ST LOUIS: Bal Vihar of St. Louis celebrated India’s Republic Day at an event on February 10 at the Ladue Middle School. It was one of the events that students and parents alike wait for as they prepare so hard for the celebration.
Bal Vihar had special guests who are admirers of Indian culture and tradition. Guests of honor were Dr Michael Castro, his wife Adelia Castro and Cecilia Nadal.
Cecilia Nadal is currently President of Gitana Productions, a nonprofit arts and education company which raises cultural awareness through music, dance and drama performed by international artists. Prof Michael Castro is a poet, translator and educator. Dr Castro is Professor Emeritus in Communications at Lindenwood University, where he taught for 32 years. He was a Fulbright scholar in India, studying art and culture. He started a cross cultural studies course on India at Lindenwood upon his return.
A group of young musicians from Bal Vihar put together an ensemble that played both the US and India national anthem. The children, as part of the event to represent the largest democratic republic, were all dressed up in traditional attire at the booths representing various states of India. The attire as well as the mood was very colorful and vibrant. Families present had a chance to visit the booths set up by all classes. It was an enlightening experience to learn interesting facts about various states of India. The booths were not limited to posters or artifacts – some had gone to extra length to prepare food from that state.
Center for Indian Cultural Education – Bal Vihar of St. Louis, a non-profit organization, since its inception in 1992 has been serving the Metro St. Louis Indian community. The primary focus of this organization is to provide Indian cultural education to students age 5-18, its application and integration with the global multicultural and multifaceted society. They are also taught discipline, tolerance and devotion in their daily routine. The ultimate goal is “From Darkness unto light”.
Raj Iyer & Ashwin Patel
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