveling a bad road to the top of the hill.

Pictures of our kids in Dharwad

2008-02-23T01:08:00.000-08:00

These are some of the potraits of our chidlren in bada camp Dharwad. We are here fromthe last Aug07