Radio Brisvaani
Bala Samskar Kendra (BSK) is the education wing of Vishva Hindu Parishad of Australia that provides an opportunity to younger generation to learn and inculcate the ideologies of Hindu Dharma.
This is achieved through valued based education and teachings from rich ancient Hindu scriptures. BSK aspires to increase the self-confidence in children, develop leadership qualities while appreciating their cultural heritage and tradition.
BSK organises number of events which help children to explore new aspects of life and learn a new dimension towards their personality development. The events also assist parents in providing a positive upbringing for their children. BSK celebrates all important Hindu festivals in an effort to making the children understand and appreciate the significance of the festivals. Children are also enlightened about various Hindu rituals and understand the underlying meaning of each ritual.
As in the last six years, this year also, BSK Qld Chapter, celebrated Vinayaka Chathurthi on 9th September 2018, in both its Centers, in Brisbane at the Sunnybank State High School and in Gold Coast at the Benowa State High School. In Hindu scriptures, Lord Vinayaka is considered as the God of prosperity, remover of obstacles, and the God of wisdom. BSK convey this message to the future generations via celebrating the festival. The Festival was a free event open to the public (no cost is payable in attending the event). This year, there was a huge public response. The participants have registered to the event through an online registration. The Brisbane event was attended by over 250 people (110 children) while the Gold Coast event was attended by 100 people (40 children).
The Program started with shloka chanting by the students of BSK, followed by a presentation on the significance of Vinayaka Chathurthi and Ganesha symbolism.
As part of the celebration, all the participant children got an opportunity to make their own clay Ganesha idol using some beautiful warm terracotta color clay, that only nature can produce having come from the earth, which is ideal for making Ganesh idol.
During the Ganesha making, children were separated into 3 groups – 1 to 4 year olds, 5 to 8 year olds and over 9 years. Step by step instructions on how to make a Ganesha idol were provided to the children both using a video presentation and verbally. Children were supervised and assisted by volunteers at all times. Individual attention was given to younger children, who needed extra support. After concluding the Ganesha idol making, pooja was performed in a traditional manner followed by prasadam distribution to all the attending families. The program concluded with prarthana. At the end of the celebration, the children took their Ganesha idol home.
BSK has been supplying eco-friendly, professionally molded clay Ganesha to the Hindu community of Brisbane on the occasion of Vinayaka Chathurthi since 2013 at a nominal cost. This year a total of 150 eco-friendly Ganesha idols were sold to the public.
Overall, all the families and children enjoyed Vinayaka Chathurthi celebrations. This event proved to be a grand success and was much appreciated by everyone. BSK thrives to organise many such events which would bring happiness and create positivity among the community.
The BSK has been functioning from 2010 in Queensland and is run by dedicated volunteer parents and on a not-for-profit basis. The BSK is held on Sundays (during school term) from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM in Brisbane at the Sunnybank State High School and in Gold Coast at the Benowa State High School. During the first one hour and fifteen minutes children are taught the essential values that underpin Hindu Dharma, shlokas and value education from Hindu scriptures. Also, BSK inculcates interest in ancient Sanskrit language that forms the foundation for Vedas and Upanishads, and therefore spoken Sanskrit is also being taught. Then for 45 minutes, children are also taught traditional Indian games, yoga and exercise for everyday practice to make them strong and develop leadership qualities. BSK believes that a healthy mind and healthy body are important for all round development of a child. In the remaining 30 minutes, children learn their own mother tongue.
Please contact BSK at bskqld@live.com.au for additional information.
Shloka chanting by senior students of Bala Samskar Kendra at the beginning of the celebrations.
