ST LOUIS: The Center for Indian Cultural Education- Bal Vihar of St. Louis celebrated India’s 67th Republic Day on January 24 in the presence of 600+ participants that included leaders such as Missouri Senator Maria Chappelle Nadal, Freelancer for news magazine Mary Shapiro and Cecilia Nadal, Founder and Executive Director of St. Louis Gitana Production, a leading diversity group of St. Louis.
A large number of local Indian community leaders of the school children ages 5 through 17 years of age and their parents were also present. The event was held at Ladue Middle school in Ladue, MO.
It is true that India obtained its independence on August 15, 1947 but the Constitution of India came into force only on January 26, 1950. The Constitution of India was formally adopted by the Parliament of India and India declared itself as a ‘Republic Country’ on January 26, 1950. Thereafter this day is celebrated as Republic Day in India every year.
India is a country having people of different cultures, societies, religions and languages who interplay with each other harmoniously. Independence for India was a great pride as it was obtained over years after facing a variety of obstacles and hurdles.
Bal Vihar school children did exactly the same by displaying different cultures, languages and more of the United States of India. Students and parents together exhibited booths of different states of India such as Karnataka, Hyderabad, Punjab, Rajasthan and West Bengal and more where they displayed culture, food, history, and clothing of these states. Children’s enthusiasm was outstanding when Bal Vihar ensemble performed the Indian national anthem, patriotic songs and the flag hoisting ceremony in the presence of the dignitaries. There was excitement among parents and children alike to display their states and be proud of United States of India.
Bal Vihar of St. Louis school is a unique organization in USA where it is independent of any religions organization and is focused on its vision of instilling Asian Indian culture in children and has been serving the St. Louis community for the last 24 years.
The voluntary non-profit organization, has graduated more than 1000 students over period and its enrollment is growing in the community.
Focused on diversity and community service under the leadership of professional volunteers, Bal Vihar has earned significant respect in St. Louis where it holds programs in collaboration with the St. Louis Arts Center and St. Louis Science Center, Interfaith community and more every year.
The school has been a role model for other Bal Vihar schools in US states such as Ohio, South Carolina where it provides guidance and support organizations where focus is our culture.
Ashwin Patel
