VGN Chinmaya Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School
AVADI

In partnership with the Greater Chennai Corporation, our school launched an initiative to promote COVID-19 vaccine uptake and improve health literacy among students on 30th April, 2022. The vaccine team at VGN Chinmaya Vidyalaya had a busy day inoculating about 138 students.

Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayanada’s 106th birth anniversary was celebrated on 8th May 2022 in our Vidyalaya, with great spiritual fervour. The staff and parents of our Vidyalaya offered a special Pooja. The Swaranjali team sang bhajans. In unison, Guru stothram and Ashtothra Namavali were chanted. It was a wonderful day to connect as a family and re-pledge our dedication to His grand vision.

The KG Graduation Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm on March 19th 2022. Congratulating the graduates on their achievements, Dr S Premakalyani, Principal, Chinmaya Vidyalaya Higher Secondary School, Virugambakkam, thanked the teachers for their dedication and hard work and bestowed blessings on these tiny laureates for their continued success. The Graduation Ceremony started with the Kiddiewinks dressed in graduation robes walking the stage, seeking the blessing of our Gurudev by offering flowers to his portrait. The children looked adorable in their graduation robes. The Principal and the Chief Guest felicitated the students with a graduation certificate. The KG Graduation Day was a joyous and memorable day for the little ones, the parents and mentors- witnessed their children receive the certificate from the guest.

National Science day celebration was organized by our Vidyalaya on 28th February 2022 virtually with the theme Integrated Approach in S&T for Sustainable Future. The programme was graced by the august presence of the chief guest Smt. Gomathi Sridhar, Associate professor , Department of Chemistry, V.V. Krishna Menon College, Mumbai in the forenoon session. The Principal welcomed and introduced the chief guest. The programme included a speech on science and technology in ancient India, India 2047- a science parasol the world an engaging documentary, tip and toes a dance performance and a science department report.
The chief guest released the vidyalaya’s annual science magazine ‘Expanse’- The science pages and inaugurated the virtual science fair ‘Bit Science’. Chief Guest’s curated address ignited the essence to promote scientific temper and inquisitive thinking in young minds and highlighted the sustainable goals given by UNESCO. The celebration culminated with a formal vote of thanks.
In the afternoon session resource person Shri. Sathya from Infinite Engineers Experience Centre hosted the STEM Exposition. Students of std VIII actively participated in the hands-on activity solving the STEM challenges posed. The session continued with a demonstration of science experiments, the students internalized the concepts and awestruck admiring and appreciating the beauty of science.

The 73rd Republic day was celebrated in the Vidyalaya with festivities and patriotic fervour. The principal Smt. Latha Ganesan welcomed the gathering and introduced the Chief Guest of the day, Shri.Ramlal Joshi. On the welcome note, she entreated on the significance of placing country first than anything else. The tricolor was unfurled by the Chief Guest with the showers of flower and with the flag song rendition. An array of cultural activities was showcased. A Tamil patriotic song was rendered as a tribute to the Motherland. The students articulated on various topics in English, Tamil and Hindi vibrantly. Stirring the perfect sense of triumph and love for India, the boys danced gracefully. A lively and heated debate was presented on the topic ‘Which is challenging? Covid 19? or Co-existence? A spectacular yoga display was presented. The entertainment programmes were online and it sounds as though they had come to school. The Chief Guest, Shri. Ramlal Joshi, a renowned dentist of the locality addressed the gathering. In the keynote address he insisted on selfless service to be rendered for the cause of humanity, he expounded on the challenges faced by the front line workers and concluded with an optimistic note about the nearing end of the pandemic.

Chinmayam Alapa a mega event organized and hosted by VGN Chinmaya Vidyalaya has been conceptualized to showcase and celebrate the multi-dimensional talents of the young. The third edition of ‘Chinmayam Alapa ‘was memorialized on 5th February 2022. An online storytelling competition on the title ‘Ancient Kings ‘was the core of theme -2022. Smt. Radha, Chinmaya Mission member, Founder ‘Gurukool’ was invited as the Judge and the Chief Guest. This competition provided students of 20 from different schools to exhibit their talents and skills with great enthusiasm and passion. A few children dressed up as characters and presented their stories and others used facial expressions and apt modulation. It was a profound moment for the Vidyalaya to host such kind of an activity rooted in Indian Culture. The Principal in her address appreciated the students for the impactful narration and extended the invite to take part in all the inter-school competitions. Smt.Radha, Announcing the results, expounded the need of celebrating Indian Kings at the juncture and their endowment. It was an exuberant experience for not only the schools who bagged the prizes but also those who have participated. The certificates and prizes were duly given. It was a remarkable event in the annals VGN Chinmaya Vidyalaya.

Pongal, the harvest and the thanks giving festival, was buoyantly observed in our vidyalaya on 12th January 2022. The Pongal celebration started with Guru Pooja, followed by a colourful presentation of cultural events by students. It includes an informative speech on Sankranti, an art song and a traditional dance. The speech craft was an expression of India's vibrant harvest festival, Pongal. With the attempt of miniature cooking with earthen vessels, Prasad was presented to the Sun God as a delicious offering. The magnificent presentation of the children dressed in traditional attire added a special glow to the programme. Smt. P. Indhumathi, D.T.Ed., M.A., B.Ed., SGT in Panchayat Union Primary School, shared her thoughts on the significance of Pongal.

A virtual session on an e- lecture on Surya Namaskar, (A Mindful Sun Salutation) was organized on 12th January 2022 for classes 4-9. The programme began with an invocation song followed by the welcome address. The Guest of the day, Shri. A Nithyanandam, M.Com., M.Sc., (Yoga), a recipient of the Yoga Ratna Award, addressed the gathering on the ancient origins of Surya Namaskar. He elucidated Surya Namaskar's significance and benefits in our lives. By practising the 12 poses, one can enhance a healthy lifestyle. The programme renewed the dormant energy in children. Thus, the session was not only an eye-opener, but also a great motivation and guideline to live fit and healthy.

Commemorating the 75 years of Indian Independence ,Defence Production Department ,under the Ministry of Defense hosted an exhibit of Armoured Vehicles at Avadi. The Students of Class XI , VGN CHINMAYA Vidyalaya, had the opportunity of visiting it on 17th December 2021.It featured Ajeya-T-72,Bhisma-T-90,Arjun Mk I and Bridge Layer Tank (BLT ) –T72.A neat stack of battle tank like gear box,engines,tank wheels was displayed . The students were overwhelmed to witness the exhibition . It kindled the patriotic fervor and it paved a great learning experience . The students had also received a first-hand experience on the intricacies about indigenous military technology and equipment. The students expressed their gratitude and saluted the armed forces for the selfless and inexplicable service rendered .

National Mathematics Day was observed on 22nd December 2021, in honour of our renowned mathematical pioneer, Shri Srinivasa Ramanujan. The Programme began with an invocation song followed by a Welcome address. A discourse on the life and works of the Mathematician Shri. Ramanujan enlightened the audience. There was a presentation of the child prodigies demonstrating their superior knowledge of mathematics. A Math Catchphrase quiz session and a presentation on the mathematics behind machine learning enthralled the students. They also sang tunes and left the audience in splits with an exuberant mathematical dance. Dr Shobana Sharma, Asst. Professor of Mathematics, Additional Controller of Examination, Bharathi Women’s College, the guest of the day, shared the secrets of mathematical genius, mathematical application to practically all facets of life and its evolution. It was a fun-filled and joyful day of learning for the children.

The Jayanti of our Param Guru Swami Tapovan Maharaj (Shiksha Guru of Swami Chinmayananda) and Bhagavad Gita Day was celebrated on 14th December 2021. This ardent disciple carried out the Guru’s preaching of propagating the Gita to the masses and thus brought the Gita from the Pooja room to the living room. On this significant occasion, we performed Pooja and chanted the Bhagavad Gita chapter 15, followed by Aarti. Mr. Badri and Miss.Poorvaja CHYKs from Chinmaya Mission, Chennai joined us in the Pooja and addressed the gathering. They gave an insight into the Indian Culture and Tradition and how Bhagavad Gita relates to our day-to-day life. The Gita Way of Life motivated the children about self-control and imprinted the values of detachment from the transient world and prioritising the eternal things on their minds.

On 10th December 2021, the 139th Birth Anniversary of Mahakavi Subramania Bharathiyar, a pioneer of modern Tamil poetry was commemorated. The programme began with an invocation song followed by the Welcome address. Students presented a speech about Bharathiyar, well-renowned in Tamil Literature. In addition to reciting Bharathiyar poetry, students performed an enthralling dance performance. They recounted some fantastic happenings from Bharathiyar's life. An incredulous quiz was conducted with utter amazement. The guest of the day was Smt. K.Sangeetha. She addressed the gathering about the pride of Mahakavi Bharathiyar.

Karthigai Deepam was celebrated with a great zeal and enthusiasm on 19th Nov 2021. A fictional excerpt on Karthigai deepam was presented, followed by a classical dance performance to highlight the festival's significance. A speechcraft highlighting Deepa Pradhanam was presented. Sangeet Kala, praising Lord Muruga, was a feast to ears. The Guest of the day Smt.Lavanya addressed the gathering through a story on Karthigai Deepam and appreciated the Children for their energetic participation.

A day marking childhood was celebrated with fun and frolic on November 13th, 2021. The programme began with an invocation song. A speech was presented highlighting the significance of the day, followed by a finger drumming keyboard performance. Children introduced their culinary, oratory, and dance skills through various exhibits, including fireless cooking, monodrama, and a classical dance. The guest of the day was Smt. Aswathy. She enunciated Nehru's hypothesis that children should be nurtured like buds in a garden because they are our future and citizens of tomorrow. The session ended with a message from the teachers to the students.

" Light is the harbinger of joy, Prosperity, and Eternal Bliss of the Soul."
Deepavali-Festival of Lights, was celebrated with vibrance on 2nd Nov 2021. The programme commenced with an invocation song, followed by a story on the importance of Diwali. A magnificent Diya presentation by the Children, illuminated the light of knowledge shining within. A speech was rendered on the destruction of evil and the victorious celebration of lights. The festive spirit was sparked by a vibrant song and dazzling performance. The epic Ramayana was recounted, which brought the spirit of love, faith, and compassion. The guest of the day, Smt. Sujatha G Yoga instructor appreciated the children who had left an indelible mark through their presentation.

MaathruPithru Pooja was observed on 18th Oct 2021 to celebrate the purest and selfless form of love. The Guest of the day Smt. PriyaArunachalam, Correspondent HariharaVidyalaya, Thamaraipakkam addressed the gathering on the Significance of Maathru Pooja which draws its inspiration from the Pooja of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvathi performed by little Ganesha. She also embarked on the act of humility, which is a glowing tribute to the self-sacrificing nature of Indian parenthood. MaathruStavanam was chanted as the Children performed Pooja and worshipped their parents and grandparents with a religious ardour that reaffirmed our cultural heritage and alerted the children on the enduring emotional value. Feedback given by the parents was valuable and constructive. The programme came to an end with a formal vote of thanks.

Navarathri, a multifaceted festival of worship of the nine forms of Goddess Shakti, was celebrated in our Vidyalaya from 7th Oct to 15th Oct. NavarathriGolu- the artistic display of dolls, was set up following the season. On 8th Oct, the teachers gathered for the “Vilaku Pooja” to invoke the divine blessings of Goddess Lakshmi Devi. LalithaAshtothraNamavali was chanted.

World Space Week 2021- “Women in Space” was celebrated on 5th October 2021. The guest of the day Shri. Jagadeesh Kanna, Founder & CEO Vaayusastra Aerospace Pvt. Ltd addressed the gathering on the key events in Aviation and Aerospace History with a Greek story of the flight of the great engineer Daedalus and his son Icarus. Through an astounding demonstration of making of the Dart Plane the chief guest compared the parts of an aeroplane to that of a bird and expounded the mechanism involved in its working. The students enthusiastically participated in this activity. A phenomenal documentary on the incredible impact of women on the space sector was showcased by the children. World Space Week, the largest space event on the planet, commemorated the contributions and achievements of thousands of people in space science and technology.

Ganesh Chathurthi, a festival that marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha, was celebrated on 11th September 2021 with great zeal and enthusiasm by the KG department. The little bloomers performed Swaranjali and a phenomenal dance. A charming presentation of the children, dressed in traditional attire, performing Pooja added a spiritual glow to the celebration. The cute little children dressed as Lord Ganesha, brought out the glory and significance of His trunk, tusks, belly, and two big ears. The chief guest, Sri Kannan S. M.A., B.Ed., Sanskrit teacher, Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Anna Nagar, addressed the gathering on how important it was to respect elders and parents as Ganesha did. He appreciated the tiny tots for their devotional and creative performances.

To honour the respective significant days in the lives of Mahakavi Bharathiyar, V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, and Swami Vivekananda, Mupperum Vizha was celebrated on 11th September 2021. One of Bharathiyar's poems and an enlightening speech on the significance of the Trio were delivered in the vernacular by the children. The chief guest of the day, Kadarkarai Mathavilasa Angatham, Journalist and Writer addressed the gathering highlighting on Swami Vivekananda's principles and by bringing out the startling bond that kept the three united. The celebration came to an end with a formal vote of thanks.

Teacher’s Day, a mark of tribute to the contribution made by teachers to the society, was celebrated with great enthusiasm and festivity on 4th September 2021. Students engaged themselves in an unbridled capacity to shower love, admiration, and respect through their speeches, dance, and other fun activities. A curious online quiz was organised, in which the teachers participated actively. The Principal, Smt. Latha Ganesan addressed the gathering and lauded the teachers for their dedication, sincere efforts, and commitment to education. She expounded on the significance of quality work through a beautiful story. The teachers rendered their thanks for coordinating and organizing the celebration meticulously.

Krishna Jayanthi, a grand festival celebrated all over India to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna, was celebrated with zeal on 27th August 2021. The celebration began with an ecstatic kirtan and a graceful invocation dance. The ethereal bond between Sudama and Krishna was depicted through a thought-provoking monodrama. Nama Mahima was presented to enlighten the children on the significance of the Lord’s name. A magnificent presentation of the children dressed as Radha and Krishna added an auspicious twilight of a spiritual glow to the programme. Aarti and Bhajan rendered, made the children immerse in the divinity. The guest of the day, Smt. V.Deepa appreciated the students for their enthralling performance and the touch of perfection that sealed every action on stage and wished a Happy Krishna Jayanthi.

Raksha Bandhan, an Indian celebration of sisterly and brotherly respect and love was celebrated with full zeal and vigour on 18th August 2021. A silver-toned song followed by a graceful dance were performed. A thoughtful speech on the importance of ‘Raksha Bandhan’ was given. The students were asked to make rakhis exclusively for this occasion. They used decorative threads, stars, mirrors, pearls, and flowers for making beautiful rakhis. The tiny tots, in traditional attires, enthusiastically participated by tying rakhi on the wrist of their brothers. The Guest of the day appreciated the children on their artisanship and expressed the magnitude of the Indian Tradition and its importance.

A vibrant celebration of the festival, ’Onam’ was webcast on 19th August 2021 that resonated the charm of Indian culture. A soft song on the theme of ‘Onam’, enthralled everyone. Following the song, an exquisite dance was performed. An illustrative presentation of ‘Athapookolam’ was also showcased to express the thoughts behind the fervour and zest associated with Onam. The Chief Guest, Smt. Suja Navneeth, an active Mission member and parent of the Vidyalaya, shared her thoughts and highlighted the thriving journey of the Vidyalaya. The celebration indeed was a testimony to the depth and vastness of the cultural traditions, and rituals attached to our Indian festivals.

On 12th August 2021,’Siddhi Shikshan ‘–an initiative to train the meritorious students to face competitive exams like NEET, JEE, Olympiad, and NTSE was inaugurated. The Principal Smt.Latha Ganesan welcomed the gathering and introduced the Chief Guest, Ms. Keerthana Kasi, a NEET topper and final year medical student at AIIMS. Shri Raj Kumar Devarajan, the Correspondent, appreciated the team for taking such a novel venture and wished the team a splendid success in all the future endevours. A blow–by–blow plan of ‘Siddhi Shikshan’ was illuminated through a PPT. It comprised the need for such free preparatory classes, the structure of the classes, weekly schedule, the materials, and the follow-up plan. The Chief Guest gave an eloquent and well-articulated motivational speech. She underscored the significances of goal setting, planning, retention of learned concepts, follow-up, etc. She insisted on taking a break in regular intervals and cued to overcome the exam fear. An interactive Q&A session was very beneficial for all the young aspirants.

On 15th August 2021, the school conducted a virtual meet to celebrate the 75th Independence Day of India. The Principal hoisted the national flag at the school premises. The spectacular amalgamation of dance, music, and speech performances on patriotic themes by the students was well-presented. The nationalistic zeal of the students was greatly felt through the documentaries,’ Renunciation for Rebuilding ‘-Tribute to freedom fighters and ‘Panorama of the Past’. The Principal, Smt Latha Ganesan wished and addressed the gathering. Citing the Prime Minister’s Independence Day Speech, she elucidated the vital impact of individuals' contributions towards the development of the country.

Van Mahotsav- an annual tree-planting festival was celebrated on the14 July, 2021, in our Vidyalaya with the tag line “Save trees now, they will save you in the future." The chief guest and Judge for the oratorical competition (CCA) was Smt. Manjula Ganesh. The Programme started with Vanmahotsav Pledge, followed by a presentation on 55 tree planting by the children of class II and an oratorical competition was conducted. Smt. Manjula Ganesh spoke on the significance of Vanmahotsav and declared the prize winners of the Oratorical competition.

 On 22nd July 2021 ‘Pi Approximation Day’was celebrated in the Vidyalaya. Dr. R.Sivaraman, Associate Professor of Mathematics, D.G Vaishnav College, Chennai graced the session. Students participated in a wide variety of activites that exemplified the pervasiveness of ‘Pi’ and further elicited the intellectual curiosities elegantly. Those activities included using the Hula hoop for understanding the value and concept of π. A brilliant and graceful poem was rendered on π. ‘Pirouette – Dance’ was performed elegantly by the students. The keynote address of the Chief Guest highlighted the significance and application of pi. He expounded in depth about the Aryabhatta’s pi approximation, Ramanujam’s pi approximation, Babylonian value of pi, Egyptians value of pi, Archimedes value of pi, approximating pi through continued fraction and getting bounce of pi.

Guru Purnima- The sacred day to express the gratitude to the Guru Parampara was celebrated in our Vidyalaya on 23rd July 2021. The guest of the day Brahmachari Anand Chaitanya Ji, Spiritual Speaker, Chinmaya Mission, Chennai enlightened the students on the significance of Guru Shishya Parampara through the lives of Veda Vyasa and Swami Chinmayananda. Vyasa Ashtothra namavali was rendered and a motivational video on Guru Tattva was played. The programme came to a close with Chinmaya Aarti.

Tiger's day was celebrated on 29th July 2021 by the KG department to create awareness regarding the dwindling population of the species. The guest of the day was Smt. Radhika Kannan, Primary Incharge, Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Taylor's road. Followed by invocation, the little tots enacted rhymes, dressed as Tigers. UKG children said slogans on Tigers holding placards and a lot of new facts about Tigers were brought out through a speech. The programme successfully fulfilled its aim of creating environmentally responsible global citizens.

International Tiger Day was celebrated on 29th July 2021, as a way to raise awareness about tiger conservation. The program kindled the thought on ensuring safe habitats for its tigers and nurturing tiger-friendly ecosystem through a presentation of a documentary. A Tamil and a Hindi poem on the splendor of tigers were rendered. Dr.K.A.Subramanian, Scientist – E, Southern Regional In-charge officer (Director Grade), Zoological Survey of India had delivered the keynote address through an astounding presentation and emphasized on the importance of saving tiger habitats.

Aaradhana day was observed on 3rd August 2021. The students from Std VII –X were the host. Swami Sureshanandaji was the chief guest invited. The Ashtothra Naamavali ,108 names of Gurudev was recited religiously and gave a pious fervor. Followed by the namavalli, the second chapter of the Bhagavat Gita was chanted. The anecdotes of the Gurudev were presented in a very novel way. The Chief Guest Keynote address was very relevant, relatable, and need of the hour. His thoughts included controlling desires and striving to succeed in life.

Gurudev Janmadhinam
Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayanada’s 105th birth anniversary was celebrated on 8th May 2021 in our Vidyalaya, with great fervour and reverence. In the wake of this, an 'e-poster Designing –competition was held on the 108 Ashtothra Namavali, in an endeavor to spread the teachings and glory of Pujya Gurudev.

World Environment day was celebrated on 5th June 2021. The Chief Guest of the day was Dr. Vasudevan, an environmentalist, former Director –Centre for environmental studies Anna University. The students brought out the significance of the Restoration of Environment through role play. A pledge was taken to save nature. E-slogathon was flagged off to create awareness through social media. The essence of the Chief Guest speech made the students realise that conservation of the eco system is the need of the hour.

On 12th June 2021, the students of IX to XII had an opportunity of attending a career guidance session to explore and plan for future career endeavours based on their individual interests, skills and values. The resource person was Dr.Pranav Sai M.Sc., Ph.D., an alumnus of Chinmaya Vidyalayas, Chennai. The session emphasized on the development of 21st century skills: Analytical Skills, Communication, Reading Skills, Questioning Skills, Critical thinking, Creativity, Productivity and Social skills for achieving success in life.

The Seventh International Yoga Day was celebrated in our Vidyalaya with great enthusiasm on 21st June 2021. The history and significance of the Indian Treasure - Yoga was depicted through a mellifluous theme song, scintillating skit and various demonstrations by the students and their family members. The chief guest of the day Shri. Sampath (HAHO Siripananda) unveiled the positive effects of laughing exercises. He demonstrated and explained how the therapy can prove to be beneficial in curing and stalling ailments.

The Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere was observed on 21st June 2021. Students of class X delivered an insightful explanation and demonstration of earth’s rotation and how Summer Solstice is celebrated worldwide in a delightful manner. The Chief Guest of the programme Dr. S. Soundarajaperumal M.Sc., Ph.D., Executive director (Incharge) of Tamilnadu Science and Technology Center, Chennai, brought out the significance of the longest day through his explicable presentation.