Unity promoted in June Balagokulam

Balagokulam has become a way of life for children who are a part of it, helping them with unity in thought, word and deed, and thus shaping their character. Balagokulam conducted in June saw the presence of children from diverse backgrounds and religions, speaking different languages, following manners and customs of utmost diversity. Surprisingly, this diversity melted away before the unifying power of the Hindu culture and religion.

“Anekta mein ekta Bharat ki visheshta rahi hai” or ‘Unity in diversity’ has been the distinctive feature of the Indian culture. As Indians, we understand the power of unity well, as in our struggle for freedom people from different communities came together. If they had fought against each other in the name of caste, religion or culture, freedom for us would have only been an illusion.

In Balagokulam, children do not gather as Hindus, Muslims or Christians but as Bhartiyas with one big motive: to inculcate our prestigious Indian culture in our children. Balagokulam in June endeavoured to pass on the message of unity.

Children of the 3-5 year group enjoyed learning through stories that unity is important, and the games they played like Sher Bakri, Hathi ki Sund and Murti further reinforced this message.

Children of the 6-9 year age group did some artwork and played games which were based on team work and togetherness. The Balgokulam booklet had a story on unity of Krishna and Balram who fought against Dhenukasura to save their cowherd friends.

The older children of 10-15 played an individual-based game called ‘Every man is for himself’. However, to contrast this thought, they played as a team, learning and comparing the essence of uniting forces to become a stronger team. On the intellectual front, they competed as teams in a quiz round testing their all-round knowledge of science, geography, mathematics, biology, social science, code-breaking and Hindu dharma. Their diverse skills proved to be very useful in this activity, which further strengthened the teaching of unity. The groups enjoyed games and stimulating quizzes after which they celebrated with jalebis and a chocolate drink.

The way society is structured today, we mostly focus on individual advancement and progress; from early tests in a classroom situation, extending to the professional arena. Balagokulam was dedicated to the empowering bond of unity, exemplified through games and team quizzes.

Balagokulam has set a tradition of celebrating children’s birthdays in a traditional Hindu way, also distributing sweets brought by the parents. For our spiritual nourishment, the chanting of the aum mantra and singing the Balagokulam geet was done in unison with parents to further enhance the strength of joining people

together.

Balagokulam is a globally well-established activity with its success stretching from the US, the UK, Sydney and now finally Melbourne, where it has grown into a fruitful, enjoyable and meaningful cause to teach Hindu dharmic values. For the information of parents, Balagokulam is a community platform for community-based activities and is held on the last Sunday of every month at Clayton North Primary School from 4 to 6 pm. The session is free for children, with no joining or monthly fees. If interested, please write to balagokulam.melbourne@hotmail.com

Neeru Thakur

Melbourne’s cultural vibe is set to feature in a new marketing campaign to promote the Victorian capital to interstate and transTasman travellers. Named Play Melbourne, the new tourism campaign encourages travellers to the southern city to discover its hidden gems for themselves and seek out edgy experiences by getting “off the beaten track”.

Speaking at a launch of the new campaign on June 20, Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher said, “The Play Melbourne campaign aims to deepen consumers’ appreciation of Melbourne’s creative sub-culture and reinforce its reputation as Australia’s most culturally diverse city.” The one and a quarter minute television advertisement features a group of young travellers racing around several noteworthy, but perhaps lesser-known Melbourne landmarks. Set to Texan folk singer Sarah Jaffe’s Perfect Plan, the commercials and accompanying website cost over $1.5m for Melbourne-based agency Publicis Mojo to produce.

From stumbling out of the state library, past a latte-swilling local, into the city’s grungy laneways, urban rooftops and outdoor dance parties, our troupe of explorers take their chances on directions given out by magicians throughout the city.

“With so much to see and do throughout the year, there’s no need to plan, just come and play!” quipped Ms Asher at the launch event in Sydney. “From our world class theatre productions, exclusive exhibitions and major sporting events, our boutique shopping, quirky galleries, hole-in-thewall cafes and hidden bars, Melbourne offers something to excite everyone, all year around.” Referencing the television commercial, Ms Asher encouraged travellers to “just roll the dice!”

Victoria has long led the pack in terms of domestic tourism marketing with its well-viewed Jigsaw being the world’s longest running destination marketing campaign. Known to most Australians by its tagline “You’ll love every piece of Victoria”, the Jigsaw campaign has been highly successful in luring visitors to the state since its inception in 1993. Play Melbourne does not abandon the Jigsaw theme, but rather represents a new phase of the campaign to attract 20 to 30 year old travellers. “The ad is about spontaneity,” explained Ms Asher, saying that Melbourne had enticed many older visitors to come and visit, and “now we’re marketing to the younger generation”. Highlighting the youthful vision of the campaign, the Play Melbourne website anchors the tourism strategy with interactive items whereby visitors can share their favourite experiences on Facebook. Other playful aspects of the website include a catchy weather forecast (“9 degrees, or hiding in a booth at a wine bar weather!”) and a daily counter keeping track of Melbourne’s renowned coffee addiction. The website also offers punters a chance to win one of 52 weekends for two to Melbourne, claiming that “All you have to do is play!”

Lacking Sydney’s iconic harbour landmarks and trademark warm weather, Melbourne struggled for many years to develop an effective marketing campaign. The Jigsaw campaign, of which Play Melbourne forms a part, promotes Melbourne’s cultural, independent and refined European-inspired soul. Victoria has budgeted $14m for the new campaign over the next two to three years.

Tim Blight