The school took one step forward in creating awareness of the huge problem of children in this country being denied their right to education.

On 14th March, 2012, a representative of SMILE FOUNDATION addressed the children during their assembly, slowly awakening them to the above mentioned fact. This was followed by the screening of the very moving film titled ‘I am Kalam’. The film depicted the plight of a child in rural Rajasthan; a child who earnestly desired to be educated but from whom cruel fate and circumstances had taken away this right from his birth itself!

At the end of the screening, a form was distributed among the children and they were asked to forward it to their parents. The completed form is to be returned to the school with a voluntary donation, which will brighten up the life of a child who is not as fortunate as an Ashokite.

The students of the Devotion House of Ashoka Universal School celebrated Friendship Day and Independence Week in a very unique manner. This year the school has the theme of “Responsible Me” for the celebration of Independence Day. The students started their celebration of Independence Week with their visit to the tribal students of Ghoti, Igatpuri.

The objectives of “Responsible Me” are- To make Environment a better place to Live In, to Clean our City , Country ,World, to reduce use of PLASTIC, to Grow More Trees, to Save Fuel ,Water ,Electricity, to Create a Balance between Nature ,Animals and Plants and to emphasize the Child Rights. Keeping in tune with the objectives the students of Devotion House visited a hostel of tribal students at Ghoti. The students educated their counterparts about the Child Rights and motivated them to acquire Rights like Right to Education, Right to Expression, Right to Nutrition and Right to Recreation.

The meet was a grand success as the students from Ashoka Universal School were mesmerized by the self-discipline, determination and neatness of the tribal students while the curious eyes of the tribal students were constantly and silently observing the mannerisms of the urban lot. The barriers of class, standard, language, and lifestyle were entirely invisible. Both the groups exchanged their details about studies, routine, school, family and even shared their skills like singing, dancing and gymnastics. They were sad to leave each other and the meet ended with a promise to be in touch and work for the betterment of the society.

The venture was successful due to the major support by, Sr. H.M. Smt.Chikshe, active participation of activity H.M. Nandita Ganguly and the educators of Devotion House.

The future of our country is definitely bright if we make our children realize their Rights and make them ‘Responsible’ in real sense. Ashoka Universal School has taken a great step ahead in the same. Come let us join hands with them and make the world a better place to live in.

A blood donation camp was organized by Ashoka Universal School, Chandsi in accordance with Nashik Blood Bank and Transfusion Research Institute, Nashik. Dr Vijay Gawali, along with his team arrived at 09.00 am and the blood donation started at 09.30. The parents also contributed in this noble cause and a total of 24 units of blood was collected. The enthusiastic staff has taken this small step towards the betterment of the society and we look forward to maintaining this spirit in the future. We believe in the slogan “donate blood – save life”.

The tiny tots of Ashoka house gave a magnificentshow and sprinkled the colours of happiness in everyone’s life. The theme was

Carnival of Colours – A Journey of DifferentEmotions and Feelings of Life.

The function started with the lighting of the lampby the Chief Guest, Hon. Dr. Shubhada Pangeaccompanied by the Joint Secretary Hon.Shukla Sir ,Respected Astha Ma’am and all the dignitaries .

The evening, totally belonged to the little ones ofthe pre-primary section who rocked the stage andset it on fire. The programme began with a gracefulGanesh Vandana. From there the children tookthe audience for a mesmerizing journey of variousfeelings and colours of life. The patriotic fervor,presented by the Senior KG brought a sense of prideto every onlooker. It appeared as if the entire galaxyof twinkling stars was present on the stage whenthe Nursery students performed on the song RangJamale. The highlight of the evening was the uniqueFashion Show which focused our attention on today’salarming issue of Global Warming. The outfits werebeautifully designed by the parents by using wastematerials to display the message of ‘Reduce, Reuseand Recycle’. The Ideal and All Rounder studentswere felicitated. The Headmistress of the school, Ms.Deepmala Simoes presented a Report highlightingthe achievements of the Pre - Primary Section, andhighlighting some of the important future plans.

Students of classes VI, VII and VIII were shown the award winning film "I AM KALAM", produced by SMILE FOUNDATION. Our school took the initiative in showing the film in the AV room; the film is conceptualized with the Right to education. The students realized the worth of the privileges they are born with and they will automatically turn their thoughts to making serious social contributions to eradicating child labor and ensuring that every child gets his ‘Right to education’ this will help them to develop into productive and successful individuals who will contribute positively towards society.

Smile foundation also circulated appeal forms for the voluntary contribution which would benefit the less privileged children of our country.

The National Science Day was observed in the school on 28 Feb, 2012.

The Morning Assembly was commemorated to the theme of this year’s Science Day, ‘Clean Energy, Fuels and Nuclear Safety’. The sole purpose of celebrating the Science Day and the practical applications of ‘Raman’s Effect’ were elaborated to the students by Ms. Priya Aher. The extempore on relevant topics such as ‘Save Trees’, ‘Save Water’, ‘Save Electricity’, ‘Save Natural Resources’, ‘Cloning’, ’Importance of Science in Everyday Life’, was conducted by Ms. Priya Aher and Ms. Rupali Nikam. The response from students was spontaneous and wonderful. Apart from this, a ‘Science Exhibition’, in which the young scientists displayed their scientific attitude through various projects and working models, was held. Students from all classes participated in it enthusiastically. The entire endeavor aimed at inculcating the scientific attitude, logical thinking and spirit of curiosity amongst the children.

The setting was perfect on a cold, winter evening! It was away from the hustle and bustle of the city with the surrounding hills providing a mysterious ambience in the falling dusk. The shapely building of AUS, Chandsi was decked up for the occasion, like a coy bride. Children, parents and teachers in their colourful best had gathered on the lawns of the school; and Excellence cum Performance Day was celebrated with gusto! Renowned child artiste Miss Ovi Dixit graced the occasion as chief guest.

After the mandatory lighting of the lamp and reading of the report by the school Principal, the achievers of grades I to IX were presented with awards in excellence, for their meritorious performance in academics and co-scholastics throughout the year, alike. Then the chief guest motivated the performers with her captivating speech and spurred them on. The impact of the chief guest’s words of wisdom was thoroughly felt as one witnessed scintillating performances from the fledgling performers! The evening echoed and vibrated with the plethora of dance forms on show, including a Dreamland Performance by children from the Pre-Primary to Grade II; a Navras performance that eloquently captured all the nine flavours of dance; and a live show of block painting! The children performed like one possessed and cast a mesmerizing spell on the audience.

All good things come to an end and this event was no exception! Shri Ashok Katariya, Honourable Chairman rose to address the eager multitude and this was followed by a vote of thanks. A heartful rendition of “Vande Mataram” brought the curtains down on an evening which will remain etched in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have been present.