The Bala Vihar Program is a forum for teaching children about the Hindu culture, tradition and heritage, cast in the American context. This program in baton Rouge is modeled after the Bala Vihar curriculum of the Chinmaya Mission, Houston. We draw guidance and utilize the outline and course material provided from the Chinmaya Mission as well as other sources.
The program follows the East Baton Rough Parish School system calendar, running annually from August to May (in two semesters). The program incorporates bhajans, shlokas, parables, hands-on activities, field-trips and plays in the instruction. It uses these to introduce historical contexts, connect with traditions, and underscore values central to good citizenship and stewardship at the family level, the community, the nation and the world.
The classes are organized in four groups: (a) KG-Grade 2, (b) Grades 3-5, (c) Grades 6-8 (Middle School), (d) Grades 9-11 (High School). The first three groups meet every week on Sundays from 10:30-11:30 am. The High School group meets once approximately every two weeks for a discussion of the philosophical underpinnings of the Bhagawad Gita and on using its teaching in our everyday life.