In this article we providing information regarding Shiksha Saptah Day – 4 Cultural Day Celebration (25 July 2024)
Shiksha Saptah Day – 4 Cultural Day Celebration (25 July 2024) Activities
What to Be Done on Day 4 of Shiksha Saptah.
A Concept Note
The Ministry of Education (MOE) has planned to celebrate the 4 years of the launch of NEP 2020 on July 29, 2020, Shiksha Saptah (Education Week) from 22-28 July 2024 for the students, teachers, educators, stakeholders of Education. This is an endeavour aimed at fulfilling and experiencing the recommendations of NEP 2020 as a unique educational experience. The MOE intends to conduct various activities in all schools of the country on each day of the week during Shiksha Saptah.
Cultural Day in Schools
In NEP 2020 Indian arts and culture have been recommended for the development of students, teachers, and educators.
- Fourth day of the Shiksha Saptah during 22-28 July, 2024 will be dedicated as a Cultural Day in all schools of the country.
- The day will be dedicated to promote and celebrate India’s cultural diversity.
- Schools may explore the cultural components such as different languages, costumes, food, art, architecture, local games, painting, dances, songs, theatre, folk and traditional crafts, street plays (nukkad natak), puppet shows, story-telling in different folk, regional and contemporary styles or any other activities in drama from any part of the country, community singing, folk dances, classical and regional folk forms etc. where students’ talent can be nurtured and showcased.
- Local and traditional artists/artisans and performers may be invited to demonstrate their art forms in the school or schools can also organise visits to interact with the local artists/artisans and performers.
- ‘Whole school painting day’ or theme-based beautification of the school campus can be organised where all children and staff members can enjoy working with colours and mediums of their choice.
- Schools can also invite the immediate community to participate in the event.
- Collaboration with the local cultural institutions like Bal Bhavan and Bal Kendra, Archaeological sites, museums of different kinds etc. may be considered.
Objectives of Cultural Day
The integrity of education and community involvement are prioritised on cultural days, which gives all participants a sense of pride and belongingness. Cultural Day is more than a celebration in education but an essential tool for the promotion of diversity, global awareness, mutual respect, creativity, insight and community spirit. Schools which accept and respect cultural differences help students in being citizens who are well prepared for living in a multicultural world. In the end, Cultural Day prepares caring and competent global citizens. A well-designed cultural day can be an incredible educational and social engagement tool. It enhances students’ learning, promotes cultural appreciation and helps create bonds in a community. With this spirit, school will organise the Cultural Day to;
- Transform the school environment into a vibrant and joyful place of learning through various activities of art and culture. Provide a suitable platform to celebrate the artistic talent and creativity of every member of the school community, including students, teachers, and other staff members.
- Provide age-appropriate exposure to all children for participation sake avoiding any type of competitions.
- Unique aspects of Performing and Visual Art Forms prevalent in all states and districts of India may be showcased.
- Discussion and projects regarding the journey and achievements of important personalities associated with different art forms that include arts and artists/ artisans who have contributed to cultural traditions from the local to global levels.
- NEP 2020 recommends “Art Integration is a cross curricular pedagogical approach that utilises various aspects and forms of Art and Culture as the basis for learning concepts across subjects”. Regular practice of integrating arts (even after Shiksha Saptah) in the day-to-day school routine to keep in view the above directive of NEP, throughout the session will promote a creative and joyful learning environment in the schools.
This initiative will also look towards bringing harmony, bridging the gap between students and teachers, building appreciation of diverse cultural traditions, promoting self-expression, promoting a cordial environment, and celebrating diversity through different expressions of the art with no restrictions. Above all, such practices provide avenues for channelizing positive energy, which is a gateway to the wellbeing of the mind and complete development of the self.
Guidelines for celebration
- The activities will be carried out under the supervision of district authorities and State/UT Department of School Education. However, for the effective implementation of such initiatives the active involvement of the school principal (HoS) plays a major role.
- The cultural celebration of NEP 2020 may include acknowledgment and prizes in the form of motivational and inspirational books/novels, puppets, TLMs, and other items that directly or indirectly serve the aim of enhancing learning outcomes.
- All States/ UTs must ensure that the celebration should be innovative, creative, engaging, experiential and joyful. Include games and quizzes that subtly and creatively provide knowledge on NEP 2020.
- States/ UTs must ensure the safety and security of participants engaged in cultural day.
- All States/ UTs must hold cultural days in such a way that no one is left behind and the unreachable are brought into the mainstream.
- All the States/ UTs must ensure that nobody’s sentiments get hurt and that no human rights are violated.
- While designing the activities States/UTs should consider inclusivity and integrity.
- Head of Schools (HoS) with their team of teachers can plan the stage wise activities (Foundation, Preparatory, Middle and Secondary stages) for all the classes. The schedule of the cultural day may be displayed in all classrooms and on all notice boards for its effective dissemination.
- The team of HoS, teachers and students can together plan and decide on utilisation of space, props, costumes, music, time for the activities etc. by pooling of resources.
- All activities should be visualised keeping in view the participation of Children with Special Needs (CWSN).
- HoS may focus on screening films and documentaries on artists and artisans or any art forms to encourage their students in the beginning.
- It is suggested to promote group activities/group participation.
- Documentation of all activities in print and visual media will be an advantage,which can be used later for sharing with other classes/ students.
Shiksha Saptah at State Level
- State may also organise appropriate activities at the State level for their staff members in keeping with the objectives of Shiksha Saptah.
- All the CRC, BRC, BEO, District Education Officers and State officials may lead the team of officers of their department to visit schools during this day and participate in various activities encouraging and appreciating the celebrations.
- All Shiksha Saptah activities highlighting the events may be reflected in social media and other electronic and print media available.
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