Objective of the Thiruvannamalai Trip:
To foster an understanding of the universe and help students recognize their potential.
To provide a mindful break for Advanced Learning Program students and teachers.
To develop social skills and teamwork among students.
To introduce basic exercises and meditation practices, leveraging the serene environment of Thiruvannamalai.
The Journey through our trip:
Meet Mr. Raja Singam, The Homestay Caretaker
From May 15th to 19th, our School4Change core team embarked on a trip to the Tiruvannamalai district to develop our social skills.
Our task was to engage with locals, and we selected two remarkable individuals: Mr. Raja Singam, a homestay caretaker from Tirunelveli, and Mr. Dhandapani, an auto driver.
Mr. Raja Singam shared his inspiring story, including his successes, struggles, and memorable moments, which greatly benefited our team. We learned valuable lessons from his experiences.
We're grateful for this opportunity.
Meet Mr. Dhandapani, Auto Driver
We met Mr. Dhandapani, an auto driver from Tiruvannamalai, after connecting with Mr. Raja Singam. During our 4-day stay in Tiruvannamalai,
we frequently used Mr. Dhandapani's auto service, and every time we asked him questions, he provided detailed and insightful answers.
He shared valuable information about school and college students, spiritual energy, the power of Siddhars, the secrets of the Tiruvannamalai temple, and politics. These insights were incredibly useful to our team.
Thanks to universe
After meeting Mr. Dhandapani, we had the opportunity to connect with his wife, Mrs. Venda, a working woman who works at Namma Vedu Restaurant in Tiruvannamalai.
Meet Mrs. Venda, Wife of Mr. Dhandapani
We had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Venda, wife of Mr. Dhandapani, an auto driver in Tiruvannamalai. As previously mentioned, Mrs. Venda works at Namma Vedu Restaurant, and what's remarkable about her is that she's a working woman who doesn't take days off, even on Sundays, to support her family's needs and her children's education.
Interestingly, the name Venda has South African Bantu origins, meaning "Bantu people of South Africa." It's a unique and meaningful name associated with qualities like independence, ambition, creativity, and natural leadership.
During our conversation, one of our students, Aswini, asked Mrs. Venda what motivates you.
She replied that her husband is her primary source of motivation, but what's truly inspiring is the inner strength and determination she's cultivated since childhood, thanks to her parents.
Mrs. Venda shared a powerful message: women shouldn't seek power because they inherently possess it. She encouraged us to be bold, drive life with fun and bravery, and embody the true essence of womanhood. We're grateful for her inspiring words and thank Mrs. Venda for sharing her story with us.
Meet Mr. Sathish, working at a leg massage center
We stumbled upon Mr. Sathish, a warm-hearted individual working at a leg massage center, while taking a break on our journey. His infectious enthusiasm and genuine nature struck a chord with us. Not just a service provider, Mr. Sathish ensures every visitor leaves as a friend.
Our conversation flowed effortlessly, and he shared his insights on the Thiruvannamalai temple and its spiritual aura. When asked about his personal spiritual beliefs, he beautifully summed it up with "Anbe Sivam" (Love is God). His conviction was truly inspiring!
Mr. Sathish patiently answered our students' questions, motivating them with his wisdom. We're grateful for the universe's gift of such wonderful encounters on our journey.
Trek up to Shkanda Ashram
Our students embarked on a 30-minute trek up the hill to Skanda Ashram, surrounded by lush greenery and serene ambiance. Upon reaching the ashram, they practiced meditation, calming their minds and connecting with nature.
The highlight of the trek was the breathtaking view of the Thiruvannamalai temple from the top, leaving everyone speechless. We spent a few moments soaking in the beauty of the surroundings, feeling grateful for the experience.
This trek not only tested the students' physical stamina but also taught them valuable lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of taking a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. A truly enriching experience for all!
Girivalam Walk
On our final evening in Thiruvannamalai, we embarked on a sacred Girivalam journey, blessed with gentle drizzles from nature. Our group of students and teachers walked the 14-kilometer path around the Arunachala hill, completing it in 6 hours.
As we strolled through the serene landscape, we shared valuable insights, spiritual lessons, and meaningful conversations. Many of our students experienced Girivalam for the first time, and they did remarkably well, considering the distance and terrain.
The soothing rain and engaging conversations made the journey feel effortless, and we hardly felt the strain on our legs. We are grateful to the universe for granting us this opportunity to experience the spiritual energy of Girivalam and create lifelong memories with our students.
Old Age Home Visit
We had the privilege of visiting an Old Age home in Thiruvannamalai, selflessly run by Mr. Ramanar for over 20 years. This noble soul has been providing shelter, care, and medicines to the elderly without any expectations, embodying the true spirit of compassion.
We spent quality time with the residents, sharing a meal and engaging in meaningful conversations that touched on spirituality. Their wisdom and life experiences were truly inspiring.
Out of respect for the home's rules, we refrained from taking pictures, but the memories of our time with them will stay with us forever. We're grateful for the opportunity to interact with these incredible individuals and Mr. Ramanar's tireless dedication to their well-being.
We're deeply thankful to everyone who supported our trip to Thiruvannamalai! Your contributions made this journey truly special. We're grateful to have you all by our side!
Thank you!
Regards
School4Change
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