President’s Message

President’s Message:

August 1, 2024

Center for Indian Cultural Education, Bal Vihar of St. Louis, a nonprofit, 501(c ) 3 organization was founded 32 years ago to instill and foster East Indian Cultural in the children of ages 5 through 18. Bal Vihar has been providing this service to the St. Louis community since August 1992 and has been growing in number of students ever since then. Sincere thanks to all professional volunteers who invest their valuable time in preserving Our Indian culture.

Normally, this independent organization has been active in diversity program where Bal Vihar youth children had been active in projects at St. Louis Science Center, St. Louis arts Museum, Magic House and more projects where children of different faiths such as Christians, Muslims, Jews and other faiths work together in projects such as can-structure through the St. Louis based Interfaith organization. Our children also carry out activities in Churches, Mosques and Synagogue to appreciate diversity and learn other faiths. But, due to pandemic environment, coronavirus, the activities were held virtual. Starting last school year, we are holding limited sessions in person and also our community activities such as Diwali, Holi, Canstruction, Food for Needy and more in the St. Louis area.  

Our students are taught discipline, diversity, respect and devotion in their daily routine. The ultimate goal is "to throw the light of cultural knowledge on every child, to make every child an outstanding citizen and to spread the song of peace and harmony around the world."

Center for Indian Cultural Education- Bal Vihar of St. Louis has been holding its classes at the Hindu Temple Cultural Center (HTCC) since 2019. Being close to the Hindu temple, this exposure allows students appreciate the value of our temples and significance of our temples, a worship place.

Enrollment of 300 + students for the Cultural Education in the school year 2024-2025 indicates that there are more children related activities are taking place in the local community. Increased volunteering work for our youth, hands-on and interesting projects that our educational team and event team are conceptualizing and implementing most effective way in our school curriculum. I sincerely appreciate all 60+ volunteering teachers and 30+ administration staff who are professional and taking time to join our school to achieve our vision and mission. In this voluntary services Bal Vihar volunteers are spending more than 5000 hours per school year. Bal Vihar Executive committee sincerely appreciates their hard work for our future generation.

Many thanks to the Bal Vihar parents for their active role in meeting our vision and mission. Likewise, we appreciate local Indian organizations, businesses, local Universities, political groups and many nonprofit organizations such as Science Center, Arts Museum, Children hospital, Interfaith Organization, the Bach Society, Magic House and more for their collaboration with the cultural school.

The Center cultural school is very proud of being partner with the Rockwood school district. Our Bal Vihar school received recognition of partnership in Education from Rockwood School District Partners in Education Facilitators on May 4, 2023 and April 29, 2024

During the 2023-2024 school year, Bal Vihar celebrated the following events:

    • The school year started with the family night on September 16, 2023 where all families and children meet each other enjoy food with other activities such as Dandiya Raas, Garba and more. 
    • A grand Diwali celebration was held on November 19, 2023 in person at the Hindu temple where students performed Diwali puja at the Hindu temple followed by food and then firework by each student.
    • On January 28, 2024, Bal Vihar celebrated India’s 75th Republic Day in presence of more than 500 participants and dignitaries from diverse backgrounds including the members of Bach Society of St. Louis, MO, former principal of Lafayette High School, Professor of Washington University, leading medical and legal Professionals from the community and the representative from the local news media.
    • The Center for Indian Cultural Education - Bal Vihar of St. Louis youth participated in preparing food for homeless and feeding America such as Sandwiches, cookies, Brownies coupled with other food items and created meal bags for the homeless in the community.
    • A grand festival of Color- Holi was celebrated on March 30, 2024 at the Hindu temple Community Center with plenty of color to use and food for the children.
    • Bal Vihar is actively pursuing participation with other St. Louis organizations such as:
             -BV yoga team participated in the Cultural program organized by the Gujarati Samaj community center and performed Yoga on April 13, 2024 and other programs.
    • Our youth children get exposure in contributing in teaching children, in Yoga, Bhajans, supporting the teaching aspects and organizing cultural events and more. They are provided community services hours, most likely Presidential award certificate for volunteering and volunteer work time for their high school graduation.

Our improved curriculum, hands-on practices for our children, and celebrating Hindu Festivals and interfaith events have been Hall mark of our program. I sincerely appreciate the hard work that our volunteers carry out by relentless effort in delivering the best they can. Bal Vihar is able to realize its vision and goal through these volunteers, and parents are setting examples of community services for their children. We still need many dedicated volunteers and teachers in particular. Please contact us and set up an example for your children by volunteering.

Best Regards,
Sudhir Brahmbhatt