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Children’s Peace
Palace, the Headquarters of Anuvibha is a centre for various activities
for the all-round development of children. It is ituated on a hillock
near the renowned Rajsamand lake. The site was selected keeping in mind
the fact that children need a conducive psychological environment for
learning. Located in the lap of nature, the centre has been developed
during the last 25 years in such a way that a child who visits the
place once is fascinated with it so much that he does not want to go
back home.
Rajsamand is a district headquarter, 65 k.m. away from the famous city
of Udaipur in southern Rajasthan. Nathdwara, known for its Shrinathji
Temple is located on 16 K.m. from Rajsamand. The area is surrounded by
the Aravali Hills and there are several historical places of great
interest in the surrounding area including the famous Haldighati,
Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur which are located within the
diameter of 100 k.m. only.
Children’s Peace Palace has been set up mainly for organizing camps for
children. The first Balodaya camp was inaugurated here by the then
Governor the Rajasthan, Shri Bali Ram Bhagat on December 1, 1996. More
than 300 camps have been organized here since then. School children
from all over the country keep coming to this place in increasing
numbers.
In Children's Peace Palace more than 50 special rooms, galleries,
caves, etc. have been set up, a brief mention of which will be relevant
here :
1. We let the children seek inspiration in several ways from the life
and character of great men. Documentary films on great men from various
walks of life are shown to them in a beautiful oval shaped hall to
illustrate their ideals through an effective visual medium. Through a
constructive dialogue, children focus their attention on a greatman and
learn to emulate his ideas in their own lives. Films on a number of
great men are available there.
2. To arouse a natural interest in the Indian culture and develop a
sense of nationalism among children, Balodaya Programme offers a number
of opportunities. A 200Ft. long wall painting illustrates in a unique
manner with the concept of unity in diversity in India. The painting
shows glimpses of fold dances from all the Indian states in a model
form. The symbols of national unity at the centre have been carved
artistically. When children assemble here and sing songs of love for
the country, it seems to be surging through their hearts.
3. Balodaya Doll House introduces the various facets of Indian culture
in a unique way. Dolls in attires of various states are displayed here
- there are about 100 dolls. The promulgation for every state gives an
introduction to its culture. This doll house is always a great centre
of attraction for children. Similarly, ‘Mera Bharat Mahaan’ and
‘Rengeela Rajasthan’ are other endeavours to acquaint children with our
culture. During the camp period, activities are conducted in a special
manner which ensure a constructive dialogue with children who
participate in the process of learning with great enthusiasm.
4. Democracy has become an important part of our social order. If
children are introduced to its importance and functioning at an early
age, it will serve a great purpose of the purification of the
democratic system. The children participating in the cam have their own
children’s parliament and through it they get basic information about
democracy, elections, the system of governance, etc. Thus, they learn
effectively by playing relevant games. For this purpose, a ‘Unite
India’ hall is being developed in the shape of Parliament House of
Global Peace Palace.
5. Special programmes are conducted in Balodaya Camps for emotional and
spiritual development of children. Jivan Vigyan or what we call Science
of Living is an important dimension in the field of education. Yogic
exercises, asanas and pranayam help in the emotional development of
children whereas value education is an integral part of Science of
Living. In brief, Science of Living is complimentary to the present
system of education. Yogic exercises are an important part of the daily
programme at the camp. For all these activities a special Science of
Living hall has been developed. For the practice in meditational
concentration several caves have been made at the Peace Palace. The
caves for bringing awareness, practicing sessions of concentration of
mind and senses may appear to be simply means of enjoyment or playing
games but in fact they play an important psychological role in
developing the faculty of concentration in children.
6. Children enjoy the company of their peers. The activities of their
peers exercise a greet influence on their mind. Children who may have
done something extraordinary in their childhood, can be a source of
inspiration for other children. Keeping this in view, the exemplary
deeds done by extraordinary children have been shown through sketches.
‘Veer Balak Kaksh’, ‘Vineet Balak Kaksh’, ‘Sevabhavi Balak Kaksh’,
‘Adhyatmik Balak Kaksh’ and ‘Vaigyanik Balak Kaksh’ are the venues
where the camping children try to see themselves in place of those
extraordinary children. These rooms are useful in the sense that they
encourage the children to know their potential powers and inspire them
to do great deeds.
7. The Curiosity Centre is a great source of entertainment and
knowledge. Children can see through long distance glasses fitted in the
holes in the walls of a circular room the various scenes shown inside
the room and enjoy them. Through the slide projector and the audio
system installed in the room children can see places of interest in the
country and the world, historical places and glimpses of different
cultures which arouse curiosity in their mind as well as make them
knowledgeable.
To impart comprehensive knowledge about the world a World View Gallery
has been created wherein information about 100 countries has been
displayed in bookcases. This gallery plays an important role in
widening the mental horizon and outlook of young children.
8. The Balodaya Library is the centre of all activities. It has a rich
collection of books on various subjects related to children. It has
books in 12 Indian languages besides those in Hindi and English.
Children from various states and different linguistic background feel
quite at home at the Global Peace Palace, specially when they get books
to read in their mother tongue. In addition, the library subscribes to
a number of newspapers and magazines so that children can get the
latest information on current events.
9. In the age of scientific developments and information technology it
is necessary to give basic information to children on these subjects.
For this purpose, a science room and an e-room have been built. Efforts
are made in the camp to encourage children to inculcate scientific
thinking through scientific tools, experiments and games. The museum
has not only a collection of hundreds of items daily use but is also a
great centre of attraction for children. Here information is imparted
through scientific analysis of various processes and things.
10. Looking to the importance of art in life, rooms for music and art
have also been built. For self-reliance activities in the workshop are
helpful. For cultural programmes, there is an impressive auditorium and
an open air theatre.
In this way, Balodaya inspires the children through various activities
and means and provides an opportunity for them to recognize their
talent and know their aptitude, thus, paving the way for their
advancement.
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