First Session Of the New Academic Year

On Sunday, September 7, CMLA Brea's Bala Vihar Center began its first session of the new year with a vibrant gathering of students, parents, and teachers. The day opened with guidance from Swami Ishwarananda, setting the tone for a meaningful year ahead.

The session began with a Vaidika aarti performed by students of the Yuva Kendra class, after which Swamiji led the group in opening prayers, a devotional bhajan, and an inspiring discussion. While the younger classes, Junior 1 and 2, Intermediate and Senior met in adjoining rooms to begin their yearly curriculum, the Yuva Kendra students, along with parents and volunteers, remained in the main hall to attend Swamiji’s lecture.

Swamiji emphasized the importance of cultural traditions and the responsibility of parents, mentors and teachers to pass down not only the practices themselves but also their deeper meaning. Drawing on anecdotes from his youth as well as modern-day examples, he conveyed his message in a way that was both relatable and practical, encouraging the audience to reflect and bring positive changes into their daily lives. 

Swamiji was accompanied by the new President of CMLA, Ms. Nimmi Raghunathan. It was great to hear from Nimmi aunty about how she felt that this community will thrive with each of us contributing to the cause, and that she is there for all of us.

The day concluded with all classes reuniting in the main hall for aarti. Beforehand, the audience enjoyed a cultural performance by a young student. Following aarti, everyone gathered outside to share prasad, after which the first language classes of the year commenced.

With such an uplifting start, the Brea Bala Vihar community looks forward to a year filled with growth, learning, and shared experiences.

-- Advika Iyer