In Bala Vihar, the rich cultural heritage of India, including moral values, are taught to children and youth at different levels, using the medium of stories, drama, arts, crafts and discussion. Children are also taught popular Bhajans and Slokas.
In promoting and teaching the universal philosophy of Oneness (Advaita Vedanta), children are made to understand that although Hinduism may appear to have many Gods, the Truth (God) is the one ultimate Reality, and thus it is one God appearing as many forms.
Chinmaya Bala Vihar Curriculum includes various devotional, philosophical & ethical texts and topics, focusing in the early years on developing love for God, in the elementary years on learning & practicing value based living, and in the teenage years on understanding spirituality and fundamental Vedantic principles. The syllabus covers topics and texts from Hinduism's Vedas, Puranas and Itihasas. It is child-friendly and taught on age-appropriate levels.
The purpose is to:
Instill in our children and youth a reverence for ancient culture and to inspire them to live up to it with correct understanding.
Create self-confidence so that they are able to serve others.
Generate personal discipline, dynamic leadership, and true affection in all their contacts.
Develop a healthy resistance against temptations in the environment in which they grow.
Dhruva - Pre-K and Kindergarden
They will be studying the Alphabet Safari
Led by Lakshmi Halasyamani and Hemali Sagar
Prahalada - Grades 1 and 2
They will be studying The Bala Ramayana.
Children in this class learn about the life of Sri Rama through Ramayana. Divided into 35 chapters the text deals with the life and journey of Sri Rama from his birth to his growing/learning at a Gurukul, his exile, battle in Lanka and return to Ayodhya. Sri Rama’s virtues are showcased through stories, activities and games, that is appropriate for this age group.
Led by Bulbul Pandit and Suyog Padgaonkar
Nachiketa - Grades 3 and 4
They will be studying The 24 Teachers
Dattëtreya, a wandering saint, lived in the kingdom of Yadu. The king had noticed the blissful appearance of this saint. The king wanted to know the secret of the saint’s happiness and therefore approached him. Dattëtreya said, “O noble king, I have roamed freely on the earth and have learned the art of living from my twenty-four teachers. What I have learned from them, I will tell you, listen carefully.” The saint, then described his twenty-four teachers from whom he learned the art of living happily in the world which is given in the eleventh chapter of Bhagavatam. Children learn the 11th chapter of Bhagvatam with this book.
Led by Vipanchi Raghu and Nikhil Ladva
Aruni - Grades 5 to 8
They will be studying India Sacred Land
Led by Jagadish Devarajan
Chinmaya - Grades 9 to 12
They will be studying Self Unfoldment
Led by Dhanya Limaye