The Hindu Prachaar Kendra is centred on community and promoting the teachings, principles, and philosophies of the Hindu faith.
During the July–August vacation period, it ensures that children are given the opportunity to gather and learn more about their faith through its annual Heritage Vacation Course.
The Fab Baal Satsang event is one key feature of the vacation calendar, aimed at enhancing the development of children and youth in the community.
According to the President of the Hindu Prachaar Kendra, Pandita Geeta Vahini, a dedicated four-week full-time curriculum was conducted in the weeks leading up to Fab Baal Satsang, aimed at nurturing the next generation of enlightened citizens.
“A lot of small children and even youths, they find themselves, they attend, they go to many religious services – we call them Satsangs – but they were saying sometimes they’re bored, sometimes they are not able to understand, they can’t follow. So, we thought we would organise this special programme for them. An event that is for children, about children, and by children.”
The event was tailored to give children and youth the opportunity to actively participate in the practices of the faith and help them gain a greater understanding of their significance.
For the Fab Baal Satsang, the children were involved in the singing, rituals, pujas, presentations, and the ceremonial worship of Hindu deities.
“Apart from Hindu heritage, we explore the heritage of our nation, as well as the heritage of our ancestral land and the wider Caribbean heritage. Children are also taught the importance of their responsibility… fulfilling their responsibilities in the household, in the community.”
Youth leader of the Heritage Vacation Course, Arvind Ramsook, has been a part of the programme since he was seven years old. Now 22, he was responsible for overseeing the proceedings of the Baal Satsang. With the help of Pandita Geeta Vahini and his peers, he underlined the amount of preparation that went into making the event possible.
“It was a very enlightening experience as to how much work goes into getting this ready and especially with dealing with kids now. Having them rehearse and practise their mantras, all the singing, how to sit, telling them not to yawn. It was very enlightening. It was a learning moment but it was very rewarding in the end.”
He described the experience as an “eye-opener” and commented on the continuity of the practice, from the previous generation to the children who will take up the mantle in the future.
“After coming here and getting responsibilities and learning, not just the commands, but how to be more proactive. So, you would learn how to volunteer more, you would get incentives, with prizes or even just recognition itself. To speak, to volunteer, to act.”
By giving children the tools and confidence to take part in their faith, the Hindu Prachaar Kendra ensures that these traditions remain vibrant, relevant, and deeply rooted for generations to come.