“Where there is Dharma, there will be Victory”
YATO DHARMA TATO JAYAH
Learning and guiding principles in our lives based on Laws of Karma
This year we read the Mahabharata which is one of Hinduism’s most well known manuals for living — decoding action and consequence, and carrying its wisdom into our lives.
We also learned about our Dharma (responsibilities) and how we need Bhagavan’s grace and blessings to be able to carry those out.
We have compiled and written about reflections from what we have learned this year.
Sharanya Iyer
ABOUT ME
I have been at Baalvihar since kindergarten
I like playing club soccer, running, writing, and being with family
My favorite thing about Baalvihar is how we learn about themes specific to our age, and we learn something new every year
WHAT I LEARNED THIS YEAR
“ This year I learnt about how to strengthen my faith. We read and analyzed a poem called Footprints in the Sand. What stuck out to me was the message that God doesn’t only walk with you during struggles, He carries you. This helps me trust more in my life path.
Shreya Seshasayee
ABOUT ME
Have been going to chinmaya since I was a Infant
I like baking and skiing
My favorite thing about Balavihar is learning more about my culture
WHAT I LEARNED THIS YEAR
“ This year I learned about the 35 gems of life and how important they are to incorporate into your daily life. One gem that I think is important is empathy, and it helps me understand others more as well as build stronger and more meaningful relationships.
Navya Krishnamoorthy
ABOUT ME
Attending Chinmaya for four years now
I like bharatanayaam and nordic skiing
My favorite thing about Balavihaar is learning about my religion.
WHAT I LEARNED THIS YEAR
“ This year I learned about the 35 gems of life. What stuck out to me was how I can implement all of these values in my life, like a good-centered mind, which helps with self-control.
Rajiv Bharadwaj
ABOUT ME
I’ve been attending Balvihar for 7 years
I do Track and Field and playing video games
My favorite part of Balvihar is learning about my culture
WHAT I LEARNED THIS YEAR
“ This year I learned about the complicated family line of the
Mahabharata. What stuck out to me was how one person’s actions
led to a bunch of chaos. I will be more mindful of my actions moving forward.
Aarohi Nair
ABOUT ME
Attending Chinmaya for 4th year now
I like to do bharatanatyam and crochet
I like to interact with my friends
WHAT I LEARNED THIS YEAR
“ I learnt about the stories of Mahabharata and about the gems of life. One of the gems I want to incorporate in my life is honesty ~ satya, which was portrayed in the character of Yudishtira.
Aditi Dhananjay
ABOUT ME
I’ve attended Chinmaya for 7 years, ever since I joined in first grade.
I love STEAM (STEM with Arts)
I play violin, viola, and french horn (I love music)
WHAT I LEARNED THIS YEAR
“ This year I learned how there isn’t one common Dharma for everyone, but individualized versions for all. One example is that the swaha dharma for a doctor is to save lives, while the swaha dharma for a student is to learn. I apply this to my life by focusing on the things I can do opposed to the things I can’t.