VHPA Starts Balvihar in Tampa

A new Balvihar was started in New Tampa (North Tampa) on the auspicious day of Shree Ramanavami.

25 children ranging from six years to 14 years enrolled for once a week 90-minute session. This two-month session was introductory to gauge interest of children and parents.

Children were divided into two age groups. They learned stories of our heroes, moral stories, the National anthem of Bharat and Vishwa Dharma Prayer along with basic yoga. All the children enjoyed participating in outdoors games.

Enthusiastic parents led by Shri Vipul Dixit and Pankaj Sharma served as volunteers.

The last session on June 1st ended with a movie night for all, where they watched an action-filled film, Ram Setu. Children enjoyed the feeling of being in a theater where they were served popcorn, chips and soda.

While discussions were going on to start  Balvihar, real Impetus for starting Balvihar came when two volunteer couples attended the national Balvihar workshop in Atlanta in March.

Once the Balvihar started, volunteers had a boost when Shri Sanjay Mehta (former General secretary and current Secretary, Advisory Board, VHPA) and his wife Amitabahen visited Tampa. At a dinner meeting they explained nuts and bolts of running a successful Balvihar as they have been involved with running Balvihars for decades in Pittsburgh and answered questions from the volunteers.

Our volunteer team is gearing up for the next semester that will start in August to coincide with the school year. Plans are to have in place curriculum for the whole semester and give all printed material to students in advance.  We will recruit more volunteers and move to a rented place to accommodate more children.

For information feel free to contact Vipul Dixit  336-521-3673 or Pankaj Chauhan 917-420-5381.