Saturday, 5 September 2020 | 4 Pages | website/knowyourtown.co.in | instagram.com/ kyt_thane | facebook.com/Know Your Town | Editor : Milind Ballal

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As we celebrate teacher’s day today, we spoke to a few of the principals and teachers, the

challenges, and the story behind bringing in virtual school a reality for every student who is their

biggest responsibility.No one had ever thought,

even in their wildest dream that a virus will change the life upside down, but it did happen, and let me tell you it brought learning opportunity for many, and also

Thane, KYT

KYT team

The Thane Municipal Corporation, which has been tak ing

continuous efforts to increase the number of Covid-19 tests over the last few days, conducted 5052 tests in a single day on Thursday.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had earlier instructed each and every municipal corporation to increase the number of Covid-19 tests. In support o f t h a t , s t a t e U r b a n Development Minister and Thane District Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde also advised the civic bodies in the district to conduct more and more tests. Against this

Offline to online, the schools reinvent ways to engage children

5000 antigen tests conducted in a single day

The Covid era has not only changed the way we live and go out for work, but also brought in new challenges for the education sector. The schools have now shifted to online from offline, and have gone through a complete transformation which was not at all very smooth. It did require training and a lot amount of learning for both the students and teachers to shift to the virtual medium. 4P04 4P03

4P02

While teachers love what they are doing the students too have reciprocated well and have even made preparations to surprise their teachers on teacher’s day with a digital celebration.

The Thane municipal corporation swung into action on Friday to seal

D Mart for gross violation of social distancing norms. This is the first of the kind of action against a super market ever since they were allowed to open shop in the current unlock 4.

The TMC's vigilance squad led by assistant municipal commissioner Anuradha Babar.

We shall not tolerate any laxity, stated TMC official. The store situated at Dhokali naka is a favorite spot for citizens and attracts big crowd. The shop witnessed a rush following the reopening and the staff failed in adhering to

the rules. The action has sent a strong message to grocery

stores which the TMC has feels are flouting the rules.

Thane, KYT

'Although we have taken action against the establishment we would urge people to understand

their responsibilities too,' noted a civic official.

D Mart sealed When I trace the origin of Indian

Education from the Gurukul system to the 21stCentury

schooling system, I see an almost full circle. The Gurukul system was a place of personalized mentorship, with students living there learning scriptures in Sanskrit and classical languages .As we moved to the Colonial era , the focus shifted to mass education to be ready for jobs. This was the

Information Age. We continued preparing students for the future in the modern times. More of technology and other teaching aids were used for a little more personalized education. Stepping into the 21st C, we are giving more opportunities in our schools for global citizenry, personalized educat ion, ski l l -set training with emphasis on mother-tongue and Indian

languages in the early years. With the NEP, learning work-oriented skills will set pace for a more defined learning path.

The purpose of Education has however, not changed. It has and will always beto develop human potential to its fullest. We are a witness today for what we achieved in the last five months. It made us stronger, more self-reliant, more resilient and more reflective. We have come across people doing extraordinary things in very ordinary environments. The transition we have made in our lives in a matter of days is amazing, considering that man takes time to rework on his habits.

So, what has changed? Social interactions have been moved to remote interactions. Our working styles have changed with the Work from Home (WFH) concept. While the Internet usage has increased drastically, family time has increased too with evenings spent with entertainment on Netflix, Amazon prime. Our priorities have changed with basic necessities being the most important. As a society, we have become more health conscious and environmentally aware. Most significant change has been in the Education Space. We have transitioned from a physical set up to remote onboarding, from linear education to non –linear education and from structured activities to more liberal education.

This is the story of a simple teacher who works her way through during challenging times …with a smile and hope for every

I Am A Teacher!!!

Mrs Revathi Srinivasan,

Director,Education and Principal, Smt

Sulochana Devi Singhania School

Teacher's Day Special

Saturday, kyt05.09.202002

AKSHAY NAYAK

Thane hoteliers hope business to pick pace November onwards

KYT team

Ambernath, KYT team

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On the back of Unlock 4.0 which kicked-off on September 1, in line with other states, the

Maharashtra Government also eased certain restrictions. Remarkably though, while the state government this time has allowed hotels and lodges to operate at 100% occupancy capacity, the hospitality industry stalwarts are hinting at completing this year’s balance sheet in red.

Thane being more of a business city than a leisure destination, major hoteliers both branded and standalone here have a high dependency on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), weddings, social events, etc. Hoteliers

have expressed disdain over the mistimed ‘Unlock’ decision as they have already lost a major chunk of business. “This year is not getting any close to the kind of business that we witnessed last year. The main season has gone by. Summer is crucial for us given our dependency on social events, weddings and corporate events. The decision of allowing hotels to open in full capacity is untimely as from June to October, business is anyway negligible,” elucidates Sanay Shetty, director, Satkar Residency.

While Mr Shetty mentions that the uncertainty brought in by the pandemic looks still bleak, he is expecting to see the business slowly starting only in November this year.

On Friday morning, a minor fire broke out on the fourth floor of Sidheshwar building

at Patilwadi near Panchpakhadi in Thane. A lamp lit in a small temple in the flat led to the fire.

Fortunately, there were no injuries or casualties, as the fire brigade personnel managed to douse the fire in no time.

According to the fire department authorities, the aforementioned flat did not have enough ventillation for the billowing smoke to escape, which is why the cooling operation was taking time.

BJP's agitation against inflated

power bills

Ambernath: To protest against the inflated electricity bills, Ambernathkars staged a

unique protest by burning faulty electricity meters in front of the electricity office on Friday.

A tiff over payment of electricity dues between MSEDCL staff and citizens sparked violence in which electric meters were set on fire. Following heated verbal exchange between the sparing groups the citizens refused the condition of payment of dues even before the meters were not rectified. The citizens opposed the stubbornness of MSEDCL staff who relented to look into the complain but insisted to make the payment.

The economic downturn of

the people during the lockdown has already broken the backbone of the common man. In such a dire situation, despite repeated statements, rallies and visits by delegations, the inflated electricity bills are not rectified so we staged a protest to express our anguish, said BJP MLA Ravindra Chavan.

BJP West Board President Rajesh Kauthale, General Secretary Dilip Kanse, Chamber of Commerce President Khanji Dhal, Sanjay Adak, former corporator Rohit Mahadik, Datta Deshmukh, Sudhakar Jadhav, Ishwar Gunjal, Santosh Shinde, Shrikant Reddy, Santosh Vandal, Atish Patil, Narasumal Bolbanda, Rajesh Singh, Prabhakar Bhoir, Manju Dhal, Madhavi Singh, Aarti Mehta, Swapnali Shinde and other office bearers were also present during the agitation.

Fire causes panic

Jaideep Rohit Shah, director, Tip Top - a known confectionary brand in Thane and also operator of the hotel Tip Top Plaza, mentioned that the pandemic has left several businesses cash-strapped, importantly, the foodservice sector. “Being Banquets-heavy, with restrictions of allowing only 50 guests, the business is negligible to be measured. Given the situation and the restriction on the number, we will be seeing a business of only 35-40% as compared to the last year,” he adds.

5000 antigen tests conducted in a single daybackdrop, Thane municipal commissioner Dr. Vipin Sharma worked hard to increase the number of tests. Earlier he had set a daily target of 3,000 tests which was later revised to 4,000.

Dr. Sharma had also ordered to start antigen testing centers in each and every ward of Thane. Accordingly, testing centers were set up. In addition to antigen tests, the civic chief emphasized on increasing RTPCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) tests.

Continued from page 01

Antigen test at malls and Thane railway stationAs per the guidelines of the state government, malls have been started in Thane city. Considering the footfall in the malls, the municipal administration has decided to test the antigen of everyone who enters the malls. At the same time, considering the number of labourers coming from other parts of the country, tests are being carried out at Thane station through four teams.

We are aware, no need to panic -Dr Vipin SharmaDuring Ganpati festival as lot of people stepped out of their houses,there was a resultant increase in spread of infection. Simultaneously, we have increased the number of daily tests in last few days which has led to increase in patient count. We appeal to Thanekars to not panic by this sudden spike. TMC is fully capable of fighting this disease, assures Dr. Sharma.

PIC : MANOJ SINGH

Saturday, kyt05.09.202003

Thane : KYT team

Thane : KYT team

Thane : KYT team

Thane : KYT team

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Continued from page 01

An over 6ft long Indian rock python was rescued by an animal lover along with the

Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC), Thane from Dr. Kashinath Ghaneakar Natyagruha, near Hiranandani Meadows on Friday morning.

The call was made to Thane-RDMC by an NDRF official, who was nearby. The official informed RDMC that a big snake was seen in

the premises of the drama theatre.A rescuer Vijay Lokhande too had

reached the spot and helped RDMC to rescue the non-venomous snake which was near a dustbin there.

The snake was later handed over to NGO - Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA) by the Thane forest department for observation. The members of the NGO took the reptile to a city-based veterinarian who confirmed that the snake was fit and it was hence released into the wild in the evening.

6 ft long snake rescued from

Ghanekar auditorium

On Friday, the Shiv Sena women’s wing in Thane protested against Bollywood actress

Kangana Ranaut for comparing Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied

Kashmir. The film actor also stated that she feared the Mumbai police more than the mafia.

The protesters of the saffron party gathered at the party's local headquarters ‘Anand Math’ and chanted slogans against Ranaut. The angry protesters also asked her

to leave the city and the state if she felt unsafe here.

Ranaut’s comments have not gone down well and have been at the receiving end of criticism by the ruling government in Maharashtra which consists of Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP.

Thane's Shiv Sena women wing protests against Kangana Ranaut

The members of WWA claimed that they have come across many snakes and even bigger ones in the Hiranandani Meadows area. Also, it is likely that the snake must have come either from the nullah beside the drama theatre or from an open space nearby.

Municipal commissioner pays a surprise visit to TMC run Covid centre

Thane municipal commissioner Dr.Vipin Sharma paid a surprise visit to a TMC run

Covid centre, on Friday. He reviewed the hospital’s medical management and inspected the ICU. He also

confirmed whether all the required process and protocols were abided by the centre.

In addition, the civic chief checked the status of availability of beds in the center.

He has asked his team to ensure that 100% comfort is provided to the patients. In case of any inconvenience

caused to the patients, strict action will be taken against the concerned authorities, warned Dr. Sharma.

Deputy Commissioner (Health) Vishwanath Kelkar briefed the commissioner about the general hospital management. Additional Commissioner Sanjay Herwade was also present during the inspection.

TMC conducts 138 antigen tests in Viviana; one found positive

After the announcement of Unlock 4, malls in Thane were opened. In view

of this, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has decided to conduct antigen tests on all persons, including customers, entering these venues, to ensure there is no further spread of

infection. All the malls in Thane will

be provided with antigen testing kits by the civic body and a team will be deployed to test the visitors and staff of the mall.

On September 2, only Viviana mall was opened. A total of 138 antigen tests were conducted there and out of those, one was found Covid-19 positive.

student. “In March 2020, I entered the world of technology as a blank slate. I began to scribble. With training, I no longer felt burdened. In fact, it was fun competing with the strongest. I began to design my lessons more creatively. I reached out to every child in my class. The toothless smiles of my very special children encouraged me further. Itmattered to me that I keep myself so healthy that I don’t miss a day at school. I am not frightened by technology any more. I am convinced that technology is nothing without me.They are only tools .I am here to make my students think critically , communicate effectively and question the purpose of knowledge .I have brought the local flavor in Education through Art , craft ,poetry , music and sports have taught my children to respect themselves and others.I havefun doing what I love doing –teaching. My purpose is not to bring out the best marks but the best of human potential. “

Every teacher has a different tale to tell. Some story will find a place in your mind thatwill inspire you to become a teacher.I am one such teacher.

I Am A Teacher!!!

PIC : MANOJ SINGH

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Thane's Vidyadhar Prabhudesai gets fellowship from London's

Royal School of Arts

Thane-based entrepreneur Vidyadhar Prabhudesai (39) has become a fellow of

the Royal Society of Arts, known more formally as the Royal Society for Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA). The co-founder of LeadCap was nominated to the prestigious fellowship in August 2020.

The RSA is a 260 year old London-based, British organisation committed to finding practical solutions to social challenges through powerful ideas, cutting-edge research and a 30,000 strong global network of fellows. The RSA is based on a belief in a world where everyone is able to participate in creating a better future.Notable past fellows include Charles Dickens, Benjamin Franklin, Stephen Hawking, Karl Marx and Nelson Mandela. Today, the RSA has fellows elected from 80 countries

worldwide. Currently there are only 74 fellows from India.

"I am delighted to receive an RSA fellowship and I'm inspired by their work in the past. It is a true honour to be amongst people whom you read or hear about in the media. Past fellows are a roll call of great thinkers, social innovators and reformers.The RSA fellowship is an opportunity to build connections with such like minded individuals who share a common goal to create impact for better future," says Prabhudesai.

Vidyadhar is also a fellow of United Nations and Ford Foundation. He works extensively with international institutions such as the World Economic Forum, World Bank, United Nations. Last year he started Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum in Thane and currently looking for more Global Shapers in the age group of 18-27 years to join him.

Prabhudesai also runs LeadCap Trust which has empowered more than 10 million youth through its programs and initiatives. He was awarded the Youth Prize for his work on youth employability by International Finance Corporation (World Bank). In July, he joined The Climate Reality Project, an initiative of Al Gore, former Vice President of the USA and noble laureate for fighting the climate crisis.

"Through my association with many international institutions I look forward to working for the betterment of Thane. Last year I met Hon. Mayor and expressed my desire to work with the municipal corporation on various issues pressing Thane," adds Vidyadhar.

opened the whole world of technology.

Sharmila Madiwale, Vice Principal, C.P. Goenka school, Thane said, “The transition from physical to the virtual medium was not easy. While it was going to be a new experience for the students, it was equally challenging for the teachers.”

“To ensure that online classes go smooth the teachers had to go through an extensive training session. The initial glitches were overcome and many additional features that pose a hurdle in the smooth functioning of the class were disabled eventually. As the days passed on both students and teachers started enjoying the session,” added Madiwale.

For the past five months, t h e c o m p l e t e c o u r s e curriculum had gone digital. The school also ensured that students didn’t miss the many activity sessions which used to be organized at the school premises.

The teachers at C.P Goenka school organized an online drawing competition, invited judges from different schools who participated virtually, science lab sessions were too brought in via digital classes, and even the process to choose

the head boy and the girl of the school was not delayed and conducted virtually.

“We got an overwhelming response for the selection process of head girl and boy. Parent teacher meeting is also conducted regularly online and everyone is happy with the new normal.

The teachers have been giving their best and adapted to the new change and are ready to learn and unlearn every day.

Like C.P. Goenka school the teachers at other schools too adapted to the new change. Radhamani Iyer, the principal of Arya Gurukul School, Kalyan East said, “Shifting to

the new digital medium was a big challenge for all of us. Conducting online classes was not easy but the dedication of the teachers and their ability to adapt to the changes made it possible.”

“The training session for all the staff was completed and we were in no hurry to start the class. Everything required to conduct the online class was done, the course curriculum for

an online class such as slides and presentation is prepared two weeks in advance which is overviewed by the seniors and then classes are conducted,” said the principal.

Explaining more about the

new normal she said that this Teacher’s day students from class 10th will get the first-hand experience of teaching the other students online. We have a tradition wherein senior students teach their juniors and this year it will be a different experience for one and all. The students too have been trained well in advance, so that the class is conducted flawlessly.

T h e s t u d e n t s e v e n c e l e b r a t e d G a n p a t i , Independence Day, and other festivals online. The Ganpati idols were made under the guidance of the teachers which were later sent to the school

premises to be worshipped during the Ganpati.

Being a Microsoft school, it was easy for the teachers and other staff to get the training and use the software which is now everyone’s need.

The students who are now happy with the online session are hooked to the classes.

G.Vaijayanthi, head, corporate communications, Sulochana Devi Singhania School, said, “Right from the lockdown which was imposed in March, we tried to adapt to the change and became google enabled school by June and used google meet interface to conduct the classes online.”

“We have been doing all extracurricular activities as well and didn’t miss anything. Just because we went virtual, we didn’t change

a bit. The Abhang Sandhya and investiture ceremony (selection process of school prefect, head boy, head girl, and many more) were conducted online with an overwhelming response from all the students.”

dding more she said, “Educat ional YouTube channels are used to reach students, which have been beneficial for one and all. The online platform is used extensively to enhance the educational perspective. A dedicated time table is followed and all other classes like art and craft, cultural activities among all are done. The classes are peppy, vibrant, and designed child friendly so that they get proper breaks between the sessions.”

She further says, “There have been challenges but we overcame everything with support from the parents and teachers. Close to 7,000 students log in every day for the classes from Monday to Friday.”

Revathi Srinivasan, the principal of the school has looked into the minutest detail and ensured that scattered time is allotted so that classes of other siblings are not affected if there is only one device at home.

While teachers love what they are doing the students too have reciprocated well and have even made preparations to surprise their teachers on teacher’s day with a digital celebration.

Offline to online, the schools reinvent ways to engage children

Continued from page 01