- Vidya Bhawan Senior Secondary School, Udaipur
- Vidya Bhawan Public School, Udaipur
- Vidya Bhawan Secondary School, Ramgiri, Udaipur
- Vidya Bhawan Secondary School, Jhamarkotra, Udaipur
- Vidya Bhawan G.S.Teachers College -Institute of Advanced Studies in Education, Udaipur
- Vidya Bhawan S.T.C., Udaipur
- Vidya Bhawan Rural Institute, Udaipur
- Vidya Bhawan Polytechnic College, Udaipur
- Vidya Bhawan Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Udaipur
- Vidya Bhawan Institute of Local Self-government and Responsible Citizenship.
- Vidya Bhawan Education Resource Centre, Udaipur
- Vidya Bhawan Cellulose Waste Recycling Education Project, Ramgiri, Udaipur
- Vidya Bhawan Gandhiyan Institute of Educational Studies, Udaipur
Vidya Bhawan has completed its 78 year journey and is marching on tirelessly, keeping in mind the noble vision of quality, stress-free education, developing the sense of belongingness, shaping minds for positive thinking and creativity, developing leadership and consequently preparing useful citizens for the society and nation brimming with noble qualities of fearlessness, cooperation, belief in co-existence and zeal for helping the humanity at large. It has been our solemn conviction that only book learning amounting to cramming facts and figures, cannot cater to the objectives set by Vidya Bhawan. Accordingly, we are moving towards class-room transformation and change in pedagogical strategies. But all the time, the foremost idea is that class-rooms should be joyful and the teaching should be bilateral. Hence activity based teaching with ample interaction with a view to shift towards teaching how to learn is our prime goal and as much as we have been able to do in this regard is definitely encouraging.
Nursery Section
It is an acknowledged fact that tests and exams put undue pressure on students and also on parents, which is neither psychologically nor educationally sound. So at the pre-primary level, in order to make education child-friendly both in terms of class-room teaching and evaluation, we are trying to reduce the burden of tests and exams on the tender minds of children. Hence, an informal evaluation pattern has been adopted at the Nursery level where grades are awarded. Tests are given through worksheets, as well as informal tests are administered at intervals about which the students are not informed and thus they take tests without pressure. Nevertheless a record is maintained for these informal tests.
Junior Section
Three separate Parent-Teacher meetings were organized during this session. Parent teacher interaction proved fruitful, as open discussions took place at these meetings.
No bags on Saturdays were welcomed by the students and the staff members as they found space and time for one act plays, poems, science experiments, Yoga and activities in mathematics and that definitely broke the monotony of the daily routine and enabled the students and staff members to show their caliber.
Reasoning, General knowledge and General Awareness are the life-forces of the present day man. So in order to enrich G.K. of the students, it was taken as a regular feature in the morning assembly for one month. Simultaneously, to develop the aesthetic sense of the students, programs like Rangoli and other similar activities were organized. Students are getting benefited by class library system and enjoying reading books during recess time or in their vacant periods. Senior Section
In the Senior Section, along with transacting of the routine academic task, certain specific activities/events deserve mentioning. Our teachers participated in the capacity-building workshops organized by the V.B. Education Resource Centre and GLOBE launched by Ministry of India.
Guidance Cell
Career chart making, Essay writing and Debate competitions were organized for the students of X, XI & XII classes.
Science Club
The club has been organizing Class-wise Science Model Competitions and quiz competitions to develop a scientific attitude in students. This year 58 students from class VI to X participated in this program. 80 students participated in a Quiz Competition.
During the National Science Week Celebrations, 40 students from classes IX & X attended the programme on Liquid Nitrogen show, Global warming and Carbon Credit. Nearly 62 hostellers were taken to DST office for the Sky Watching Programme and experienced watching of various stars and the planet Venus. Students participated enthusiastically in various competitions like Hindi debate, song, poster making and slogan writing etc. Dilpreet Kaur of class XII B stood III in the Debate competition at the State Level. Babulal Meena of XIIC stood II in Essay writing competition during Road Safety Week.
Students of Senior Section would also be given exposure to various reading material through the class library. Feedback would be taken either by the group teacher or by the small presentation from the students.
Three students of XII attended the telescope making workshop, organized by IUCAA in an Engineering College at Nathdwara in collaboration with the MLS University.
On the occasion of the inauguration of Beed-Prakariti Sadhna Kendra, a camp was organized for leader executives and first leaders of all the classes. Team games and discussion and lectures along with Majlis were organized at the camp. Issues like global warming, mannerism, leadership responsibilities were also taken up.
It is worth noting here that the Education Department of Rajasthan and the Board of Secondary Education Rajasthan, Ajmer showed their faith in us and, we were entrusted two programs sponsored by BSER, Ajmer. We organized Board’s Personality Development Camp for meritorious students of the zone in the month of December. The Chairman of the BSER, Ajmer and other officials visited it and appreciated us.RESULT OF BOARD CLASSES – 2009
Class |
Student Appeared |
First |
Second |
Third |
Total Pass |
Supp. |
Failed |
VIII |
48 |
33 |
09 |
0 |
42 |
3 |
3 |
X |
82 |
42 |
38 |
1 |
81 |
0 |
1 |
XII Science |
50 |
34 |
15 |
0 |
49 |
1 |
0 |
XII Arts |
37 |
27 |
10 |
0 |
37 |
0 |
0 |
XII Commerce |
23 |
14 |
05 |
2 |
21 |
1 |
1 |
Our system gives an important place to frequent faculty meetings. Normally, we have one meting on the last working day of every month. In addition, there are review meetings after tests, a Half Yearly Examination and an Annual Examination. At the end of the session before the Annual Exam, subject / department committee meetings are held separately, followed by joint review and planning meetings. Thus a forum is available for our introspection and rejuvenation which certainly proves helpful in streamlining our system and further planning. The Old Boys Association has been awarding Scholarships for academics, sports, need cum merit/needy students for the last fifteen years. This year also 18 students availed of the scholarships which helped in motivating the students. The Association also presented T.V. Sets and other equipment for our hostels.
V.B. Public School is living up and moving towards educating children of a cross section of the society with an implicit faith that “All children are educable.” With this basic vision we had taken up a few collective responsibilities for this academic session 2008-’09.
- To create a climate for stress-free learning situations.
- To tap the strengths of the individual child and use/these strengths for development in other areas.
- To promote team spirit among the adults so that it percolates to the students also.
- To initiate parents in a collective decision making process with the child as focus.
- To take initiative and involve students in at least one community awareness or outreach programmes.
V.B.P.S being affiliated to CBSE, had planned to finish the session 08-09 by March, 09 for which we preponed our Half Yearly exams from Dec. to Oct.09 to make space for activities to achieve the above goals. The months of November & December were given to academics, sports practice and preparation of the Art/Craft Exhibition. Talks were given by Mr. Bhanwar Singh from ASTHA on Child Rights and Mr. Anil Mehta from VBRI on Energy Conservation. The New Year started with continuation of support classes for all students in the zero period. Class X had their Pre-Board exams and Board Practicals of Maths, G.Sc and S.Sc. Special assembly sessions were held on Swami Vivekanand & Bose Jayanti. Makar Sankranti was celebrated at Basic School with a special Pongal dance of Tamil Nadu by our students.Kaleidoscopic work of Art
Teachers and students worked together during the preparation of an art and craft exhibition. The ordinary craft, origami books initiated the thought process with which children started collecting waste and low cost materials from their surroundings.
For design & patterns, some art books were purchased and browsed through by teachers and children together, and then all of a sudden came a SPARK! The students kept the books aside and plunged into the creation with their triggered wild imagination. Zero period was carved out so that the regular schedule could be intact. But students were found in the art room working whenever they could steal some time.Things were strewn around, wool, paints, sheets, threads, cards, patterns of Worley, Mandana, Kolam, Mehandi designs, jewellery work, glue, a leafy zoo and many more. It proved to be a learning space for not just students but for teachers also and will be a boost in our over all performance.
This exhibition, at the end of January, 09 proved to be a feather in our cap as it was inaugurated by Psychology Prof. Vijaylakshmi Chouhan, and was visited by many distinguished educationists from all over India. And who else but the Governor of Rajasthan, Shri Shailendra Kumar Singh himself was there to appreciate and encourage our efforts.
All the children participated in the Sports Day function, which was celebrated for the first time as an independent school event. After Holi, started our Annual Exams. The students have improved their performance though not to an excellent standard but at least to a required level. The total pass % of home examinations is 92. We did get a 100% result in Class X but we have not been able to achieve a high % level (i.e.) above 80% of at least 40% of the students which we have set as a target to be achieved in the near future. The details of 2008 – 09 Exams are as follows: CLASS X
Appeared |
Passed |
First |
Second |
Third |
Highest% |
18 |
18 |
7 |
7 |
4 |
80.4% |
A class IX student was selected to attend a photo camp organised by NGO Sanghi along with the National Geographic Channel. This student had displayed the flawless photographs taken by her. The school has planned to use this skill to work on some aspect of community development or awareness camps.
The much appreciated exhibition was inaugurated by Ms. Neelima Khetan, CEO, Seva Mandir and honored by Prof. Jagat Mehta’s presence, apart from the President, Secretary & Educational Advisor from V.B. Society, Udaipur.
During the summer vacation period, we have set the ball rolling towards our goals and will be able to fully achieve them in the months to come. The last week of June was utilised for a workshop for teachers on pedagogy with the child as the focus. Then subject wise groups of all the four V.B. Schools’ teachers discussed and planned activities to have interactive sessions in the class room.
July started with classes in full swing. The strength of the school has had minimal increase from 114 to 128 only; 18 of class X have left making a figure of 32 new entrants. The school was keen on upgrading to senior classes which has taken a back seat only to have a fresh wave of thought to start vocational courses, which has to be thoroughly discussed with all the educationists of our V.B. Society.
V.B. Public School has made a start with the Quest Project from 11/7/09 by making space for support classes and the initial feedback is quite encouraging as the desired learning situation is happening. To have a collective responsibility, parents were called to discuss the system of support classes, continuous evaluation and other general behavioral patterns of adolescents. They have been given the important dates of the work schedule of the school for this academic session. In the near future we will have class-wise parents called at the same time for inter-parent interaction with all teachers.
On 11/7/09 World Population Day was held with various creative activities like poster-slogan, drawing and writing sessions. Physically challenged children from S.S.A presented songs, a skit, they took part in creative activities and played in-door games with the school children. July is to focus on academics with 24 working days in which informal tests will be taken for continuous comprehensive evaluation.
Following the principles of Basic Education philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, V.B. Basic School was established in 1941. The school is continuing with the Basic Education Project started in the year 1996 which aims at giving practical education to students. At present the school is engaged in spreading the concept of basic education on the National level & working as a resource centre on the national level. Efforts are being made for teachers education, Gandhi library, Research Centre etc. in the Gandhian Institute of Basic Education, started in November 2008.
Objective
Objectives of the Basic School are, concretization of the concept of Basic Education, along with development of self reliant education. The school is also engaged in the development of qualitative education and teaching through WST project which is proving helpful in capacity building of students & teachers. Through this project efforts are being made for change in the programs, so that high standards of education can be achieved.
Admission & Results
In the beginning of the session all the staff members were sent to nearby villages to contact the parents and to convince them to send their children to the school. This year the total strength of the school is 375. In the year 2009 the Boards result of 8th class was 98% & of the 10th class was 73%.
Academics
With a purpose to make students learn more than what is given in their text books as well as to make best use of their spare time Class libraries are running in the school. Library hours have also been extended. Some changes have been made in the craft related programs. From class V to VIII students learn these crafts on Rotation basis and in class IX & X students select one craft more intensely. Subject teachers and craft teachers are working together on key concepts in order to link work & education. This year NCERT books have been introduced in primary classes. During the summer vacations support classes for the students of class VIII & X in English & Maths were organized.
Educational Activities
Bird watching a program was organized by class IV students in the school in Dec. 2008. In Feb. 2009 primary school teachers studied the books based on activities & accordingly book were selected for the next session. To learn & speak English story telling in English was organized for one week by the students of primary classes.Various Competitions
Various competitions, for the senior sections i.e quiz, essays on science, models as well as for the junior section i.e. science picture making, quiz & story telling were organized under Kalpana Chawla Vigyan Club. 210 students participated in the G.K. Examination organized by the Shivaji Foundation Society and two Silver and one Bronze medal were won for the school. Two of the 64 students participated in Maharana Pratap Smriti Competition organized by the Alok Sansthan and won the consolation prizes.
Activities under art and craft units
Students prepared various articles i.e. table, Chauki, toys etc. and displayed them on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Under the food processing unit a programme on preparation of Sabudana & Amla products was organized by KVK for people from nearby villages. A three day’s camp under CCRT was organized at the school in which students of class VI and VII were taught about Bandhej, Colouring and Printing and making useful products from waste materials.
Games & Sports
In the month of August boys’ and girls’ volleyball teams went to Khairvada and Karavali, where Pooja Panwar has been selected at 17th year state level. The school’s cricket team (17th years) got II position at the district level.
Workshops and Meetings
Teachers of the school participated in the various workshops and meetings organized by Vidya Bhawan Education Resource Center. Along with that teachers also participated in a workshop about the creation of awareness about the environment in studies organized by the Central Academy School under global programme, Forest Ministry of India. In the month of July parents were contacted for new admissions and to make them aware of the philosophy of the school. Students’ Union elections were held on the 18th July. The action plan for the year was prepared by the students under the SUPW camp.
Projects
For the capacity building of the students and teachers different project are being run under the MSDF. QUEST project’s support classes are being run for capacity building of the students. Under this various groups of students from each class were formed and supports classes were organized. Along with this, classroom libraries were also started. Under capacity building of the students and teachers and for development of communication skills spoken English programs, were undertaken Subject Committees for making subject planning and Action Research were formed. Under WST project, various academic & cultural programs, games & sports competitions, educational tour, were being organized. Students participated in Poster & Drawing competitions organized under Safety Concern Project. Under the Clean India Project students were made aware about the environment, water conservation, pollution control, plantation etc. To strengthen the concept of Basic education the school is making efforts to introduce new thought & activities in the school. Different activities of the school like craft, food processing, tailoring, electric, carpentry, Hand-made paper etc. works are carried out & students are given training for the same. These activities are being run under the BER project.
Other activities
This year, various musical instruments were purchased and music learning classes were organized for the student. In order to develop the games & sports facilities new grounds for Hockey, Cricket, Football, Volleyball are being prepared. De-centralization of work was done and responsibilities were distributed section and department wise in order to have team spirit & transparency in the working. Sports week was also organized during this month. Makar Sankranti Parva was organised on the 14th Jan. All the students & staff of various institutions of VB society participated & presented cultural programs. A Volley Ball Match was also organised between workers and old boys and Til Papadi, Gazak & Groundnut etc. were distributed. On 8th August 09 a workshop was organized for primary teachers on the topic “Primary Me Khelon Ka Swasthya Kaisa Ho?” in which Mr. I.S. Shekhawat informed about indoor and outdoor games.
Visits
Tribal Area Development and Technology Education Minister Mr. Mahendra Jeet Malviya visited the School on the occasion of “Technology Day” and made an announcement of Ten Lac rupees for the Hall.
Future strategy
This year the school has decided “mission quality education for better future”. The school is making efforts to develop such an atmosphere, where a better educational environment can be created for the future. Efforts are also being made through the development of self discipline, so that perfect co-ordination can be achieved between work and education.
The school is growing in numbers and moving towards its goal of being committed to making teaching learning a joyful process and to encourage an atmosphere where the child has the space to develop his or her own inherent capabilities with self confidence.
Admissions and Academics
The number of students has remained almost the same with 575 students having been enrolled in this academic year as well. Though the results have not been very encouraging this time with the pass percentage dipping to 78.8% in class 10 and 84% in class 8, efforts are on to work towards a cent percent result in both classes by making modifications in our teaching learning processes. Emphasis will be laid on concept clarity and self learning. The QUEST program has been initiated in the school. Classroom libraries have been set up in the classes. New shelves and books were added and the children are reading at leisure and even taking the books home. The NCERT books are being used and we are proceeding in a graded manner. The department meetings also encourage open sharing and discussion among staff members on the methods used and how effective they were. Peer group learning by group work is also being encouraged. The teacher as the facilitator is trying to make students more open with the ability to take initiatives. This year, we decided to do away with exams for children up to class 2, hence special emphasis was laid on continuous comprehensive assessment both orally and in writing and the results were declared on that basis. The teachers kept a record of the progress of each child. Exams were organized as per schedule in November and December. Extra classes were organized for class 10, especially in English, Maths and Science, and support classes in Hindi for primary students were specially arranged during prayer time. The school coordinated the common pre board exams held in the month of February for students of class 8 and class 10. Students of the school were awarded by Bronze medals in an exam conducted by the Shivaji Foundation Society Jaipur in November on General knowledge, Indian culture and Environment.
Co curricular Activities
The prosecutorial team was constituted in the month of July 09. Kuldeep Singh and Anita Tank were selected to represent the school as Head boy and Head girl respectively.10 members from class 10 and 5 from class 9 formed the team. They have already enjoyed a picnic with their teachers at Kartal bavji Mandir. During the year, students of the school participated in various interschool and intra school competitions and plantation of trees. All the students also enjoyed a magic show by Shri Mahesh Jain.
Celebrations and Outings
The school celebrated Dusshera by organizing a Dandia on school premises. Diwali was also celebrated. The students prepared and presented a skit on the types of crackers available and what safety measures needed to be followed. Bal-mela and fancy dress competitions were organized by students on the occasion of. Independence Day, Children’s day and Republic Day were also celebrated with great enthusiasm. On the occasion of Makar Sankranti , the students presented an enchanting dance at VBS, Ramgiri and on Basant Panchmi at the Senior School. In the pre primary section, each class selected a story and the children enacted them. The confidence was worth appreciation. In March, class 9 students gave class 10 students a warm farewell. The ceremony began by invoking the blessings of God Almighty by prayers which were recited by the teachers as the children held lighted diyas in their hands. The teachers blessed the students and wished them a beautiful, successful and wholesome life in future.
Games and sports
All classes enjoy regular sports and games periods every week for physical and mental development and learn the spirit of teamwork. The inter class volleyball matches and football matches were organized during the year.
All the children participated in various events organized in the school over two days in January culminating in the Sports day on the 30th January 2009 with a lot of fun and excitement and sportsmanship as they cheered for their houses. Shri Riaz Tehsin, Shri S. P. Gaur and Shri Devilalji Kalasua from RSSML were the guests of honor at the prize distribution function. After an impressive march past by the five houses, the audience enjoyed the pre primary children dancing to the tune of ‘bam bam bole, masti me dole’. A ring drill and dumb bell drill by the juniors and the relay races preceded the prize distribution. Prizes were given away for all the athletic events as well as the co curricular activities organized through the year. The Red house was awarded the Sports trophy.Scouts activities
All school scouts saw the film on the environmental issue of global warming - An Inconvenient Truth in the month of January and were later taken to Sajjangarh. In the month of February, the scouts and eco club members with S.K. Sharma visited farms and nurseries and learnt about various medicinal herbs and plants. This visit was organized by the Jan Jagran Samiti. Shri S.K. Sharma was presented with the best instructor award at the Abhiruchi Shivir during the summer break. In July, members of the scout’s wing visited the school and presented a skit on the environment to show how negligent we are towards the trees around us with a vow to plant and nurture at least one tree. An abhiyan to feed and look after the birds that live near us was also started at the school.
Workshops
The teachers regularly attend workshops and seminars organized by the VBERC to upgrade themselves professionally. Shri Shankarlal and Shri Chaubisa also worked with the summer camp for the basti children under the MSDF project. Ms. Madhulika Kothari also contributed to the study of English Board papers for class 10 of different boards taken up by the VBERC and the preparation of the module for teachers training for English as well as the training at VBERC and Baran distt.
Infrastructural changes
New swings and slides were added in the month of April 09. The children are now enjoying themselves in the school.
Visits
A team of teachers from Digantar and Mr. Ram Kumar from Wipro visited the school.
The vision and dream of the founding fathers of Vidya Bhawan is still being pursued and realized in the working of the institute. With a distinguished past, the institute has a long and proud record of academic achievements, innovations and rich traditions and has an exciting future. It takes pride in providing intellectual stimulus and excitement as well as hosting facilities for teaching, learning and research. The mission of the institute is Teacher Education for excellence. We firmly believe that the quality of our society is possible by ensuring quality of teacher education programs. Along with imparting various pre-service and in-service teacher education programs, the institute is also working for the preparation of personnel for the faculties of elementary and secondary teacher education institutions, providing general resource support to the secondary schools and elementary teacher education institutions, empowering faculties of Teacher Educators of other institutions and Research, and facilitating innovation and extension work in the field of secondary education and elementary teacher education.
Future Plans
In the future, the institute is planning to start a B.Ed. course based on Gandhian Philosophy an Educational Management Courses, M.A. in Education course and a four-year integrated B.Ed. Course in collaboration with the Vidya Bhawan Rural Institute. Along with it, revival of the Nursery Teacher Course, setting up of a Resource cell and a Research forum (for empowerment of teacher educators and schools teachers) are also under consideration. The institute is presently engaged in designing the B.Ed. course based on Gandhian Philosophy of Education to be started at our demonstration school (Vidya Bhawan Basic School), where the revitalization of basic education projects is in progress with the assistance of Sir Ratan Tata Trust and National Institute of Rural Institutes. The long term goal is to develop the institute as an Academic staff college (Teacher Education) and gradually as a University of Teacher Education.
Institutional Strengths
With good infrastructural and training facilities, cooperative spirit of staff members, and good governance and stakeholder relations, the college is providing quality teacher education to meet the demand of teachers in Rajasthan.
Institutional weakness
The college requires proper computerization of library, sports and mess facilities for students, financial and personal management and more contribution in research publication in referred journals.
Institutional Opportunities
The institute has the opportunities for mobilization of additional resources and the scope for the development of a support system for the students. Further, more funded & collaborative research could be undertaken and the opportunities for faculty exchange with leading intuitions in the country could also be explored.
Institutional Challenges
The institute has to sustain the lead institutional position in the changing context of teacher education scenario in Rajasthan, re-gear the existing teacher education programme to meet the challenges of globalization and make better and more functional use of the ICT as learning resources.
Academic Features
- The Vidya Bhawan CTE conducts both pre and in-service courses (both in specific and subject specific areas) in teacher education. Pre-service courses include B.Ed., M.Ed., and Ph.D.
- The admission for the session 2008-2009 to the B.Ed. course were made in accordance with PTET and M.L.S. University norms. In this session, 180 students got enrolled in the B.Ed course. The classes of this batch started from November, 2008. Along with on campus theory classes, conducted as per the prescribed norms of the NCTE, the main features of curriculum transaction comprised of experiencing pedagogical skills, teaching practice, simulated teaching, block practice teaching and open air session camp.
- The admissions of 30 students to the M.Ed. course were made in accordance with PMET and M.L.S. University norms in the session 2008-2009 on 13-14 Oct, 2008. Besides theory classes, presentation in research seminars, workshops, group discussions, field work activities and research work constituted main academic programmes for P.G. classes.
- Apart from regular teacher training courses in this session, 6 scholars were awarded their Ph.D. degrees. Presently 48 scholars are working on their Ph.D. dissertations in different areas of education and teacher education.
- The Deptt. of In-service Education of the Institute conducted 2 programmes for in-service secondary school teachers of six districts under the jurisdiction of the institute. In all, 21 teachers were trained in these programmes. Besides this, 3 research projects undertaken by the faculty are in progress.
- The Deptt. of Extension Education of the institute conducted 33 programmes in the lab area / field. Demonstrations, work-shops lectures, field activities etc. were conducted in different schools of lab area, DIET, SIERT and other educational institutions.
This college is also one of the centers of IGNOU B.Ed. and MA in Education course. The centre of the institute conducted induction programmes, workshops, counseling sessions and school related activities as per the guidelines of IGNOU. The college has been supplied with necessary equipment for linkage with the EDUSAT project.
The faculty of this college participated in state and national level programmes. The students of the Institute were also motivated to participate in co-curricular activities at the University, State and National levels.
This ‘Study Forum’ of the institute was constituted this year. All the faculty members are members of this forum. In this session, seven lectures related to innovations in education were delivered by the faculty.
Vidya Bhawan Kala Sansthan is conducting a two-year BSTC program, with 50 students in a batch. There were three batches in this session. From this session admission were made through a Pre STC test, (earlier it used to be on the merit basis). A new batch of STC First year (2008-09) started in the October. Along with conducting theory classes for all the three batches, practice teaching, field teaching and micro teaching programs were organized for the students during the session. Staff meetings took place from time to time in which discussions were held on the issues related to the regular activities of the institute i.e. freshers' party, feedback on micro teaching, changes in lesson planning, tests, practice teaching and write-ups for the institute’s Magazine etc. A lecture was also organized for teachers and student teachers, by Dr. Anil Paliwal on activity based lessons. Dr. Arvind Ashia presented a demonstration lesson based on new lesson planning, which helped in resolving the curiosities of the students. Students were sent to Udai Niwas for a Scout-guide camp casting ten days. Further co-curricular activities i.e. fresher’s party, extempore & mono-acting competitions were also organized during the year. Students were sent to the scout guide camp held at Udai Niwas for 10 days .In the month of November, ten day’s school orientation program was organized for the students of first year.
Institute’s major planning for the year 2009-10
- Making training programs more useful with the help from VB Education Resource Center.
- Giving priority to activity based teaching.
- Making changes in the curriculum with the help of Azim Premji Foundation.
- Making the school orientation program and block teaching more effective.
- To promote informal conversation among staff members for professional development.
- Establish a relationship with STC Colleges and participating schools.
- To make greater efforts for linking the staff with the primary teachers education.
Vidya Bhawan Rural Institute has maintained its steady pace of growth over the last decade. After being accredited by NAAC with B++ grade and being conferred to the Model College status by the state Government, the Institute has built confidence in the society by establishing credibility at large. In our endeavor to generate revenue, during the last decade the Institute started many courses like M. Sc. (Chemistry), BCA, BBM, B.Com. etc. on self finance basis. These efforts have not only generated revenue but have also widened the academic horizon of the Institute. The courses introduced are truly beneficial to the students, particularly to the poorer & tribal section of the society who get access to professional courses and quality education in minimal expenditure.
Enrolment
The number of students is substantial in Commerce and Management. There has also been a rise in other disciplines, with a total of 943 students enrolled in the session 2008-09.
Results
The overall academic performance of students is more than satisfactory while some of the students did exceptionally well owing to regular classes and extra painstaking efforts made by the staff. Most of the PG courses have 100 percent results and in the bachelor courses also students have improved considerably.
New Courses
Certification Courses in Foundation of Banking: With an aim to equip students with necessary knowledge and skills required for the banking sector, the first batch of the certificate course in Foundation of Banking designed by the ICICI Bank started from 18th Aug.2008.
BCA:
BCA, introduced in the year 2007, is successfully through with its second batch. A separate Computer lab has been established for these students.
Financial Assistance from U.G.C.
During the last academic year, the institute received grants from U.G.C. under the XI Five Year Plan, for General Development Scheme, Books and Equipments and Remedial Coaching for SC, ST and minority students. Along with it, one time seed money of Rs. 5 lacs was also received to introduce Computerized Financial Management and Rs. 1 lac was received to organize the National Seminar on Business Ethics: Emerging Paradigm.
B.B.M.
Department of Business Management organized Extension lectures on “How to improve personal effectiveness” by Dr. Harshita Shrimali, Faculty, Pacific Institute of Management, Udaipur and on “Marketing in 21st Century” by Dr. Raghunath Singh Rao, Professor of Marketing, Texas University, USA and an essay competition was organized on “Global Financial Crisis on Indian Economy”.
Cultural Activities
The cultural function was held between 19 Jan to 21 Jan. 2009. Various inter-college competitions were organized namely rangoli, song and dance, fancy-dress, Mr. and Ms. V.B.R.I. Games and Sports
Students actively participated in various games and sports. An inter class cricket tournament was held and III Yr. Arts emerged as the winner. Players were selected from various teams who then represented the college at the inter-college and university tournaments. The Table Tennis team was runner up at the university level and participated at the All India West Zone tournament at Gujarat. In Power Lifting, students took part in the inter college tournament and stood first in their respective category. The volleyball team was the winner at a tournament organized by Banswara Government College, Partapur and Roshan Lal Dangi from the college was awarded as the best player at the University level. Two students were selected for national level Volleyball Coaching Camp for their outstanding performance.N.S.S.
The vibrant N.S.S. volunteers undertook all major activities that included celebration of the National Integration Day, Gandhi & Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti, Environment Conservation day, Women’s Day, Religious Unity week, World Aids Day and Human Rights Day. Three one day camps were organized during the session. From 12 Jan to 19 Jan National Youth week was celebrated. During the closing ceremony, water conservation, drug rehabilitation, family planning and literacy programs were organized and the volunteers pledged to continue them in the next session.
Anganwadi Center
The center organized training programs for 188 & 182 trainers in two batches respectively. During the training, trainers attended a workshop on “Domestic Violence” organized by Art of Living, Udaipur chapter
R.D. and Extension
The first year students of R.D. and Extension visited Gram Panchayat at Bedla, Panchayat Samiti, Badgoan and K.V.K. and met the Sarpanch and other members, who satisfied their queries regarding the administrative functioning of these bodies.
Industrial Tour
Department of Chemistry organized a 4 Day industrial tour for the M.Sc. Previous students in December. They visited and closely watched the working of industries such as Siya Ram Impex-Junagarh, Binani Cement- Pindwara and Indian Rayon at Virawal.
Faculty Development
During the academic session 2008-09, faculties of the institution attended various refresher courses in their respective courses. Dr. T.P. Sharma Lecturer in Botany delivered a lecture at SIERT on “Plant and Tissue Culture”. He also organized a One Day workshop on Bio- technology for science teachers from various districts of Rajasthan A one day workshop of the entire staff was organised on 5th April 2009 to introspect and assess the strength, achievements and contribution of the institute over the past years and also to seek suggestions to further improve its over all development. The ideas and suggestions that emerged from various groups after much deliberation are as follows:-
Achievements
Owing to good infrastructural facilities for the students, marked increase in the student’s enrollment both from the rural as well as urban areas, painstaking efforts of the staff members, the institution was awarded B++ by NACC and model college status. Many students have been National level players in different sports. The students having passed out from this college are serving various posts in Government and Private sector.Suggestions
There is need for maintenance work in the building of the institute and the construction of a seminar hall. Sustainable courses i.e. M.B.A., M.C.A. B. Pharma etc should be inducted. Post graduation classes and research has to be strengthened. Employees of the institute should be acknowledged for their contribution.
IGNOU Study-Center
The IGNOU Study center had generated Rs. 1.5 Lac during the year 2008-09. Online education is provided by the center thorough EDUSAT established by IGNOU with the help of ISRO. The center is being successfully run by satisfying the academic needs of distance learners.
Publication Book Titled
“Bryophyte Flora of North Konkan Maharashtra, India” was co-authored by Dr. T.P. Sharma, Lecturer in Botany and Dr. B.L. Chaudhary Prof. in Biology and former Vice Chancellor of M.L.S.U. It was published by Himanshu Publication.
Vidya Bhawan Polytechnic is consistently progressing and setting benchmarks in the field of technical education. We make sustainable efforts and endeavor to provide quality education to our students. The report of activities and achievements during the year as follows:-
Results
The results of the college were quite remarkable with aggregate result of 82.14% in the year 2007-08. It has added one more feather in the cap of the institute. Five students secured positions in the merit list of Board and the year wise results were 96.63% in I Year, 83.33% in II Year and 62.14% in III Year
Campus Recruitment
The college has a placement cell functioning since 2001. The cell caters to the needs of students in respect of their placement by inviting companies and arranging on campus recruitment for them and also acquainting them about the emerging job trends globally. This year due to the worldwide spread recession, the placements are not quite exciting; 11 students of Electrical Branch have been selected in Uttam Galva Steel. HCL Infosystems Ltd. will be visiting the Institute duly.
Progress of Projects
The Polytechnic has collaborated with RMOL and Aajiveeka Bureau and organized various technical training and Skill development programs for uneducated, unemployed, rural migrants of Rajasthan. During the year we have organized three trainings with RMOL, on Multipurpose Mechanics for Commercial & Residential Building, Data Entry Operator Training and AC & Refrigerator Repairing and five trainings with Aajiveeka Bureau, on House Wiring, Carpentry & Plumbing Automobile, Driving & Mechanic Training, Salesmanship Training, Office Assistant & Hotel Service training. Around 180 people got benefited from these trainings.
Partnership With Industries
The proposal to start one year post diploma course in Rubber Technology with support from J K Tyre, HASETRI and Indian Rubber Institute is in progress. The proposal, drafted as per the format of AICTE, has been evaluated from experts at IIT Kanpur and soon will be submitted to AICTE.Collaboration With IGNOU
The Indira Gandhi National Open University has collaborated with Vidya Bhawan Polytechnic College for their convergence scheme of open and distance learning programme. Polytechnic as partner institute is running Advanced Diploma in Construction Management Diploma in Civil Engineering and Advanced Certificate program in Power Distribution Management.The total number of students, enrolled so far are 30.
Project On Manual Development On Integrated Water Resources Management
Mr Anil Mehta and his team has successfully completed the assignment of development of training manuals on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) for different levels of stakeholders, namely Panchayati Raj Representatives, Farmers, NGOs, Engineers, and Administrative Officers. The project is sponsored by USAID, GLOWS and World Vision India. The draft reports have been sent to sponsors for extensive evaluation.
Expert Visits
Polytechnic avails all opportunities to invite experts from various fields to visit the institute and interact with faculty and students. Lectures were delivered on Attitude Building, Areas for uplifting Polytechnics in Rajasthan, Irrigation Design & Planning and Emotional Quotient by the dignitaries from various fields. A seminar on “Web Security on ASP.NET” was organized by Microsoft people and a presentation was made by Dr Gordon Stanger of European Commission -Rajasthan State Partnership Programme, and renowned expert on IWRM, on Water Resources Management scenario in Rajasthan state.
N.S.S.
The Inaugural function of NSS was held on 04th September, 2009 in theater hall of polytechnic Mr. Parmendra Dashora, member of RPSC was the Chief Guest. N.S.S. Unit organized a seven days special camp from 18.01.2009 to 24.01.2009 at Jan Bharti Kendra, Kanpur. The students were trained under ‘Youth Leadership’ programme during this camp through Art of Living.
Games and sports
The 2 days sports events were organised on 6th & 7th February, 2009. Students actively participated in all the events and exhibited their talent in Athletics cycle race, short put, Javelin throw, sack race, 100 meter race for girls & tug of war etc. Annual Function
The Polytechnic celebrated its Annual Day Function on 28th March, 2009. The enthusiasm shown by the students was great and almost every student got involved in the program and displayed their talent. The chief guest of the function was Shri Komal Singh Kothari, Director, A-One Business Pvt. Ltd. Udaipur and partner of Kay Tours and Travels and its was presided by Shri Raiz Tehsin. Shri Munish Goyal, Chief Secretary, Vidya Bhawan Society was the guest of honour. Seven mega events were held namely Solo Song, Group Song, Solo Dance, Group Dance, Mehndi, Rangoli and Salad Decoration. Farewell
The farewell ceremony for the outgoing final year students was celebrated on 28th April, 2009. The out going students expressed their feelings and shared their experiences of the institute. Mr Siraz Delhvi, General Manager (HR) inspired the outgoing students by his enlightening motivational speech.
National Workshop On NDT Of RCC Structures
Two days National Workshop was organized by department of Civil Engineering with the collaboration of Ultra tech, AMIL and the Institution of Engineers on “Evaluation of Strength of R.C.C. Structure by non Destructive Testing Techniques” on 3rd and 4th March, 2009. The Chief Guest on this occasion was Dr. R. Mukhopadhyay, Director, HASETRI, J.K. Tyre group. He enlightened the participants and students with his inspirational words.
Alumni association
The Old Boys Association of VBPC is deeply engaged in fostering academic and social activities; which contribute towards promoting interaction between the alumni and the college. The association celebrated its 43rd foundation day on 9th May of 2009. The passed out students of 1984 batch who have completed 25 years of their diploma ;and 1959 batch who have completed 50 years of their Diploma were honored.. The association donated a sum of Rs 40,000 for development of new courses.
Students Projects
As per the curriculum of Board of Technical Education, every student of final year has to do project work. The faculties of the Polytechnic always impart innovative projects to the students with the aim to explore their potential, upgrade technical skills; and enhance employability .The details of some innovative projects conducted are as follows:
- Operation of advance surveying instruments like Total Station and GPS.
- Working models of Metal Detector, Metro Train etc.
- Project on power factor improvement, microprocessor controlled four wheeler vehicle, Autonomous Robots, Leakage detection in transmission lines etc
- Development of computer programmes on School Management, On Line Examination, Income Management, Payroll Management etc.
The Polytechnic team is actively involved in development of concept of Rural Communication Center and establishment of Community Radio Station.
Evaluation of Programmes And Needs
The faculty believes in regularity, punctuality and dedication to the work; and hence the success of all programmes. There are certain areas where improvement and changes are required .The retention of the faculty have to be increased. The exposure of faculty and students to new ideas and new technologies is another area, where polytechnic has to do a lot. More and more faculty development programmes are required to be organized. The feedback appraisal system and follow-up mechanism that motivates and improves the efficiency of the faculty need to be introduced.
V.B. Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Farm Science Centre) is working to achieve the mandates set by ICAR for Udaipur district. The basic aim of the institution is to increase the productivity / income of the farming community and make them aware of the latest technologies.
Mandates of KVK
The mandates are On Farm Testing, Front Line Demonstration and Trainings.
On Farm Testing
Under on farm testing trials taken on brinjal crop because of low productivity, female HF cross calf because of low growth rate, buffaloes because of long inter-calving period, ruminants because lecto parasites were not in control and children of (3-6 Yrs.) because of poor growth due to malnutrition.
Front Line Demonstration
Front line demonstrations were conducted on soyabean, black gram and maize in kharif and wheat in rabi. Farmers appreciated latest varieties of soyabean, maize, wheat because of their higher production per hectare i.e. 22.77 in soya been, 98.13 in maize and 20.52 wheat. They have also appreciated the use of balance fertilizer along with bio-fertilizer. A Field day was organized on soyabean for dissemination and extension, since the variety yielded well. Component demonstrations were also conducted on mineral mixture, lime, installation of smokeless chulha and a Gobar Gas Plant and the development of a nutritional garden
Trainings
KVK organized different types of trainings i.e. vocational, on campus, off campus, sponsored on campus etc. The participants belonged to Schedule Caste, Schedule Tribe and other castes. The topics of the training programme were assessed according to the need of the farmers and the respective area. Under the extension functionaries training, we gave trainings to VLWs from the Government, ICDS workers and NGO workers so that the latest technology can be spread among the farmers. Sponsored trainings were sponsored by Deptt. Of Agri. NHM, ATMA, RBKS, Vigyan Samiti, CASA, NAIP & RMOL. Rural youth were given in vocational training, using their skills to bridge the gap due to vacant posts and larger operational area of present village extension workers. In total, 124 trainings were organized during the year, in which 4793 farmers participated.Training for Extensional personnel
Trainings were organized for extension personnel regarding the adoption of improved technologies to increase the productivity of crops, popularization and establishment of fruits orchards, vegetable cultivation and non – conventional energy sources, use of improved farm implements to reduce the cost of crop production, enhancement of livestock productivity through up gradation of local germplasm, balanced and cheaper nutrition and management practices with emphasis on large and small ruminants, introducing employment generation activities for rural women and improving soil fertility through composting and balanced fertilizer application on soil-test based recommendations.
Working Area
Presently VBKVK is working in 11 villages of Sarada, Bhinder and Kherwara clusters.
Extension literature and popular articles published
The institution has published various articles and papers during the year related to farmers, organic farming, plastic pollution, advanced technologies of farming, vermin compost, seed treatment, cutting & budding, food processing, insects & pesticides etc.
Extension Activities
The institution has organized various extension activities during the year, like Field Day, Kisan Gosthi, kisan mela, film show, method demonstrations, group meetings, lectures, scientific visits to farmer’s fields, advisory services, diagnostic visits, exposure visits, animal health camps, SHG meetings, Farmers Scientist interaction etc.
On-going Projects
The ongoing projects in the institution are National Agriculture Innovation Project (NAIP) – ICAR (2007-12), Village Adoption Program – State Agriculture Department, GOR (2008-09) and Integrated Village Livelihood Development – RMoL, GOR GOR (2008-09).
Achievements
- 2561 soil samples and 35 water sample were analyzed.
- 26 Farmers are using drip in orchard cultivation in 5.2 ha area.
- 11 rural youth, given vocational training were linked with NGOs and are doing budding of Ber plant.
- Four trained rural youth are doing work in different Hotels.
- Development of the multipurpose “Soil Health Card” in which recommendations of manures and fertilizers are given in the simplest form.
- Soil and water testing work is ranking in good position among all the KVKs of Rajasthan.
- 2 Trained rural youth were selected by India Gen Limited (subsidiary of NDDB) for special training in artificial insemination at their established centers. These selected youth will start their own AI and primary health care centers in the respective areas. Quality semen will be supplied by India Gen Limited.
- Consultancy for feeding practices/ schedules was provided to 4 recognized dairies of Udaipur.
- Synchronization of 34 buffaloes of Kherwara cluster.
- Construction of 25 cubic meter fixed dome bio gas plant at KVK dairy unit which started generating power. Power for milking machine and water pump for lifting water is being produced through this plant.
- Techno – economic evaluation of the plant has been completed.
- Seven new self help groups formed in Kherwara cluster.
- At Shyampura village of Kherwara, each household constructed improved cooking stove.
Success Stories
- Ratanlal of village Phalichada Khedi did seed multiplication of Groundnut Variety GG7and got 21,000 additional income per hectare as compared to local variety.
- Heena Parmar Village - Mahuwada did 700 Ber budding in Kherwada cluster and is now working as an expert of Ber budding at the village level.
- Bhagwati Lal Teli Village- Jhadol(P) Established their own center of AI and Primary health care with the help of India Gen Limited. Did 560 AI last year with a 60% success rate. The Target for this year is 890. Earns Rs. 8,000 – 10,000 per month from this center.
- Lalit Mali, Nathdwara Established his own center of AI and Primary health care with the help of India Gen Limited. Earn Rs. 10,000- 15,000 per month from this center. Did 520 AI last year for a 7-month period with 70% success rate. Target of this year is 1080. Doing 80-90 AI per month.
- Ramli devi of village Bhaloon learned to prepare potato chips during off campus training. Earning Rs. 200/- per month form selling of potato chips.
- Experienced Technical staff.
- Well established demonstration units like dairy, nursery, farm etc.
- Infrastructural facility available for farmers and for officers.
- 2 Conference halls with a capacity of 60 persons.
- Soil and Water testing facilities.
- Lack of funds for the benefit of the farming community as well as for follow up activities.
- Documentation and extension of work is poor.
The VBILSRC has been conducting the ‘Capacity Enhancement Programme’ for the elected representatives of Panchayati Raj in the tribal belt of Udaipur, since 1997. The programme activities are mainly supported by SDTT since 2004. Now a new project has been sanctioned by JTT (Jamsetji Tata Trust) w.e.f. June 09 for 5 years, with a financial grant of Rs. 392 lakhs. The Institute has also been running the project on ‘empowerment of elected women representatives of Panchayati Raj’ since 2001, with the support of the HPS Foundation (first 3 years) and now of MINT (Dr. Reineck), Germany since 2006.Activities
Orientation courses and training programs- Ten six-day orientation (residential) courses were organised for training 127 elected representatives, out of which 55 were women. Besides, the 87 members of Social Audit Forums were also given training. Under the ‘Women Empowerment’ project, 22 orientation programs for the members and group leaders of SHG (women) were organized, benefiting 305 members. Participatory training techniques were used in all the orientations.
- During the year, 8 Panchayat Melas and 8 Mahila Sammelans were orgiansed by the institute:
- The institute is publishing two quarterly News Letters:- Panchayat Parivar (37 issues) and Mahila Shakti (32 issues) to maintain contact with the past trainees. Fresh inputs are also given. All the 498 Panchayats of Udaipur district are covered. Special issues on Social Audit Forums, NREGA, Malnutrition and Balanced diet, Mahila Shakti Abhiyan were also published.
The Institute has thus far produced 31 publications and developed 28 posters and charts which are in great demand in Rajasthan and outside. The learning material and training modules were sent to several NGOs and institutions at their request.
Orientation Programme and workshops for NGOs and other agencies
- Sh. K.C. Maloo gave talks on “Women Empowerment through education and training” & ‘Right to Information and Panchayati Raj’ in a workshop & a training organized by Rajasthan state Institute of Public administration (RIPA), Udaipur chapter.
- Faculty of the Institute made a presentation on the structure and functions of Panchayati Raj institutions after the 73rd amendment through posters, pictures and transparencies in three one-day workshops for the new staff members of the Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD, USA) and the interns of their Udaipur centre (about 40).
- Mr. Bharat Singh, Panchayati Raj Minister of Rajasthan, during his visit to the institution, had a discussion with the faculty on the functioning of Panchayati Raj in Rajasthan and sought suggestions for improvement.
- Two faculty members Sh. Prem Kumar coordinator and Ms Geeta of Jan Jeevan Kalyan Sansthan, Nagar (Bharatpur) visited the Institute to have consultation on the training of Panchayati Raj representatives on the issues of NREGA and Social audit. There was an exchange of information and views on the status of NREGA in the two districts, Udaipur and Bharatpur.
- Mr. Mark Tully, the well-known former commentator of BBC, Padma Vibhushan and author of several books on India, visited the Institute on 20.4.09. He evinced keen interest in the activities and learning material for Panchayati Raj representatives. He was inquisitive about the status of NREGA in Rajasthan and particularly Udaipur and discussed the various aspects of the scheme with the faculty.
- The Institute’s faculty members attend trainings and workshops organized by other institution
Dr. Ashok Sircar, a consultant of SDTT carried out a comprehensive impact assessment study of the Institute’s activities from Nov. to January 09.
Main features of the New Project approved by JTT
The new project would be implemented in a two tier module, i.e. extensive module (11 blocks of Udaipur district) and intensive module (20 Gram Panchayats of two blocks named Badgaon and Gogunda.). In the extensive module, the Institute intends to cover maximum PRI members under its CEP (phase I) in the first 20 months. 20 Gram Panchayats will be selected from two blocks- Badgaon & Gogunda. The intensive module would act as the experimental area of the project wherein the Institute would actually engage in handholding the PRI members and activating the Panchayat Sub-committees. The Institute, in the intensive module, will activate at least two sub-committees in consultation with each Panchayat.
Activities under the New Project
Six Training Assistants and 6 Panchayat Mitra were recruited for the project. A 4-day workshop was organized to prepare the training module and training strategies for TOT of Training Assistants and Panchayat Mitra. Based on it a 5-day TOT was organized for the newly selected Training Assistants and Panchayat Mitra. A 4-day workshop was organized to prepare tools for TNA for the representatives to be elected in Panchayat Election 2010. Field work for TNA has been completed; the field facilitators contacted representatives and Panchayati Raj functionaries for interview schedules. The compilation work is going on. One faculty member Shri Khemraj worked as Resource Person to assess the training needs of representatives of Panchayati Raj of 5 districts of Udaipur division at the Zila Parishad Udaipur. The Institute contacted the Chief Executive Officer, Zila Parishad, and Udaipur and got a circular issued to the BDOs of Badgaon and Gogunda Blocks asking them to extend cooperation to the Institute in carrying out the programme activities under the intensive mode.
Publications
- सामाजिक अंकेक्षण निर्देशिका (Handbook for members of Social Audit Forums) 2008
- पंचों की पोथी (Handbook for WardPanch) 2008
- पंचायती राज महिला शक्ति अभियान- 'आशा का आगाज तथा सफलता के सोपान' (Panchayati Raj Mahila Shakti Abhiyan – Stories of Hope (Case Study) 2008-09)
- Four articles published in different journals written by the Institute’s faculty member Mr. P.M. Devpura.
- भारत निर्माण: गांवों के विकास का मिशन- कुरूक्षेत्र जनवरी 09
- तेजी से विकास की ओर बढ़ती गोठड़ा पंचायत- कुरूक्षेत्र फरवरी 09
- महिला सशक्तिकरण और शिक्षा- शिविरा मार्च 2009
- आंवलाबाड़ी से मिला रोजगार- कुरूक्षेत्र जून 2009
VBERC is now 14 year old. VBERC came up in 1995 as an internal support organization with mandate to create meaningful networks within the Vidya Bhawan institutions and between Vidya Bhawan institutions and other government and non-government organizations working for school education. VBERC has lived upto this expectation over these years. This year was a further extension of its mandate as reported briefly.
The reporting year, October 2008 to August 2009, started with an international seminar on “Reading and Library” and another international seminar on “Teacher Development and Management” was held in February 2009 with the NCERT, DFID, UNICEF etc. as partners. Papers in the “Reading and Library” seminar highlighted the sources, use and importance of inculcating reading habits among children. Underlying concern of the dialogue in the seminar was the overemphasis on textbooks that occupies center stage in the learning process at the school level at the cost of distancing children from reading original books, magazines and journals. Prof. Krishna Kumar in his inaugural speech made a strong case for breaking the tradition of not allowing children to read books beyond their textbooks, hampering cognitive development in children. The focus of “Teacher Development and Management” seminar was discussing the possibility of having better teachers. VBERC in the month of February 2009 also hosted a seminar on “Samajh Ka Madhyam” as part of a series of language seminar organized by the NCERT across the country. The seminar discussed the importance of language in the learning discourse.
During the reporting period, VBERC and the JCERT in Jharkhand and SCERT in Bihar finalized textbooks for the primary and the upper primary government schools. In Jharkhand, together we finalized and or published. Class-1 mathematics, language and English textbook. In Bihar, VBERC with the SCERT wrote the class-1 English textbook. SCERT (Bihar) and VBERC have also agreed to write textbooks for classes 1, 3 & 6 in all the subjects before 2010. The first draft of the textbook will be written in Udaipur using the available VBERC’s library resources and taking help from VBERC experience of writing textbooks in other states of the country. Apart from textbook writing, VBERC conducted workshops in both the states and in Chattisgarh for capacity building of people working with the state government or working in state institutions like the SCERT, DIET etc.
Since March, 2009 VBERC is working with UNICEF and BEP for developing SSA teachers training module in Bihar; module for primary and upper primary classes. The training module is arguing, for a module that can help build teachers capacity to teach children on the basis of an understanding developed regarding the foundational concepts in teaching on the basis of a different subjects, and new understanding of learning as is reflected in the NCF-2005 and the BCF 2008. In Rajasthan VBERC conducted a training for Master Teacher Trainers of Baran district and of SSA state master trainers. Both these trainings were held in Udaipur. VBERC provided both human resources and infrastructure facilities for conducting the training. VBERC continued with its commitment with the Azim Premji Foundation to work in two districts of Rajasthan.
VBERC’s collaboration with the Azim Premji Foundation (APF) also expanded further; it started working closely with the APF team in the state of Uttaranchal and Gujarat. In Uttaranchal VBERC is supporting the development of the state resource team; in July 2009 a 10 days training was conducted for the APF state resource team consisting of faculty from DIET, BRC etc.. In Gujarat, VBERC is conducting a study in the two districts with the APF team to understand the academic status of the cluster resource group. The study will help in designing, the intervention plan for building the capacity of the cluster resource team in the two districts. Further in Gujarat, VBERC’s earlier partnership with HLPL continued; the project was renewed for another year. The ‘Read to Lead’ program has also joined VBERC in Hazira. A new proposal to the British Gas was submitted for working in Surat’s urban and rural areas and in Bharuch district of south Gujarat.
VBERC conducted a feasibility study for TISS M.A. in Education (Hindi medium) program. The study was conducted in Rajasthan, Chattisgarh and Bihar. The program is on in English medium at TISS (Mumbai) campus. The TISS M.A. in Education program targets practitioners of education, the program runs partly in a distance mode.
VBERC reviewed Board exam papers by looking into papers of many states and in different subjects. The review looked into the quality of questions and made recommendations for change in the question papers.
VBERC conducted a baseline study in the Baran district of Rajasthan; a ‘database’ is being created on the status of school, student’s learning, teachers’ attitude, teachers’ competency and the impact of government initiative for improving the quality of teaching in the schools, all with purpose of comparing the pre with the post-intervention scenario. Another NGO, Digantar, is intervening in the Baran district.A similar study was conducted on a small scale for Ahmedabad Municipal School class-4 students. The study was conducted on behalf of Gyan-shala to compare the learning achievement of students in the experiment and the controlled schools. There were 30 schools in both the controlled and the experiment schools with around 5000 students in the sample. Gyanshala will use the baseline information for assessing the impact of the intervention after a year and so.
In February 2009, VBERC launched another project for children living in Udaipur’s slums in partnership with the DELL Foundation. The project covers around 12,000 children located in 14 slum areas of Udaipur with 60 govt. and private schools within the fold of the intervention. A small part of the project intervenes in Vidya Bhawan schools. The main thrust of the project is to improve learning levels of children in schools by improving the supply system in terms of access to reading materials and competent teachers, and by creating more learning avenues. The project has facilitated a mobile library for slum children: the mobile library is accessable to children in each slum location at least thrice a week. Learning camps have been set up for out-of-school children who are resident of Udaipur slums. The first camp was organized in May 2009. Workshops were held for teachers from private, govt. and Vidya Bhawan schools that worked on improving teachers’ attitude towards learning and improving upon their own learning habits and learning capabilities.
During the reporting period VBERCs’ commitment with programs like NFE, Hazira, WATIS, Basic education continued. In Basic education a new process of dissemination started through regular publication of journals and expansion of its reading audiences.
The Cellulosic Waste Recycling Project is continuing with promoting activities for Center for Social & Economic Development of people belonging to remote rural areas. The main objective of the project is to provide the students with vocational education, so that they can be self dependent & have a new direction for livelihood generation. Hand Made Paper has completed ten successful years of its establishment. The details of the achievements of this 10th year are:
Training program
To provide general knowledge about the development of handmade paper & its products. Various short term orientation trainings & skill development programs were organized during the year for students of colleges and schools, Vidya Bhawan School and entrepreneurs.Project visits
Students from schools & colleges, and national and international people have visited the project unit and have come to know of its important role in environment conservation and entrepreneurial development. Unit Manager, Mr. Rakesh Paliwal is conducting a research on developing paper from different plant fibers. In this series, work is in progress on developing good quality paper from Jute and Ambari fibers. New products of hand made papers i.e. table box (steps), rectangle pen stand, folders with flap and diaries were designed. Along with it, Rajasthani paintings were also tried to be incorporated in the designs.
Paper unit
Vidya Bhawan hand made paper unit is developing good quality paper which has created a good demand in the market. The unit has a share of 40% in the total demand of hand made paper in the market.
The unit has a total production of Rs 33,47,303 and total sale of Rs. 33,11,961 in the financial year 2008-09.Work plan
The unit, for its own development and fulfillment of one of the basic objectives of the VB society to promote vocational and professional education based on employment of the society at large, is trying to establish such a professional training center where students of the Gandhian Institute of education and other schools and youth from nearby villages could be trained to start their own enterprise.
With a view to modernize the Basic Education, Vidya Bhawan Society, under the guidance and dynamic leadership of Shri Riaz Tehsin and Dr. H.K. Dewan, decided to start a Teacher Education Unit based on Gandhian philosophy of Education and launched a one year B.Ed. course from the session2008-09, which is approved by the National Council of Teacher Education and affiliated to MLS University, Udaipur. Dr. M.P. Sharma took over as Director of the institution and Shri B.C. Kumawat is working as coordinator.The basic school now comprises of Basic School (demonstration school), Hand made paper unit, B.Ed. College, Research and Extension wing and Peace Education Center. The college started functioning since August, 2008.
The mission of Gandhian institute is education for quality of life and better future. One of the distinct features of the institution is integration of pedagogical features of the Gandhian philosophy of education into different curricular and co-curricular activities of B.Ed. course, such as an emphasis on local culture and environment during teaching, correlation, linking education with community, Shramdan, integrating craft and work education with different subjects and learning to live together, peace education, building a strong “partnership approach” between practicing schools and teacher training institutions etc.
The institution proposes to start research and extension activities shortly. Another distinct feature introduced for faculty and students was the provision of special sessions related to development of a deeper understanding of pedagogical issues and of Gandhian philosophy through extensive readings and in-house seminars, workshops and discussions. Important activities of the session included school interaction phase, teaching practice, internship and participation in an open air session camp held at Khestrapal temple located near Khargda village, in Dungarpur district. B.Ed students and faculty members also participated in the annual sports day events. Besides this, all B.Ed students took part in one craft of their choice along with Shramdan and Yoga.
Apart from these academic activities some of the important events of the session included, interaction with APF team members on different issues related to teacher education and the participation of the faculty in a research project related to ‘Study of Evaluation System of different Boards of Secondary Education in the country’.
Also, one extension lecture on “Gandhian Education Philosophy and its relevance today” was given by Prof. O.S. Dewal, Ex-advisor, NCERT, New Delhi. In memory of first H.M. of Basic School and Gandhian thinker, the late Shri Dayal Chandraji soni, a garden was inaugurated by Prof. Jagat Mehta in the campus of the institution. Shri G.P. soni and other family members and guests were present in the function. The valedictory function for the B.Ed. batch 2008-09 was held on 13-08-09, followed by a cultural evening on the eve of Janmashtmi and Independace day celebrations. Mr M.P. Sharma, Director and all the faculty members extended good wishes for the prosperous future of all the B.Ed. students.
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