Vivekananda Residential School

Being a residential school here in Vivekanandapuri means we’re basically a big family that never really goes home during the week. The kids live here, eat here, and study here. It makes for a very busy atmosphere from the moment the first bell rings in the morning until the lights go out at night. The buildings are sturdy but they definitely show their age in places. We’re always patching up a bit of plaster or fixing a leaky tap in the dorms. The dining hall is the heart of the place, where everyone gathers for meals. It’s loud and smells like lentils and rice most of the time. We have our own routine that keeps things from getting too messy. The students have their chores, like helping to keep the common areas tidy. It’s not always perfect and sometimes there’s a bit of grumbling about the early starts. We just ignore it and keep moving. Outside, we have some open ground where the boys and girls play football or just sit around talking. The trees give us some privacy from the rest of the town. We don't have a lot of staff, so everyone chips in with whatever needs doing, whether it’s sorting out books or helping a student who’s feeling a bit homesick. It’s a plain sort of life, focused on the basics of living and learning together in one spot. We just try to keep everyone safe and fed while they get their education finished.