CMDFW Balavihar Graduation 2007
This year 20 high school seniors graduated from Balavihar. Graduation day marked the culmination of several years of learning and growing for these children who are now ready to embark on the next stage of their life. It was truly a great joy and honor for all of us to share this momentous occasion with them. The entire event was meticulously planned and executed by the junior class with guidance from their teachers.
Each one of the graduates was introduced along with their parents. We got a brief glimpse of their lives and accomplishments. The highlight of the ceremony was the speech by each graduate. Whether they had been attending Balavihar for just a little over a year, or consistently for the past 13 years, each graduate spoke eloquently about the impact that BV has had in shaping their personalities. Parents got to hear what they wanted their children to hear, “Remember, your parents are always watching out for your best interest;” and kids got to hear what they like the best, “Have fun and enjoy your time at Balavihar!”
Each child reiterated how Chinmaya Mission fosters the spirit of an extended family where you feel the warmth of a loving home. The graduates truly appreciated how fortunate they had been to have the benefit of this wonderful learning opportunity, which is made possible by the dedicated service of so many sevaks and sevikas. They recapped how teachers provided them a platform for exploring their spiritual and cultural heritage while encouraging them to question and taking the time to respond to those questions!
Balavihar also gave them numerous other opportunities to have fun, whether it was the much awaited Labor Day camp; Walkathon to raise funds to give back to the community; preparing for assembly presentations; singing melodious bhajans and chanting slokas. The message of the Chinmaya Mission pledge to “give” more than you “receive” came through loud and clear to them as they pondered its application in the “real” world. Few of them couldn’t even imagine what Sundays would be like without Balavihar because they had never experienced it so far!
In his address to the students, Swamiji reminded the graduates to apply the values and principles learned at Balavihar. They were strongly encouraged to stay involved with the CHYK organization so they could continue their spiritual growth. Each one of the graduates was given a special plaque and some booklets by Pujya Gurudev to inspire and guide them: Right Thinking, The Art of Contemplation and The Highest Truth
