To commemorate the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, GIIS Ahmedabad students conducted a Special Assembly on Gandhi Jayanti. Students from classes I to VII participated in the programme that was aimed towards creating awareness and inculcating Gandhian values of humanity, brotherhood and secularism. The students were involved in various activities related to Gandhi@aps@s life. The auspicious day started by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi. Mr. Caesar D’silva, Principal GIIS Ahmedabad and Ms. Vaishali Borde, National Academic Head- Co-scholastics, along with other teachers garlanded the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Value-based education is important for nurturing citizens of tomorrow, who would make a difference to the planet. Ms. Borde spoke on the values of Gandhi and how they should become a part of everyone’s daily life. Mr. D’Silva also motivated the students towards caring and sharing.

The assembly started with Gandhi’s favourite bhajan “vaishnav jan to tene kahiye je” by the choir group. The students made slogans on universal values of kindness, brotherhood and caring for the society and shared valuable information on the life of the Mahatma and Lal Bahadur Shastri, celebrating the birth anniversary of two great leaders on 2nd October.

Gandhiji, the father of the nation was a pioneer of truth and non-violence. He started the ‘satyagraha’ movement for the Indian freedom struggle. He played a significant role in achieving independence for India from British rule. His role in Indian freedom movement was highlighted by the primary students. All the students of GIIS Ahmedabad, along with the teachers, staff and principal engaged in a cleanliness drive to sensitize each and every one towards the importance of keeping our surroundings clean.

The students also visited the Sabarmati Ashram to see the various exhibits and the depiction of most of the historic facts associated with the life of Gandhi. Notable amongst them are books, manuscripts, his correspondence photocopies, his photographs besides those of his wife Kasturba as well as many picture collections of people associated with this ashram. Other notable items kept there are his spinning wheel, writing desk and huge life size oil paintings and other actual relics. The students looked had an opportunity to study and examine excerpts from Gandhi’s life as they observed everything and collected notes as a part the INTACH heritage club activity.

“Cleanliness is next to godliness.” Gandhi dreamt of a clean India and also emphasised on following it religiously. Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi initiated “Swachha Bharat Abhiyaan” to fulfil Gandhi’s dream. Students of class V opted for “Shram-Daan” to make valuable contribution towards this Abhiyaan on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti by cleaning their neighbourhood- Godrej Garden City. The other students cleaned their own classrooms.

Students of class VII visited Matrudhaam Aashram Shala along with few teachers, pre-primary co-ordinator and the principal. The idea was to spend time with the less-privileged children. Activities like music, drawing, craft, aerobics, dance, scientific experiments and edu-sports activities were designed for each age group of children of the Matrudhaam Aashram School. By the end of the day, the sparkling eyes of these children were rewards for team GIIS and they promised to continue this collaboration as a part of Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Universal Values.

“The whole world is a large family and it is this feeling that we wish to inculcate at GIIS. The students, parents and teachers will work together and create a Familistic society, which will be for the best interest of the society and country at large”