Bal Vihar Manila, A Chinmaya Mission Program For Spiritual Development Of Kids:
Introduction to Bal Vihar:
Bal Vihar is a weekly gathering of children, between the ages of four to fifteen years that takes place in Chinmaya Mission Centers or in private homes, under the supervision of trained teachers. The aim of Bal Vihar is to help children bloom, grow, and inculcate values through fun-filled activities. Bal Vihar enhances the overall development of the personality of a child at all levels — physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual.
Mission Statement:
“To help children learn values with fun, to delight like the moon and shine like the sun”
Motto:
Bal Vihar Manila:
Bal Vihar Manila materializes this quote by Benjamin Franklin,”Well done is better than well said!” Since its inception in 1983, Bal Vihar, Manila, has continuously worked for the spiritual development of children. The Center in Manila was the result of the co-operation of the parents, who realized the importance of the values that the mission worked to instill in the growing young minds.
Soon, the initial group of 40 students expanded manifolds, year after year. The volunteers tirelessly worked and were trained to provide more activities. Soon, the curriculum shaped to include field trips, art work & performances.
The center encourages celebrating different Indian festivals while explaining its significance to the students.
Who conducts these classes?
Bal Vihar Manila activities:
Apart from the value based lessons, the center has successfully organized activities like-
-Interaction of the students with Revered guests like Swamis and Swaminis from Chinmaya Mission whenever they visit Manila
-Camps with themes & related activities to impart better knowledge and understanding to the students
-Exposure to books that explain the scriptures simplified or animated for the child’s better understanding
-Encouraging students to participate in International Gita Chanting Competition
Significance of cultural classes in Foreign land:
The generation today needs awareness and connection with the divine. With people becoming more practical, busy and globalized, such culture classes imparting Value-oriented education has become the need of the hour.
Definitely, another feather in the crown of our ‘Home away from Home’ enumeration.
Overall, Bal Vihar has achieved considerable success in its motto to impart Universal knowledge, understanding of scriptures and culture, familiarizing the youth with the prayers and chanting. Thus, it has helped to instill the Vedic ethics and values among them. The knowledge imparted, though through Vedanta as guideline, is secular with examples and stories of Buddha, Jesus, Hindi deities as well as Prophet Mohammad.
Enrollment:
Bal Vihar Manila, commences their new yearly sessions every year in June. The group meets every Saturday for 10.30 am to 12 noon. Five classrooms accommodate all the children, from 4-15 years of age.
Great Work & More Power, God Bless!
