Bal Vihar of St. Louis Celebrates Graduation Event

HI INDIA NEWS DESK
ST LOUIS, MO- The Center for Indian Cultural Education – Bal Vihar of St. Louis, a renowned non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing Indian cultural education among the youth, celebrated a memorable graduation event on April 28th, 2024, at the Hindu Temple Community Center (HTCC) in St. Louis, MO.

The big day finally arrived for our flying seniors, Y3, and Group 7 students as Bal Vihar hosted Graduation Sunday over the weekend. This celebration offered a chance to hear from our graduating seniors (Y5) who will be heading off to college this summer. Some of our Y5 students have been with Bal Vihar for the last 12 years. It is always exciting and emotional to hear our senior students speak on this memorable day in their lives. Additionally, our Y3 students have completed their Bal Vihar curriculum and are now transitioning into the phase of giving back to the community and Bal Vihar.

The event commenced at 10:00 a.m. with an invocation by Padamdeesha Das, setting a reverent tone for the proceedings. The highlight of the event was the esteemed presence of Dr. Barnali Gupta, the Dean of the Chaifetz School of Business at Saint Louis University, who graced the occasion as the Guest Speaker. Dr. Gupta’s insightful address resonated with the audience, inspiring the graduates to embark on their future endeavors with confidence and cultural pride. The ceremony included several significant moments, including the emotional Senior Farewell for Year 5 students, symbolizing the culmination of their journey at Bal Vihar. Additionally, Year 3 students marked a milestone as they graduated, stepping into the next phase of their educational voyage that includes community projects and assisting teachers of Kindergarten to 7th-grade classes.

A poignant Group 7 Bridge Ceremony bridged the transition for students to the youth classes, emphasizing continuity and growth within the Bal Vihar community. The youth program opens up our students to the world through community service, interfaith interaction, and understanding how the principles of the Bhagavad Gita can be applied in today’s life. Dr. Sudhir Brahmbhatt, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, highlighted the collective effort and commitment that makes Bal Vihar a beacon of cultural education in St. Louis.

The event also served as an opportunity to recognize the dedicated educators at Bal Vihar, whose tireless efforts shape the minds of the future generation. Their passion and commitment to cultural education are instrumental in fulfilling Bal Vihar’s mission.

For more information about our organization and programs, please visit www.Balvihar-stlouis.com. Registration for the 2024-2025 school year started on May 1, 2024.