First Sanskrit School in Australia Will Teach Vedic Chanting, Vedic Mathematics and Science in Vedas

Flemington (Aus), February 18:  Chanting of the Sanskrit poems, verses, and slokas mingled in the air of Australia when little nightingales of BSK Flemington sung it in a very Indian way. The occasion was to inaugurate a new Sanskit school at Homebush Boy’s High School premises on 5 February 2012. Australia’s Vishwa Hindu Parishad took efforts to start first Sanskrit school in the Australia (first school outside India) which will teach Vedic chanting and Vedic mathematics and science in Vedas to the children.

There were two power point presentations by BSK students, Sanskrit – Hidden Treasure, BSK aims and objects & Sanskrit in Britain. While the former glorified Sanskrit, the later explained love and appreciation for Sanskrit by people of different culture.

Sumana Hebbar Coordinator and Teacher, BSK Flemington welcomed the dignitaries, parents and children, highlighting the importance of the ceremony. This was followed by lighting of the lamp by honourable guest Raju Varanasi and chanting of the Sanskrit poems and verses.

In his address, Deputy Principal, Homebush Boy’s High School William Hilliard mentioned the audience that Homebush Boy’s School was a multicultural centre occupied by different communities organising one or the other activities. He also said the power point presentations were informative and he could gain some insight about Sanskrit. It is by his grace a venue to teach Sanskrit regularly is available.

Alex Di Prinzio, Education Officer, NSW Federation of Community Language Schools appreciated VHP Australia saying that it is unlike the other organisations is well organised, working hard through its activities not only to keep the roots intact but also for the peace and harmony of the country. He also said it is really a pleasure to work for such communities.

In his inaugural speech, Raju Varanasi, Director of NSW Curriculum and Learning Innovation Centre, mentioned that he is honoured and humbled to be a part of the ceremony, spoke about his attachment with the Vedic culture, urged people especially children to follow the rich culture, making use of all the facilities that the country is giving, and keep the roots intact. He also said it was heartwarming experience to light the auspious lamp. He further added that he is extremely happy and appreciate the efforts made by VHP Australia for starting BSK / SVP, first Sanskrit school in the country (first school outside India) which teaches vedic chanting and vedic mathematics to the children.

Akila Ramarathinam Secretary, VHP Australia explained in detail VHP activities throughout Australia emphasizing on the aims and goals of VHP Australia in maintaining social cohesion, harmony, inclusiveness. She went on to say how Bala Samskara Kendra, Sydney Veda Patasala, Hindu Scripture classes are gaining momentum drawing people from different backgrounds and culture.

NSW Curriculum & Learning Innovation Centre leader Nina Conomos expressed her willingness to work wth VHP for the cause of sanskit and it is good to see the oldest language Sanskrit still in use when all its counterparts have vanished completely.  Community Leader, Nepal Bhutan Community Narayan Dhimol in his address mentioned close cultural association of Nepal, Bhutan and Hindu communities. He said it was his priority to attend the inauguration ceremony amidst of other activities because of his roots with the Hindu culture.

BSK Flemington Sanskrit School inauguration ceremony was celebrated at Homebush Boy’s High School premises on 5 February 2012. Dignitaries attended this including Raju Varanasi Director, NSW Curriculum & Learning Innovation Centre; William Hilliard Deputy Principal, Homebush Boy’s High School; Alex Di Prinzio Education Officer, NSW Federation of Community Language Schools; Nina Conomos Leader, NSW Curriculum & Learning Innovation Centre; Narayan Dhimol, Community Leader, Nepal / Bhutan Community, Parramatta Migrant Resource Centre. The guests were greeted by applying holy vermilion to their forehead.

VHP of Australia President Brij Pal Singh has inaugurated another Sanskrit school on 5 February 2012 at Waitara Public School, Hornsby. BSK is currently operating in more than 6 suburbs in Sydney – Hornsby, Baulkham hills, Moorebank, Carlingford, Homebush, and Toongabbie. Interstate in Melbourne and in Brisbane as well, in one suburb each, starting last year.