News
Folk Fitness combines Dance with Fitness in a Scientifically Suitable Manner
Folk Fitness now has over 700+ fitness trainers across 18 tier I and tier-II cities in India with a presence in Australia. Aarti embraces all forms of Indian folk dances and has taken our Indian culture places. Her idea is unique, her passion inimitable and her love for fitness unmatchable.
Published
4 years agoon
When Aarti Pandey enters a room, she manages to light it up in an instant with her aura and persona. A quirky young woman who is intensely passionate about Indian folk dances decided to take it to the next level by incorporating it as a way to improve fitness for all age groups of people. Her passion for dance and fitness gave birth to Folk Fitness, a strong platform for young girls, working women, homemakers, fitness enthusiasts and aspiring fitness trainers irrespective of gender, age and region to join the fitness regime.
Folk Fitness now has over 700+ fitness trainers across 18 tier I and tier-II cities in India with a presence in Australia. Aarti embraces all forms of Indian folk dances and has taken our Indian culture places. Her idea is unique, her passion inimitable and her love for fitness unmatchable. Aarti manages to get everyone – the young and the old, tapping their feet and jumping out of their chairs to follow her dance moves. In an exclusive with ScooNews, she explains how she does it with so much ease and style.
How did you come up with the idea of integrating Folk Dance with Fitness?
All three of us partners of Folk Fitness are sports and fitness enthusiasts. We left our corporate careers to spread and inspire fitness lifestyle across age groups. We were in the fitness industry for three years before we even thought of Folk Fitness. We had three key observations as fitness entrepreneurs and enthusiasts – every fitness concept/ programme was from the western world, there were a need and demand for group workout programmes and there were no structured programmes for school children. This prompted the thought of creating a group workout programme which is holistic and effective and will connect and motivate people across age groups to take up a fitter lifestyle. I had a strong folk dance background and experience and a good understanding of functional movements in folk dance steps and the natural connect to folk music across age groups. Thus, Folk Fitness started to take shape. We pursued extensive research and development to create India’s First Holistic Dance Fitness programme on authentic Folk Music/Songs: Folk Fitness – YUVA, NANHE and PRANAM programmes for different age groups.
What forms of Folk Dance do you incorporate into your regimen and do you have any personal favourites?
There are 122 registered Indian folk and tribal dances, and many, many more which are not registered. The folk and tribal dances are our cultural heritage and they are influenced and inspired by the primary occupation of people, the topography of that region and the occasion/ celebration/ festival when these dances are performed. In essence, despite some commonalities, each folk dance has its own form. I love all folk dances but the most popular with enthusiasts are Bhangra, Garba, Bihu and Koli.
What were some of the challenges you faced while setting up a novel idea like Folk Fitness and how did you overcome them?
We did face some conditioned biases/ opinions like folk music is slow or that people prefer Bollywood/ Western music and this is just dance class. We overcame these by conducting and publishing a third-party case study for impact, delivered hundreds of education and experience workshops at events/ fitness centres/ schools and got the programmes accreditation from the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, National Academy of Sports Medicine and Fitness and Early Childhood Association. We also have a special mention in the LIMCA book of world records.
How has the response been to Folk Fitness, especially from Schools?
Overall, we have had very positive responses from schools. We have more than a thousand instructors certified across India for conducting Folk Fitness YUVA sessions. The response is very encouraging for NANHE school curriculum. We service more than 100 schools in Pune and Mumbai. We have also expanded outside Maharashtra, with 14 schools in Goa starting NANHE curriculum and recently we onboarded a prestigious boarding school at Dehradun. We are humbled and inspired that we are reaching out to more than 10,000 children currently.
What is the importance of Fitness for student’s Physical and Emotional Well-being?
In India, only 17 per cent of school-going children are engaged in at least 60 minutes of physical activity on a daily basis.
Regular physical activity helps develop a child’s movement skills. It also, of course, helps bones become stronger and builds a healthy heart and stronger muscles. Physical activity also helps a child maintain a healthy weight. Moderate-intensity exercise can even help to relieve some chronic (long-term) pain conditions by maintaining physical function and decreasing fatigue. Aside from providing general physical benefits, regular activity can also help ease symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in girls. This is because moderate exercise helps the body produce hormones called endorphins. These are natural painkillers that can ease abdominal and back pain as well as improve mood.
While it may not seem obvious, physical activity plays an important role in developing the brain and supporting essential mental functions. Research shows that regular moderate-intensity exercise can increase the size of the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved with learning and memory. Exercise also helps release growth factors, chemicals in the brain that affect the growth and survival of new brain cells as well as blood vessels in the area. Exercise leads to improved motor skills (such as hand-eye coordination), better thinking and problem-solving, stronger attention skills and improved learning. These combine to benefit school performance.
Physical activity can help greatly with maintaining mental wellbeing. The endorphins that the brain releases during exercise help to improve mood, energy levels and even sleep. Together, these positive effects help improve self-confidence and resilience. Through exercise, an anxious child can break the cycle by focusing on the demands of the physical activity, developing new skills and achieving a sense of accomplishment. If a child or teen is feeling lonely and unable to make friends, shared physical activities can give them a sense of belonging and companionship. When the child sees how fun it is to be able to dance, jump, walk, run, stretch and play they are more likely to want to continue enjoying being active throughout their life. Seeing and appreciating what their body can do, rather than how it looks, is a great way for a child to build a positive body image. It is important to help children develop this awareness as early as possible. The desire to look lean or muscular often becomes stronger during the pre-teen and teen years. The child is less likely to take any harmful paths towards a so-called physical ideal if they have a healthy perception of what ‘looking good’ means, and understand that it comes from healthy, balanced habits that start in their early years.
How is it achieved in a planned yet fun manner?
The NANHE curriculum design and execution has the central mantra of structure with maximum fun.
Movement on music is very appealing to children – they experience many positive emotions like enthusiasm, joy, euphoria etc. This is the reason why we choose the dance fitness approach for the curriculum. Queuing for steps in each class is done in an engaging and fun way using hand and sound signals which the kids follow and repeat. To add more fun and engagement for the pre-primary and primary age groups, we have puppet fitness characters stories and sing along NANHE anthem in every class. Another fun quotient is variety. Although repetition is very important for younger kids, we do keep a balance with variety, each routine is done for 8 weeks which has 7-8 folk dance-inspired steps. Also, for major festivals/occasions special theme-based classes are conducted e.g. Dandiya week.
Could you take us through the Fitness Programme briefly?
Design of the NANHE curriculum and each 35-minute class is focussed on holistic development of the child. The programme is based on "HIIT" (High intensity interval training) elements which enables children to utilise and channelise their energy in a positive way. The use of smaller muscle groups like fingers and wrists enhances fine motor skills and movements for bigger muscle groups like arms and legs which in turn help in the development of gross motor skills. A repetitive approach increases memory and the variation in steps helps in agility and strength. Cardio movements are used as energy busters to challenge the heart to reach the THR – (Target Heart Rate) and this helps highly energetic children to release their energy in a positive way. Each class has meditation, warm up, cool down and the NANHE anthem which help children to be more relaxed, focused and responsible for their own well-being. The soothing music during cool down and stretching segments have therapeutic value.
Younger children also become more aware of the Indian cultural through interesting stories of Folk Fitness animated characters – Sher Singh, Champion Champak and Chotta Chetak. Parents are engaged through weekly online fun assignments to practice and celebrate with their children. Children also demonstrate the Folk Fitness routines to parents/ teachers to celebrate the holistic development.
Do you plan to expand your horizons and take Folk Fitness to other countries too?
We are India-focussed for the next couple of years and as we strengthen our foundation, we will explore opportunities to serve as many lives across different countries.
What are your plans going forward?
All our plans are single-mindedly focussed on holistic development and wellness of children.
● We are enhancing the NANHE curriculum based on experience and feedback e.g. puppet stories for better engagement of pre-primary children.
● We are engaging the ecosystem of children – physical and emotional fitness programmes for teachers and parents.
● We are developing an integrated curriculum for children e.g. Integrated STEAM BEATS curriculum.
● We are developing healthy habit creation and emotional fitness programmes for children.
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India’s Eupheus Learning Recognised in TIME’s World’s Top EdTech Rising Stars of 2024
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April 25, 2024
New Delhi, India – April 25, 2024 – Eupheus Learning, an Indian school-focused distribution platform, has been featured in TIME’s list of the World’s Top EdTech Rising Stars for 2024. The company, known for its innovative educational solutions, was recognized for its significant revenue growth over the past three years.
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Eupheus Learning’s initiatives include conducting Storytelling Sessions for Kids, hosting Olympiads, and organizing Coding Competitions, which have contributed to its strong market presence. The company aims to expand its reach to 10 million children in India through its classroom-first and curriculum-focused approach.
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Education
Kerala Sets National Benchmark with AI Training Programme for 80,000 Teachers
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Empowering Teachers with AI Skills
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Ooty Set to Host India’s Premier Liberal Arts Symposium: LASSI 2024
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Set against the backdrop of Good Shepherd International School’s commitment to excellence in academics, sports, and co-curricular activities, LASSI 2024 promises to be a landmark event in the educational calendar. The school’s ethos, encapsulated by its motto “Truth, Trust, and Triumph,” aligns perfectly with the objectives of the symposium, promising a conducive environment for learning and interaction.
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Scindia School Students Launch Start-Ups with White Canvas India’s Young CEO Program
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Young Birders’ Workshop Opens Registration for Children Aged 10-13 Years
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Early Bird, a not-for-profit initiative by the Nature Conservation Foundation, has announced the launch of an online birdwatching workshop tailored specifically for young enthusiasts aged 10-13 years. As birdwatching gains popularity across India, Early Bird aims to deepen young birders’ understanding of their natural surroundings, beyond merely ticking off bird names from their lists.
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While the workshop itself is free to attend, there is a nominal fee of Rs. 800 for materials, ensuring that all participants have access to the necessary resources to fully benefit from the experience.
Registrations for the workshop are now open and can be accessed through the link provided here. This initiative aims to be an enlightening experience, allowing young minds to discover and connect with the biodiversity that exists right in their backyards.
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STEMpedia Successfully Completed Codeavour 5.0- India’s National Innovation Fest
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Education
CBSE to Initiate Pilot for National Credit System in Grades 6, 9, and 11
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To facilitate the smooth implementation of this framework, the CBSE has developed draft guidelines, which have been refined through multiple workshops and received approval from the Union Ministry of Education. “To further test, refine, and assess their effectiveness in real-world contexts, a pilot implementation of these guidelines has been planned in schools affiliated with CBSE,” stated a letter from the CBSE to school principals.
Schools interested in participating in this groundbreaking pilot program have been invited to register their interest, marking a collaborative effort to enhance the educational offerings for students across the nation.
This initiative not only promises to transform the way students learn and earn qualifications but also paves the way for a more inclusive and flexible education system that caters to the diverse needs and aspirations of India’s youth. As the CBSE embarks on this ambitious journey, it sets the stage for a future where education is not just about accumulation of knowledge but the holistic development of every student.
(Source- PTI)
Education
NCERT Introduces Bridge Month Programme for Class 6 Amid Textbook Transition
Published
2 weeks agoon
April 10, 2024
In a bid to revolutionize the educational landscape and foster a more dynamic learning environment, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has unveiled its Bridge Month Programme tailored for Class 6 students. This initiative marks a significant departure from conventional teaching methodologies, placing a heightened emphasis on interactive sessions and projects aimed at enhancing students’ overall skill set.
Aligned with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) and the recently implemented National Education Policy (NEP), NCERT’s Bridge Month Programme is poised to redefine the educational experience for both students and educators alike. By steering away from rote memorization towards a competency-based approach, the programme seeks to cultivate a deeper understanding of various subjects while nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
The month-long bridge course is meticulously crafted to equip teachers with innovative pedagogical tools designed to engage students in enjoyable and enriching learning experiences. Through a curated blend of fun-based, play-based, and discovery-based activities, educators are empowered to guide students towards holistic development, transcending the boundaries of traditional classroom instruction.
Central to the programme’s ethos is the integration of vocational skills within the curriculum, commencing as early as Class 6. This forward-looking approach not only broadens students’ horizons but also fosters practical, real-world application of academic concepts. Additionally, the restructuring of the Grade 6 timetable allows for a dedicated immersion period, during which students can delve into a myriad of engaging activities spanning subjects like science, social studies, and vocational education.
With the impending release of new textbooks for Classes 3 and 6, NCERT’s phased approach ensures a seamless transition to the updated curriculum across all educational levels. As educators and students embark on this transformative journey, the overarching goal remains clear: to cultivate a generation of lifelong learners equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
As reported by India Today.
Education
Indian Embassy Advocates for India-US Collaboration in Education Sector
Published
3 weeks agoon
April 8, 2024
The Indian Embassy in Washington DC has underscored the significance of fostering collaboration between India and the United States in the realm of education. In a recent social media post on platform X, the embassy expressed contentment with the fruitful engagement it had with senior faculty members from esteemed universities in Washington DC.
During the interaction, the embassy stressed the substantial opportunities for bolstering knowledge and research partnerships between India and the US. This joint endeavour aims to bolster educational initiatives and advocate for the well-being of Indian students pursuing studies in the United States.
“Excellent interaction with senior faculty from prominent universities in Washington DC on India-US collaboration and opportunities for strengthening knowledge and research partnership and promote well-being of Indian students in the US,” stated the Indian Embassy in a post on X.
Moreover, amidst recent distressing incidents involving Indian nationals or individuals of Indian origin in the US, US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, has addressed concerns regarding the safety of Indian students studying in the United States. Garcetti urged students to remain vigilant and employ appropriate safety precautions, while emphasizing the importance of staying connected with peers and utilizing campus safety resources to enhance awareness and preparedness.
In a recent interview with ANI, Garcetti acknowledged the distressing incidents involving Indian students, noting that such occurrences can statistically happen in a country of this scale. He reiterated the importance for students to remain vigilant and take necessary safety measures.
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CBSE Updates Exam Structure for 11th & 12th Class; Concept-based Questions Now 50% of Weightage
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In a significant overhaul of the examination structure, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced changes to the year-end assessment format for Classes 11 and 12, commencing from the academic session 2024-25. The board has decided to enhance the weightage for competency-based questions to 50%, a substantial increase from the previous session’s 40%. This adjustment aims to shift the focus towards application of concepts in real-life scenarios, aligning with the new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The recent circular dispatched to all CBSE-affiliated schools outlines the board’s decision to reduce the weightage for traditional short and long-answer questions to 30%, down from 40% in the 2023-24 academic session. This move is part of the board’s ongoing efforts to foster an educational environment that prioritises critical thinking, creativity, and application of knowledge over rote memorisation.
“Continuing with its practice of aligning assessment and evaluation with the new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in the forthcoming 2024-25 academic session, the percentage of competency-based questions that assess application of concepts in real-life situations is increased by 10 per cent,” reads the circular issued on April 3.
Competency-based questions will encompass multiple-choice questions, case-based, and source-based integrated questions. According to a senior official from the CBSE, the increment in weightage for competency-based questions has been a consistent annual strategy for the past three years, reaching its peak at 50% this year.
The CBSE has chosen not to modify the examination format for Classes 9 and 10, maintaining the structure set during the previous academic year. The changes for senior secondary classes reflect the board’s commitment to the NEP’s vision of competency-based learning as opposed to the traditional textbook-driven approach.
“The main emphasis of the board was to create an educational ecosystem that would move away from rote memorisation and towards learning that is focused on developing the creative, critical and systems thinking capacities of students to meet the challenges of the 21st century,” the CBSE conveyed in its letter to school heads.
This reform is a stride towards equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of the modern world, ensuring they are not only exam-ready but also prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the 21st century.
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Marked by Marks: The Stereotyping of Student Potential
Ivy Pressure Unveiled- The Need to Look Beyond the Ivy Gates
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STEMpedia Successfully Completed Codeavour 5.0- India’s National Innovation Fest
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