The much awaited Bala Vihar Sevak Training Camp at Chinmaya Vibhooti, Kolwan drew over 110+ participants from all parts of India and some from Dubai and Singapore too.
The faculty was none other than Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda, along with a team of senior Bala Vihar sevaks from Mumbai. Pujya Guruji shared his wisdom with the eager sevaks who ranged from the experienced to aspiring beginners.
In the three-day event that began with a prayer dedicated to Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayanandaji, Guruji eloquently elaborated on the philosophy behind Bala Vihar after briefly explaining the vision and motto of Chinmaya Mission.
He highlighted how Gurudev had brought the highest spiritual wisdom to the youngest child and how Bala Vihar equips both the teacher and the taught to gradually build a truly meaningful life based on scriptural wisdom. He also said that sevaks should look at their Bala Vihar class as their field of worship of God. He reiterated that values have to be taught in a fun way no doubt, but the vision should always be in line with the vision of Chinmaya Mission.
The faculty sevaks described various teaching methods which blend in age-appropriate hands-on arts and crafts, singing, chanting, and other fun-filled options to keep every child engrossed. Being rooted in culture and being compassionate and loving to children is a must if a sevak aspires to be effective. Guruji stressed the need to be mindfully responsible; to walk the talk and to be committed from the heart.
As the faculty sevaks shared their knowledge, the rapt audience busily took notes of the various teaching aids they presented, be they charts, games, bhajans or props used that have been tried and tested. The ease with which they made complex spiritual ideas simple enough to be grasped by children was extraordinary. Guruji provided living proof of Pujya Gurudev’s constant inspiration throughout the programme.
Chinmaya Vibhooti provided added highlights to the camp, via visits to Chinmaya Jeevan Darshan, Swanubhooti Vatika, the temples, Chinmaya Vani and Chinmaya Upahar. There were also bhikshas and informal satsangs at Guruji’s kutiya. A wonderful feature of this camp is that Brahmacharini Anupama Chaitanya held classes for the children of the participants to keep them occupied, since the camp was held during the summer vacation and many participants could not leave their children at home.
On the whole it was a beautiful experience and one could see Pujya Gurudev working through the sincere teams of volunteers who worked in the yajna spirit and made every aspect of the training camp memorable.
