LIFESKILLS TRAINING FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS 1^ST AUGUST 2020 TO 15^TH NOVEMBER 2020

RASA - Ramana Sunritya Aalaya – Life Skills Training through the ARTISTIC EXPERIENCE

1. Independence Day Celebration

RASA conducted an online  Independence Day celebrations . Though nature has locked us down for being safe , our patriotism to the motherland is always present and united we stand

This was the programme presented by our ‘differently able’ artistes.

We started  with a Prayer - by Deepa, prajith sujani and sripriya - SRIYAM

Next, we moved on to  the Song - shakti - by saranya and navya

This was Followed by a Dance - aduvome by Mukund and guru

Varun presented a speech on freedom

Followed by a song  by Vm Bharat - vande mataram

Prasanth sang a Hindi song on freedom and Jaikanth spoke about freedom and the current situation.

We showcased artwork done by -Archana, Revati, Rashmi, S Bharat,Arun and others.

 The Finale dance was performed by janani 

We ended the programme with a prayer by - Naveen and Deepa and The National anthem by - Jaikanth and Kaushik

1. ‘RASA 30’ Celebration

RASA 30 was a one month long online celebration for showcasing our 30 years of service in the field of Art and Culture and its impact on one and all without disparity . A wide range of programmes were curated . Some of the key programmes were

1. A live interaction with our director about the various aspects of RASA
2. A live story telling session by Mrs Janaki Sabesh
3. A drama discussion by theatre personalities
4. A discussion on the scenario of Carnatic classical music
5. Theatre productions  of differently abled artistes on various themes like stories from Mahabharata and lady saints of India
6. A Madhubani art workshop by Mrs lakshmi Shivshankar

Many stake holders of the organization – Primary or otherwise ,  who are associated with RASA in a strong way  - provided a video byte of  their experience with RASA . The activities of RASA was also delineated in the morning slots .

Deepavali Celebration

This year , Deepavali was also celebrated from the students homes. The students dressed up and performed music , dance , slokas and speeches . In this celebration the staff of RASA also participated by showcasing their singing talent and conveyed their wishes to the RASA family  .

Online classes were held from the beginning of the month in order to prepare for the same . Individualised attention was given to each student and the parents also contributed by wielding the camera and being the costume and makeup designer for their children .

Links:

• Independence Day celebration : RASA
• RASA - Celebrating 30 Years of Service
• Deepavali at RASA - Lighting many lives

What a past few months it  has been for all of us .. Most of humanity with the exception of frontline workers have been staying in the past few months due to the pandemic .

The lockdown in Chennai , India has allowed us at RASA to " work from home" in a unique way which is characteristically RASA's style.

Lessons have been offered on Skype, stories told, music taught, yoga practiced, and the facilitators have pooled in all their resources to do their very best in these different times.

This allowed not only the staff but the children, teens and  Team RASA also to enjoy the " essence " of the moment.

At RASA, the students are given daily tasks to do which they complete with the help of their caregivers at home during the time of the pandemic.

The following writing from our Director's desk clearly outlines one of the crucial philosophies with which RASA functions.

Joyful learning is that in which the process itself is completely fulfilling in every way

There is self-actualization at every point in the process. It is not about learning something to achieve an end result or goal but is about enjoying the process of learning. This ensures that the learning happens spontaneously and positively from within oneself

While the inputs could be external, the learning actually is received from within and made into a beautiful experience that stays with the individual for life. In that 'learning' moment there is a complete transformation that happens within us and remains with us forever

Joyful learning fosters inner empowerment that is most beautiful. Such is its nature.

So let us all learn joyfully, making the learning itself the end result.

Let us make joy our own because that is our true nature.

~ by Dr. Ambika Kameshwar

We look forward to your continued support and patronage to help us support and assist in making the world of these very special people brighter .

Links:

• Dance class
• Making baskets
• Doodling art