ST LOUIS: Bal Vihar of St. Louis has blossomed into a front ranking organization in the area showcasing Indian culture, its diversity and strength. It lived up to that expectation again while celebrating Indian Republic Day event last week.
Preparations began weeks in advance and students from each class were assigned a specific state from India to research and put a display. There was a panel of judges to review the booths and identify best display in multiple categories.
The Republic Day celebration started with Bal Vihar School Orchestra comprising a group of young musicians playing United States and India national anthem. It was a real treat to see a young orchestra playing so melodiously.
Each class put together a splendid display in their effort to outdo each other with so many facts even natives did not claim to know.
Those present could get a glimpse of the largest democratic republic. The kids were dressed up in traditional Indian clothes. The place was filled with vibrant colors displaying posters, local food items and artifacts alike highlighting the richness of the state they were assigned. There was not enough time for the event participants to capture them all.
Our first generation got reminded of back home while second generation was shocked at many things that other states of India have to offer.
The center of Indian Cultural Education School had invited St. Louis community leaders to judge the display of booths and information covered. The judges had a tough time rating the booths given the extensive coverage and splendid display.
Bal Vihar school has been able to give our children an in depth view of India’s value, culture, history and food among other aspects. It has been a leader in instilling the culture and sense of pride in our younger generation. All this has been possible as a result of countless and selfless efforts of its teachers, admin staff and numerous volunteers that make it happen.
A non-profit organization, Bal Vihar, 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 “to throw the light of cultural knowledge on every child, to make every child an outstanding citizen and to spread the song of peace and harmony around the world.”
Raj Iyer & Aswhin Patel
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