India Cultural Foundation Oklahoma Balavikas Program:
Introduction
The Balavikas program was initiated by Dr. Vijaya Malpani in 1995. In the last decade the program has grown and developed rapidly and today there are over 110 children who derive both spiritual knowledge and gain the cultural experiences of our heritage.
Objective:
The objective of the Balavikas program is to teach the children the Hindu epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata; to instruct them in Omkaram, Hindu traditions, the significance of Hindu gods, Hindu prayers and its meanings, yoga, and bhajans; to participate in traditional Indian dramas; to inculcate in them a sense of service toward their elders and the community they live in.
Guidelines and Rules:
Children must be enrolled prior to starting Balavikas classes.
A personal check of $50.00 must be paid before every semester to the Hindu temple of Oklahoma.
Parents who are enrolling their children for the first time have the option of either enrolling at the beginning of each semester or in the middle of the school year.
Parents will be responsible to help their child/children to catch up with all the chapters they have missed if they chose the latter option.
The Balavikas program follows the school year from September to May, which includes a fall and a spring semester. The program also incorporates a summer semester.
Children must be dressed modestly and appropriately. Please ensure that the girls are dressed comfortably since they will be practicing yoga. We prefer the girls not to wear shorts.
Parents need to ensure that their child/children have their folders for their Balavikas lessons.
Parents are not allowed in the classroom without the prior permission of the teacher.
Absolutely no running and yelling by the children in front of the altar of the temple.
Parents are expected to teach their child/children that the temple is a place of worship and not a playground.
The quarterly service projects are part of the Balavikas curriculum. All the children and their parents are expected to participate.
Parents must read or discuss a chapter with their child/children before each lesson.
There will be a year end quiz in May.
The Balavikas program is a team effort that involves the teacher, the child and the parent. Therefore all parents are encouraged to take an active interest in their child�s/children�s lessons and activities.
BALAVIKAS CLASS SCHEDULE
10:25 AM -10:30 AM Arrival
10:30 AM -10:40 AM Hanuman Chalisa
10:40 AM -11:00 AM Three Oms, The Gayatri Mantra, Guru Prayer, Ganesha Prayer, Yoga
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Balavikas Lessons, Games/Activities
12:00 PM – 12:15 PM Arathi
India Cultural Foundation Oklahoma Hours:
Weekdays:
Morning: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Weekends:
Morning:9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Evening:4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
India Cultural Foundation Oklahoma Address:
7200 N Coltrane Road,
Oklahoma City,
OK 73121, USA
Phone: +1 405-478-0787
India Cultural Foundation Oklahoma Direction:
From 35 South or 44 West:
After 44 East merges with 35 North, quickly move to the right lane and take Wilshire exit, Turn left at the service road, Turn right on Wilshire, Turn right on Coltrane and the temple is on to your left with double gate and ICF sign on the gate
From 35 North:
After 35 North merges with 44 East and take Wilshire exit, Turn left at the service road, Turn right on Wilshire, Turn right on Coltrane and the temple is on to your left with double gate and ICF sign on the gate
