The month of October 2023 was truly celebratory because it was filled with a flurry of activity that led up to and culminated in the marvellous concert "Khazana of Sunehri Stories", at the Sophia Bhabha auditorium
The chief guests for the concert were Mr. Sameer Tobbacowala, of Shobiz Experiential Communications Pvt. Ltd, Mr Parzaan Dastoor an actor, writer and filmmaker and Mr. Abuli Kadar Mamaji, an ex-student of our school, who played a lead role in the film ‘Ahaan’ by Nikhil Pherwani. This movie can be viewed on Netflix.The dignitaries on the dais were warmly welcomed by the Principal, Ms. Fionika Sanghvi, and Ms. Kashmira Vazifdar.
The chief guests felicitated students and members of J's Academy. Special felicitation was given to Mr. Bishwarup Chakravarty, a student of the Office Procedures Department, who has completed 2 years training in graphics and animation with AIMS Media for creating the animated presentation for the Concert. Ms. Ruhdabeh Vazifdar, Ms. Ananya Dhupelia, Master Aaditya Dhupelia and Ms Shriya Rao were felicitated for the musical inputs for the school song. Various members of the Sadhana team who have worked as staff volunteers as well as regular volunteers who had been with the school for several years were also felicitated.
The speech by the Principal, Ms Fionika Sanghvi, was an eloquent statement of the aims and goals of SPJ Sadhana School, and an impassioned plea on behalf of our students. Beginning with the key concept of Inclusion, Ms. Sanghvi highlighted the following ideas, as quoted here:
“In a world where intolerance and division often dominate the headlines, we are fortunate to have cultivated a haven of happiness right here at SPJ Sadhana. Here, we not only embrace our differences, but we celebrate them, making the IMPOSSIBLE seem Possible.
Our collaboration with J's Academy has been a remarkable chapter in our story. This partnership has created a bond that goes beyond mere cooperation; it has given birth to the "Khazana of New Friends." The experiences shared by every student from both SPJ Sadhana and J's Academy during this journey have been nothing short of life-altering.
Ms Sanghvi also proudly announced that SPJ Sadhana School has earned a well-deserved place of honour, being ranked No. 1 in Mumbai, No.1 in Maharashtra and second in all of India according to the Education World India School Rankings 2023.
The concert in this Golden Jubilee year, was unique because in keeping with the theme of integration and inclusion, it was the result of a collaboration with J's Academy, where neurotypical students of the Academy shared the stage with neurodivergent students of SPJ Sadhana school, both blending their skills into a wonderful two-hour performance. The journey through the months prior to the concert was certainly as significant as the end result of the concert itself. It was an enriching learning experience, where the neurotypical and neurodivergent participants learned valuable lessons from each other, and formed bonds of friendship and affection while working towards a shared goal. For the students of Sadhana school, the process of preparing for the concert helped them to develop a wide range of around 85 skills, connecting to multiple intelligences: Linguistic, Mathematical Logical, Kinaesthetic, Visual Spatial, Musical, Interpersonal, Intra-personal, Cognitive. For instance, under Linguistic skills, apart from the skills of reading, listening, articulation and comprehension, they developed more complex skills such as voice modulation, social conversation and the use of humour. Along with more basic Logical Mathematical skills, they also developed the important skills of time management, problem solving and grouping. Similarly, they developed Interpersonal skills such as connecting with the audience and team building, as well as crucial Intra-personal skills such as overcoming their fears and self-expression.
The concert "Khazana of Sunehri Stories" was built around the theme of Dadaji's Library, a magical world where various stories came to life, thus embodying a love for reading. The first story, Tidalik the Frog, presents the idea of acceptance and shared interaction as the basis for friendship. The second story, Kadinsky Hears the Colours, presents the idea of divergence through the person of Kadinsky, the special artist who could actually hear colours whispering to him, leading to a melange of colour, art, music and dance. The third story, the Kingdom of Bondapalli, celebrates total enjoyment, the love of food, and of the national love of "bondas". The last story, Kesar the Golden Princess, is about a princess who lived in a golden world, but is very lonely and gradually learns to make friends with those around her.
The concert received an amazing response from the audience who were totally engrossed and enthusiastically cheered the performance.
The concert also received very rewarding feedback from parents and teachers alike, as well as from members of the J's Academy team.
For instance the mother of one of the students wrote to say that seeing him "take the stage and participate in such a grand performance exceeded all our expectations, and filled our hearts with immense joy and renewed hope". Many parents expressed appreciation for the commitment and dedication of the teachers which "brought magic to life on stage". The feedback from the teachers also appreciated the association with J's Academy, and commented on the value of teamwork, the sensitivity displayed by their students, and the connections formed between their students and the students of Sadhana School. Another teacher commented that the ability of the students to memorise and execute dialogue, speech cues, entries, exits, dance, and music was excellent. The socialising and fun backstage was also very endearing". Another teacher appreciated the kinaesthetic movements carried out flawlessly in continuation - juggling, bouncing, skating, cycling etc. A lot of positive feedback was also received on the concept of inclusion.
The school received extremely heart-warming feedback from Ms Jhelum Ghosalia of J's Academy, appreciating the meaningful collaboration between J’s Academy and SPJ Sadhana School.
Apart from the concert, another heart-warming event during October was the Employee of the Quarter Award received by Aryaman Kumar from Welspun One Logistics Parks Development Management Pvt. Ltd., the organization where he is placed for his internship from 9th May 2022. The school is indeed very proud of his achievement. He now will have an extension to his internship and an increment to the stipend amount.
The term ended on a fun note with the Diwali party. The school was decorated with beautiful Rangolis with each department using their own materials such as pens/pencils/sharpeners, flowers, etc. Our dedicated volunteer Mrs Vibha Parekh celebrated her 20 years of selfless service at SPJ Sadhana School by sponsoring the Diwali party. The party was enlivened by Ridhambhai and his team of singers from Karvaan's Karaoke Klub. Everyone enjoyed the music, singing and dancing, as well as the delicious lunch.
Thus the term ended on a happy note, and staff and students dispersed for the Diwali break, to enjoy some well-deserved rest after all the hard work of the last few months.
The chief guests for the concert were Mr. Sameer Tobbacowala, of Shobiz Experiential Communications Pvt. Ltd, Mr Parzaan Dastoor an actor, writer and filmmaker and Mr. Abuli Kadar Mamaji, an ex-student of our school, who played a lead role in the film ‘Ahaan’ by Nikhil Pherwani. This movie can be viewed on Netflix.The dignitaries on the dais were warmly welcomed by the Principal, Ms. Fionika Sanghvi, and Ms. Kashmira Vazifdar.
The chief guests felicitated students and members of J's Academy. Special felicitation was given to Mr. Bishwarup Chakravarty, a student of the Office Procedures Department, who has completed 2 years training in graphics and animation with AIMS Media for creating the animated presentation for the Concert. Ms. Ruhdabeh Vazifdar, Ms. Ananya Dhupelia, Master Aaditya Dhupelia and Ms Shriya Rao were felicitated for the musical inputs for the school song. Various members of the Sadhana team who have worked as staff volunteers as well as regular volunteers who had been with the school for several years were also felicitated.
The speech by the Principal, Ms Fionika Sanghvi, was an eloquent statement of the aims and goals of SPJ Sadhana School, and an impassioned plea on behalf of our students. Beginning with the key concept of Inclusion, Ms. Sanghvi highlighted the following ideas, as quoted here:
“In a world where intolerance and division often dominate the headlines, we are fortunate to have cultivated a haven of happiness right here at SPJ Sadhana. Here, we not only embrace our differences, but we celebrate them, making the IMPOSSIBLE seem Possible.
Our collaboration with J's Academy has been a remarkable chapter in our story. This partnership has created a bond that goes beyond mere cooperation; it has given birth to the "Khazana of New Friends." The experiences shared by every student from both SPJ Sadhana and J's Academy during this journey have been nothing short of life-altering.
Ms Sanghvi also proudly announced that SPJ Sadhana School has earned a well-deserved place of honour, being ranked No. 1 in Mumbai, No.1 in Maharashtra and second in all of India according to the Education World India School Rankings 2023.
The concert in this Golden Jubilee year, was unique because in keeping with the theme of integration and inclusion, it was the result of a collaboration with J's Academy, where neurotypical students of the Academy shared the stage with neurodivergent students of SPJ Sadhana school, both blending their skills into a wonderful two-hour performance. The journey through the months prior to the concert was certainly as significant as the end result of the concert itself. It was an enriching learning experience, where the neurotypical and neurodivergent participants learned valuable lessons from each other, and formed bonds of friendship and affection while working towards a shared goal. For the students of Sadhana school, the process of preparing for the concert helped them to develop a wide range of around 85 skills, connecting to multiple intelligences: Linguistic, Mathematical Logical, Kinaesthetic, Visual Spatial, Musical, Interpersonal, Intra-personal, Cognitive. For instance, under Linguistic skills, apart from the skills of reading, listening, articulation and comprehension, they developed more complex skills such as voice modulation, social conversation and the use of humour. Along with more basic Logical Mathematical skills, they also developed the important skills of time management, problem solving and grouping. Similarly, they developed Interpersonal skills such as connecting with the audience and team building, as well as crucial Intra-personal skills such as overcoming their fears and self-expression.
The concert "Khazana of Sunehri Stories" was built around the theme of Dadaji's Library, a magical world where various stories came to life, thus embodying a love for reading. The first story, Tidalik the Frog, presents the idea of acceptance and shared interaction as the basis for friendship. The second story, Kadinsky Hears the Colours, presents the idea of divergence through the person of Kadinsky, the special artist who could actually hear colours whispering to him, leading to a melange of colour, art, music and dance. The third story, the Kingdom of Bondapalli, celebrates total enjoyment, the love of food, and of the national love of "bondas". The last story, Kesar the Golden Princess, is about a princess who lived in a golden world, but is very lonely and gradually learns to make friends with those around her.
The concert received an amazing response from the audience who were totally engrossed and enthusiastically cheered the performance.
The concert also received very rewarding feedback from parents and teachers alike, as well as from members of the J's Academy team.
For instance the mother of one of the students wrote to say that seeing him "take the stage and participate in such a grand performance exceeded all our expectations, and filled our hearts with immense joy and renewed hope". Many parents expressed appreciation for the commitment and dedication of the teachers which "brought magic to life on stage". The feedback from the teachers also appreciated the association with J's Academy, and commented on the value of teamwork, the sensitivity displayed by their students, and the connections formed between their students and the students of Sadhana School. Another teacher commented that the ability of the students to memorise and execute dialogue, speech cues, entries, exits, dance, and music was excellent. The socialising and fun backstage was also very endearing". Another teacher appreciated the kinaesthetic movements carried out flawlessly in continuation - juggling, bouncing, skating, cycling etc. A lot of positive feedback was also received on the concept of inclusion.
The school received extremely heart-warming feedback from Ms Jhelum Ghosalia of J's Academy, appreciating the meaningful collaboration between J’s Academy and SPJ Sadhana School.
Apart from the concert, another heart-warming event during October was the Employee of the Quarter Award received by Aryaman Kumar from Welspun One Logistics Parks Development Management Pvt. Ltd., the organization where he is placed for his internship from 9th May 2022. The school is indeed very proud of his achievement. He now will have an extension to his internship and an increment to the stipend amount.
The term ended on a fun note with the Diwali party. The school was decorated with beautiful Rangolis with each department using their own materials such as pens/pencils/sharpeners, flowers, etc. Our dedicated volunteer Mrs Vibha Parekh celebrated her 20 years of selfless service at SPJ Sadhana School by sponsoring the Diwali party. The party was enlivened by Ridhambhai and his team of singers from Karvaan's Karaoke Klub. Everyone enjoyed the music, singing and dancing, as well as the delicious lunch.
Thus the term ended on a happy note, and staff and students dispersed for the Diwali break, to enjoy some well-deserved rest after all the hard work of the last few months.