Raj Iyer
ST LOUIS: Bal Vihar of St. Louis this year partnered with Interfaith Quest Organization and St. Louis Children’s Hospital to create a Mural of Cans with the theme of embracing diversity that symbolizes caring, helping, healing and giving.
The Staff at St. Louis Children’s Hospital embrace diversity by acknowledging cultural characteristics of patients and their families, which enables us to provide world class care for all regardless of race, ethnicity, language, gender, gender identity, age, socioeconomic class, national origin, mental and physical impairment, sexual orientation, education and religion
It has been part of the inter-faith community of St. Louis partnering with other inter faith groups. The youths of Bal Vihar have been carrying the message to the wider community to embrace diversity and create equal opportunity for younger generations. Bal Vihar has always been a bearer of theme – “Unity in Diversity”. The growing popularity of this inter-faith initiative has drawn increasing interest.
Bal Vihar youths under the expert guidance of Shoba Shekar put together a design for what the finished CANstruction will look like. Hours of research goes into what kind of cans are needed, color of labels, looks and so on.
On Sunday, October 28, a group of about 30 Bal Vihar and Interfaith Quest from Christian, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim faith arrived at noon and soon got to work. It took over 8 hours of effort that was a clear display of unity in diversity across children from various faiths to complete the display.
This mural will be on display for viewing at the St. Louis children hospital lobby for the month of November, after which the cans will be donated to Operation Food Search. This is a great way utilize the cans and reach out. Schnucks supported the project by discounting the cost of cans and delivering them to the site of construction.
The Center for Indian Cultural Education – Bal Vihar of St. Louis is a cultural school designed to promote, instill, and foster Indian culture in children ages 5 to 18. Its current enrollment is over 400 students.
Our website is www.balvihar-stlouis.com
Thank You For Your Vote!
Sorry You have Already Voted!
