Introduction

‘Gadadhar Abhyudaya Prakalpa’ (GAP), is a a project for the Holistic Development of Poor Children. GAP named after the childhood name of Sri Ramakrishna, i.e., ‘Gadadhar’, is being implemented in Katihar for the betterment of the neglected rural children who are brought from the roadside huts. It is a composite programme having different activities for physical, mental and intellectual development of the children aged 5 – 12 years. This programme is conducted daily for about 3 hours, 26 days in a month in the evening.

                 Centres                 

Apart from our main campus Katihar Ashrama the activities are being carried out at two other spots.

1. At KATIHAR ASHRAMA

2. At BELARPADI, KATIHAR

3. At DEHERIA BHATTA, KATIHAR

(a) To instill moral and cultural values in them

(b) To educate them with special coaching on their school subjects

(c) To inculcate a sense of cleanliness and hygiene in them

(d) To nourish them for their physical development

(e) To prepare them to be good citizens of India 

The children participate in various games and exercises. They are provided sports items for the same. Students are given basic training on health and hygiene and in toilet practice. Periodical health check-ups are organized to monitor their body-weight and height, etc., and thereby keep them healthy. Minimum medicines, wherever required, are administered as per the doctor’s advice. At the end of each day’s programme, nutritive food supplements are served to all the participants, to counter the problem of malnutrition. As a part of the Physical Development, the GAP children are periodically provided with the following items: raincoats, footwear, warm clothes, toiletry items (e.g., toothpaste, toothbrush, tongue-cleaner, soap, oil, nail-clipper, towel, etc.), etc.

2. Activities for Mental Development:

The children are exposed to various arts & skills as in music, painting etc. National festivals are celebrated to instill national integration and to encourage holistic living. Generally, the GAP starts with prayers. The children are also guided to practice meditation under the guidance of competent teachers. Value Education is also part of the GAP programme. The lives of great personalities are taught to the students so that they can imbibe their noble qualities and sacrifice for the cause. The children are also taken on educational / cultural tours to the places of importance.

3. Activities for Intellectual Development:

The children are provided special coaching in their academic subjects, as it is often found that these poverty-stricken children do not get a good academic care in their schools. As a part of the Intellectual Development, the GAP children are periodically provided with the following items: school bags, school uniforms, study materials like notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, etc.