“To other countries, I may go as a tourist, but to India I come as a pilgrim.” Martin Luther King Jr.

India is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Its physical beauty and diverse culture make it unique and attract thousands of visitors every year. ‘Explore thy Country’ Club is an endeavour to enable our young minds to explore, understand, appreciate and respect the Indian culture and its traditions. The students were engaged in different hands-on activities through out the session which focussed on the cuisine, customs, traditional art forms, festivals and tourist destinations of different Indian States. All the activities were conducted in an informal way which allowed the students not only to learn but showcase their creativity and get a sense of achievement. Our students now take pride in the rich culture and heritage of our country. Club Masters Sonia Batra | Tanushi Gupta

Vol-2 2017-18

Primary Department Pusa Road Campus

EXPLORE THY COUNTRY

Vibrant Punjab (20.04.17)

Students were introduced to the lively state, Punjab and they explored its flora, fauna, dance forms, costumes, folk songs and tourist destinations. As a follow up activity the students made a healthy food platter by pasting pictures of food items from Punjab- makki ki roti, sarson ka saag, chhole bhature etc. on a paper/thermocol plate.

Gateway of India- Maharashtra (20.07.17)

The students gained an insight into the places of tourist attraction, cuisine, culture and heritage of Maharashtra with a special reference to its fast paced capital Mumbai and Ganeshotsav. The students tried making mouth watering sevpuri, the snacky delicacy of Maharashtra.

Incredible Rajasthan (24.08.17)

Rajasthan which is often described as the ‘Land of Sand Dunes’ is a very beautiful and colourful state. The students got a glimpse of the of this state through a PPT and videos highlighting its tourist destinations, delicacies, customs, craft and rich heritage. To get a feel of the craft work from Rajasthan students decorated pots and diyas using mirrors, gotta, ribbons, etc to give them a traditional look.

Beautiful West Bengal (21.09.17)

The club activity commenced with an elaborate discussion on the variety of popular sweets, cuisine, rich flora & fauna and tourist destinations of West Bengal. Special emphasis was laid on the festival of Durga Puja. The students coloured and decorated paper mask of Goddess Durga and were apprised of the customs and tradition related to this festival.

Amazing Assam

(27.10.17)

The students explored the North-eastern State of Assam and learnt about its cuisine, festivals, tourist destinations, dance forms, craft work and lush green tea gardens. As a follow up activity ’paper mache’ the popular craft from Assam was

demonstrated by the teacher. The students made 3D models of Sun with material like ball, paper, glue, colours etc. using the technique of paper mache.

Rangeela Gujarat

(23.11.17)

The students got an opportunity to experience the vibrant State of Gujarat and appreciate its uniqueness in term of its rich culture, heritage, cuisine, art, attire, festivals, etc. The students made bandhanwar and door hangings using colourful paper, cut-outs, ribbons, mirror and other decorative material.

Heart of India – Delhi

(21.12.17)

Delhi is a hub of tourist places both historic and modern. In this activity the students were introduced to the diverse culture of Delhi. Interesting facts about one of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Qutub Minar were highlighted. Students tried making a replica of the minaret using brown painted paper cups and paper plates.

God’s Own Country – Kerala

(25.01.18)

Students explored God’s own country -

Kerala in this activity. They were enthusiastic and inquisitive to learn about this lush green land famous for its backwaters and spices. They tried their hands on the traditional art of making rangoli designs on the paper plates with colourful petals. Some of them skillfully made floor rangoli, which were a real treat to the eyes.

It was so wonderful , I made sevpuri for the first time. It was really very yummy. The best part was that I made it with my friends. I took some of it for my parents to taste. Now I can say with pride that I am a cook too. Rudrakshi Tuli II D

The activity of decorating Maa Durga‟s mask was a great learning experience for me. I was excited to learn about Maa durga and her bravery. The activity helped me showcase my creativity. Anshika Aggarwal III B

I would like to congratulate and extend my heartfelt thanks to the club masters for the wonderful activity - God’s Own Country – Kerala. You made our kids learn to share and create beautiful rangoli with colourful petals. HEARTIEST THANKS ! Dr. Soma Ganguly M/O Arahant Kumar, II F

It was a beautiful way for children to experience the culture of Maharashtra by getting involved in making its famous sevpuri. It provided a wonderful opportunity of learning through an innovative hands-on approach. Such club activities add the much needed “bright spots‟ in the curriculum. Ms. Preeti Gadok M/O Anhad Singh Sethi, III D

The activities conducted in the club „Explore thy Country‟ provide a platform where learning meets creativity and fun. Thanks to the club masters for all the confidence and knowledge they have affectionately imparted to the kids. Ms.Upasana Chhabra M/O Perry Chhabra, III E

I learnt to make rangoli in the club activity. It was so much fun putting together petals of different colours, sizes and shapes. Now I will make a rangoli on all special occasions. Aarna Gupta II F