Gurukul: Promoting the Indian values among the youth

Gurukul is a non-profit schooling organization that will enrich the Greater Danbury

community with Indian cultural values. An individual will be able to discover and to appreciate the culture through language, arts and crafts, music, dance, history, etc. Religion or nationality is no barrier to attend Gurukul. It is a platform for parents and kids to do something together and to make a difference in society.

Gurukul will conduct 2-3 hour classes every weekend. One hour is devoted to language and the next hour is focused on teaching Indian culture, tradition, history and geography. Gurukul will also celebrate major Indian festivals throughout the year.

With the help of every individual, our goals and dreams can be a reality. We encourage each and every member of the community to participate in Gurukul activities and to help us grow.

Gurukul’s first event was the “Back to School Pooja,” held on August 21, 2010 at the clubhouse at the Village Square in Danbury. Even though Gurukul had only two weeks to promote the event, the response was overwhelming. Quite a number of parents and kids came for the pooja (worship ceremony) to show their support. Everybody was very eager to know the details of the school and looking forward to being a part of it.

This pooja is done to praise the goddess Saraswati because she is considered the goddess of knowledge. The Rangoli pattern made with flowers on the ground in front of the goddess’ picture is considered very auspicious. The pooja started with the kids chanting shlokas and then a bhajan by two moms who were trained singers.

Panditji did the saraswati pooja and asked the kids to take a pledge to respect their books and their teachers. In the end, Panditji blessed all the kids, along with their backpacks, bestowing upon them good wishes for the new school year. The pooja ended with Saraswati Arti. What a way to kick off the new school year!

Mission Statement: Gurukul is a school whose mission is to promote Indian cultural values among younger generations.