Thursday, April 16, 2009
How V-Set is useful to me - Students speaks
1. Manisha V Jain, Ganeshbai Galada Girls Hs school
We have learned from V-Set that we should give respect to all the professions viz., beggar, tailor, watchman, doctor, milkman etc. We should not think not only for ourselves but also for others.
2.Vinoth Kumar, Motilal Fomra Hs School
V-Set is sculpting and curving out beautiful statues from a raw stone. Raw stones are student’s minds and the message of V-Set gives a shape to the stone.
3. P. Priyadharshani, IX, A. St. Annes Girls Hs School.
At one time in Maths exam, I have taken low marks than the usual mark. I felt very sorry. I got worried because of low marks in maths. One day in V-Set class, sir presented many thoughts on confidence building. From that day onwards I have decided to take good marks in Maths. In next exam actually I have taken 90 marks in Maths. V-set is the reason for this.
When groups were formed in my school, I was afraid to become group leader. Because I wanted to concentrate on my studies first Now I am the group leader. V-Set program has changed my attitude. I help students who are not studying well.
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4. J. Thangam IX A St. Annes Girls Hs School
In my class, I am the tallest girl. All of my classmates were commented that I am looking like a giraffe. I felt very bad. One day V-Set sir showed Prabha’s photo who was a multi disability person. She was very short in size. She achieved a lot. So I decided that I should not bother about any compliments. I can also achieve. Thanks to V-Set.
5. P. Mageshwari, XI A St. Annes Girls Hs School
I used to watch TV very often. Particularly I was mad of hearing cine songs. I didn’t think of my goals at all. After attending the V-Set class, I reduced my habit of hearing cine songs and now I focused to my goal. I came from Tamil medium to English medium. I thought I am not able to read English. In the V-Set class, sir shared experience of achievers. Now I started to read my syllabus continuously.
V-Set Sir said that we should not comment our friends and others. I realized that day onwards I should not comment others which I did previously. I have changed my habit of commenting others.
6. O. Vidya, XI A, St. Annes Girls Hs School.
I have joined in dance competition. One group has performed very well. I thought that group will get the prize. But I didn’t lose my confidence which is taught in V-Set class. Lastly we won the prize of Rs.20,000. In that I got the Best Performance award also.
7. K. Revathy XI B, St. Annes Girls Hs School.
When I was getting ready to school, it was too late. I told my mom to get ready with Tiffin box. But she didn’t do that. I was scolding my mom. Along with that tension I asked my father to take me in his bike to school. He was refused.
I went to school late. I got punishment in the school. The punishment was kneeling down. Then I realized that if I wake up earlier in the morning, I could have gone to school in time.
One day V-Set sir has taken the topic about Attitude. Then I have changed my habit which I should not to give trouble to any one.
8. Divyabharathi XI B
V-Set Sir presented many thoughts on self confidence. In which he has shown a picture of disabled girl without arms. But she drove the car with her legs. I would like to drive cycling, but I had fear of falling down. After attending the V-Set class, a thought came to my mind, why can’t I try to drive cycling. I went to home and I tried to drive cycle. I fell down many times. My neighbours were laughing at me. But I never loose my confident. I tried again and now I am the one who was learnt cycling very soon.
9. S.V. Subhashree XI B
I am very proud and lucky person in this world to be a student of V-Set. I like to say that the facilitators are god to the students who are changing because of their noble deeds. We want to thank V-Set and their facilitators for the treasure of good information.
V-Set had taught me many good information I am trying to change myself soon. I am proud to be Volunteer of this organization.
10. K. Shamini XI B
One day I had joined a competition. But I didn’t get prize in that. I am not disappointed. The Next time I tried. In that also I am not able to get the prize. Then I tried again and again, and then I got the prize. Thanks to V-Set giving us self confidence.
11. M.Abinaya, XI A Venkatalakshmi Matric Hr. Sec. School
I was so happy because I attended V-Set class for continuous 3 days. I was impressed by four person viz., Jesse Cococks, Nic vojisic, Prabha and Janarthanan. By seeing their photos I was very confident. I gained so much of self-confidence, good positive attitude and I was free from fear.
The topic “Handicapped in mind” has changed me a lot. It tells my heart that no one is handicapped mentally as well as physically. Really, I will be so nervous to talk in front of others, but in this class I talked more from my heart. I like to be a V-Set volunteer because I want to help others in action, in works and in many ways.
12. K. Chitra Devi XI C
Thanks for giving us this precious days. The information told by Ravi Sir was really nearest and in my heart. From them I learned and I gained self-confidence. And many things which are given by sir were really wonderful and I promise you that I will follow those things without fail. I have shared this to my father and my mother and even to my brother who is in U.S. he spoke high of this V-Set class. And he asked you to continue this class for a longtime. My parents and my relatives they all appreciated.
13. Gokul nath XI C
One day V-Set sir has taken about discipline in detail account. I don’t know how to follow discipline in my life. But I sincerely say that I will follow the discipline in my life from this minute, this second. I had the bad character. This day is the judgment day for all my bad habits (Wednesday).
14. G.B. Harsha Varethan
V-Set helped me to take part in cleaning the surroundings. Such incident is that, I usually eat some snacks and throw it anywhere possible. But now I put them only in the trash can. There are lots of changes in my life. I am changed from good to best.
15. Raveena XI B, GaneshBaiGalada Jain Grls hr. Sec. School
The V-Set class was very useful to me. The topic Master/Slave such an interesting one. And the one more topic which was lazyness Vs Honesty after taking this topic I just realized that laziness cant achieve the life, goal etc. then I decided that I will do my work on time and then I changed my nature.
I was not talking with one of my friend in the class but after the V-Set sir’s topic has over that we should not hurt others immediately. I went to her and I asked sorry for my mistake. And I have shared all the topics which were taken on that day with her. Then even she felt sorry for her mistake like that we have changed our life.
16. R. Ramya
I have not seen or heard such a wonderful class from anybody. So I thank my school and Ravi Sir, Principal etc. I have started to help my parents and sister and I reduced my anger also.
17. R. Shalini
This class is useful for me. Before starting the V-Set class for simple reason I will be tensed and shout. It will become big problem in my house between father and mother. After starting this class I am not tensed for any matters. V-Set Sir taught 90/10 principle. It is useful for me in this way. Now a days I am helping the poor student, old people and handicap who cannot cross the road. V-Set helps me a lot.
18. J. Kuldeep VIII A, M.F.S.D.H.S.School.
I like V-Set class very much. One day V-Set sir taught us “how to use our words towards others”. The message given by sir is very interesting and I kept in mind strongly. On that I was returned to home. My sister was sleeping and my mom went outside. I woke up my sister and I asked her to give Rs.5 to buy a pen. I have asked first time she not yet heard.
Then I shouted her to give rupees to me. She told that she will not give rupees to me. Suddenly v.set thought came into my mind. Then I spoke to my sister with very sweet voice. She gave me rupees to buy a pen. I am very happy that I have applied v.set theme in my life. So I am thankful to v.set sir and v.set org.
19. B. Reena Bhargavi XI B2 Moongibai Goenka girl’s hr. sec. school
First of all, I am very happy to attend V-Set class. I have attended many classes of V-Set. This class helps us to know about our life. Actually I am talkative girl. I always talk more. But I won’t realize it. After attending this class, I have realized it. If I hurt anybody, I realized my mistakes and asking sorry to them.
Now a day, I am not talking more and not wasting time due to it. I am feeling honest now. I am just reducing my violence.
20. G. Ranjitha XI B
I have stopped my bad habits. One day when I was going with my parent’s one of the girl hit me on the road and she scolded me but I thought the V-Set theme. Then I have not shouted at her. My parents were shocked at me because before and when any one hit at me I used to scold and shout but at that time I have not reacted.
21. N. Jayakishore VIII Sri Visa Matric Hr. Sec. School.
V-Set is the stepping stone to success in everybody’s life. I have changed very much than I was before I became soft to my friend I did not fought with any one of my friend. I stopped stealing of my sister’s things and toys.
I always have problems with my grand mother we fight at least five times a day. After V-Set classes I realized that she is elder than me. Then we became peaceful. Thanks to V-Set.
22. P. L. Parthasarathi VIII Sri Visa Matric Hr. Sec. School
I have well developed in my life. I used to tell lies to parents for a single thing. After the V-Set class I felt very bad of my actions. I reduced my habit of telling lies.
23. O. Nisha Vaishnav VIII B GGJG Hr Sec School
In my home there are many children. They will come and play in Saturday’s. I shared about V-Set class. Usually we will get more time in Saturdays only. My younger sister came on that time with juice. I told her to give to them also. But she didn’t give. When she was moving from that place, my brother laid his leg towards her. She fell down with the juice. We all are laughed at her. She got insult in front of all the children. She became very sad.
Then I shared about topic of insult which was taught by beautiful class V-Set club. The next day she shares the juice to everyone.
24. Monty D. Jain IX B G.G.J.G.Hr.Sec School.
V-Set club help you to know what happen when we have patience and we appreciate others. The way how to respect others and how we can get respect from others.
A much important point is how to appreciate others. If somebody has quarreling with some one to remove her thoughts he should appreciate that person. It also teaches us how to respect our friends and how to appreciate our friends. We have learnt many things from V-Set club. I think this will help me in my future which I never forget in my life.
25. M. Vaishali
Through this wonderful class, we improved our knowledge. We have this class on every Friday. We are discussing the various topics in that day. The topics are about positive attitude, controlling the anger, art of appreciation how to face the problem etc… once upon a time I am a negative thinker. By hearing the V-Set class, now I am thinking in a positive way. I will not forget V-Set. Thank you for having V-Set class.
26. V. Sri Devi IX B
From this class I learnt how to face problem in our life and how to solve problem of others. After this class my relation and friends are very closer to me. I had changed myself. The V-Set class was very beautiful. Inspired by the topic how to control mood out which was a great problem in me. Now this class has solved big problem. For this many of them are appreciated me. I will remember this class till I alive.
27. V. Revathi
“V-Set” in the name itself we can understand the value of this trust and we are lucky to have this class from VIII and IX standard class and we are missing a lot this class from X STD. But we promise that we will not forget what the V-Set has taught us in these two years.
The topics which is taught by V-Set:
Patience pays, Mind your word, expand love circle, unselfishness pays, commanding respect and demanding respect, the power of love.
All these have helped me a lot. We learnt how to communicate with society, teachers and elders. I have also read which you have given that is V-Set wealth card. The beautiful sentence which I can’t forget is: “Every one will be too good to you until you expect nothing from them”. We all are very thankful to V-Set.
28. V. Sri Devi IX B
One day my friend and I were passing the road. I have seen a dog on the road side. It was injured and it begins to bleed. We decided to save the dog’s life. Then we too gone to my uncle’s hospital and put bandage to its leg. Now that dog was in my uncle’s house.
29. D. Latha
Before the v.set class I just helped to my friends only. But now I have learned to help my classmates too. Really this is a great change in me which I got through this class.
Mostly my sister will help my mother. But this time I have helped my mom because my sister was busy in her studies.
30. P. Gokul IX A
It inspired me very much. I am very proud to be a V-Set student. My father’s shop is there. It is a milk booth. I will collect the money from the people. A boy had given extra money. The topic ‘honest’ came into my mind then I returned the extra money to the boy. I taught I had also become the student of V-Set.
31. R. Prathiba IX C
We think that we are blessed to have such a wonderful class like V-Set class. I will say about negative attitude which I have change after V-set class is always I will not learn the answers which are very big like some two-pages, but after attending V-Set. I will not leave any answer; I will learn all the answers which are useful to get more marks.
32. D. Arthi
I used to watch TV without even studying. But when I listen to his speech I really thought the result of watching TV. without studying. I think you are my best friend and I had ever got advice like this from any of my friend. Thank you my friend. Now I came to know that how a good friend should be. We will really miss this V-Set class. And all these advice will help us in future.
33. A.S. Kalaivani IX B
I will share my joy and sorrow only to my parents. After hearing a part of V-Set, I started to share every thing about V.Set class to my friends and neighbours. One day while saying about V-Set class to my friend, she was very happy and she also worried why can’t implement the V-Set theme in every school.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Stories of Transformation
V-Set program has made a tremendous impact on the minds of students of Venkatalakshmi Mat school towards goodness is evident from their impressions hereunder:
1. V. Gokul Krishnan, IX
Before attending Vset class, I did not have any respect towards elders, teachers and non-living things. But after attending Ravi Sir’s class, I have started having a lot of respect towards them. It has also given me immense amount of self-confidence and the maturity to face insult with composure. An incident to highlight what I learn is something that happened some time ago. My brother was playing and by mistake pushed a bottle of ink over my homework and in a fit of rage, I hit him. I now repent for my act and am confident that I will never repeat such an act.
2. Gayathri K, IX
Vset has helped me become a good person. After just one month of attending Vset class, I learned how important it is not to hurt anyone’s feelings by the use of harsh words. I had once told my friend not to give my contact number to anyone without asking me. A girl asked this friend of mine my phone number. In response she told her that she would ask me if she could give the phone number. When she asked about this I told her to give my phone number. However she told me not to talk to that girl as she felt that that girl wasn’t good company. But I did not heed to her and started talking to that girl for which she felt bad. She thought that I would never talk to her. But she was happy when she saw that I still considered her to be my very good friend although I had made new friends. I realized that I learnt the art of forgiving and not getting angry after Vset class.
3. R. Sriram, IX
This is a true incident that occurred in my life during my pongal vacations. I had been to my friend’s place for a get-together. After enjoying with my friends throughout the day, while leaving, suddenly we witnessed a major accident near his house. A couple riding on a bike were hit by a car and were heavily injured. We rushed to the accident spot. We immediately called on an rickshaw and took them to the hospital. We also found their relatives’ contact numbers whom we contacted and told about the accident. They immediately rushed to the hospital and blessed us heartily. This incident gave me the will power and confidence that I too can achieve something in life. All this thanks to Vset class. It has taught me to nface problems and have the will power that I too can make a difference.
4. M Sigappi, IX
Vset class has taught me discipline and good manners. Initially I never helped my mother and younger brother. But after the Vset class, I have started helping mother to wash vessels and my brother in his studies. Vset has taught me all these values and has enriched my life.
5. M. Abinaya, IX
Once when my sister was cleaning the house and I was very comfortably watching television, I shouted at her for not cleaning properly. She started crying. I realized that it was all my fault. And I instantly apologized. I had never apologized to my younger sister for any reason. The change that had taken place in me was because of the Vset class that I attended. It taught me the necessity to apologize an never hurt any person’s feelings for any reason.
6. M. Nandini, IX
Before Vset classes I never had any respect for my parents and elders. But after Vset, I have developed great respect for them. Especially concern towards the poor. Initially, I never showed any concern towards the urchins on the road. But now, I help them in whatever way I can. I have also started helping people in the bus by holding people’s bags and offering senior citizens my seat. All thanks to Vset.
7. Santhoshpriya N, IX
Before attending Vset classes, I never respected my elders and also used to hi my sister. But after attending Vset classes, I have stopped hitting my younger sister and have started giving her advice and all the help she needs. I also used to get angry and talk roughly to my parents if it was an unnecessary talk. I have also learnt to control my anger.
8. S R NandhaKrishna, IX
Before Vset classes I wasn’t responsible. But after attending these classes, I have become very responsible. Once, my mother left me alone and went to Ernakulam. While leaving she prepared food for me and asked me to eat it before I go and play. Initially, I would have simply run out without eating. But after attending these classes, I realized that my mother is taking the pains to prepare food for me and so I should have it. So, I ate my food in time and only then went out to play. In this way, Vset has helped me become more responsible. The visuals used by Vset also add a realistic approach.
9. Narendran S, IX
Vset class has taught me Time management, the right attitude, how to overcome insult, self-confidence and several such vales which I have tried to put into practie to the best of my abilities. Lots of improvements like cleanliness and unity have been seen in the class.
10. Sudarshan, IX
Vset has taught me the importance of controlling ones anger. I once got selected for a dumsharards competition. For that, I went to chennai with my family. While leaving my sister took my music player. On seeing that I got angry. But I controlled my anger and avoided hurting someone. After that, my mother offered me some idlis which I dislike. But, I realised that there are many people who arent fortunate enough to get even that. So I ate it wothout complaining. I have learnt all this from Vset.
11. S Sindhu, IX
Vset has changed my life. Initially I used to fight with people and never apologize till they apologized. I expected an apology from them first. Now, I apologize immediately without any hesitation. I have also started respecting elders. I have learned to open my heart and helped me welcome more love into my heart.
12. Haaris Mohammed, IX
This is an incident that shows that Vset has had a major impact on my life. One while I was doing my History homework and my sister was playing there. She playfully came and tore my book. If she had done the same thing before I attended Vset classes, I would have hit her. But I acted as I was taught in Vset class. I immediately told her that one must not behave like that. I told all that very calmly. And then promptly stuck the pages back. I also realized that it was necessary to make her realize that she must never repeat such an action again, so I very lovingly made her realize her mistake.
13. G. B. Harsha Vandhan, IX
Before attending Vset classes I used to think that I can change the society only if I occupy an important position in the governing system. So, I had decided that I wanted to become an IAS officer, but after Vset classes I have realized that I must first I must make myself an ideal to the society only then can I bring about a change in the society like Swami Vivekanand said ‘Be and Make’. So I have started the process of making myself a better person.
14. S. Nivas, IX
Before attending Vset classes, I used to lose my temper a lot and even used to insult a lot of people. I could never tolerate any insult. Once my parents had asked me to clean my brother’s shelf. I got angry because they had interrupted me while I was watching my favorite television serial. But before I could react, I checked myself and cooled my anger. As a result, my parents were very happy and I also cleaned my brother’s shelf. I have also become better at academics after attending these Vset classes.
15. M. Sharath Sundar, IX
An incident that occurred in m life highlights the impact of Vset on my life. Initially, I didn’t entertain any beggars, but after Vset, I started having compassion towards them. One day, while walking outside a temple, I beggars. I went to them and gave each some money. But when I was giving some money to the last one, I by mistake dropped a ten rupee note on the street. One of the beggars picked up the note and scolded me for dropping it so irresponsibly. I was very touched by the incident. I saw Vset in practice even in a beggar.
16. V. Jawahar, IX
Vset class has taught me many good things and also how to better myself. One day when I was walking on the road, a vehicle splashed water on me and sped away. If the same incident had happened before I went for Vset class, I would have lost my temper and got upset. But thanks to Vset class, Ravichandran Sir and Chandramohan Sir, I followed the Vset teaching and immediately thought that that person might have been in a hurry and that is why must have done like that by mistake. It is ok. I was very happy with the way I approached the problem.
17. R. Priyanka, IX
Vset has taught many good values. Initially, if any student or any person falls down or hurts one self, I would never step forward and help. But now, after attending Vset class, I have realized that it is important to help people. So, whenever I see that I can help someone, I go out of the way and help that person. All this is thanks to Vset.
18. S. Tharika, IX
Vset has taught me a lot. What I have learnt and have even practiced in my life is helping people in need. Once when I was went to the market with my mother to buy some vegetables, a lady selling flowers nearby, fell down because of slush on the road. I immediately an nd helped her. My mother was very proud of what I did.
19. J. Akshaya, IX
Vset has taught me to control anger and react after thinking. One day, my brother took my bicycle for playing in the evening. While playing, he had punctured the tyres. He did not tell this and quietly slept. The next day when I had to leave for school I saw the flat tyre and shouted at my mother. At that time, my brother came ahead and owned up. I felt very bad for having yelled at my mother for no fault of hers. So that day, I came home and apologized to my mother sincerely.
20. Karishma Bakshi, IX
Once I had asked my mother to wake me up at 5am. But she woke me up only at 630am. I had a dance competition and was afraid that I will get late. So I got angry with her and shouted at her. But when I was shouting at her, I realized what I had learnt in Vset class and stopped shouting at her. I realized that it was my responsibility to get up in time and not my mother’s fault. After I cooled down, I went and apologized to my mother. She was happy to see that I had made an effort to control my anger. All this is thanks to Vset.
1. V. Gokul Krishnan, IX
Before attending Vset class, I did not have any respect towards elders, teachers and non-living things. But after attending Ravi Sir’s class, I have started having a lot of respect towards them. It has also given me immense amount of self-confidence and the maturity to face insult with composure. An incident to highlight what I learn is something that happened some time ago. My brother was playing and by mistake pushed a bottle of ink over my homework and in a fit of rage, I hit him. I now repent for my act and am confident that I will never repeat such an act.
2. Gayathri K, IX
Vset has helped me become a good person. After just one month of attending Vset class, I learned how important it is not to hurt anyone’s feelings by the use of harsh words. I had once told my friend not to give my contact number to anyone without asking me. A girl asked this friend of mine my phone number. In response she told her that she would ask me if she could give the phone number. When she asked about this I told her to give my phone number. However she told me not to talk to that girl as she felt that that girl wasn’t good company. But I did not heed to her and started talking to that girl for which she felt bad. She thought that I would never talk to her. But she was happy when she saw that I still considered her to be my very good friend although I had made new friends. I realized that I learnt the art of forgiving and not getting angry after Vset class.
3. R. Sriram, IX
This is a true incident that occurred in my life during my pongal vacations. I had been to my friend’s place for a get-together. After enjoying with my friends throughout the day, while leaving, suddenly we witnessed a major accident near his house. A couple riding on a bike were hit by a car and were heavily injured. We rushed to the accident spot. We immediately called on an rickshaw and took them to the hospital. We also found their relatives’ contact numbers whom we contacted and told about the accident. They immediately rushed to the hospital and blessed us heartily. This incident gave me the will power and confidence that I too can achieve something in life. All this thanks to Vset class. It has taught me to nface problems and have the will power that I too can make a difference.
4. M Sigappi, IX
Vset class has taught me discipline and good manners. Initially I never helped my mother and younger brother. But after the Vset class, I have started helping mother to wash vessels and my brother in his studies. Vset has taught me all these values and has enriched my life.
5. M. Abinaya, IX
Once when my sister was cleaning the house and I was very comfortably watching television, I shouted at her for not cleaning properly. She started crying. I realized that it was all my fault. And I instantly apologized. I had never apologized to my younger sister for any reason. The change that had taken place in me was because of the Vset class that I attended. It taught me the necessity to apologize an never hurt any person’s feelings for any reason.
6. M. Nandini, IX
Before Vset classes I never had any respect for my parents and elders. But after Vset, I have developed great respect for them. Especially concern towards the poor. Initially, I never showed any concern towards the urchins on the road. But now, I help them in whatever way I can. I have also started helping people in the bus by holding people’s bags and offering senior citizens my seat. All thanks to Vset.
7. Santhoshpriya N, IX
Before attending Vset classes, I never respected my elders and also used to hi my sister. But after attending Vset classes, I have stopped hitting my younger sister and have started giving her advice and all the help she needs. I also used to get angry and talk roughly to my parents if it was an unnecessary talk. I have also learnt to control my anger.
8. S R NandhaKrishna, IX
Before Vset classes I wasn’t responsible. But after attending these classes, I have become very responsible. Once, my mother left me alone and went to Ernakulam. While leaving she prepared food for me and asked me to eat it before I go and play. Initially, I would have simply run out without eating. But after attending these classes, I realized that my mother is taking the pains to prepare food for me and so I should have it. So, I ate my food in time and only then went out to play. In this way, Vset has helped me become more responsible. The visuals used by Vset also add a realistic approach.
9. Narendran S, IX
Vset class has taught me Time management, the right attitude, how to overcome insult, self-confidence and several such vales which I have tried to put into practie to the best of my abilities. Lots of improvements like cleanliness and unity have been seen in the class.
10. Sudarshan, IX
Vset has taught me the importance of controlling ones anger. I once got selected for a dumsharards competition. For that, I went to chennai with my family. While leaving my sister took my music player. On seeing that I got angry. But I controlled my anger and avoided hurting someone. After that, my mother offered me some idlis which I dislike. But, I realised that there are many people who arent fortunate enough to get even that. So I ate it wothout complaining. I have learnt all this from Vset.
11. S Sindhu, IX
Vset has changed my life. Initially I used to fight with people and never apologize till they apologized. I expected an apology from them first. Now, I apologize immediately without any hesitation. I have also started respecting elders. I have learned to open my heart and helped me welcome more love into my heart.
12. Haaris Mohammed, IX
This is an incident that shows that Vset has had a major impact on my life. One while I was doing my History homework and my sister was playing there. She playfully came and tore my book. If she had done the same thing before I attended Vset classes, I would have hit her. But I acted as I was taught in Vset class. I immediately told her that one must not behave like that. I told all that very calmly. And then promptly stuck the pages back. I also realized that it was necessary to make her realize that she must never repeat such an action again, so I very lovingly made her realize her mistake.
13. G. B. Harsha Vandhan, IX
Before attending Vset classes I used to think that I can change the society only if I occupy an important position in the governing system. So, I had decided that I wanted to become an IAS officer, but after Vset classes I have realized that I must first I must make myself an ideal to the society only then can I bring about a change in the society like Swami Vivekanand said ‘Be and Make’. So I have started the process of making myself a better person.
14. S. Nivas, IX
Before attending Vset classes, I used to lose my temper a lot and even used to insult a lot of people. I could never tolerate any insult. Once my parents had asked me to clean my brother’s shelf. I got angry because they had interrupted me while I was watching my favorite television serial. But before I could react, I checked myself and cooled my anger. As a result, my parents were very happy and I also cleaned my brother’s shelf. I have also become better at academics after attending these Vset classes.
15. M. Sharath Sundar, IX
An incident that occurred in m life highlights the impact of Vset on my life. Initially, I didn’t entertain any beggars, but after Vset, I started having compassion towards them. One day, while walking outside a temple, I beggars. I went to them and gave each some money. But when I was giving some money to the last one, I by mistake dropped a ten rupee note on the street. One of the beggars picked up the note and scolded me for dropping it so irresponsibly. I was very touched by the incident. I saw Vset in practice even in a beggar.
16. V. Jawahar, IX
Vset class has taught me many good things and also how to better myself. One day when I was walking on the road, a vehicle splashed water on me and sped away. If the same incident had happened before I went for Vset class, I would have lost my temper and got upset. But thanks to Vset class, Ravichandran Sir and Chandramohan Sir, I followed the Vset teaching and immediately thought that that person might have been in a hurry and that is why must have done like that by mistake. It is ok. I was very happy with the way I approached the problem.
17. R. Priyanka, IX
Vset has taught many good values. Initially, if any student or any person falls down or hurts one self, I would never step forward and help. But now, after attending Vset class, I have realized that it is important to help people. So, whenever I see that I can help someone, I go out of the way and help that person. All this is thanks to Vset.
18. S. Tharika, IX
Vset has taught me a lot. What I have learnt and have even practiced in my life is helping people in need. Once when I was went to the market with my mother to buy some vegetables, a lady selling flowers nearby, fell down because of slush on the road. I immediately an nd helped her. My mother was very proud of what I did.
19. J. Akshaya, IX
Vset has taught me to control anger and react after thinking. One day, my brother took my bicycle for playing in the evening. While playing, he had punctured the tyres. He did not tell this and quietly slept. The next day when I had to leave for school I saw the flat tyre and shouted at my mother. At that time, my brother came ahead and owned up. I felt very bad for having yelled at my mother for no fault of hers. So that day, I came home and apologized to my mother sincerely.
20. Karishma Bakshi, IX
Once I had asked my mother to wake me up at 5am. But she woke me up only at 630am. I had a dance competition and was afraid that I will get late. So I got angry with her and shouted at her. But when I was shouting at her, I realized what I had learnt in Vset class and stopped shouting at her. I realized that it was my responsibility to get up in time and not my mother’s fault. After I cooled down, I went and apologized to my mother. She was happy to see that I had made an effort to control my anger. All this is thanks to Vset.
Topics for V-Set Value Club Program
- Positive Attitude
- Managing Anger
- Facing Insult
- You can win
- Sweetness of Forgiveness
- I Can You Can We can
- Unselfishness
- Friendship
- Handling Hurt
- Handling Comments
- Handling Disagreements
- Handling Mood outs
- Possible in Impossible
- Diversion Vs Attention
- Caring for others
- Count your blessings
- Tapping the good feelings
- 90-10 Mantra
- Joy of Honest life
- Watch your word
- Power of Love
- Nutritious People
- Getting along with people
- Gratitude
- Patience pays
- Are you Master or Slave?
- Fault Finding
- Humaneness
- Give Respect Take Respect
- Inner War
- Contented Mind
- Art of Appreciation
- Inner Torch Light
- Strength is life
- Meaningful life
- Expanding love circle
- Good Manners
- Handling Disappointment
- Handling Frustration
- Beyond Violence
- Handicap in Mind
- Road Blocks? Mind Blocks?
- Stepping Stone
- Helpful or Hurtful?
- Your best friend Your worst enemy
- Success tips
- Express your creativity
- Inferiority Complex
- Everything is how you take it?
- How to make your minus into plus?
- Be fair to others
- Bury the Worry
- Handling Garbage
- Overcoming Fear
- Role Model
- Learn to Give
- Handling Guilt
- You are beautiful
- Handling Gossip
- You are the History
- Judgment
- Handling with Jealousy
- Handling Laziness
- Be confident
- Stepping stone or blocking stone?
- Unleashing your potential
- Discover yourself
- Expectation Vs Unhappiness
- Tricks of Mind
- Power of Non-doing
Saturday, April 11, 2009
V-Set - Activities At A Glance
- V-Set – Quality Care And Concern For All
- Focus: Man making process involves ‘Igniting Minds’ while simultaneously ‘Kindling Humaneness’. V-Set’s focus is on the latter.
- Facilitate ‘Value Club’ Programs in responsive schools with a view to kindle the latent humaneness in students. Schools are requested to allot one period for particular set of students (preferably VII to IX Std) once in a week according to their convenience. A deep understanding and awareness arises in the minds of students when there is relentless focus on series of topics on Life Skills. The facilitations are interactive, non-academic and fully flow with the prevailing situation. Presently, V-Set is facilitating this program in seven districts of Tamilnadu.
- Facilitate ‘Upadhyaya Sangamam’ (U-S – Teachers’ Meets) where an interactive module on how values can be integrated with each and every subject in a non-academic fashion is discussed. The Program also inspires to teachers to discover their inner strengths.
- Facilitate ‘Drawing Your Kind Attention’ an interactive module for Parents Meet. Schools are requested also to form PSG (Parents Support Group).
- Facilitate Value Month Program in schools.
- Provide schools with Human Values Chart, Value Month Chart, Good Manners Chart and Parent Support Group (PSG) Charts
- Support tuition centres in Villages through V-Set Tuition Centre Support (VTCT) who are implementing V-Set tution centre module in Tirunelveli, Erode and Chennai.
- Send Positive Actions regularly by e-mail on Humane Moments and Learning Moments
- Forge tie-ups with other service organizations in the field to spread the message of humaneness across various places and segments of the society.
Why facilitate? Why not teach?
Answer? Or counter-question?
Let us say a child asks a question on a particular topic or subject or issue. Conventionally, the question is answered if the person who answers knows it. Facilitation is about enabling the child think of the answer on its own – and this is the first step in the process.
Let’s say a child asks us, “Why are the ‘stop signals’ always Red?” What will we say or do? Will we give some kind of answer or explanation to the child’s question? Do we think it is important to answer the child’s questions? Do we normally try to answer all of our child’s questions?
A child can think too!
Now, let us think about this. The fact that the child has asked a question means the child has thought about the question. Only out of his thought process has he asked the question. Now, if we are going to answer the question, what will happen to the child’s thought process? The child stops thinking. The question is answered, the curiosity is over, the bucket is filled, and the journey is over.
And who did all the thinking – well, we did, and not the child. And to whom will the child run the next time he has a question – well, us! While in this process, the child will definitely get his fill of knowledge, but, he will hardly get an opportunity to think.
Instead, what if we were to turn to the child and ask in return, “What do you think?” What if we were in no hurry to give the child all the knowledge and wisdom that we have? What if we were to let the child discover learning and wisdom on his own? What if we were to let (and encourage in the process) the child to think?
Thinking is learning
The concept is so simple that most of us are not even aware of it - if we want the child to become a consummate and adept thinker, and then just let the child think! In our enthusiasm to teach children, we forget that what children learn on their own (through their own thinking) is the only real learning.
Now, let us carry the signal light example further. Upon being asked “what do we think”, let us say the child answers, “I think it is because the policeman’s favourite colour is red!” Now, what will we do? If we are in a hurry to correct the child, which is what most of us do, then again we are stopping the thinking process.
Even if the child is thinking incorrectly, the important aspect is that he is thinking! And that is what matters. Sooner of later, he will figure out the right answer – but it is the journey of finding out, that really makes us explore, learn and become thinkers. Thomas Alva Edison is reported to have said, “I have learned more through failures than by my successes.”
In fact, when we are too stuck with the right answer, we barely explore and think widely, thereby limiting our learning. It is similar to just being focused on reaching somewhere – we may miss out on the scenery along the way.
Explore! Enquire!!
So, the key word in developing a thinking mind is ‘Explore’. The approach is not to answer the question, nor to correct the child, but to ask exploratory questions – may be on the following lines:
· What all is painted red on the road?
· Amongst all colours which ones are most visible?
· What should be the quality of the colours used in traffic signals?
· If traffic signals on the road are red, what else should be painted red?
· If not red, which colour would you like the stop signal to be? What would be the advantages, disadvantages?
The mind works like a muscle - the more we think, the more it grows and develops. So let us give children as many opportunities to experience, experiment and explore. Their agreeing to our thinking is not important. Their having a perspective is more important.
Obviously, this does not mean that we should never answer any questions. For example, questions related to the safety of the child need to be answered. But we can explore the possibility of converting most of the questions into thinking and learning opportunities.
This is all we need to do!
Ask, “What do you think?”
Then ask, “What else…..?” or “How else….?” and “Where else….” etc.
Let us say a child asks a question on a particular topic or subject or issue. Conventionally, the question is answered if the person who answers knows it. Facilitation is about enabling the child think of the answer on its own – and this is the first step in the process.
Let’s say a child asks us, “Why are the ‘stop signals’ always Red?” What will we say or do? Will we give some kind of answer or explanation to the child’s question? Do we think it is important to answer the child’s questions? Do we normally try to answer all of our child’s questions?
A child can think too!
Now, let us think about this. The fact that the child has asked a question means the child has thought about the question. Only out of his thought process has he asked the question. Now, if we are going to answer the question, what will happen to the child’s thought process? The child stops thinking. The question is answered, the curiosity is over, the bucket is filled, and the journey is over.
And who did all the thinking – well, we did, and not the child. And to whom will the child run the next time he has a question – well, us! While in this process, the child will definitely get his fill of knowledge, but, he will hardly get an opportunity to think.
Instead, what if we were to turn to the child and ask in return, “What do you think?” What if we were in no hurry to give the child all the knowledge and wisdom that we have? What if we were to let the child discover learning and wisdom on his own? What if we were to let (and encourage in the process) the child to think?
Thinking is learning
The concept is so simple that most of us are not even aware of it - if we want the child to become a consummate and adept thinker, and then just let the child think! In our enthusiasm to teach children, we forget that what children learn on their own (through their own thinking) is the only real learning.
Now, let us carry the signal light example further. Upon being asked “what do we think”, let us say the child answers, “I think it is because the policeman’s favourite colour is red!” Now, what will we do? If we are in a hurry to correct the child, which is what most of us do, then again we are stopping the thinking process.
Even if the child is thinking incorrectly, the important aspect is that he is thinking! And that is what matters. Sooner of later, he will figure out the right answer – but it is the journey of finding out, that really makes us explore, learn and become thinkers. Thomas Alva Edison is reported to have said, “I have learned more through failures than by my successes.”
In fact, when we are too stuck with the right answer, we barely explore and think widely, thereby limiting our learning. It is similar to just being focused on reaching somewhere – we may miss out on the scenery along the way.
Explore! Enquire!!
So, the key word in developing a thinking mind is ‘Explore’. The approach is not to answer the question, nor to correct the child, but to ask exploratory questions – may be on the following lines:
· What all is painted red on the road?
· Amongst all colours which ones are most visible?
· What should be the quality of the colours used in traffic signals?
· If traffic signals on the road are red, what else should be painted red?
· If not red, which colour would you like the stop signal to be? What would be the advantages, disadvantages?
The mind works like a muscle - the more we think, the more it grows and develops. So let us give children as many opportunities to experience, experiment and explore. Their agreeing to our thinking is not important. Their having a perspective is more important.
Obviously, this does not mean that we should never answer any questions. For example, questions related to the safety of the child need to be answered. But we can explore the possibility of converting most of the questions into thinking and learning opportunities.
This is all we need to do!
Ask, “What do you think?”
Then ask, “What else…..?” or “How else….?” and “Where else….” etc.
Tips for Facilitation
A facilitator is a person who enables an interaction between groups of people and allows them to share their ideas between one another. This is different from a trainer who speaks from a higher platform and guides the audience. Facilitation is thus a different process from training, which if borne in mind, will enables the facilitator to freely mix or mingle with the audience. Thus, facilitation is only about facilitators; not trainers and not people who ‘conduct’ programs.
The following tips have been put-together based on field experience to enable a theme to be better conveyed, better received and better assimilated and therefore put into action by the participants:
1. Prepare a broad agenda before the program.
2. Bring a fresh perspective in each session/ program.
3. Preview the theme before the session.
4. Demonstrate values in action - reaching the venue well in advance may be a great idea/ apologies for reaching late, may go a long way in establishing a firm bond with the participants.
5. Welcome (personally) as many people as possible before the program.
6. Use the mike system (if provision for the same is available) to make the voice more audible.
7. Make the session as informal as possible.
8. Deal with the program in a non-academic fashion to make it more effective as the theme is a subject matter of the heart.
9. Start the program by saying that this is not a ‘Training Program’ but a gathering of persons to exchange ideas or thoughts on a theme.
10. Avoid expressions which sound like sermons or dictums - words like, ‘you should’, ‘you must’ etc. or even ‘we must’ or ‘we should’ could be avoided.
11. Convey the entire content through third person references or similes or in passive voice so that nobody gets offended or misinterprets the purpose of the program.
12. Communicate the theme through personal life experiences than what is read or heard for greater impact.
13. Refer to instances where the facilitator has been instrumental in transforming the life of another, in third person to avoid sounding boastful.
14. Honour each person in the audience with undivided attention and interest from beginning to the end of the program.
15. Talk with people, not to them – listen intently and with alertness when they speak.
16. Allow time for answers to questions posed – response comes with patience, hold own answers as a back-up.
17. Ensure that the person speaking is not interrupted, by having those others who wish to speak to raise their hands – or adopt some innovative method to avoid interruptions.
18. Allow for moments of silence.
19. Remain open and flexible - the discussion may have an exciting turn that was not considered.
20. Make a mental note of important points - look for opportunities to relate back to those points as the discussion progresses with others and credit the person for his insight.
21. Learn with the participants - come with a "beginner's mind", open to new possibilities.
22. Facilitate the program to enable participants to discover for themselves what messages are important and how they can be applied to their lives and their work.
23. Give importance to what the participants think - it is as much as the central theme that is presented; trust them, they will identify all the important messages from the central theme themselves.
24. Continue the particular discussion/ session for some extra time as long as the participants enjoy it; interest of the participants is the key in facilitation. Go deeper with their comments where significant and appropriate.
25. Save personal insights, related stories and own commentaries for back-up and for emphasizing, validating, clarifying, and summarizing - in fact, they may not be needed.
26. Minimise side discussions – short ones stimulate thinking; long ones destroy a group discussion; it may be better therefore to bridge side discussions and revert to the central theme.
27. Avoid heated debates - the central theme may offer opportunities for many topics that could lead to interesting debates on historical, economic, social and political topics; although such debates may seem interesting to few people involved, unless everyone can participate, they seldom have a wide spectrum of appeal in a large audience.
28. Keep the discussion focused on the objective - to have every viewer leave with some insight they deem valuable that they can apply to their lives and work, is the very purpose of a program.
29. Provide a counter question or throw in a fresh perspective in case the participants seem to be going off-track or into an unnecessary debate - this is one of ways to bring them back to the mainstream without being rude.
30. Flow with the sessions – they may never be exactly the way they were planned; keep the overall objective in mind and continue with the sessions.
31. Pay more attention and give equal importance towards quiet people – encourage them to participate so that they do feel left out of the discussions.
32. “Touch their hearts and rouse their passion” for the theme, rather than just making it an impressive program.
33. Love the participants.
34. Recognize that being with students, or for that matter anyone, is a real gift.
35. Prepare for the program but learn the trick of emptying the mind.
36. Do not be upset if things do not go to plan/ participants do not get what you think they should get – that is the way it is meant to be.
37. Do not teach – facilitation is about creating mental activity and providing emotional experiences to learn for all participants including the facilitator.
38. Do not try to overcome personal limitations while facilitating – it is important and best to be comfortable and open about it.
39. Make facilitation a way of life - learn, experience and love every day. This way it will be possible to use personal experiences as an impersonal learning for all.
40. Video clips on a specific theme help facilitator to drive home a point quickly.
V-Set Value Month Program(VMP)
“Living a life of good character is not normally reflected in your report card in school but it will be reflected in your report card of life.”
In Life education, the question is no longer "Why?" or "Whose?" or "Which?" or even "What?" The question is "How?"
How can our school ensure humanness in student’s behavior? How can we effectively communicate the values of our school and the behaviors those values necessitate? How can we encourage students to make good decisions and right choices? How can we guide our teachers and staff so that their actions and decisions are ones that we can stand behind--even certify?
The answer is here in the form of Value Month Program:
V-Set Value Month program facilitates schools to take up each of the value every month for discussion and practice.
• The implementation of values in the school will be effective if it can be discussed by all the teachers in all the periods for a few minutes apart from academic subject.
• By implementing Value Month Program schools will be free from negative influences and Violent behaviours.
• The school will take up one central theme each month across the classes
i.e., the key value would work through the selected values across the classes.
• For an entire month, in the whole school every teacher in every class in every section focuses on the value of the month though out the month.
• The class leader will take the lead and form the groups for VMP viz., Truth, Joy, Peace and Kindness. Each group can think of creative ideas around the value of the month like stories/incidents/song/skit/painting/quote etc. The teacher can motivate each group to do some activity on the value.
• Student leaders write on the class black board value of the month theme. Every teacher visiting in the class will question or talks or inspire students for a few minutes. Students are invited to generate an activity, event or experience involving students and teachers that celebrate and promote values.
• For an entire month, the whole school every teacher at every class and in every section same value example – Humaneness – related values Managing anger, facing insult etc.
• Teachers talk to their students about the value of the month making connections, for example, with classroom incidents that arise or some personal experience.
• Students also bring in paper cuttings or articles that tell about a person or incident that exemplifies the value.
• V-Set is happy to share its experiences on Value Month if contacted through
e-mail: india@vset.org
Experience of a Principal:
Principal Mr Thomas spoke about the impact this Value of the Month program had in a previous school where he worked:
“Before coming to this school, I was principal in a school where stealing was an everyday occurrence when I first arrived. The attitude among students was that it was okay to steal as long as you didn't get caught. There was also a problem of kids being intimidated for their lunch money. I said to the faculty, "How can we change this?" We selected core value to teach, one each month. We started with honesty. As time went on, kids started turning in money they found on the playground. Intimidation became less and less of a problem. By the end of our second year with the program, stealing was a very rare event at this school.”
Values Month is an opportunity for students and teachers to celebrate and promote values in education and life.
Friday, April 10, 2009
V-Set Value Club(VVC)
V-Set Value Clubs (VVC) are formed in schools with a view to kindle humaneness in students so that they can be successful in their lives and at the same time be conscious of and do whatever they can for all.
Methodology
· Schools are requested to allot one period for a particular set of students (preferably from 7th to 9th standard) once a week according to their convenience.
· A series of topics which kindle humaneness as well as topics which prevent humaneness from flowering are discussed.
· When done on a sustained basis, a deeper understanding and awareness arises in the minds of students.
· Each session is handled in a free flow allowing for spontaneity by adopting a facilitation mode rather than a teaching mode. This provides an opportunity for students to express themselves too.
· A selected topic could extend sometimes to two or three weeks depending on the enthusiasm of students.
Facilitation methodology
· Objective of the topic - briefing about the topic - why the topic is taken up.
· Stories or incidents relevant to topic
· Quotes relevant to topic for oratory
· Paper cutting/current news in relation to topic/visuals, if available
· Small role play, wherever necessary
· Exercise on the topic – to collect stories or create small role plays or anything relevant to topic.
· Views of students shared during the program and oral or written feedback obtained from students on the central theme
· Students share their own real life incidents on the theme
· Where possible students queries are interchanged amongst them so as to make each student think about the others
Approach to facilitation
While facilitating the programs, it would be helpful to bear these points in mind:
· Every student has values.
· Value education is not a new subject to anyone.
· Every school or teacher is already doing something on this subject.
· Most schools have a value or moral education period (perhaps, in some cases,
it may not be effective if due importance is not given).
· Many teachers too try different methods to kindle values in students – in fact, many ideas for facilitation come from teachers.
Ideas on topics for VVC
Individual level:
1. Positive attitude
2. Strength is life
3. You can win etc.
Relationship level:
1. Emotional Health
2. Managing Anger
3. Sweetness of forgiveness etc.
Social level:
1. Not I but We
2. Expanding love circle
3. Caring and sharing etc.
Nature level:
1. Our life and five elements
2. Interdepandace
3. Tree friends etc.
Universal level:
1. Peace and joy
2. Collective happiness and harmony
3. Love for all etc.
Response
The response to this program is overwhelming. As more and more programs are facilitated, several new ideas emerge, and when they become a way of life, further topics automatically evolve for further programs. Schools can take up this idea of forming Value Clubs by bringing in volunteers, counsellors or teacher-volunteers for the purpose of sustained interaction with students. Where necessary, V-Set is willing to provide inputs in forming Value Clubs in Schools.
Methodology
· Schools are requested to allot one period for a particular set of students (preferably from 7th to 9th standard) once a week according to their convenience.
· A series of topics which kindle humaneness as well as topics which prevent humaneness from flowering are discussed.
· When done on a sustained basis, a deeper understanding and awareness arises in the minds of students.
· Each session is handled in a free flow allowing for spontaneity by adopting a facilitation mode rather than a teaching mode. This provides an opportunity for students to express themselves too.
· A selected topic could extend sometimes to two or three weeks depending on the enthusiasm of students.
Facilitation methodology
· Objective of the topic - briefing about the topic - why the topic is taken up.
· Stories or incidents relevant to topic
· Quotes relevant to topic for oratory
· Paper cutting/current news in relation to topic/visuals, if available
· Small role play, wherever necessary
· Exercise on the topic – to collect stories or create small role plays or anything relevant to topic.
· Views of students shared during the program and oral or written feedback obtained from students on the central theme
· Students share their own real life incidents on the theme
· Where possible students queries are interchanged amongst them so as to make each student think about the others
Approach to facilitation
While facilitating the programs, it would be helpful to bear these points in mind:
· Every student has values.
· Value education is not a new subject to anyone.
· Every school or teacher is already doing something on this subject.
· Most schools have a value or moral education period (perhaps, in some cases,
it may not be effective if due importance is not given).
· Many teachers too try different methods to kindle values in students – in fact, many ideas for facilitation come from teachers.
Ideas on topics for VVC
Individual level:
1. Positive attitude
2. Strength is life
3. You can win etc.
Relationship level:
1. Emotional Health
2. Managing Anger
3. Sweetness of forgiveness etc.
Social level:
1. Not I but We
2. Expanding love circle
3. Caring and sharing etc.
Nature level:
1. Our life and five elements
2. Interdepandace
3. Tree friends etc.
Universal level:
1. Peace and joy
2. Collective happiness and harmony
3. Love for all etc.
Response
The response to this program is overwhelming. As more and more programs are facilitated, several new ideas emerge, and when they become a way of life, further topics automatically evolve for further programs. Schools can take up this idea of forming Value Clubs by bringing in volunteers, counsellors or teacher-volunteers for the purpose of sustained interaction with students. Where necessary, V-Set is willing to provide inputs in forming Value Clubs in Schools.
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