Hari Om!
Dear parents,
We had a short lesson followed by an exciting House inaugural activity today Below is a quick summary of today's class.
10/29/21 Class Update
We started the class with the opening prayers and a heads up on the House inaugural activity. Almost all of the kids were dressed in their House color 'green' for the occasion.
Shloka
We revised the all three stanzas of the Ganesha stavaha (Pg No. 28 in the 'My Prayers Book'). Children volunteered and took turns to sing by themselves or repeat after the teacher if they needed help.
Gita
Children volunteered and chanted the shlokas 39-42 as a revision of the shlokas learned so far.
Mahabharata
We did a recap of the story so far and continued with the below episodes of Mahabharata.
The Tournament
The pupils of Dronacharya, the Pandavas and Kauravas had acquired great skills and it was time to exhibit their prowess to the people of Hastinapura. Drona made this suggestion to Bheeshmacharya and he readily agreed. King Dritharashtrra also seconded happily. A huge stadium was erected and all the arrangements were made.
On the day of the event, all the people were assembled at the stadium, the public of Hastinapura, the people from the Royal household , Kings and dignitaries from near and far. One by one the princes entered. They were all majestic and brimming with confidence. There was a great duel between Bheema and Duryodana using the mace. As soon as it got too intense, Drona gestured to Aashwattama to go and separate them. Then there was the display by Arjuna displaying his archery skills. It appeared as if there can be nothing greater than display. The people watching were flabbergasted. At that time, suddenly, there was a thunderous sound and there was this handsome man with the looks of a powerful warrior entering through the gate and the sound was from the twang of his powerful bow.
It was Radheya. He was dazzling with his kavacha and kundala. He displayed all the skills that Arjunaa had presented to the assembly until then and challenged Arjuna for. a single combat. The crowd was taking sides and the sons of the King were taking Radheya's side.
Suddenly, seeing Kunti had fainted realizing that Radheya was none other than her son from Suryadeva. Vidura, knowing all this, gestured to Kunti to remain calm.
When the two young men got ready to fight, Kripa got up and told them that Radheya had to introduce himself because it was only fair for equals to fight. At this, Duryodana told the assembly that Radaheya had already proved he is a warrior and further, Duryodana offered him the land of Anga to make him an equal as the King of Aanga.
An old man walked up to Radheya and that was his father, Athirratha, a charioteer. Soon it became evident that Radheya was a sutaputra. Bheema told that he could not fight Arjuna. Duryodan argued back that bravery was not the right of only kshatriyas and dared Arjuna to fight Radheya who was now the King of Anaga. However, soon the sun had set and the tournament ended. Duryodana had got a great friend and ally but Drona and Arjuna were deeply disappointed at the turn of events.
Gurudakshina
Since all the pupils of Drona had graduated, it was time for them to pay dakshina to their beloved guru. Drona told he did not need any riches but he wanted his pupils to defeat Drupada and bring him alive, as a captive. Drupada had very badly insulted Drona in the past when Drona had sought Drupada's help. ANd Drona wanted to take revenge and teach him a lesson. Even though they were friends, Drupada refused to help Drona, saying that friends had to be equals. His pride had blinded him. The Kauravas attacked Drupada first. When they could not, Pandavas entered and defeated Drupada. It was Drona's turn to show his power. He told Drupada that Drupada had nothing but Drona had his Kingdom- they were equals now and could part as friends. Drona was avenged. He forgot his hatred and gave half the Kingdom back to Drupada. However, Drupada did not feel the same way but he wanted to take revenge on Drona and kill him. He wanted to have a son to kill Drona and a daughter to give to Arjuna. He had witnessed Arjuna's amazing skills with which he had fought him and in appreciation he wanted to give his daughter.
House Inaugural Activity
For the house inaugural activity, children completed a live quiz where they had to answer 20 questions based on geographical locations that appear in our epics. The Map of India with the names of the places marked, was provided as the clue and help for spellings.
After the house inaugural activity, we joined the common session for the presentation by the high school kids, representing each house. House points and upcoming competition and events were announced. Please encourage the children to participate in them.
Happy Diwali to all !!
Hari Om,
Shanthi and Rashmi