Suggestions for Effective Conduct of Thematic Samskaram

The associate schools may follow the given suggestions for the uniformity and effectiveness in conducting the programmes in their respective institution. Follow up is crucial to implant the values in the participating students as otherwise the programme will be merely an event.

We emphasise on Voluntary participation. We insist that this is a programme conducted by the students by co-opting their parents, teachers and neighbours in the school – but not as a Programme of the School.

School managements—those who take the final decision on policy matters of the institution.

Chapter—consists of trained faculty, interested and volunteering teaching staff, students and their parents who will plan, organise, administer and implement Thematic Samskaram.

Students—Volunteering students whose parents are willing to support and monitor their ward’s change in conduct by performing Samskaram regularly.

Media—Local and Regiona

1. School Managements

Display board showing
School calendar may carry Thematic programmes to facilitate advance planning.
A chapter may be specifically formed in the school to carry out the activities exclusively and effectively.
An interested teacher with commitment and conviction in Indian civilisational Values and Virtues may be deputed to be the IMCTF Faculty who will be the “Nodal person”—one-point contact.
The whole school may be pursued to witness the programmes.
The Theme that is compatible to that of the institution may be selected for Thematic Samskaram
Avoid any assistance in cash, pursue them to contribute the following item —

Prizes to Winners of Thematic competitions
Printing handbills, publicity materials
Materials required to perform Thematic Samskarams
Video and photography

2. The IMCTF Chapter in each school

IMCTF Faculty may be advised to lead the Chapter to initiate, plan and guide the conduct of the samskarams.
Encourage and facilitate the selective students to participate in the programmes Voluntarily and prepare on their own the Thematic posters and display them in the appropriate, prominent places more-so in the classrooms — one month ahead of the programme.
Choose the appropriate and attractive words to describe the samskarams to design invitation, hand bills and banners with programme particulars such as Guest, Date, time and venue in prominent locations inside and outside the school area.
Encourage teachers, parents and neighbours to participate and/or witness the programme.
Invite and involve important people in the neighbourhood and schools — their management as Dignitaries to whom the uniqueness of the programme is being briefly explained, so that they are encouraged to par-take in the Samskarams.
Plan and conduct Thematic competitions among all classes and in the neighbouring schools as prescribed in the competition manual provided by IMCTF — Personality development, Devotional, Art and Craft, Fine arts and Folk arts, Indian Native games.
Train singers with thematic songs, Master of Ceremony who can communicate the concepts well in regional language and in English may be engaged.
Select the songs, skit, drama and dances relevant to the performing theme and stage them by involving the volunteering younger students.
An active review-team comprised of higher-class volunteer students may follow-up during the academic year with the students, parents and teachers who were engaged in performing thematic samskaram, prepare detailed visual and documentations to share with media, school souvenir and Central office for documentation.
Get feedback in the form of writing and by video-graphy from performing students, participants, visitors and Guests after the completion of the programme.

3. Participating students

The participating students may be encouraged to read, internalise the panels and posters.
Inspired and willing students may be advised to get their parents support and consent to imbibe the values through the samskarams.
Performing students may willingly conform to the code of conduct and appropriate traditional dress during Samskaram along with their parents.
They may be inspired to concentrate wholly in the programme and may realise the need and necessity to practise it as daily routine and observe the transformation in their conduct.
They may be encouraged to share their experiences with others.

4. Media

Media may be furnished in advance with IMCTF materials and invited.
Publications of articles in local newspapers and visual channels may be encouraged to telecast the samskaram in attractive manner.

5. Role of IMCTF

IMCTF will give all support at any level for the conduct of the programme.
IMCTF will provide well in advance the posters, quiz book, thematic songs, thematic competition materials in Indian national languages, Arts & Crafts, Carnatic Classical and Folk cultural, Games etc that are relevant to the theme that the school is to perform thematic samskaram.

Classification of Thematic Samskaram Programmes

1. Dress Appropriate for Samskarams

The Participant students may be encouraged to wear traditional dresses. However for Paramveer Vandanam, the dress code will be more appropriate to be in army dress.
Women teachers and guests may be requested to wear sarees. Teachers who are men may be requested to wear dhoti, kurta or formal shirt.

2. First requirements

The management’s involvement, support and encouragements will enhance the introduction of IMCT programmes in the respective schools.
Make the teachers, parents and students aware of the vision and goal of IMCTF through handbills and banners kept in prominent locations inside and outside the school premises.
The management and parents may assist in sponsoring or identifying the sponsors to meet the expenditures on various heads.
Recruiting student volunteers who are willing to work for IMCT programmes.
Identifying voluntary teachers and other staffs of the school to conduct IMCT programmes in the manner suggested by IMCTF.

3. The Pre Programme Preparation

Relevant thematic posters of IMCTF relating to the samskarams to be displayed one month ahead of the programme and the school must reverberate with the atmosphere of the samskaram ahead of the programme.
Posters about the programme to be put up in classrooms and in all prominent locations inside and outside the school premises before one month.
All teachers, students and parents may be informed through school gatherings and through handbills about the programme.
Meeting neighbours with handbills or invitation, so that the programme links the schools to the neighbourhood.
Arranging dignitary preferably from the same locality after briefing them about IMCTF and Thematic Samskarams will yield desirable results. Important points that need to be highlighted by the Chief Guest may also be given as a note.
Providing brief and descriptive write up about the programme and the pre-programmes like thematic competitions to media and to ensure that it is covered by them in local papers and TV Channels before and after the programme.
Conducting thematic competitions based on the Thematic Samskaram selected by the school using the materials suggested by IMCTF in various categories.
Thematic badges, bags, caps or kerchiefs printed with photos of Thematic Samskaram or Theme/ Samskaram / Symbol may be distributed to the students.
A detailed description of the Theme, Symbol and Samskaram, the course of the programme, how samskaram will be performed may be explained by master of ceremony student in English or Tamil before the commencement. This will give clarity and understanding about the programme. The process of thematic samskaram may be explained while the preparations are going on before the starting of thematic samskaram. This will engage the audience. The relevance of Shanthi Mantrams and invocation song may also be briefed by the master of ceremony.
The students who are designated to sing during the Thematic Samskaram may practice in advance the dedicated songs and slokams given in Annexure ‘A’.

Deepa Slokam
Shanthi Mantrams
Isavasyam Idam Sarvam
Maithreem Bhajatha
National anthem or Vande Mataram depending on the nature and composition of the school

4. Arrangements at the programme

Good music before, during and after the programme – when speeches are not on, Video and photo arrangements
Decorated kuthuvilakku lighting ahead of the programme
Lot of agal vilakku with oil and wick
Uthiri (loose) flowers may be kept in plenty for performing the Samskaram
Create pleasant smelling ambiance using incense sticks etc
Floral decoration for the Symbols of the samskaram.
The student volunteers shall wear the thematic badge of the samskaram in which they participate.
Thematic badges, bags, kerchiefs or Caps printed with Thematic samskaram photos or name may be made available to others who witnesses the programme
The IMCTF trained teacher will be distinguished by wearing IMCTF Faculty Badge after the training in the Camp.
Arrangement to write lively written report on the programme to be sent to IMCTF’s website, media and to be published in the school journal

5. Suggestions for conducting Thematic Samskaram

Master of ceremony is requested to briefly explain as suggested (pre-programme preparation ix) and the following schedule without referring to the time duration given below.

Songs relevant to thematic Samskarams may be played 30 minutes ahead of the commencement of the programme, during the performance of Thematic Samskaram and 15mts after the programme while the gathering disperses. Bharatheeya Samsakara Ganam or similar songs may be used.

(Songs/tunes from cinemas may be avoided.)

Duration: 1.30 hrs to 1.45 hrs

i. Master of Ceremony	10 minutes
ii. Invocation and lighting of lamp	5 minutes
iii. Brief welcome address, concept of IMCTF, Thematic Samkaram	15 minutes
iv. Small skit of thematic samskaram (Themes / Samskarams / Symbols)[optional]	15 minutes
v. Dance/cultural programme [optional]	10 minutes
vi. Symbolic Samskaram duration	10-20 minutes
vii. Administering IMCTF Pledge by student	5 minutes
viii. Keynote address by Chief Guest [matter from Posters]	15 minutes
ix. Shanthi Mantram	5 minutes

6. Performance of the Samskaram

It is advisable to keep good Thematic music going on at least 30 minutes before the programme starts and 15 mts after the programme.
Deepa Prajwalan Slokam, Santhi Manthrams, Isavasyam Idam Sarvam and invocation song ‘’Maithreem Bhajatha’’ etc as suggested before to be explained by the master of ceremony before the commencement of the programme.
The welcome speech itself may contain the brief about IMCTF concept, samskaram that is going to be performed and the sequence of performance, IMCTF’s mission to impact as well influence the participant, visitors or guests and acknowledgment of contributions from various ends so that there is no vote of thanks at the end. The speech will explain the concept of IMCTF, Thematic Samskaram that is going to be performed, its need of the hour in the present situation, how it influences the conduct of the participants and builds values will be given by IMCTF representative students.
After welcoming the dignitaries, they may be seated comfortably off the dais to view the Samskaram. They may also be invited, if willing, to participate in the Samskaram.
A small skit of thematic samskaram highlighting the relevant Theme, Samskaram or Symbol which will be self explanatory before the performance of Thematic Samskaram.
Cultural programmes like dance, folk music etc., to be aligned with the respective Theme, Samskaram or Symbol.
After the performance of samskaram by the participants, floral offerings by the dignitary, head of the institution, officials of the school, visitors, parents etc. may be done to the Symbols – be it Vruksha, Naaga; Go, Gaja, Tulasi; Bhoomi, Ganga; Maatru-Pitru, Aachaarya, Adithi; Kanya, Suvaasini; Bharat Maata, Paramveer Awardees whichever theme represents the Samskaram.
Administering the IMCTF Pledge by student volunteer and to be repeated by all.
Dignitary’s speech specifying the effect of Thematic Samskaram and Symbolic representation of the relevant samskaram performed will be appropriate. (The host to provide with the relevant panels and posters of IMCTF well in advance to the dignitary or prepare a brief note of the speech that is to be delivered.)
The programme may be concluded with Shanthi Manthram, Vande Mataram or National Anthem depending on the nature and composition of the school.
Feedback of the experiences of performing students, participants, dignitaries, visitors, and media persons to be collected in writing, audio visual recording may be done before the gathering is dispersed.

7. Post Programme

Briefing the media
Analysis of the responses
Editing of the DVD
Preparation of report with photographs for IMCT office as well as for school magazine.

8. Follow up

Follow up is the crucial to implant the values in the participating students as otherwise the programme will be merely an event. (Refer 6. Suggestions for Follow up for further information).

Annexure – A

Lighting the Lamp Slokam

Deepa Slokam- Sanskrit

Deepa jyothir Param Jyrothir, Deepa jyothir Janardhana

Deepo Hara Tu Me Paapam, Deepaa Jyothir Namostute.

Subham Karoti Kalyanam, Arogyam Dhana Sampadah

Shatru Buddhi Vinashaya, Atma Jyotir Namosthute.

Aathma jyothir Pradeepthaya, Brahma jyothir Namosthuthe

Brahma jyothir Pradeepthaya, Gurur Jyothir Manosthuthe.

Santhi Mantram

Asato mā sadgamaya, tamasomā jyotir gamaya

Mrityormāamritam gamaya, Om śhānti śhānti śhānti

Isayasam Idam Sarvam

Isavasyam idam sarvam yat kinchit jagatyam jagat|

Tena tyaktena bhunjitha, maa gridha kasyaswi dhanam ||

Maithreem Bhajatha

Composed by Kanchi Maha Swamigal for the Universal Unity and Peace to be sung by Smt. M.S. Subhalakshmi in the United Nations Organisation.

Maithreem Bhajatha, Akhila Hrujjethreem, Atmavadeva paraanapi pashyatha

Yuddham thyajatha, Spardhaam Tyajata, thyajatha Pareshu akramamaakramanam

Jananee Pruthivee Kaamadughaastey JanakO Devah Sakala Dayaaluh

Daamyata Datta Dayadhvam Janathaah Sreyo Bhooyaath Sakala Janaanaam

Sreyo Bhooyaath Sakala Janaanaam , Sreyo Bhooyaath Sakala Janaanaam

Meaning

Though it is not possible to translate the song into English and still preserve its original meaning to the fullest extent, here is a honest attempt to collect sources available from the web and make it available for ease of understanding.

With friendship please serve, And conquer all the hearts,

Treat others same like you, forsake wars, forsake hatred,

Forsake grabbing other’s possessions, because of greediness,

Mother earth fulflls the wishes of ours, God our father is most merciful,

Restrain, share and be compassionate, Let the world be prosperous

Let all beings in this universe be happy, Let all beings in this universe be prosperous

Let all be blessed.

Santhi Manthram

Om Sarveshaam svastir bhavatu, Sarvesham shantir bhavatu

Sarvesham purnam bhavatu, Sarvesham mangalam bhavatu

Om shanthi shanthi shanthi

IMCTF PLEDGE

The IMCTF Programmes Concludes with Administering the Pledge by the Students after performing Thematic Samskarsms with folded hands

I revere "Trees" as symbol of Forests

I revere "Snakes" as symbol of Wild Life

I revere "Cows" as symbol of all Living Beings

I revere "Ganga" a symbol of Nature

I revere "Mother Earth" as symbol of Environment

I revere "Parents" as symbol of Human Values

I revere "Teachers" as symbol of Learning

I revere "Women" as symbol of Motherhood

I revere "War Heroes" as symbol of Bharatmaata

Vande Maataram..

Vande Maataram.. Vande Maataram..

Sujalaam Sufalaam Malayaj Sheetalaam, Sasyashyaamalaam Maataram

Shubhrajyotsna Pulakit Yaaminiim, Phulla Kusumita Drumadal Shobhiniim

Suhaasinim Sumadhura Bhaashhinim, Sukhadaam Varadaam Maataram..

Sapta Koti Kantha Kalakala Ninaada Karaale, Nisapta Koti Bhujaidhruta Kharakarvaale

Ka Bola Ka Noma Eith Bole, Bahubal Dhaariniin Namaami Taariniim Ripudalavaariniin Maatara

Tumi Vidyaa Tumi Dharma, Tumi Hridi Tumi Marma

Tvan Hi Praanaah Shariire, Baahute Tumi Maa Shakti,

Hridaye Tumi Maa Bhakti, Tomaarai Pratimaa Gadi Mandire Mandire

Tumi Durgaa Dashapraharanadhaarinii, Kamalaa Kamaladala Vihaarinii

Vaanii Vidyaadaayinii, Namaami Tvaam, Namaami Kamalaan Amalaan Atulaam

Sujalaan Sufalaan Maataram

Shyaamalaan Saralaan Susmitaan Bhuushhitaam

Dharaniin Bharaniin Maataram