SOME OF OUR PROJECTS
Support-A-Child:
We have a fantastic evening planned for the annual fundraiser on Saturday, September 30th, 2023. In addition to the beautiful and skilled Bharat Natyam dance rendition, it explores the subtle emotions between individuals who do not yet know each other. Sharing of snacks with other like minded people from Greater Boston area will provide an apt finally to the evening. See the poster above. Please help the youth publicize the event who are organizing it for an altruistic cause.
The Support-A-Child (SAC) program was started by VHPA in 1985. It provides education (up to high school), boarding, lodging, medical care and Samskara (values) to underprivileged children in India. Under this program, we have supported more than 1000 boys and girls all over India. To find out more and support a child, please visit www.supportachildusa.org.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA), or World Hindu Council of America, is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and nourishing Hindu culture in America. We have several regional and national projects, including:
Hindu Heritage Day:
It has been a day of celebration of our ancient Hindu heritage, traditions, arts, culture, and food. With an average attendance of over 2500, this is a place where Hindu American families come together with their American counterparts to meet and enjoy authentic Indian music, songs, dances, and skits. Families enjoy sumptuous Indian food, including professionally-prepared traditional chai. Parents can get information about Bal-Vihars, summer-camps, yoga centers, conversational Sanskrit teaching programs and other events taking place around the Boston area. There are activities for children including mehndi, kite flying, and face painting. There are booths which sell Indian comic books, spiritual books, jewelry, clothes, CDs of bhajans/meditational practices, and decorative items not easily available elsewhere.
Swami Vivekananda Family Camp:
Swami Vivekananda Family Camp will be held August 11-August 18, 2024 at Camp Wa-Klo, Dublin, NH 03444 this year. This week-long residential Family Camp was held for almost three decades in Tolland, MA where families learnt about their Hindu culture, spend quality time together, and have fun with friends. For more information and to register, visit vhpafamilycamp.com.
Bal Vihars:
Bal Vihar provides an opportunity for our children to discover their cultural bond with India and develop pride in their Hindu identity. It is a weekly (or bi-weekly) 2-3 hr program open to children 4 years and above. A sample agenda includes opening prayer, Surya Namaskar, yoga, games, geet/bhajans, Hindi class, storytelling, and closing prayer. We currently have 3 Massachusetts locations: Newton, Lexington, and Southborough. For more information, please contact:
Newton: Kiran Kuchroo (617-852-8810, kRkuchroo@GMAIL.com)
Lexington: Aparna Payasam (781-862-0464, pujar.vinod@gmail.com)
MetroWest: Jaya Asthana (617-513-6887), jasthana@hotmail.com)
Om Hindu Community Center:
Om Hindu Community Center (OMHCC) will be a common facility for all Hindus in the Greater Boston area, serving as a social, educational, and cultural epicenter for the entire community. Planned support services include a children’s spiritual school, after-school tutoring, and elderly services. The center will also be available for community activities including pujas, weddings, satsangs, yoga, festival celebrations, parties, conferences, conventions, and retreats.
For sending donations by check payable to: OM Hindu Community Center, 7 Gannon Terrace, Framingham, MA 01702 To find out more, visit om-hcc.org.
