Shishu Bharati Welcomes a New Year of Learning and Growth

Shishu Bharati at all three locations —Lexington, Nashua, and Walpole were graced with a warm and joyous reunion as students and parents returned. It was a momentous day, filled with pride and excitement, especially for the new students and their families who embarked on this cultural journey for the first time.

Our dedicated volunteers and teachers, driven by unwavering passion, worked tirelessly throughout the summer to ensure a seamless welcome, ushering in another vibrant year where our students continue to embrace the joy of learning and experiencing our rich languages and heritage. Returning students and families eagerly exchanged stories of their summer explorations, the places they traveled to, the activities they cherished, and their aspirations for the coming year. It was heartwarming to witness the sense of community and anticipation as everyone looked forward to the enriching experiences ahead.

The PR and registration teams have worked diligently to introduce Shishu Bharati to new families who are enthusiastic about nurturing their children’s connection to our proud heritage. Meanwhile, the Education Councils, alongside the Curriculum, Handbook, and Textbook/Workbook teams, have meticulously prepared the academic materials, ensuring our teachers are fully equipped to inspire the next generation. Our Web team has also been hard at work, revitalizing the website for an enhanced experience.

Additionally, it’s inspiring to see many of our alumni return to volunteer and give back, reinforcing one of the most valuable lessons they learned at Shishu Bharati—service to the community. In appreciation of their volunteer time, they receive United States “Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA). Also, many alumni have utilized language waivers in universities, thanks to the recognition of Shishu Bharati’s curriculum. This summer also marked the exciting launch of the Shishu Bharati Alumni Students Association, welcoming numerous alumni into its fold.

Beyond our Shishu Bharati families, it is profoundly touching to hear from local police officers, custodians, and school administrators. Their enthusiasm for being part of our community and their eagerness to support our mission have been both uplifting and humbling. Many have expressed how impressed they are by our young children, some as young as five, who eagerly arrive every Sunday morning to learn languages and immerse themselves in our vibrant culture. They consider their time at Shishu Bharati among the most rewarding experiences of their service.

While the first day was bustling with energy, there was also a deep sense of warmth as students, volunteers, and families reconnected, ready for another remarkable year ahead. Our dedicated volunteers have planned a wide range of exciting activities, complementing classroom learning to provide our students with an immersive cultural journey. Together, we will continue to shape these bright young minds into ambassadors who proudly uphold Shishu Bharati’s motto: Perceive, Preserve, and Promote our cherished heritage.

As always, we extend our deepest gratitude to our passionate and devoted volunteers, many of whom have dedicated countless years to our mission. We commend our students for prioritizing Shishu Bharati amidst their busy schedules, and we take immense pride in our alumni, who continue to cherish their Shishu Bharati experience, recognizing the invaluable role it has played in instilling a strong sense of cultural identity and balance in their lives.

To all our volunteers, students, and families, we offer our heartfelt thanks. We wish everyone a joyful, enriching, and fulfilling learning experience as we begin this new chapter together.

Shishu Bharati Classes: Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information visit https://www.shishubharati.org.

By Seshi Sompuram PhD

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