Dharavi dawns, the school magazine of SSRVM Dharavi is a news magazine on the lines of Child Journalism.

2. Vol. 2 November 2012
Work became effortless from then on.
With a strong base in SSRVM, I
conducted sessions with the
Page 2: students inside the school and the
parents outside the school. These
Mass Meditation Rajat Bharadwaj is a PhD student from the Delft University,
sessions were spread over one week
and followed by the analysis of the data
Nederland. He spent a week with the children at SSRVM, collected. The analysis of the
Dharavi. He shares his experiences at the school . questionnaire showed a majority
consensus regarding the scarcity of
water and the requirement for more
and better quality water. The analysis
further showed a majority acceptance
of using rainwater as drinking sources
after purification. Furthermore, I also
was able to make a small laboratory at
Page 3: the school to demonstrate and involve
students about practical testing of
“I CAN READ ENGLISH” water quality. And this was one of the
most exciting part of my whole
says A kid from the endeavor. I realized how difficult it is to
largest Slum! be a teacher to such free spirited
The Principal speaks students. For most of the students, this
was a new experience. However, there
was hardly any sign of nervousness in
the understanding practical science. In
Rajat Showing the kids an experiment about usage of rainwater fact, it was a challenge for me to handle
such an energetic and curious group. I
As a part or my project on
In my first action, I wanted to
know the current situation of wish that every student can be as
PhD research on drinking water curious and expressive as the ones at
water in Dharavi. I wanted to
purification, I wanted to test the SSRVM.
know the quantitative need for
feasibility of rainwater On my fifth day, while I was working in
water, its quality and its social
harvesting and purification in the staffroom, I noticed something
and economic impact on the
Dharavi, Mumbai. And which completely surprised me.
lives of people. Secondly, I
feasibility not only on technical Teachers, in their free time were not
wanted to know if the people
level but more importantly on coming in the staff room but tutoring
Page 7: social and economic levels. For
would accept rainwater as a
drinking water source (after students one to one in a separate room.
those of you, who haven’t heard This tutoring was not only for students
Peace Walk for about Dharavi ; I would
purification). And finally, I
which were lagging behind but also for
wanted to know if they would
“ A CLEAN DHARAVI ” recommend a visit. It would
like such a system installed in students who wanted to learn more. I
surprise you. Many times. was surprised to see this “special” effort
by school children My journey to Dharavi received
their vicinity. However, this
initial plan went much beyond put in by the teachers. This was one of
a great boost from the support the most caring efforts I have ever seen
these expectations after my first
of the school Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in a school. And it reflects with each and
visit to SSRVM.
Vidya Mandir(SSRVM), Dharavi. every staff and student of the school.
One of the remarkable things I
It was an absolute blessing. It Overall, I am very thankful for the
experienced when I walked into
gave me an opportunity to support given by SSRVM . The school is
the entrance of SSRVM,
connect to the most unique an example to the world on how to give
Dharavi is that it embraces you
opinion. The opinion of the an all-inclusive education in places like
from all sides. After my first
young students. Honest and Dharavi. Its embracing culture should be
talk, I received immense
unadulterated. Through the replicated to all the schools for creating
support from all the teachers of
students, a connection to their free spirited students for a free spirited
the school. And very soon I
parents. And to know if the future. I wish great luck to SSRVM for a
realized that the embracement
parents differ from their less bright and expanding future.
does not only lie in the physical
informed off-springs. With
structure but is deep rooted in
these thoughts in my mind, I With love,
the DNA of the school. In its
made an initial plan of action for Rajat Bharadwaj
people, its structure and its
my stay at Dharavi.
working.

3. Vol. 2 November 2012
1.5 lakh Argentines meditate for World Peace
‬
‬
man who made a forest
More than 30 years ago, a teenager named Jadav "Molai" Payeng began
planting seeds along a barren sandbar near his birthplace in India's Assam region,
the Asian Age reports. It was 1979 and floods had washed a great number of
snakes onto the sandbar. When Payeng, then only 16,found them, they had all
died.
"The snakes died in the heat, without any tree cover. I sat down and wept over
their lifeless forms," Payeng told the Times Of India.
"It was carnage. I alerted the forest department and asked them if they could
grow trees there. They said nothing would grow there. Instead, they asked me to
try growing bamboo. It was painful, but I did it. There was nobody to help me,"
he told the newspaper.
Now that once-barren sandbar is a sprawling 1,360 acre forest, home to several
thousands of varieties of trees and an astounding diversity of wildlife -- including Today, Payeng still lives in the forest. He shares a small hut with his wife and
birds, deer, apes, rhino, elephants and even tigers. three children and makes a living selling cow and buffalo milk. According to
The forest, aptly called the "Molai woods" after its creator's nickname, was the Assistant Conservator of Forests, Gunin Saikia, it is perhaps the world’s
single-handedly planted and cultivated by one man -- Payeng, who is now 47. biggest forest in the middle of a river.
According to the Asian Age , Payeng has dedicated his life to the upkeep and "We were surprised to find such a dense forest on the sandbar," Saikia told
growth of the forest. Accepting a life of isolation, he started living alone on the the Times Of India, adding that officials in the region only learned of
sandbar as a teenager -- spending his days tending the burgeoning plants. Payeng's forest in 2008.
Finally, Payeng may get the help -- and recognition -- he deserves.

4. Vol. 2 November 2012
TEACHER SPEAKS
PRINCIPAL SPEAKS
I decided to teach in a low income school because I felt that children from As a seed needs proper nourishment and condition
communities such as Dharavi have immense potential and deserve an in right amounts at right time, even a child needs a
education and opportunities which will empower them to change their lives. I proper care and conditions at right time to grow. Only
wanted to be a part of this transformation. then they can grow into fruitful plants with flying
I stepped into the school thinking I’m going to teach them. What I did not colours and be good citizens of the Nation. These
know was that the children had something in store for me too. children are the fruits of the invaluable efforts put in
and they become seeds of change in Dharavi and the
As students, they taught me how to teach. I learnt how to get back into the mind of a 10 year old
Nation. They will take care of their mother land.
and be able to take a step closer to learning. They gave me the joy of seeing eyes widen when I
taught them about something amazing, and the satisfaction in seeing a student do a little dance
That said, they also need to learn how to stay at the
in class when he does well and knows he in getting better.
top of themselves always and how not to stop there.
They allowed me to get in touch with my own childhood and re-live the best part of life. As I
Our recent achievements reverberate this. We have
learn something new every day, re-read children’s classics for them and uncovering more
set a target for ourselves that by the 30th of
knowledge than I ever have, I’m rebuilding some parts of my childhood for myself. I saw that their
September all the kids will be able to read in English.
distorted domestic background and community created a strong impression on their vulnerable
And, 95% of the kids did achieve the target.
minds. Some of them are protected
with all their innocence but some are This was celebrated in a befitting
exposed to and intimidated by the manner flying 200 balloons into
harshness. Every day, I witness them the sky with “I CAN READ
building strength and courage to ENGLISH” written on them. The
overcome their situations. Their rest were being diagnosed,
undying spirit which gives the world a treated and supported for any
new chance every day is one of the learning disability by the Sion
biggest lessons I learnt. They are some Hospital.
of the most forgiving and warm
hearts I have known. Now, without stopping here, we
They have shown me that I can have set an ambitious target for the
big goals for them. They know that 30th of March- “ Every Child will
they will change their lives. Every day, be able to communicate in
they believe a little more that they English.”. Our team is all set to
CAN. put in relentless efforts to achieve
-Ranjani it.
Grade 5 Teacher
Jai Gurudev
-Renu Deva
Students of SSRVM celebrating that THEY CAN READ ENGLISH
BEING A VOLUNTEER
Jai Gurudev, cool and of course naughty like any other kid in the
TEACHERS’ DAY
Nothing can compare the feeling that I come out city! I am truly humbled by their innocence as well
with every Wednesday after a short session of as smartness, their desire to learn despite
‘coaching’ at SSRVM Dharavi. Being a good student challenging environment, sometimes with feeble The 5th of September,
myself and with a high emphasis on education in my family support and modest resources, which commemorating the
own life (graduated with a M.S from Michigan State setsthem apart from other kids. I learnt quite a few teachers’ day , the
University in Packaging Engineering), I always things from these pure souls: better teaching children of the school
wanted to volunteer in this field and finally my methods, patience, more smiles and less anger have taken up a great
intention was manifested last November by His over little things, creativity and fun, more task of running the
grace. But still without any formal training in acceptance, the value and fruits of commitment School. The Head boy was made the Principal for
teaching field I was not sure if I will be able to add and so many more..and yet to learn.. A few things one day and the students were teachers in all the
substantial value to the students. I mustered the that I learnt exclusively from SSRVM kids: the sport classes. They did a really commendable job.
courage to commit myself to once a week session in and art of ‘B boying!’ (Courtesy dear Srini!). At the end of the day, in a small gathering with
whatever area needed and was reciprocated warmly Equipped with daily SK, an education stepped in the real teachers and acting teachers, they said
by the vice principal, Meenakshiji of the school. Once human values and above all His blessings and that, they have
inside, nobody can tell this is the school located in guidance from His able teachers, they are sure to then realised how
midst of Asia’s biggest slum dwellings. I really felt the rise and shine in their respective careers, lives and difficult it gets
presence of Guru (and souls dedicated to his work) become empowered global citizens. I really sometimes, being
can transform mere place into a temple of appreciate the dedication of teachers and staff of on the other side.
knowledge. Now coming to the girls and boys, the SSRVM . Special thanks to Priya teacher for her This was a very
ones who I got a chance to interact with were support and leadership. great booster for
honest, sincere, sharp, with good grasp of the -Love, Pallavi. the leadership
subject, keen to learn more, adventurous, fun loving, qualities in the
children.

5. Vol. 2 November 2012
DIYA MAKING IN SCHOOL
KRISHNA ART BY STUDENTS
STUDENTS ARTICLES
THE DAY I WILL NEVER FORGET.
It was the day when Renu madam was new in our school
and she had arranged the program of refresher YES course. It
was Saturday so as usual I went to the school , when I reached
the school I saw that long blue mat was arranged out side. I
BEAUTIFULLY PAINTED GANAPATI thought something would be there. I took it lightly and when I
came to know that we are going to do our kriya outside and
not the usual kriya we are refreshing our kriya. So I was very
happy. The teachers who had came to take our refresher
course. they told their experience. After that there was a lot of
enjoyment. We played lots of games. We learnt how to keep
our ego aside. We should not feel shy, we should be natural
and from the teachers words I got encouragement. When
teachers told me and my friends to dance because there was
competition between us. For the first time in front of everyone
I danced without being awkward for. Those teachers were very
good and we should meet them again and take some more
knowledge from them. We did satsang. I learnt new bhajans
and it was a fantastic!
Jyoti ClassIX

6. Vol. 2 November 2012
DIYAS READY FOR SALE
STUDENT’S ARTICLE
THE DAY I WILL NEVER FORGET.
It was morning when I was in Bangalore ashram. We got up early in morning because we had to
go for a pooja. In pooja all boys were lying down and slept and were also sleeping. After pooja
we went to kitchen to eat our lunch. Later we went to
our room to sleep. Teacher said sleep now because we are going to meet Guruji at night. So we
slept for some time. After we got up we wore our school uniform and got ready to meet Guru ji. I
was so excited to meet Guruji. We met Bhanudidi she said us hello we too said her hello.I felt
very nice to meet Bhanudidi but I was waiting for Guruji “When will he come?”And when will I
meet him?. Finally after some time he came. Then we state chanting om between om mam
called me to give gift to Guru ji I was feeling very nice that I will give Guru ji the gift. When I was
giving the gift to Guru ji mam was saying something to guru ji but I couldn’t hear anything
because I was just looking at guru ji. I don’t no what was happening in my surrounding. I gave
the gift to guru ji and I bend to touch his feet but I was not getting his feet finally I got and felt
happy. This day was very special day which I will never forget.
KRISHNA ART BY STUDENTS
-Prajakta,
Class 9.
STUDENTS MAKING GANAPATI

7. Vol. 2 November 2012
A visit to Kumbharwada
It all started with a thought to empower the children about the community. The thought of child
I
journalism came from the book Target 3 Billion by APJ Abdul Kalam.
This was taken to the next step, where students were asked to gather news from their
surroundings. They brought in anything special that they find and wrote articles about them.
Once, I along with 4 other children from my class walked in the narrow lanes of Kumbharwada, to
find some news. Kids talked to the potters there, they found some electric wires hanging
dangerously and dirty dustbins forming an island of dust.
This experience was with them for some time. They started observing more dustbins all around
Dharavi. They sprung with an intensity to tackle the issue of cleanliness. A woman working on Diyas at Kumbharwada
-DurgaPrasad
Grade 6 Teacher
Dharavi is
dirty!! 
The pictures showing sorry plight of the Dustbins in Dharavi and the poor management of wastage

8. Vol. 2 November 2012
“Clean Dharavi Drive”
D-etermination
H-ard work
A-rdent
R-esilient
A-mbitious
V-ivacious
One of the Posters made by I-ndigenous
students.
Student’s Article
With this Inspiration, the
whole school started making
dustbin. He read and said sorry. We told
On the 10th of September
him – ” if you see anyone throwing the
huge banners and posters.
Students wanted to show the
in the afternoon. Shahid, Danish and I dust on the road, tell them to throw the world that they wanted to make
were coming together to our home. We dust in the dustbin.” He said “ ok I will.” a change and THEY CAN do it
were coming and we saw that everybody After that an old man came and threw when they get together. In just
was throwing the dust on the road. the dust on the road. We went and said 5 working days of school, they
There was z dustbin but everybody “Please throw the dust in the dustbin.” managed to make the posters
threw the dust on the road. Then we He said – ”Ok I will throw the dust in and laminate them along with
went to shop immediately to buy sketch dustbin next time.” and after some time the regular classes. They put 22
pen, gum and a drawing paper. We a lady came and she also throw the dust posters all over the Dharavi.
wrote that ‘please throw the dust in the on the road. We went and said – ” When the passers-by told them
dustbin’. But no one threw the dust in Aunty! please throw the dust in the that, these are being done so
the dustbin. We wrote and stuck it on dustbin.” She smiled and said “thank you Pictures showing the hard many times but no change is
the dustbin. We waited for 5 or 10 min for telling me.” We said ok. And then we work put in by children and seen, and the kids replied
and then a boy named Khalid came and went to our home. the teachers working befitting manner-” Try to karke
threw the dust on the road. So we said -Sohrab, Class 6 together Dekhe!!”
to him to read what is written on the
ARTICLE FROM TIMES OF INDIA
PEACE WALK
A Peace walk
was conducted
on the eve of
Gandhi Jayanti CONTACT
covering the
main roads in
Dharavi spreading the message of
clean Dharavi. This was started by
Mr. Ashok Survegandh Senior Police
Inspector , Dharavi. The Drive was
also supported by LEARN, an ssrvmdharavi@gmail.com
organized union of women in www.dharavischool.org
Dharavi. Hope ensuing activities http://www.facebook.com/ssrv
bring the change. m.dharavi