Bala Vihar was born as a collective response to Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda’s appeal to empower the child and build an inspired future.
His clarion call was, “Mold the child, Mold the future”!
The purpose and goal of the Bala (children) Vihars (recreation) is spelt out in this catchy phrase coined by Guruji, Swami Tejomayananda –
To help children learn values with fun,
To delight like the moon and shine like the sun.
Junior Bala Vihar programmes are designed for children between the ages of 4 and 8 years. Held once a week for one and half-hours in different homes, community spaces or mission centres, it is entirely run and managed by sevaks (volunteers).
The classes follow a structured pattern. They include:
- Chanting Sanskrit shlokas
- Singing bhajans or patriotic songs
- Story time – value based stories
- Values through games
- Art and craft
Colourful Celebrations
Connect to the Divine by learning the significance of – Shivratri, Rama Nauvmi, Janamastami, Dusshera, Divali, and Holi.
Develop patriotism by celebrating our National festivals – Republic day, Independence Day and Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday
Summer Camp. An extended Bala Vihar experience happens during the Summer Camp. Come the summer vacations, for three weeks the Lodhi Road centre is taken over by children of all ages. The place comes alive to the sound of their laughter. In addition to the regular activities – dance, yoga, crafts, and dramatics are part of the Camp.
The Bala Vihar movement is a bridge to the future. Become a part of this movement:
- Register your child at a Bala Vihar closest to you
- Be a Bala Vihar facilitator
