Diwali was celebrated at all the locations with a lot of enthusiasm. Children decorated their classes with paper diyas, Rangoli and pledged to stay away from crackers. Here are a few snippets:

Ramditi J R Narang Deepalaya Learning Centre: A week-long celebrations took place in Ramditi J. R. Narang Deepalaya Learning Centre (RJRND) at Sheikh Sarai, from 12^th to 18^th October through various activities. The topic of discussion in the morning assemblies were related to the upcoming festivals like Dhanteras, Chhoti Diwali, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Duj.  Different charts were prepared and displayed in the assembly area. Children actively participated in class activities like drawing and coloring of Diya as well as Diya painting. A group of volunteers (girls of class IX^th to XI^th standard) from the Interact Club of A.P.J. School, Sheikh Sarai branch, interacted with the children of class I, II and ASHA unit on 12^th of October and shared some class activities like paper folding and drawing.

A special assembly was conducted on the occasion of Chhoti Diwali with great enthusiasm, prior to the much awaited festival of lights, Diwali, on 18th October, 2017.The assembly area was decorated with small little clay lamps or diyas which symbolically represents the part of sunlight or the source of energy for all living being. Floors were decorated with Rangolis of different creative patterns. This day became more special and brighter for RJRND team when our Secretary and CE of Deepalaya Mr. A. J. Philip visited the center alongwith his grandsons in the morning. He presented a nice pack of gift on behalf of Deepalaya to every staff.

The assembly started at around 9:30 am. Mrs. Yogmaya, the class teacher of class I, informed the audience about the festival and its mythological significance which marks the goodness over evil. Students of LKG to Class I, ASHA girls and remedial unit recited different poems on this festive occasion. Each class was represented by the respective class teacher viz., Ms Jyoti, Mrs Renu, Ms. Anchla, Ms Swati, Mrs. Sadhna R., Mrs. Sumanlata and Ms. Fatima. The class II students performed a skit with full vigor and zeal on ‘Green Diwali’ as directed by their class teacher Mrs. Sukla Das. The audience put their hands together to cheer the participants. Light refreshments were distributed among the students and staff of the learning centre.

Class wise drawing competition was held on 16^th October. This assembly was clubbed with drawing-competition prize distribution ceremony. Mr. A. J. Philip congratulated the winners and all the participants while distributing the prizes (drawing books and crayons). He wished all a bright and prosperous Diwali and requested the students to have eco friendly Diwali. The assembly came to an end with vote of thanks from the headmistress Dr. Sangita Sen. She thanked Mr. Philip for his support and for visiting the learning centre along with his grandchildren despite his busy schedule. She also thanked the whole team of RJRND for their hard work. The assembly was culminated with the national anthem.

Deepalaya Learning Center, Gole Kuan: 18^th October was a special day for the students & staff of DLCGK, when they celebrated DIWALI –“The festival of lights” enthusiastically by performing various activities. They were well informed about the festival & why it is celebrated all over the country. Students prepared banners/posters, wrote slogans emphasizing celebration of “Clean/Green & Eco Friendly Diwali’’. They tried to convey the message among students/community people to celebrate pollution free Diwali, not to burn crackers. It was a small attempt to make each one aware how to save our environment by celebrating Diwali with diyas & candles. With the banners/ slogans students walked in & around the surroundings with their teachers, they tried to convince the people to celebrate this Diwali only with diyas, candles, rangolis etc. Beside all these small kids made drawing on Diwali. Students from both morning/afternoon shifts decorated the centers with colorful diyas, prepared beautiful rangolis. They enjoyed the day. Office rooms/Class rooms were also decorated. Teachers distributed small gifts among students to encourage their spirit.