
SRI SATHYA SAI BALVIKAS, TAMILNADU
WWW.SSSBALVIKASTN.ORG
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations (India)
Chennai Metro West, Tamilnadu
Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba's teachings are rooted in the universal values of Sathya, Dharma, Shanthi, Prema and Ahimsa. Bhagawan says that these values are latent within us and these need to be manifested and realised. The aim of Sri Sathya Sai Balvikas program is to facilitate the “bringing out” of these inherent values, in children and to guide them to practice these values in their daily life.
Chennai Metro West District of Tamilnadu Balvikas had organised a Value Carnival on October 12th and 13th, 2019. The Balvikas Gurus and students put up an out-of-the box Carnival to showcase the value of Human Values using games, activities and innovative tools.
Here is the video coverage of this Carnival through 22 videos for the benefit of the Gurus who can make use of the fun-filled games and activities as teaching aids for important topics from Sri Sathya Sai Balvikas Syllabus. These hands-on methods resulting in spin offs such as reflective thinking, experiential learning etc will definitely make the learning more interactive, exciting and effective.
Room 1
In the above video, the Balvikas students explain the topic ‘Sai History’. As the name suggests it was Sai 'his'tory. This room was entirely dedicated to Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s journey from SATYA TO SAI.
Various anecdotes from HIS childhood days were projected through models & charts depicting values learnt from each incident of His life.
Each and every important event of His childhood days was exhibited and the values learnt from the event was explained by the children,
There was a jar kept with many chits containing sayings of Baba. 'Swami'science was felt when everyone had a chance to receive an answer from Swami by picking a chit from the bowl named, "ANSWERS FROM SWAMI ". "My Swami has given me the right answer" was the reaction on each one’s face.
Room 2
In the above video, the Balvikas students explain about the Five elements that emanated from God benefitting the entire mankind. Through colourful pictures, they tell us how we can pay our gratitude to God by offering Him these five elements in various forms.
With the help of a roller-experiment, students also explain about how Jivathma can reach Paramathma through faith and devotion.
Room 3
In the above video, the Balvikas students explain the topic, “Divine Directives on Food and Health” through charts, anecdotes by Swami and Chinna Kathas. A wide spectrum of sub-topics have been covered that includes - Swami’s explanation of the famous Prashanti Nilayam prasadam –“Laddoo”, the importance of mental strength and self confidence through the lives of the famous characters from the epic, “Mahabharata”, how to prevent the malnutrition of our mind, importance of Satwik food, Swami’s medical advice for life style diseases like Diabetes and Blood Pressure, the importance of food prayer especially in the modern life and types of food that are good for our body.
This video will motivate us to aim for a long, productive and meaningful life by following Swami’s invaluable tips.
Room 4
In the above video Balvikas students have put tremendous effort to explain the topic, ‘Daiva Preethi, Paapa Beethi and Sanga Neethi’. With the help of hands-on teaching tools like charts, games, puzzles, students have explained the term “Religion” in depth, measures to promote the love for God, the meaning of Seva, how can one attain wisdom, what is Navavidha Bhakti, the five Human Values, the meaning of Isa Vasya Idam Sarvam and how it helps in removing negativity ,the four Purusharthas and the five Maha Yagnas.
Children have highlighted the important features of several religions including Buddhism (using a hand made bioscope and wheel), Christianity (using colourful charts kept amidst the festive ambience of Christmas), Islamic principles (using five pillars) and Zoroastrianism (using charts).
The significance of the Sarva Dharma symbol has been explained in detail. Swami’s first Bhajan, Manasa Bhajore Gurucharanam urges us to surrender to the Lotus feet of the Swami and to follow “Daiva Preethi, Paapa Beethi and Sanga Neethi “so that one can cross the ocean of “Samsara” and attain liberation or Moksha!
Room 5
In the above video, the Balvikas students have taken the topic “The Glory of Motherhood”. With the help of colourful charts and models, the children have explained why Vedas are considered to be a Mother, how this “Veda Matha” is a source of Dharma and virtues, the benefits of chanting and understanding the wisdom of the teachings of the Vedas, how the practice of these teachings confer all forms of wealth to mankind and a brief explanation of the four Vedas. The treasure chest of Vedas earlier known only to the Sages has been gifted to the entire mankind by our beloved Bhagwan, for our benefit.
The students also talk about Swami’s mother, Eashwaramba’ s three wishes for the mankind and how Swami fulfilled these beyond her expectations. Every mother by fostering her child’s growth in the three areas of development (physical, emotional and spiritual) becomes the child’s first teacher. Swami has rightly said that to win His grace, one should win the love of one’s own mother first!
Room 6
Topic of the above video is a continuation of the previous one, “The Glory of Motherhood Part (2)”. Children explain about the importance of Mother Earth, the generous gifts she endows the World and what we, her grateful children can do to protect Mother earth. By protecting her, we also protect “Ashta Lakshmi” a group of eight manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth. Wealth in broad term goes beyond money and our own possessions and includes the greatest wealth “Environment” that is the gift of Mother Earth.
Children also talk in detail about how we can pay our gratitude to Mother Earth by singing Nagarsankeertan, how this helps; the importance of showing kindness to animals and what we can learn from animals; what do we learn from our great freedom fighters, the inner significance of our National symbols, the role of the Indian army, the importance of speaking truth, staying united, the Sarva Dharma symbol and how Cleanliness leads to Godliness.
Swami, an embodiment of love, patience and tolerance bears the burden of the entire World. We too should imbibe these qualities in our life.
Room 7
Topic of the above video is a continuation of the previous one, “The Glory of Motherhood Part (2)”. Children explain about the importance of Mother Earth, the generous gifts she endows the World and what we, her grateful children can do to protect Mother earth. By protecting her, we also protect “Ashta Lakshmi” a group of eight manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth. Wealth in broad term goes beyond money and our own possessions and includes the greatest wealth “Environment” that is the gift of Mother Earth.
Children also talk in detail about how we can pay our gratitude to Mother Earth by singing Nagarsankeertan, how this helps; the importance of showing kindness to animals and what we can learn from animals; what do we learn from our great freedom fighters, the inner significance of our National symbols, the role of the Indian army, the importance of speaking truth, staying united, the Sarva Dharma symbol and how Cleanliness leads to Godliness.
Swami, an embodiment of love, patience and tolerance bears the burden of the entire World. We too should imbibe these qualities in our life.
Room 8
India is a diverse country, known for its rich culture, beauty, people and delicious cuisines. People embrace their culture and make every effort to follow their traditional values. This makes India, bright and colourful. Many of our cultural practices have inner significance.
In the above video, Balvikas students have taken the topic, “South Indian Culture and Heritage part -1”. They have explained the inner significance of our Pooja items like mango leaves, fragrant flowers, coconut, turmeric, Kumkum (Vermillion), betel leaves, plantain leaves etc.
Indian traditional games are known for their creativity, imagination, intellectual stimulation etc. They also hone our co-ordination skills, math skills and will power. Students talk about few such games and their benefits.
The importance of Sai-protein, a health drink and the significance of drawing Rangolis, is also covered.
Room 9
In the above video, the Balvikas students have taken the topic, “South Indian Culture and Heritage part -2”. With the help of colourful presentations, the students explain about the temples, dance, cuisine, festivals and traditional attire of the states of Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Kerala and Telangana. Children also talk about the inner significance of few festivals and the values we can learn from them. They tell us how by mastering the 5 Ds (Dedication, Devotion, Discipline, Discrimination and Determination), we can win the love of Swami.
Room 10
Swami has rightly said, “Life is a game, play it and Life is a challenge, meet it”. The Balvikas students have taken the topic, “I to We to He – Part 1” in Room 10.
Using several innovative and fun-filled games, the students demonstrate the various simple and effective teaching techniques that are used in Balvikas Classes to impart moral values.
The game “Guided Drawing” tells us to follow Swami’s teachings and to become a role model to others. The game, “7-UP Sai” asks us if we remember “Sai” at the right moment! The game,” Vishwaprema” shows the power of love and the significance of the values chosen from the wheel. The next game, “Guhan Padalam” gives us the opportunity to step into the shoes of Guhan, one of the blessed characters in the divine history of Lord Rama!
Room 11
In the above video, Balvikas students have taken the topic “I to We to He (Part 2)” in Room 11.
With the help of the game,” Value Circle” which is along the lines of the game Musical Chairs, students tell us about the importance of cultivating good habits. The game, “I am your conscience” uses the concept of Binary Card trick and teaches us that our conscience is always alert and guiding us. It’s up to us to listen to its voice and to follow the right path. The voice of conscience is the voice of God!
The game, “Find the complementary card” challenges to match the complementary cards to complete Swami’s divine sayings. The colourful game, “Balloon Bursting” tells us to remove the bad qualities in us in order to reach God!
Room 12
In the above video the Balvikas students have taken the topic, “Life is a Sacrifice Offer It” in Room NO. 12.
The game, “Dart Game on Gateway to Success” teaches us the importance of overcoming the three internal enemies that are within us, namely Kama, Krodha and Lobha in order to attain success in our Life. There are various methods to control these negative qualities like chanting the name of the Lord, reading books of saints etc. The importance of good qualities like tolerance, patience, self-control, contentment is also highlighted in this game.
The game, “The Three Gunas”, tells us that one can attain lasting peace and happiness only through “Sathwik Guna”. Hence, we should strive to increase this Guna in our life.
The game, “Lawless Land” demonstrates with the help of a carrom board, the harmful effects of a life without any discipline. Discipline leads to peace, harmony and trust and the lack of this quality will lead to utter chaos in life.
Room 13
In the above video, the Balvikas students have taken the topic, “Who Am I?”. In this interesting video, the participant has the opportunity to travel in time. A Guru takes us back in time to Tretha Yuga and Dwapara Yuga where we can see key episodes from the respective Yugas. We understand and realize the importance of human values through the life of great characters like, Guha, Anjaneya, Jaambhavan, Shabari, Radha, Meera, Shirdi Sai etc.
From the depicted scenes, we learn about faith, devotion, patience, humility, discipline, surrender of ego, confidence, importance of bhajan singing, seva etc.
All the above-mentioned values transcend time. The values are more important in Kali Yuga where man lives in sorrow as he is caught in the web of Samsara.
From this activity, we learn that rendering services to the needy not only helps them but helps us also to elevate our own well-being!
Room 14
In the above video, the Balvikas students have taken the topic, “Social Responsibilities (Be a Nature Brigade)” in Room No. 14. Here, children have taken the role of Environmental crusaders to prevent the abuse of the gifts of Mother Nature.
Composting can be done in the balconies of our apartments as well. The compost can be used for the plants. Mulching, a method where materials like dry leaves are placed on top of the soil is a very good method to maintain moisture of the soil. Roof top Rainwater Harvesting is good idea in tall concrete buildings.
Swami has Himself set very good example through His Mega 200 crore project – Sathya Sai Ganga Project. This is discussed in detail.
The advantage of using the technique of Hydroponics where instead of soil, plants are grown in water in which mineral salts are added is also explained well.To find out if we are Eco Warriors, a Questionnaire is given to us.
We should be a conscious citizen of the world and adopt measures to reduce the use of water by reducing, re-using and re-cycling water.
Room 15
In the above video, the Balvikas students have taken the topic, “Jump and Play with Values” in Room No.15. In the game, “Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma”, the profound message that God is one and His forms are many, is taught in a playful method using the analogy of sweets and catchy songs.
In the next game, “Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma” children discuss through a role play, that nothing is useless in this world. We should follow Swami’s teachings to make ourselves useful to others by serving them. Indeed, Service to Man is Service to God!
The game, “Be Good, Do Good and See Good” is very interesting and challenges us to step on the Right path to come out as a winner in Life! It is important to develop the quality of discrimination.
The game, “Unity- Purity – Divinity”, one is given a chance to pick paper-rings from a jar. Each of the ring may have a good value or bad value. If we get good value rings in all our 10 fingers, we win a gift coupon! Good values make us pure and this leads us to the Divine!
Room 16
In the above video, the Balvikas students have taken the topic “Jyoti Meditation” in Room No.16. The student explains about the benefits of Jyoti Meditation. Swami has said that when the light of wisdom enters our body and illuminates our senses, we shall be set free from the darkness of ignorance.
Jyoti Meditation is the very first step in our Spiritual Sadhana.
Room 17
In the above video, The Balvikas students have taken the topic, “Life is A Challenge, Meet It” in Room No.17. In the game, ‘Sri Gurubhyo Namaha”, the students explain with the help of blindfold games, the importance of following the teachings of a great Guru!
A Guru can lead the disciple from the darkness of ignorance to the light Wisdom!
In the game, “Daiva Preethi, Paapa Bheethi, Sanga Neethi”, the student urges us to live without fearing the challenges posed to us in our Life. If we follow the path of Dharma and stay away from sin, we are sure to succeed in Life.
Room 18
In the above video, the Balvikas students have taken the topic,” Deep within With Silence Sai Lens” in Room No.18.
With the help of very interesting game, “Don’t Hurry, Be Silent” the students teach us the importance of silence. Silence helps increasing our mental capacity that will improve our power of discrimination.
The next game, “Look Within” teaches us that “Sai”, our Lord resides within us and we should seek Him.
The game, “Life is a Song, Sing It” tells us that our mind should always be engaged in the thought of God. While listening to Bhajans, we should strive to understand the meaning. Bhajans work like lamps placed on the threshold of a house that illumines the inside and the outside. Bhajans give bliss both to the singers and to the listeners.
The game “Ekoham Bahushyam” teaches us that God is the love and the force that binds all creations in this Universe alike!
The game, “ABC of Life means - Always be Careful and Avoid Bad Company”, tells us the importance of avoiding the bad qualities and to realize our Divine Nature.
The game, “Finish the Game” tell us the importance of being focused in life.
Room 19
In the above video, the Balvikas students have taken the topic,” Value the Values” in Room No.19. With the help of a board game akin to Ludo called “The Law of Karma”
The students explain that based on the Karmas of our previous births, we must undergo certain difficulties in our life. It is up to us, how we deal them positively by having faith in Swami.
The next game, “My Life is my Message” has two crossword challenges that teaches us that it is not enough to read about the life of great Avatars, but it is more important that we emulate their great qualities. Swami has said, “Your Life is My Message”.
The next game which is totally out-of-the box is called “Follow the Master”. It tells us that if we follow Swami’s teachings like Purity, Patience and Perseverance, the world will automatically become a beautiful place!
In the next game “Trikarna Shudhi”, the student tells us the importance of the purity and unity of our thoughts, words and deeds.
The game, “Love is Giving and Forgiving, Self is Getting and Forgetting” tells us that instead of self-obsession, it is important to appreciate the good qualities in others.
Room 20
In the above video, the Balvikas students have taken the topic, “Life is a Puzzle, Solve It” in Room No. 20. With the help of many mind teasing games, the students demonstrate that Life will be full of many puzzles. It is up to us to use our wisdom and try to solve them with a calm mind.
In the game, “Matching the Values”, the students have pictures of great characters. They also have small cards with qualities (good or bad) written. The player must correctly match the quality with the right character. This games tests whether the students know about the values each famous character in the Epics and mythology are famous for. For eg: Harishchandra stands for Truth.
The next game, “Balancing the Coins” teaches us about the importance of the approach of equanimity in our Life.
The game, “Just a Minute” where each player is given a topic to speak about. The challenge is to think and finish the talk within the given time and by adhering to the game rules.
The next name, “Nava Vidha Bhakti” challenges players to match the characters with the correct form of Bhakti.
Room 21
In the above video, the Balvikas students have taken the topic, “Maithri -Friendship” in Room No. 21. In the topic of Friendship, there are sub-topics – Friendship with self; Friendship with Nature; Friendship with Others and Friendship among cartoon characters.
The topic makes us think about the significance of our smile, our friendship with plants and others and what do we learn from the friendship portrayed by cartoon characters like, Chota Bheem, Tom and Jerry etc.
Friendship with our beloved Swami is also important. It is vital to respect this sacred friendship by following Swami’s teachings diligently.
Room 22
In the above video, the Balvikas students have taken the topic,” Test is the Taste of Life” in room No.22. With the help of the game, “Find the Character and Karakattam”, students test the knowledge of the players about the famous characters from “Ramayana”.
A balancing activity, similar to the Indian Folk Dance, “Karakattam” challenges our whole body and is fun all the way. It depicts the importance of concentration, focus, dedication and practice in our life.
The sayings of Swami displayed in the room is also very inspiring.
Rightly, the tests in our Life do add spice to our Life and make it tastier and more interesting!
The Maze
In the above video, the Balvikas students have taken the topic “Maze” to depict how unknowingly we get caught up in the web of our desires just like a person who is lost in a Maze.
Swami has categorized our desires into four groups - Food, Money, Time and Energy.
Participants must begin from the section of Time in the Maze and then move on to Food, Money and Energy. Balvikas students explain in detail about the topics in each section with the help of games and activities.
Time is something that each one of have impartially. The rich and the poor have the same amount of time. The students elaborate that it is important to use time wisely and value it, as all creations in the Universe depend on it. With the help of beads children show how by removing unproductive activities from our life, we can make maximum use of our Life.
Next, the participants move on to the Food section where the students teach us about the journey of food from a seed or grain to our dining table in the form of a dish. Swami has said that the quality of food and water decide the quality of our character. The students narrate the famous story told by Karunyananda that teaches us not to waste food. Eating the right quantity and quality will help us to attain Divinity.
The next section in the Maze is Money and the students explain nicely the reason why quantity of money in our hands should be right – Not less nor more! They tell us about the importance of self-audit and cleansing programmes like Gram Seva, Meditation, Akhand Bhajan, listening to discourses etc. in building the habit of “Ceiling on Desires”.
The final section in the Maze is about Energy where the students tell about the danger of engaging in negative activities that consume more energy than positive activities. Swami has said that even having negative thoughts is a waste of our energy!
A Video is shared that shows where and how the pull of our desires begin. Keeping our senses in check is of prime importance. A Video on Swami’s discourse is also shared where Swami explains the importance of Ceiling on Desires.
A video of a very thought-provoking Drama by young students is shared that highlights the wastage of money, time, food and energy.
The topic, Maze is truly an eye-opener for each and every one of us.