ST LOUIS: After a long four+ years wait, an agreement has been signed between Bal Vihar and Hindu Temple for starting a facility to further Bal Vihar activities for children.
On July 31, Bal Vihar presented a check of $250,000 to the Hindu Temple to begin construction of the new building adjacent to the temple. In an auspicious moment, the priest offered at the feet of the Idol the documents reflecting the good faith of both the parties and for a bright future for the next generations. After the prayers, the documents were formally signed and presented to Hindu Temple along with the token amount.
Bal Vihar has also committed to help the temple raise additional funds and assured another $150,000 upon occupying the building. Both parties have signed a lease of 99 years. A total of eight new classrooms and two large rooms will be built on the second floor of the community center. The community center will also have a kitchen and large hall on the first floor. Bal Vihar is expecting to start its classes at this new facility from school year 2017-2018.
It is a moment of realization that the dreams of having a permanent facility for the community and supported by the community would come to fruition in the next few years.
The new center is being built for other organizations within the community. Having a center next to the temple will also help the families to leverage the opportunity to instill more culture and faith in their children.
Center for Indian Cultural Education – Bal Vihar of St. Louis, a non-profit organization, since its inception in 1992 has been serving the Metro St. Louis Indian community. The primary focus of this organization is to provide Indian cultural education to students age 5-18, its application and integration with the global multicultural and multifaceted society. They are also taught discipline, tolerance and devotion in their daily routine. The ultimate goal is “to throw the light of cultural knowledge on every child, to make every child an outstanding citizen and to spread the song of peace and harmony around the world.”
Raj Iyer & Ashwin Patel
