Curriculum

Student Journey

Over the three stages of growth (bhakti, dharma, and vichara) students focus on progressively deeper concepts of Hindu philosophy and values through stories, activities, and discussions, primarily drawing from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavad Gita, tailored to the age group. Each grade serves as a building block, ensuring that students not only learn but also internalize the values of Vedanta and apply them in their daily lives.

Bala Vihar Curriculum

Learn more about our curriculum by grade.

Bala Vihar Curriculum.pptx

Our Teachers

Learn what inspires our dedicated teachers to serve and guide the next generation. Chinmaya Mission Bala Vihar is entirely volunteer-driven, with passionate individuals leading enriching classes for our students. Our teachers generously offer their time as an act of selfless service, nurturing young minds and fostering cultural values within our community.

Ramya Swaminatham

Grade 5 Teacher

I am a climate technology founder and entrepreneur and have been in the renewable energy space since before it was really a thing. I'm currently an Executive in Residence (EIR) at The Engine, MIT's "tough tech" fund.

I became a BV teacher "accidentally' - Shashiji pulled me into teaching a class, even though I had no experience teaching and not much understanding of what was involved. Since that first foray, I've loved seeing kids light up with understanding when we teach them a lesson or a thought that strikes them as meaningful. I've been teaching with Sonali since that first year and the fun we have teaching together is usually one of the highlights of my week.

Sameer Chopra

Grade 4 Teacher

Professionally, I am a physician-scientist who works on developing new treatments for patients with cancer. Outside of work, I love skiing, mountain biking and rowing.

Our family first joined Chinmaya when my wife and I sought to find opportunities for our kids to meaningfully connect with their rich ethnic and spiritual heritage. As a volunteer teacher, I now feel privileged to help 4th graders navigate their most formative experiences as young Indian Americans with a compass of basic Hindu values. I am inspired by the Chinmaya philosophy that “children are not vessels to be filled but lamps to be lit” and try to bring this perspective to class every Sunday morning.

Lakshana Huddar

Pre-K Teacher

I am an engineer turned investor - I manage a fund that invests in early stage companies and founders who are solving society's biggest challenges across climate and life sciences.

As a pre-k parent I was often sitting in the class and helping the teachers out, so I decided to make it official and become a Bala Vihar teacher myself. It is one thing to teach shlokas and god's stories at home, but quite another to learn with a whole community. I am so happy my kids get the opportunity to be themselves, play with others in the community and learn about our cultures' rich values. Teaching has been so much fun - with the Pre-K kids there is always fun and laughter. I love the way their faces glow when listening to a story or doing a craft.