Hari OM All,
This week we started our class with prayers. This was followed by a review of the homework on Navratri. Most of the children had done research and were eagerly giving answers in the class. Thanks to all parents for encouraging your children to complete this homework. We plan to have a similar HW activity for Diwali also.
This was followed by the continuation of Mahabharata - we started Virata Parva.
- Having completed their twelve years of vanavās, the Pāndavas were ready to start their 13th year of exile - Ajnātavāsa. This was the year meant for their identities to remain hidden, and their location undisclosed to the Kauravas or their allies.
- Within the Virāta Parvā, we started with the Pāndava Praveśa Parvā, which explains how the Pāndavas undertook the task of not just selecting an appropriate location for their 13th year, but also appropriate disguises to suit the temperament of each.
- Yudhisthira, known for his valor and equanimity, chose to be a companion for the King of Matsya, Virāta. Having extensive knowledge in the Spiritual texts and different philosophies, along with the newly acquired knowledge (from Sage Brihadaswa) on Aksha Hridaya (art of playing dice), Yudhisthira was most qualified to be a mentor of sorts to King Virāta. He gave himself the name Kanka.
- Bheema, given his love for food and his extraordinary strength, chose to be the chief cook in the palace kitchens while also training young wrestlers in the palace gymnasium. His assumed name was Vallabha.
- Arjuna's choice was already determined, thanks to the curse given by Urvaśi while he resided in Indraloka. Assuming the name Brihannalla, Arjuna was in disguise as a eunuch, trained by a Gandharva, proving his proficiency in the art of music and dance. He agreed to teach the arts to Princess Uttara.
- Nakula and Sahadeva, assuming the names Damagranthi and Tantripāla, took up work in the palace as chief of the stables and chief cowherder respectively.
- Draupadi, as Sairendri, chose to be a hairdresser and companion to Queen Sudeshna, with the promise that she will not ever leave the inner apartments of the Queen's palace. The Queen was afraid that Draupadi's blinding beauty might distract her husband, but Draupadi's promise kept her assured.
- Before their newly assumed lives began, the Pāndavas kept all their weapons on a branch of a mighty tree outside the city limits, and requested the help of the Gods to keep them safe in their year of Ajnātavās.
This was followed by the House Inaugural Activities - we had an activity to make a Flag for our house (Durga's Daredevils) followed by a crossword puzzle. The entire class was excited to participate in both these activities. For the last 30 mins, the class joined the bigger House Inaugural meeting where students from senior grades made presentations on various topics (like Climate Change, Tackling World Hunger etc.). This meeting was concluded with Shanti Mantras and Pledge.
Pranaams!
Krishna and Nivedita
