Reconnecting with our Roots

‘When roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind.’ The demands of 21st century living are many. Work, homework, hobbies, outings, passions and pursuits – they all keep us busy, thus creating a greater need for learning about who we are, where we come from, and what are the values which guide our collective existence. As an institution, we emphasize deeply on learning and practising these values, some of which are universal in nature, and others more specific to our culture. These values manifest in the many day to day lessons our teachers impart to the students. They are also celebrated and reiterated on some days specially planned for our students. One such annual celebration is the Grandparents Day – observed across the Pre-Primary departments of our three schools. 

Grandparents are the very roots of the tree, which hold together ageless wisdom, stories and unconditional love for everyone in the family. It was, hence, natural, for us to invite them in to be a part of the Shiv Nadar School community. After all, there is much that the sagacity in their years can teach us too!

The scenes were heartwarming, as grandparents were welcomed into the school and led by their tiny ones through the school corridors to their homerooms. The enthusiasm and joy in the eyes of all the grandparents was unmistakable! They willingly became a part of each activity that the school had planned for them, and also chatted away with their fellow grandparents. They sang, played, talked, and left us feeling so rich, just by the virtue of their presence, and the seasoned, silver words which they shared once the day came to a close.

Let’s give you a small glimpse of how each school made the day memorable for grandparents.

Shiv Nadar School, Gurgaon

The corridors and homerooms were decked up to welcome all grandparents with love and appreciation. The bubbly faces of children lit up on seeing their grandparents, and the little ones also introduced them to the whole class. They had special songs prepared for the elders, and also played games and danced with them!

The grandparents had fun sharing their stories about their childhood, when they were carefree and naughty! They also taught songs to children, narrated stories and made craft items which were a part of the memorabilia from the day they carried back home.

When they day closed with chai and chatter, children hugged and thanked their grandparents for coming, and some children were caught weeping too, for they didn’t want the day to end. They wanted to spend more time and share more love with their grandparents. What joy to witness such emotions!

Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad

Early in the morning, grandparents started arriving, their faces aglow with the anticipation of a fun-filled day. This was an opportunity, yet again, to emphasize on the profound role which grandparents play to enrich the lives of the little ones, who, on their part, beautifully reflect the shades of these learning in their daily rituals and conduct.

We made our grandparents warm up with a sporty stint! A warm-up drill was organized by the sports department, followed by the zestful balloon bursting exercise. Grandparents then witnessed some specially prepared performances in the amphitheatre. Watching the youngest ones of their family recite poem and share deep emotions left many faces in the audience sentimental. These sentiments were also conveyed back when the grandparents took to stage. Singing ‘Chanda Hai Tu’ with her grandchild, one grandmother made us all relive the fondest parts of our childhood. In the Circle Time held later in the classrooms, grandparents were overwhelmed to hear from the students about what made them special.

Emotions, fun, enthusiasm – all of these marked the celebrations at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad.

Shiv Nadar School, Noida

Grandparents provide the shade of protection and love, under which the family can bloom, rejoice and find a meaningful existence. This is the sentiment with which Shiv Nadar School, Noida, opened its gates for the grandparent community.

They came in wearing their brightest smiles, and were giving the traditional welcome, complete with an ‘aarati’. The day became more exciting with the Sargam session, where grandparents sang along with the students and fondly watched the song and dance performances by them.

After an intimate session in the homerooms, all grandparents wrote down messages for their young ones on leaves, which were then stuck onto a tree. These messages are going to last as reminders of all the affection and care that is selflessly lavished on students by the elders of their family, who have nothing but purest of thoughts and choicest of blessings to share.

The day concluded with a planting exercise. The immense blessings which grandparents carry with them were given a physical form of a plant, the seeds of which were laid to grow and prosper with time.

Someone has wisely said, “Grandparents are a delightful blend of laughter, caring deeds, mischief, spoiling, wonderful stories and unconditional love”. We witnessed and experienced all these emotions together, and learnt a great deal in the process.

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Oct 22, 2017 by Shiv Nadar School

Education For Life, Reading Culture