Ten glorious years of DAV Montessori
By Nandita Sharma & Renu Jain
Thunder and heavy rain bowed to the blessings
of gods and gurus on the DAV Montessori children on May 15th, 2010.
As the evening approached, the sun was shining and the whole Arya Samaj Greater
Houston complex was adorned to welcome the guests for the tenth anniversary of
the Dayanand Anglo Vedic Montessori School in Houston. With the surge of
parents and the chirping of the children, it would be easy to believe that we
were visiting a quality school in India, reminding us of our own schools back
home.
DAVM, as it is fondly called, is a school
which constantly strives to make their students aware of India's Vedic heritage
and culture. A conscious and concerted effort is made every single day to
highlight and focus on our glorious heritage and culture. The children are
taught Hindi, yoga, naitik shiksha, and shlokas in addition to celebrating both
Indian and American holidays. The Montessori curriculum of teaching is adopted
in our school to introduce these kids to their regular courses. DAVM graduates
have excelled in academics as well as extracurricular activities in both Public
and Private schools. In IOWA tests of basic skills which are conducted by the
school each year, the KG and first grade students have been scoring 2 to 3
grade levels higher in both language and Math.
The evening started with a breath taking
rendering of the Shiv-sutra Shloka’s and the energizing song “Veer Garjan” by
the entire school, under the guidance of Mrs. Vineeta Arora and Acharya Praveen
Gulati. You could have very well been in a gurukul, for there was so much peace
and tranquility. Acharya Gulati ji explained not just the significance of, but
also how, the kids are taught to help their parents and show respect by
touching their feet.
The M.C. for the evening, Ms. Meena Dutt,
echoed everyone's feelings of love and tenderness which poured out naturally as
the class of 2010 was awarded their graduation certificates. It was a fabulous
site to witness 1st grade and kindergarten graduating children
walking down the stage in their blue caps and gowns. One could clearly see the
Indian values instilled in these children as they received the certificates by
bowing their heads to Meena Dutt ji and taking their position. This was
followed by a spellbinding DVD presentation featuring the “DAVM Journey Down
Memory Lane”.
Mr. Dev Mahajan recalled the inception of DAVM
when Mr. Shekhar Agrawal felt that there was a need within the Indian community
to nurture and provide children with a holistic development. Thus was born the
idea and DAV Montessori School, which started in 2000 with seven students. Dev
ji also acknowledged that ASGH organization is like a tree, the roots are many
and run deep, all pivotal to the growth and success of a school of
International stature. Many members of the community were recognized and
applauded for their selfless service, unflinching dedication and commitment to
the school since its inception in 2000. Among them were the first two teachers
of DAVM, Ms. Chetna Desai and Ms. Madhu Bangia who received the loudest applaud
from parents and students.
Mrs. Arti Khanna, director of DAVM, recalled
how her association with young children started as a Montessori teacher fifteen
years back. Five years back when she took up the position, she found that
instead of a class of twenty-five students who adored her, she now had school
at capacity and a group of wonderful teachers to love and nurture. Under Mrs.
Khanna’s leadership, supervision and guidance, the school has shown exponential
growth each year.
The first batch of DAVM students, the magnificent seven, were
brought on stage as they highlighted their early years in the school as well as
positive impact their foundation has had
and contributed to their overall confidence and academic achievement.
The Green class students, ages 2 ½ years to 3
½ years, led by Mrs. Rita Gulati, Mrs. Monita Mehtaji and Mrs. Sangeeta Gupte
put on a superb Rajasthani dance. Mrs. Shilpa Pokhriyal and Mrs. Aruna Gummadi
choreographed a tribute to the teachers around the world, presented by the Blue
class which left the audience awestruck. The Red Class with Mrs. Chetna Desai
and Mrs. Sangeeta Vats rocked the house showing power of imagination, how it
can capture all the wonderful things of nature. The grand finale performed by
the Yellow class highlighted different cultures of India. Mrs. Madhu Bangia and
Mrs. Shubha Ananth brought out some scenes from different states of India and
concluded the show with a special birthday cake marking the 10th
anniversary of DAVM. Every single performance was enacted as a labor of love,
visible for all to see. The music, the colorful costumes, and the makeup were
simply breathtaking. The entire program was presented flawlessly.
Mrs. Arti Khanna thanked the management
committee members, Acharya jis, parents, and reminded everyone that, though
only a few were mentioned, she has had an army of soldiers, by way of teachers,
volunteers and others who are always in our hearts.
The evening concluded traditionally with a
beautiful Shanti Path by Acharya Shridhar ji. Families of current and past DAVM
students were treated to a yearbook to commemorate this special occasion. The DAVM function will always have a special
place in the hearts of those who witnessed it; for it clearly exemplified the
maxim "you can take an Indian out of India, but don’t take the India out
of an Indian".
The 2010
Graduating Class DAV Montessori Graduates
Children Dressed up in Costumes from Various States
Students from the
Green Class
Honored Supports
of DAV Montessori School
Students from the
Red Class
Student and
Teachers reciting Veer Garjan
The First Batch
of DAV Montessori Students
The Yellow Class
brings out the Birthday Cake
Yellow Class
Presenting Costumes from Various States