Values addition, the fun VHP way

A Hindu cAmp; hmm, could we go to Luna park or imAX instead - was my adolescent son’s prompt response, when told there was a school holiday camp. my younger one, who thoroughly enjoys Hindu scripture class at his primary school, thoughtlessly seconded the opinion.

After much cajoling and carrot dangling though, we turned up at Scouts Hall in north carlingford for Vishva Hindu parishad’s one day programme. The enthusiastic welcome at the door step was proof enough of what was to unfold. Eight hours later, when my boys emerged, the look on their faces said it all. They had much to show off and many new stories to tell. And doubtless, somewhere along together around 75 children from across Sydney.

After the customary Hindu welcome (including traditional kumkum chandan and saffron scarf), VHp Vice president nalini Shankar warmed up the kids with a preliminary quiz on basics. Gayatri mantram, Hanuman chalisa and Krishna Ashtakam chanting followed. Kudos to a very patient but determined Sudha iyer for taking on the older (read reluctant) kids.

Yet another global Hindu export – yoga followed. it is a well known Hindu belief that a fit mind coexists with a fit body. introducing the kids to elementary yoga, Ramyavaran spoke about the importance of self discipline, healthy lifestyle and positive values in the larger existential scheme.

Hindu Swayam Sevak international Joint coordinator Ravi Kumar then initiated the kids into the fundamentals of meditation and chanting. He also painstakingly explained the importance of Om and its three potent, all pervasive syllables A-u-m does god really exist, who is he and how hoes he work – these were among the philosophical questions the children jointly probed with him. commending VHp and its president dr Brij pal Singh for organising such nourishing experiences, Hon Ferguson stated that by sustaining and upholding their ancient traditions,

After mind games, it was now time to get the creative juices flowing. Rangoli and idol making were next on the hectic agenda. And the kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves, creating intricate patterns with shredded colored coconut, much to the delight of their teacher Rani. murali dharan from Venkateshwara Temple Helensburgh gave the kids simple short cuts on how to create Ganesha the god of good beginnings from a block of clay. minutes later, (outshining their guru with sheer variety) an array of Aussie and desi Ganeshas stood tall, each striking a novel pose. What a glorious sight awaited the visiting dignitaries - federal mp Laurie Ferguson, parliamentary Secretary for multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services and Hills Shire councillors david Bentham and Barbara Burton, who could not but wonder at the immense talent on display. clr Benthan asked the children to emulate the noble ideals of the mahatma.

Hindus directly enriched mainstream Australia and its multicultural fabric.

The children then enjoyed a delicious vegetarian spread; door delivered lovingly by Brij pal Singh. post lunch session included wholesome outdoor games and team building excercises conducted by youth volunteers Aditya and Krishnan.

“The Australian Hindu community is rapidly expanding and such camps help children to underpin the essential values of Hindu dharma through slokas, yoga and games for everyday practice”, said camp coordinator and VHp joint secretary Akila Ramarathinam. And to see the smiles on their happy faces is worth all the weeks of planning and coordination that precedes the event, she concluded proudly.

After all, doesn’t God work in a myriad of mysterious ways?

Service to society equals service to God is one of the most fundamental tenets of Hinduism. carrying forward this ancient tradition, the team of dedicated volunteers at VHp’s Australia chapter has been strengthening the moral and social fibre of Hindu Australians; slickly packaged of course with a lot of fun.

While VHp runs a variety of programmes through the year, its children’s day and overnight camps (a welcome value addition) have become increasingly popular over the last decade, attracting Hindus of diverse ethnicity. This year’s winter school holiday activity brought