What is a Bal Vihar
The Bal Vihar provides an opportunity for our children to discover their cultural bond with Bharat and develop pride in their Hindu identity. Hindi language instruction as well as cultural activities promotes both the physical and spiritual well-being of the child. The program is designed to develop volunteer spirit in children, a sense of awareness of our obligations to the society, a sense of belonging to a global family, and to develop leadership qualities. It is open to children 5 years and above. Activities include Hindi class, stories, prayer, inspirational songs, poems, bhajans, plays, crafts, celebration of festivals and indoor games. The Bal Vihar is a weekly 2-hour program.
Motivation and background
In USA the new generation of Hindus has very few avenues to imbibe our cultural values
and develop a sense of pride in their Hindu identity. The VHPA Bal Vihar fulfills this need
of the Hindu society. These activities strive to not only make them spiritual Hindus, but
also active workers, who develop social awareness, strengthen their cultural values, and
feel that they are community workers.
There is a great urge in all Hindu parents to bring up their children in the Hindu way.
Many a times we think, “there are already a few Bal Vihars running in our areas. So
where is the need for another Bal Vihar.” The truth is that there are a lot more Hindu
children than those attending Bal Vihars. The situation is analogous to one where there
are many patients and few doctors.
What differentiates us
- Our Bal Vihars are balanced in their approach: physical, intellectual, and spiritual.
- We work on developing volunteer spirit in the children.
- We constantly encourage them to think about the society.
- Our goal is to help identify and develop leadership qualities in the youth.
- Our goal is to encourage character–building
activities that will lay the foundation on any individual
- Finally, we stress on the fundamental concept of universal connectedness and a
sense of belonging to the global society.
Closeness (Atmiyata)
While quality of the Bal Vihar programs is important, more important is how close the children are to each other and to the teachers and other families within Bal Vihar. All the activities should be geared towards bringing the children close to one another and close to the other parents and teachers. A sense of “we are swayam sevaks/sevikas (young volunteers)” should be developed. Thinking of “what can I do for the community” should be inculcated. Collective thinking and working should become a habit, and second nature.
Personal Contact (Sampark)
“Sangh stands on Daksha and grows after Veekira.” The development of the future workers of our Hindu community depends on how much time we can give to all our children after the Bal Vihar. There is lot of work to be done during the week between Bal Vihars. Sampark is most critical. Visiting each other is very important. Asking the children to demonstrate their talents such as singing, music, dance, drawing, painting, poetry, writing, etc. helps them grow. Using your own talents and skills to break the ice with the children and other parents promotes closeness, makes them part of a bigger family, and gives them a sense of belonging to a greater community.