Keeping alive the spirit of the on-going festive season that has just kicked off with Diwali last weekend, the village students of Akal Academy, Ratia are keeping the campus and the village abuzz with their enthusiastic spirit and some really exotic creative work activities to welcome with full gusto, the upcoming-lined-up festivals and GurPurab, Christmas & New Year events.

Past week, starting-off with Diwali itself, has been full of interesting activities including best of arts – be it Rangoli, in which girls from the school made a beautifully designed Peacock that stole everyone’s heart; or creating fancy Diyas that infused the spark of celebrations into the campus.

Besides ‘Rangoli’, it was the Notice Board Decoration that grabbed everyone’s attention. To make things more interesting, fun-filling and to add-on to the excitement of the students, the Academy organized a series of competitions – the teams, divided into houses & categorized into different class-based level groups’ i.e.  1^st Class III-V,  2^ndClass VI-VII,  3^rd Class VIII-X, for competition events like Poetry, Creating Socially Useful & Productive Work from Waste Material, Diya Decoration, Notice Board Decoration, Greeting Card Making and Rangoli Making.

Different themes were allotted to each group – Level 1: Diwali, Level 2: Christmas, Level 3: Gurpurab.
Participants of each house, at each level, worked dedicatedly in full festive spirits & with great creativity both to compete and prepare the best work for decoration.

For the event concluding ceremony, special guests were invited to judge the competition; panel of Judges included Sh. Jitender Singh, Principal Govt. Sr. Sec. School Ratia, Sh.Krishan Singh, arts & drawing Teacher, Govt. School Ratia and also Sh. Lokesh Gupta, Sr. Manager. Axis Bank, Ratia. They all appreciated the talent and creativity of the students whilst giving their judgment and announcing winners.

~ Deekhsa Singh
~ New Delhi, 12th Nov ’13

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10th November 2013: The Kalgidhar Trust of Baru Sahib, in association with ‘Nishkam Medical Care Society’ of Patiala, organized the 57th free Medical Check-up & Treatment camp at village Bhai Desa located in District Mansa.

The camp is a part of the organization’s routine campaigning that seeks to serve the ailing patients located in the rural and remote villages across the Northern Rural belt of India. A volunteer team of experts and specialist doctors from Patiala performed 1150 free check-ups and also distributed free medicines to the patients.

To inaugurate the 57th Medical Camp, Rajya Sabha member – Balvinder Singh Bhondadh was invited as a special guest, cited Principal Gurjeet Kaur of Akal Academy, Bhai Desa.

The same team of doctors alongside Nishkam Medical Care Society, had previously organized the 56th Camp in association with the Trust at Akal Academy located in Village Rajia, where over 400 patients had arrived from different villages in the vicinity and some far flung areas, where Dr Mehta also informed that next – on 22nd, 23rd & 24th November, Free Operations and Surgeries will be performed at Akal Academy Charitable Hospital, located at Baru Sahib in Himachal Pradesh.

The doctors have been drafting a list of cases/patients who required surgical treatments/operations whilst the ongoing Check-up camps; the eligible patients will then be visiting the Akal Charitable for free operation/surgery treatment during the aforementioned dates.

~ Deeksha Singh
~ New Delhi, 11th Nov ’13

Across Akal Academies, the Teachers are regarded as the very lifeline of our education system; the aspect of recruitment, hiring & event development of Teachers as per requirements of our Value-Based Education system is considered most crucial and critical for healthy nurturing of students.

Over the schooling experience of past 27 years, having gained much experience in terms of identifying the best teaching techniques, acquiring in-depth knowledge, understanding about the special needs & skill set requirements to maintain high quality-standards of Value-Based education, the Kalgidhar Trust, by virtue of its matured existence, positioned itself to produce its own Teachers.

Working in parity with the charitable Trust’s Akal Institute of Rural Women Development, our Akal Academy has long been able to generate localized teachers by offering Free 3-5yrs Teacher Training Programs to both Akal Academy Alumni; and also to the localized Rural Women, who preliminarily go through a special ‘Free Bride-year course’ to become eligible for Professional Teacher Training Program.

The aspiring teachers  are customized and trained on lines of the Akal Academy principles that seek to lay foundation for Noble & Upright character building for its students through teachers who double up as virtuous role-models, hence leading  by example.

Besides the home production of Teachers, the Akal Academies also recruit best of teachers from across India, through strategically spread ‘Teacher Recruitment Points’ spread all over India.

Also, for the purpose of giving universal exposure to students & to facilitate exchange of teaching ideas &techniques with training faculties of foreign origins, ‘Guest Faculties’ & Volunteers from some of the most acclaimed universities around the World are regularly invited to Baru Sahib, who not only train the students but also transfer-exchange-share vital information on the latest, innovative & upcoming teaching techniques, trends & updates with our school teachers.

~ Ramandeep Singh
~ New Delhi, 11th Nov ’13

Want to help in bringing a positive change? Donate here for the Noble Cause – http://barusahib.org/donate/

This week’s Super Story introduces Akal Academy Muktsar’s star alumnus Jaspreet Singh Sidhu of 2005-06 batch, whose enduring agrarian odyssey set him ashore at New Zealand, where he is exploring innovations in Agriculture as a Research Scientist, working with AgResearch located in Palmerston North of New Zealand.

Jaspreet Sidhu, completed his schooling from Akal Academy Muktsar, where he scored 83% & 82% during his 10^th&12^th examinations; after which, in an effort to pursue his interests in agriculture research he got admitted into Khalsa College(GNDU) for his bachelors, after which, having developed a strong focus  about his approach, he applied & got admitted to Massey University, New Zealand to pursue his higher Degree in the aforesaid field.

In a recent interview, where we got chance to speak to him, Jaspreet led us through his journey from fields of Muktsar to the research lab at his workplace at Palmerston. Recalling his days at the Akal Academy, he revealed that he feels that Akal Academy is supposedly the most disciplined school that exists on this planet; he then told us how the discipline, that was fostered into him at the Academy helped him manifolds in long-run as he went on quoting that “Akal Academies are actually capable of turning monkeys into fine men”, as he smiled cherishing the memories of his school days.

Having observed closely upon the contrasting environments, both at his school, life at his village and the society where he has made his place now, has developed a strong view that if every child gets to receive education and schooling like he did at Akal Academy – they all can equally do fine in their lives as him, especially because the school exclusively teaches the children how to stand-out, which actually, in turn, helps in creating our own space and mark in the alien societies rather than being dissolved into the crowd.

Besides his aggressive pursuit of being an accomplished scientist, Jaspreet revealed how he alongside other like-minded environmental-activists planted over 1, 30,000 tress over the span of last 2 years, at different strategically identified locations in New Zealand. He, alongside his social activist group has many a times been covered in local news magazine for their work & contribution for the society; he maintains a affirm belief that social services should continuously be pursued alongside one’s career path to strike a fair balance between all give ‘n’ take of all good things in life.

He feels fortunate that his educated parents, having an agrarian traditional family background, wisely realized the importance of education in the rural society and admitted him to Akal Academy instead – upon evaluating benefits of added value-based education and spiritual element that Akal Academy exclusively offers.

For Jaspreet, life, though moving at the speed of light, doesn’t keep him off his routine habits of carrying social activities – he dedicates most of his Sundays and holidays to help people with medication. He devoutly maintains his yearly routine of visiting his hometown where he pro-actively handles and resolve issues related to environmental pollution, esp. water contamination. Recognition of his social working has connected him with several Govt. officials. Currently, he & his associates are currently trying to work-out collaboration between Indian & New Zealand Governments to bring revolution in agriculture in India.

Here’s wishing him all the luck! You can also be a part of this wind of Rural Transformation by donating here – http://barusahib.org/donate/

In an effort to curb the ‘use of crackers’ during Diwali Celebrations; practices of ‘burning straw’, that cause much pollution & damage to the environment,  and to help save the girl child from evils of feticide, students of Akal Academy at village Dhanal Kalan, gathered together with Teachers and Staff members to organize a rally across villages & areas in vicinity to benefit from maximum outreach for their appeal.

The ‘Awareness Rally’, was conducted through joint efforts of Akal Academy Dhanal Kalan and the ‘Interact Club Jalandhar Central’. The rally was addressed by S.Gurdev Kaur Sangha – Chairperson-Shiromani Akali Dal(women), Akriti Mehta – Trainee Pilot from Air Force, Dr. G.P Singh and Principal  Harpreet Kaur; who explained about the damage caused by the evils of the society whilst appealed for support to spread awareness for their complete removal from the society.

Preparations for the rally had commenced a week before Diwali, the students were given informational and motivational insights about the agenda, each morning during the daily assembly session, through lectures, skits & thought sharing sessions.

The event concluded with the terminal phase of the rally; which started from Mann Medicity Hospital (Khambra), went through Nangal Purdil, Dhanal Kalan to finally reach the Academy for conclusion.

Throughout the rally, students did a splendid job at carrying and speaking slogans while appealing for the causes to the people of the village en route. The spectators appreciated the work & efforts of the children and the Academy’s initiative and pledged to save environment in every possible way!

The rally was led by the ‘Gatka’ squad of the Academy, under the command of Satnam Singh (Gatka Master); the Gurdwara Committee of Khambra organized for the refreshments for the students and staff during the course of the rally.

During the event, also present amongst the invited guests were, S.Ujjagar Singh, S.Santokh Singh (Delhi Paints), Mr. Rajesh Dutta (President Rotary Club, Jalandhar Central), Dr. J.S Mann (M.D. of Mann Medicity, D.S. Anand, Mr. Om Prakash, Interact Club In-charge – Manjeet Singh, President – Sahibpreet Singh, Secretary Arshpreet Kaur and all Akal Academy & Akal Teacher Training Institute(women) staff members.

~ Deeksha Singh
~ New Delhi, 9th Nov ’13

‘EK-Noor’ is a customized Value-Based Education System, specifically and exclusively designed for India; the system, alongside modern scientific education, blends into itself the traditional Mind-Enshrining techniques, schedules and disciplines that were followed in popular and famous historic learning temples of Taxishila and Gurukul, that once helped India acclaim the world status of being one of the most superior and the utmost place for education which produced genius scholars.

The System, EK-Noor, followed across all Akal Academies alongside CBSE academic curriculum , focuses on imbibing spiritual and virtuous qualities in students through various Mind-Practices like Meditation, Yoga, Prayer, etc, is built upon the ideology of being an Epitome of Inter-Faiths, which is also reflected in Sikh-Faith & its Scriptures, which are proclaimed by pious practitioners of diverse faiths, including Islam and Hinduism, which all professed about Almighty being One & observed no differences amongst people of any Faith.

Across all Akal Academies, this exotic system, has been our strengthening force that has enabled us built a strong Edifice of Superior Education – a culture being devoutly followed ever since inception of first Akal Academy at Baru Sahib in 1986.

The combination works in an excellent partnership wherein spirituality acts as a controller of vices and ego by helping students learn to take full command over their brains – they eventually grow-learning how to be good human being, caring and serving humanity whilst ensuring enrichment of environment, both physical and social, as global citizens, as promoters of world peace and brotherhood.

It is especially observed, that the teacher also double up as role models i.e. explicators of the aforementioned spiritual-social values that would help build a strong virtuous character amongst students. The process involves routine – disciplined practice of prayers and mental affirmations.

For the purpose, teachers, coming from various backgrounds, undergo a rigorous Teachers’ Training Program that ranges from 3-5 years, before they are appointed as Teachers.

“A Souls of Steel ensures that the Mind and the Body together raise the bar”, beginning one’s day with recitation of prayers as per one’s faith regularly in routined manner, helps the students in developing a focused mind that seldom wanders; a new age Tapasya, which has gone over 27 years of refinements & teaching experience, that helps make youngsters adversity proof!

~ Deeksha Singh
~ New Delhi, 8th Nov ’13

Ensured Steady & Smiling Life for over 400 patients!

Akal Academy located at village Rajia, to mark remembrance on occasion of the 10^th death anniversary of Mata Bhagwan Kaur and Mata Tej Kaur, organized the 56^th Free Medical Check-up camp at the academy campus.

During the event, a team of healthcare expert volunteers, coming from Free Medical Care Society (Patiala) – Doctor H.P.S Sandhu, Dr.D.S Gill, Dr. Manohar Singh, Dr. M.R.S Mehta, Dr. Ravikant and Dr. Ravinder Kumar performed free check-up of around 400 patients and provided them with free medicines for treatment.

On the event, Rajya Sabha member Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, present as a Special Chief Guest, appreciated and praised The Kalgidhar Trust’s effort of providing Free Regular Medical & Health Services to people alongside providing education. Such camps organized by Baru Sahib are a bliss for the poor for those who cannot afford treatment at big-expensive hospitals, can easily access the Free Medical Care Services”, he added.

Mr. Dhindsa, alongside entire crew of volunteer doctors, was honored by the Akal Academy and the representatives of the Rajia Village. During later announcements, Dr. Mehta informed that the next Free Medial Camp will be organized on 10^th November at village Bhai Desa, Akal Academy Campus in Mansa and also on 22^nd, 23^rd & 24^th November, free operations & surgeries will be performed at Akal Charitable Hospital, at Baru Sahib.

Free Medical Camps are observed as an essential & critical element of serving humanity by The Kalgidhar Trust; such Free Camps are regularly observed in rotation at Akal Academy campuses of all 129 rural schools located in the villages of Punjab, Haryana, U.P. & Himachal Pradesh of North India.

~ Ramandeep Singh
~ New Delhi, 8th Nov ’13

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Known for their brilliance at academics, young students of village Akal Academy Jand Sahib prove their equally brilliant knowledge and understanding of their Sikh-Faith during a recent Sikh-Quiz competition.

In total, 175 rural students from Akal Academy, Jand Sahib participated to compete at the Quiz event; all of them being class 5^th students. Out of these 175, 40 students secured grades as follows i.e. Grade A-6, Grade B-16, Grade C-13 while 5 received merit positions. The students that received merits are being prepared to participate in the next level of the competition wherein winners will be rewarded with cash prize of Rs 15000, Rs 12000 and Rs 9000 at the top 3 positions.

S.Manmohan Singh, in – charge – Sikh Missionary College Muktsar also visited the Academy for the event, he congratulated the students for their outstanding performance that secured the 1^st spot for the Jand Sahib Akal Academy across Muktsar Zone; other guests accompanying him included Ranbir Singh (Headmaster), Mukhdarshan Singh and Roshan Lal, who presented prizes to the students while madam Jaswant Kaur, Principal of the Akal Academy Jand, gave regards to the visiting Guests.

“Events like these, participation and the overwhelming results secured by our students are certainly rewarding to our efforts and the mission of our organization – The Kalgidhar Trust”, cited the Principal while expressing how such events that revolve around Sikhi help in ensuring that the organization’s mission to imbibe unique blend of Worldly & Spiritual education into the rural children of India – is being accomplished in a successful manner.

~ Deeksha Singh
~ New Delhi, 7th Nov ’13

Whilst the grown up Gen-Y alongside protagonists and environmentalists were busy customizing their e-campaigns to propagate their “say no to crackers” & “show your love to environment” messages to the world citizens, young rural students of Akal academy Killi Nihal Singh Wala village carried out rallies atypical way, carrying slogans and planting trees through their route, all through the previous weeks prior Diwali.

Young kids held slogans promoting idea of planting trees instead of burning crackers this Diwali. They carried demonstrations by planting trees during their stoppages at various places motivating the youth & families of the village to subscribe to the new idea of celebrating the festival of lights.

Much to the success of their devoted efforts, the village alongside areas in vicinity observed brighter, greener and peaceful Diwali celebrations with beautiful lights, diyas, agarbatis and a lot of Green in the surroundings!

It seems that the countryside youth has taken up the task of not just saving, but restoring environment to its pristine state, following the core basics, the raw way!

Bravo Kids, the youth of the cities salutes your true efforts & love towards Mother Earth. Keep Up the good work!

~ Deeksha Singh
~ New Delhi, 6th Nov ’13