Doiwala- The opening of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines on 7th of May 2019 officially starts the beginning of the annual Chardham Yatra to the hillstate of Uttarakhand. Students of PEN-India Foundation filled colours of their choices in drawing of various shrines spreading the message of Atithi Devo Bhava and inviting pilgrims and tourists alike, this season.
PEN-India School which is an initiative of PEN-India Foundation provides free and quality education to underprivileged children from in and around Bhaniawala organised an art competition, to showcase the talent of young minds. The students enthusiastically participated in the event and filled colours to pilgrimage sites of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri and Hemkund Sahib. Dr Prakash Keshaviah, the patron of the Foundation stated, “the aim of the Foundation is to inculcate education along with basic etiquettes and manners in the students. Our parents have taught us from childhood how to behave properly and welcome our guests. The Foundation aims at incorporating all these etiquettes in the students which will make them good citizens in future.” Through the art competition, students beautifully depicted the rich heritage of Atithi Devo Bhava.
Anoop Rawat, the Chairperson and Founder of the Foundation said, “post Kedarnath tragedy, the tourism of Uttarakhand faced a major setback but now the conditions are back to normal. By painting the pilgrimage places of Uttarakhand, students of PEN-India school have invited the one and all to visit Devbhoomi.“
Santosh Budakoti, the Director of the Foundation added, “the education system of PEN-India school is activity-based for overall development of these students. The students are able to grasp the knowledge easily when they are given an opportunity to learn through various activities.“
During the event, volunteer teachers, Ritu Sharma and Deepalika Negi were present .
