Sparking Positive Change
Prerana program has been held for five batches of 20 participants each from five states and one Union Territory: Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and UT of Daman and Diu. One hundred students have participated in this experiential learning program that focuses on 9 value-based themes. The 6th batch has just started from 15th April 2024.
The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) , Ministry of Education, organised on April 12 the first alumni meeting of the PRERANA Program. It was done in the virtual mode, with Shri Sanjay Kuma, Secretary of the Department , virtually addressing the alumni in an attempt to foster the exercise of assessing and exchanging insights among the participants.
During the event, the students shared their experiences and highlighted the positive changes the programme had brought to their lives. They also informed everyone that they have shared their experiences after returning to their schools so that more and more students can be inspired by the value-based learning they have received.
PRERANA, it may be noted, started the journey in the pilot phase from 15th January 2024 to 17th February 2024 in the Vernacular school at Vadnagar, Mehsana, Gujarat. In this phase, the Prerana program has been held for five batches of 20 participants each from five states and one Union Territory: Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and UT of Daman and Diu. One hundred students have participated in this experiential learning program that focuses on 9 value-based themes. The 6th batch has just started from 15th April 2024.
The Alumni Meet was organised to reconnect and pave the way for collective progress. It represents a crucial milestone in acknowledging the impact of the Prerana program. It enables the alumni to reflect on their experiences, celebrate their accomplishments, and inspire each other for the journey ahead. This is the first step towards building and sustaining the legacy of PRERANA. The primary objective of the Alumni Meet is to facilitate meaningful interactions among participants of the pilot phase.
Prerana program, as mentioned, runs from a Vernacular School, established in 1888, in one of the oldest living cities of India, Vadnagar, district Mehsana, Gujarat. The school stands as a tribute to Vadnagar’s indomitable spirit, a living city that has triumphed over challenges like earthquakes and natural calamities and is home to ancient heritage sites and monuments inhabited since the early historic period and in the modern day. The school signifies the fact that extraordinary lives often find their roots in ordinary foundations. Grounded in the timeless wisdom of India’s rich civilization, this unique initiative embodies a vision aligned with the principles and ideals of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is an alumnus.
The curriculum of Prerana School prepared by IIT Gandhi Nagar is rooted in nine value based themes: Swabhiman and Vinay, Shaurya and Sahas, Parishram and Samarpan, Karuna and Sewa, Vividhta and Ekta, Satyanishtha and Shuchita, Navachar and Jigyasa, Shraddha aur Vishwas, and Swatantrata and Kartavya.
The program based on above themes inspires the youth and fosters respect for Bharat’s unity in diversity, embodying the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and contributes by making the youth of today, a flame holder for Viksit Bharat.
The methodology of the programme embraces a holistic approach to education, centred around joyful experiential learning. With a keen focus on well-defined learning objectives, the framework integrates and includes various activities like:
1. Watching films
2. Immersing in storytelling
3. Participating, and learning about regional games
4. Crafting working radio models
5. Exposure to computer design skills
6. Observing water samples
7. Delving into cutting-edge technological advancements like 3D printing, drones
8. Engaging field trips
The day-wise program schedule features yoga, mindfulness, and meditation sessions, followed by experiential learning, thematic sessions, and hands-on interesting learning activities. Evening activities include visits to ancient and heritage sites, inspirational film screenings, mission life creative activities, talent shows etc. ensuring a holistic learning approach. Apart from this, students engage in diverse activities, embracing indigenous knowledge systems, latest State-of-Art technologies, and learning from inspirational personalities.
Students can register through the portal of the programme, wherein applicants can fill the requisite details to be a part of the ambitious and aspirational Prerana program. The registered applicants will go through a selection process, as prescribed on the portal. Applicants can also join the selection procedure conducted at the School/block level, on designated ‘Prerana Utsav’ day, through various activities based on the ethos of Prerana to evaluate for well rounded personalities keen to shape the future of our nation.
Upon selection, the 20 participants (10 boys and 10 girls) attend the Prerana program and embark on a journey of inspiration, innovation, and self-discovery. After the program, the participants are expected to carry the ethos of Prerana into their respective communities, become change makers and spark positive change to inspire others.
