Festivities at Asha!

PONGAL CELEBRATIONS AT ASHA – JANUARY 2025

At Asha, we aspire to celebrate together as much as possible. Celebrating festivals fosters a sense of unity and cultural appreciation among team members. It provides us a break from the routine, shared joyful moments and helps build stronger relationships within increased trust and communication.

THIRUVALLUR

This year, Asha teachers at Thiruvallur took the initiative to celebrate Pongal during the monthly meeting. Teachers Kalaiarasi and Nandhini at Thiruvallur took the initiative and were supported by all.

The teachers gathered together in their ‘pattu saris’, drew beautiful rangolis, set up the cooking area and made delicious Pongal. The Pongal preparation was followed by games, singing, dancing where everyone participated and had lots of fun!

CHENNAI

Similar celebrations were held at the Asha Chennai office in Mylapore. In the absence of space to make Pongal on firewood, the team improvised and used an induction stove. Dressed in traditional attire, everyone pitched in with the cooking, eating and playing games.

MINI SCHOOL

Our children from the mini-school in Thirupatchur added to the Pongal festivities with their cheerful dance. Asha had begun the concept of mini schools during Covid. Children gathered in small batches and Asha teachers took classes when schools were forced to close due to the pandemic. Tamilselvi who was teaching the mini-school at Old Thirupatchur wanted to continue it in the evenings even after the schools reopened. Since then she has been going to the hamlet to provide nutrition and to conduct classes. We are proud that our efforts have helped in continuing education for the children.

 Tamilselvi organised a Pongal celebration for the children coming to the mini-school. Even though it was only held right in the streets of their hamlet, children had fun with dances by the children themselves and good festive food. Here is a link to a video of the dance by the children.