AWARD -- 5 ::

NILGIRI EDUCATIONIST GETS ‘WOMEN EMPOWERMENT’ AWARD

BY P S SUNDAR

The venue is the same where Swami Vivekananda delivered his world famous address at ‘World Religious Conference’ in Chicago in 1893.   The date is also the same – September 11.  Once again, the elite of the world have congregated.  The occasion now is ‘Replica of 1893 conference to carry the vision forward’, an international conference organised by ‘Integrating Spirituality and Organisational Leadership Foundation’ (ISOL).

The conference was conducted after US President Barrack Obama acknowledged the impact of Swami Vivekananda’s contribution for global awakening. 

The Nilgiris received an international acclaim at the conference when Vasukie, Chairperson, Gurukulam Matriculation School in Agalar village in the Nilgiris, was honoured with the prestigious award for ‘2015 Women Empowerment’.

“Former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was scheduled to present the award but following his demise, Chicago Mayor Thulasi Gabbard presented it”, Gurukulam Correspondent N Arjjunan told me.

The citation said that the award was presented to Vasukie in recognition of her ‘incredible contribution towards empowering under-privileged children with education through unique curriculum where traditional knowledge is enriched with ancient wisdom’. 

Sharing her experience at the conference, Vasukie said that besides all affiliation legally required in India, Gurukulam School is affiliated to World Institute for Scientific Experience (WISE), a wing of the world-famous Harvard University of USA.   Based on its guidance, the school has been imparting lessons on Indian traditional systems including Ayurveda, Yoga, Carnatic Music and runs a ‘Mooligai Kudil (Herbal Hut) where children are given orientation to growing and using hundreds of herbs, Vasukie detailed.

During the 150^th Birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, 367 students of Gurukulam School presented themselves in the attire of the Swamiji which helped the school gain an entry for the event in the Book of India Records and Limca Book of Records

The school located amidst natural beauty in a rural ambiance holds ISO certification as well.   Its ‘One Student One Tree’ and ‘Save Serve and Earth’ concepts are leaving lasting impressions in the minds of children to live in consonance with nature. 

These are in addition to posting excellent academic record in public exams.

Vasukie is rightfully happy that she addressed the gathering at the same venue where Swami Vivekananda spoke.   “I dedicate this honour to every individual and every impressive incident which inspired me and had been a driving force to this highest state”, an excited Vasukie told the Assembly.

 (response can also be sent to: pssundar.coonoor@gmail.com).