My Brothers and Sisters,

While the entire human race has got together to fight the deadly Virus which is running unabated attacking lacs of people and killing thousands, the news about the role of some misguided, fanatics is shocking. Their extremely wrong and deplorable behaviour of flouting the Lockdown rules and then, above all, pelting stones and spitting at the Doctors and other health workers, is absolutely intolerable. These medical and para-medical workers are our first and ONLY line of defence in our battle against COVID 19. They are our heros and Saviours. So, let us all pray to the Almighty to give wisdom to these misguided souls and guide their “Budhi” in the right direction.

I am deeply touched by the immediate and over whelming response to my appeal which I made two days ago. I have received numerous calls and mails supporting this move. Money is pouring into the DAV College Managing Committee Relief Fund Account. Many have given more than their one days salary. The Alumni of DAV have specially risen to answer this appeal. The money so collected will be transferred to the PM CARES FUND immediately. Under the dynamic leadership of our Honourable PM, Shri Narinder Modi ji, India seems to be fighting the battle in the correct way, and will, soon, see the end of Corona Virus. Let us strengthen the hands of our PM by following his advice of staying indoors, maintaining Social distancing, and ensuring good personal hygiene.

I am great-full to the teachers who have shifted to the on line teaching methods. Many videos have been prepared by our teachers and new skills have been shown by them. I request the Directors to please search for talent amongst these teachers. I would like to start an Incubator for Principals of DAV. The talented ones and the ones with a spark can be trained to give them a better chance of becoming DAV Principals of tomorrow.

I heard a story on TV yesterday that Vidur asked Yodhishtar. If the entire jungle was to burn, then which animals will survive ? Yodhishtar replied that the strong animals, like Lions, Tigers, Elephants, etc will all perish. Animals that can run very fast, like deer, rabbits, etc will also die. Only the animals that stay in their burrows will survive. So please stay at home, stay healthy, and stay gainfully employed.

Let us all pray to the Almighty to keep us united and give us the strength to tide over this crises. Take care ! I will be praying for you.

Dear Elders, Brothers & Sisters,

Sitting with my iPad, I could not resist thanking you for all the measures that you have taken to break the growth chain of human enemy no1, Corona Virus. I also must thank you for the quick adaptation and the transition to “On Line Teaching” methods and the “Work from Home” concept. The Directors, ROs, AROs, Principals, the teaching & non teaching staff have proven to the world that DAV is conscientious of the requirements of the society and as always, has a positive response to meet any challenges. For the last 133 years, DAV has served humanity whenever any National or Natural calamity has demanded. While thanking you, I feel humbled at the thought that I too serve this great Nation along with you.

पड़ा रहने दे किसी कोने में, ए माली,

काँटा ही सही, मिला तो हूँ गुलिस्ताँ में ।

While the Schools are busy with their “On Line Teaching” methods, I feel we should keep in mind that our child is as afraid as the adults are, for the fear of the unknown. It is for the first time that independent Bharat has faced a three-week long curfew, hence the Schools, God Willing, will reopen on the 15th April 2020. Such a long time to be cooped up in a small house, can tell on the psyche of a child. It is very difficult for him to understand why he cannot go out to meet his friends nor can his friends come to him. He may become restless and become a problem at home.

The most important thing is to keep the children gainfully employed, in touch with their studies, and yet feel relaxed. So it becomes our job, not only to start on line learning classes but also to help the parents in better child management. You should open a dialogue with the parents (maybe through WhatsApp or e-mail) to explain to them to use this time for closer family bonding. May be a parent can start a hobby with his child. Creating something together with his parent can make a child feel loved and wanted in the house. The parents may notice some behavioural changes - Some tantrums, some aggression, some unnatural behaviour. Some may even turn towards the unmentionable side of Internet.

The most important thing is to keep the children gainfully employed, in touch with their studies, and yet feel relaxed. So it becomes our job, not only to start on line learning classes but also to help the parents in better child management. You should open a dialogue with the parents (maybe through WhatsApp or e-mail) to explain to them to use this time for closer family bonding. May be a parent can start a hobby with his child. Creating something together with his parent can make a child feel loved and wanted in the house.

I know I am demanding a lot from you. But in these demanding times, a lot can be demanded; and as we all know, that in DAV, reward for good work, is more work. I m putting weight on the shoulders that I know can carry.

So let us stay indoors, stay healthy, and stay safe. Remember, the future of this great country is today in your classrooms. Look after yourself so that the future of my Country remains safe & secure.
May God Bless you! I will be praying for you.

Dear Elders, Brothers & Sisters,

Corona Virus seems to be spreading at a fast pace, with more than 3,00,000 confirmed cases in the world. Practically every nation has gone into a Lock-down state. I think that this the first time that the entire human race, regardless of religion, language, colour, or nationality, have declared war against its common enemy - Corona Virus. Since time immemorial, a human being which is just a small organism, using the power of his brain, tried to control and rule over all other forms of life. And in his struggle for power, he played havoc with Nature. This epidemic has proven to us that when faced with the wrath of Nature, a micro-organism, like Corona Virus, is sufficient to paralyse, maim, and strangulate the entire human race. Let this be lesson to us, though a very expensive one, that all humanity must live with Nature and not at the expense of it. We, the disciples of Maharishi Dayanand ji, understand that we have to live as per the teachings of the Vedas, respecting all forms of life, and maintaining the balance of Nature.
Let us pray:

“Oh Lord, the Creator & Protector,
Let the Celestial Shining region bestow peace upon us;
Let the mid-space (outer space) bestow peace;
Let there be peace on Earth; Let the waters be peaceful;
Let the medicines & medicinal plants be peace giving;
Let all Vegetation be peace giving;
Let the Sages & Intellectuals be peace loving;
Let all Divine Knowledge be peace giving;
Let there be peace in peacefulness;
Let peace & harmony be bestowed upon me and all of us.”

DAV, always ready to face the National calamities, declared all its 920 Institutions closed in 23 states of the country, till 31st March 2020 in an endeavour to break the Corona Virus growth chain. Realising the responsibility of the future of its students, a system of “On-line Teaching” programmes have been started. The DAV Head Office has already started “Work from Home” concept. It will be our endeavour to keep the functioning as trouble free as possible. All this is achieved, and so quickly, because of the zeal & the efforts of the Office Bearers, Directors, R.O.s & A.R.O.s, Principals, teachers and the entire staff of DAV.

I appeal to all to take all preventive measures, and to please cooperate with the dictates of the Government, stay indoors, stay healthy and stay gainfully employed. Don’t be careless, be careful and yet remain care free. Pray and KEEP SMILING !