Our mission is to gain knowledge and to foster the core values of Hindu heritage and religion to children and youth in a diverse multi-cultural environment.
To instill spiritual and cultural awareness, moral values, emotional refinement, and good conduct in children and youth.
This is a volunteer, parent-participation program (unaffiliated to any mission/center and all-encompassing) where parents are expected to participate. The parents volunteer their time to serve as counselors, mentors, and hosts to fulfill the objectives.
Iowa City Balvihar children learn Veda mantras, Sanskrit slokas predominantly from the 13th century AD or earlier using the traditional sandhai format of learning. Children of all ages are able to learn equally as reading is not a requirement. The texts of the slokas are provided in iTrans thus enabling the student to pronounce accurately. In addition, children learn about the religion, Bhajans, and mythological stories. Each group will be mentored by two counselors who act as facilitators for the group.