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Students perspective on Bhakthi Manjari

• Ramya Ramjee, Age: 4

  Thank you very much for all the slokas that you teach me. Your stories are also very good. I really learn a lot from you. I also enjoy all the poojas and parties that you conduct.

• Ramya, Age: 5

  Bhajan class helps me learn about God songs. Bhuvana aunty you are the best teacher ever. You give us lot of chances to sing in other places, thank you Bhuvana aunty for your help.

• Pearl, Age: 5

  I love Bhakthi Manjari because I can learn lots of slokas and stories and bhajans. I know about Gods and why we celebrate festivals. I make a lot of friends. I am happy to do all the poojas. I am proud to be in this class. Thankyou for letting me be in the sloka class.

• Neeraja Aravindan, Age: 5

  I like Bhakthi Manjari because I learn new shlokas and enjoy the functions. And I also like Bhuvana Aunty because she is nice and tells me stories. Bhakthi Manjari is fun because I meet new friends.

• Swathi Subramanian, Age: 5

  I love Bhuvana Aunty and Bhakthi Manjari very much. It helps me learn a lot of slokas and beautiful stories. I like different programmes in sloka class. It helps me to know about God and festivals. And I can wear pretty dresses. Thanks Bhuvana aunty, I love you.

• Pavithra Arunachalam, Age: 7

  I like Bhakthi Manjari because you tell us interesting stories. I also learn a lot of slokas and bhajans. I love to come to Bhakthi Manjari class.

• Bharath Krishnamurthi, Age: 7

  I go to Bhakti manjari classes to learn slokas and bajans. I am impressed by Buvana auntys way of teaching the slokas. I learn lots of slokas. I hear stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata and learn the values of life from Rama and Krishna.

  I hear stories to celebrate special days of God like SreeRama Navami, Krishna Ashtami and Ganesa Chathurthi. I learn about festivals and functions like Deepavali and Navaratri and why they are celebrated. I learn how and why we are doing aarathi. I go to class to learn about my culture and tradition. Im impressed when I learn how to do pooja on Ganesha Pooja day.

  I learn about places in the Hindu religion from the Bhakti manjari class. I get a chance to draw pictures of god in the class , like during Ramanavami. I learn how to make idols in the class by using clay for Ganesh Chathurthi. I learnt in the class to say a prayer before eating at home. I learn mantras too and the meanings of the mantras

• Vedika Bandhi, Age: 7

  I like Bhuvana Aunty and that is why I like her class. I love how she celebrates the different festivals. I especially like making the clay idols of Lord Ganesha and doing Pooja afterwards. I wish as a craft we could do clay Ganeshas in school when Ganesh Chathurthi is going to be celebrated because I am SURE everyone will enjoy doing that!!!!

  The fireworks at the Diwali celebrations makes me feel so excited and I wish all my other friends could see the fireworks too. I feel that if they knew how we celebrated Diwali and once they got used to it, they would enjoy Diwali as much as they enjoyed the other holidays like Christmas, Halloween and others.

  I wish all my friends could come for the sholka class and see for themselves what it is like and this is why I like Bhuvana Auntys sholka class.

• Manasa, Age: 8

  I am attending the class for the past 4 years. I really like the way Bhuvana Auntie teaches with a lot of stories and I get to learn more about the Indian culture.

  We in BM celebrate all the Indian festivals and especially celebrate Deevali with fireworks.

  I really have to thank Bhuvana Aunty for all the time and effort she is spending for us.

• Varshini, Age: 8

  We started slokam class lat year, and I think Ive learnt a lot from Bhuvana aunty. I like coming to class because I enjoy learning all the slokams, singing the bhajans and listening to the stories to learn about God. Slokam class makes me feel more like an Indian, and I appreciate what Bhuvana aunty is doing for us. I enjoy the way we celebrate all the Indian festivals. I will never forget last years deepavali. I love Bhakthi Manjari and never want to stop going for it. Bhuvana aunty teaches us to appreciate God and what HE blesses us with and I love her for it.

• Krithika Varagur, Age: 8

  I like Bhakthi Manjari a lot. My favorite part is the discussion. It is funny and there are interesting topics. Ive been in Bhakthi Manjari for 5 years. I really like my guru (Bhuvana Aunty) a lot :=)

• Prashanth Kumar, Age: 9

  By attending Bhakthimanjari classes I learn all slokas. My teacher teaches all bhajan songs. Sitting in front of Gods photos and small statues chanting slokas and bhajans in my house gives me a heavenly feeling.

  The teacher tells stories about our country India, and also from epics like Ramayanam and Mahabharatham. All these help me in understanding our ancient Hindu religion.

  I am very thankful to my guru/teacher for providing this holy service.

• Nirupama, Age: 9

  The things that I like about Auntie is that she is very nice. She teaches very well. She is fun and very creative. We have done a lot of fun things. I have learned the kovadihal dance from her.

  What I like about sholka class is that you learn a lot of sholkas. You get to hear a different story each week. Sometimes you get puzzles, quizs and games. Sometimes you do dances and plays. I think Bhuvana Auntie is the perfect teacher for the shloka class.

• Aashraya Suresh, Age: 9

  I started going to Bhakthi Manjari when I was 7 years old. Since then I have learnt a lot about God and learnt a lot of slokas. Even if I had grown up in India, I wouldnt have learnt this many slokas. Something that interests me in sloka class is story time. I have learnt about our festivals and their significance. So far I have learnt a lot and I want to learn more and more and get better at reciting slokas.

• Sharat Sridhar, Age: 9

  I like Bhakthi Manjari. I like it because I learn many things. I like it for knowing more about God. I like learning and singing slokas and bhajans. My favorite part is listening to the stories. I like all the programs. My interest in God is more now. Thank you very much!!!

• Shantanu Bandhi, Age: 10

  I like Bhakthi Manjari because the stories that Bhuvana Auntie tells us are funny and at the same time educational. It is educational because they usually have a meaning behind it.

  I have learnt about the different Indian festivals and why they are being celebrated. First, I only knew about Diwali, now I know about the other festivals like Navarathri, Ganesh Chathurthi etc. Its important to know why a festival is being celebrated because only then you will know why you do certain things in that particular holiday. Going to Bhuvana Auntys class, especially her celebrations, has helped put more meaning into the festivals.

  This is why I like going to Bhuvanas auntys class.

• Apurva Lakshmi Mallampati, Age: 10

  Being in Bhuvana aunties class has been an honor from the beginning .She has taught and is still teaching me the importance of our culture, the marvelous stories of gods and goddesses ,and rhythmic slakes to be more in touch with god. Auntie also sets up days to celebrate a festival that is near. She also honors mother and fathers day .That truly gave the meaning to Matru devo bhava, pithru devo bhava, acharya devo bhava. Not only that Bhuvana auntie volunteers her time to teach kids about the Hindu religion .I know class is not the time to be socializing but we also meet new and interesting people. I had the chance to dance in various dramas and participate in helping other people for good causes. Its also fun for the parents, because they can do the things they like most cook! Well, maybe they like cooking. Parents are honored and they also can help. Children learn the value of respect and the know the dos and donts of life. The most interesting parts for me in Sloka class are to learn new slokas and to hear wonderful stories .Class helped me to control my anger against my parents for there control now realize they are concern for a cause learned deeper into generosity and self control. Why, just a couple of months ago I gave a speech in India about the importance of nature, culture, and a unique art .I learned many things I didnt know .Slokas for example, with there beautiful words and pleasant rhythm . Practicing doesnt bother me much anymore. After a difficult day at school singing usually relaxes me .I loved music since a young age and now I can give music to people at temples and at home, by singing . I can also pray at night with not only words.

  As you can see Sloka class and bhuvana auntie have impacted me a lot!

• Mathangi Chandramouli, Age: 11

  I have had many experiences along with the rest of Bhakthi Manjari. When my mother first joined me in BM, I felt very scared. In two-three months, I went from beginner to intermediate to senior. There, I felt more part of a group. I was very interested as I was in a new group and was eager to learn more.

  In November, when I started, Bhuvana Aunty put on a Skanda Puranam play. I was a Krithika girl. It was exciting. Sometime in December, some of the kids sang Suprabhatam in Guruvayoorappan Temple. Also, the senior group was practising the Venkateswara Suprabhatam. I went with my mom to Bridgewater temple couple of times on Saturday mornings and have recited the same. All that passed? So soon? I had the greatest joy in class. Learning and laughing with friends, we had good time during Nandalala, Ganesh Chaturthi. Now, I am very interested in learning Vishnu Sahasranamam. Aunty is also teaching us about the sacred rivers in India. Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Saraswati and more.

  As you can see, Bhakthi Manjari is very exciting to go to. I also gain lot of information when I go for Slokam class. You can see why I like BM.

• Jayanth Krishnamurthi, Age: 14

  Bhakthi, in Sanskrit, means devotion. Manjari means a cluster of blossoms. I have been part of this cluster of devotional blossoms i.e. Bhakthi Manjari, for three years. Bhakthi Manjari has played a major role in my lifeit has shown me the path of rightness. The students of Bhakthi Manjari learn slokas and Bhajans on god. They not only learn the text, but also the meaning and the effect of reciting the slokas.

  The students of Bhakthi Manjari learn about their culture and traditions through stories of epics like Ramayana and Mahabharatha and other Hindu Puranas. The values and significance of Hindu Dharma are portrayed through these epics. Though I am far away from India, I can still practise and retain my culture through Bhakthi Manjari. Students actually get to participate in Indian festivals and functions celebrated in Bhakthi Manjari, such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Navrathri, and Deepavali. As a student of Bhakthi Manjari, I learn the importance and the symbolism of these festivals in Hindu Dharma.

  I appreciate the way by which our guru, Smt. Bhuvana Iyer, takes us on a mental tour to historical places like Srirangam and Tirupati and explains their significance in Hindu Dharma. Bhakthi Manjari cultivates good habits and values in children such as charity, honesty, and truthfulness. To me, Bhakthi Manjari is the extended pooja room of my house. Bhakthi Manjari is a place where I can go to communicate and try to realize god. It is a conducive pooja room for devotion, as Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad-Gita about Bhakthi:

  Ye tu dharmyaamritamidam yathoktam paryupaasate;

  Shraddadhaanaah matparamaa bhaktaasteteeva me priyaah

  Those who are devoted to the Immortal Dharma set forth above, endowed with faith, regarding Me as the Supreme, they My Devotees are extremely dear to me. (Bhagavad Gita- Chapter 12)

• Ramya Kanukollu, Age: 14

  Today, on the tenth anniversary of Bhakthi Manjari, I sit here and reminisce of the past two wonderful years Ive experienced with this dedicated group. Ten years ago, I was four years old, the sibling of one of the first students. However, I never received an opportunity to join Bhakthi Manjari. At the age of five, my sister and I went to the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School in India to study for two years. There, I was taught Beginner Vedas, considering I was only in the hostel for 1st and 2nd grade. In 1996, I came back to the States.

  I learned slokas at Bal Vikas classes that I attended under the Sathya Sai Education Wing. As these classes are held in Holmdel, NJ and I joined the Girl Scouts of America, which also met on Fridays, I had to give up commuting that far. I didnt know what to expect when I joined Bhakthi Manjari. I did not know any of the other children and thought I would feel somewhat lonely. But everyone was very accommodating and I soon made many friends in fact all of Bhakthi Manjari is an extended family to me.

  I was born in the United States. Other than the customs followed at home, reading from books and listening to temple discourses and chantings, I did not have exposure to our culture. Of course, we, the first American born generation of Indian origin, spend more time per week away from our culture at school and in our neighborhoods. The weekends are the sole recourse to become exposed to our culture and learn as much as possible about our heritage. Every Indian parent wishes that the weekends were longer than the week because there is so much to teach their children here from Indian music and dance to language classes and Veda learning. Bhakthi Manjari has filled that gap successfully for me. I have heard stories from the Puranas and the great Vedas at home but learning together with other children and my peers has made it more enjoyable.

  Why do I need to take all this trouble? Is this knowledge going to make me a success in this world? Absolutely! We often think of or measure success only in the materialistic world. Success to me is far bigger in scope. My heritage and the culture of my forefathers is my first pride. To know their language is to come closer to them. To be able to read the language of my ancestors will help even more to read books by great writers and philosophers of India in their original script. To practice the culture, traditions and festivals of my family will tell me where I came from. Lastly, dressing in the attire of my culture will make me belong. Often, the last one is easily done by many. Though it makes one mingle within our community, the rest of my culture will make me whole. Bhakthi Manjari is helping me in that direction.

  My parents have met many people who are from the West Indies. They approach them with pride and tell my parents that their forefathers came from India. Upon inquiry from my parents as to where from in India, they sadly say that they do not know. The workers who were taken often forcibly to other lands did not have a choice to bring their culture completely to their children. We do, and I consider myself fortunate to have had this choice. Bhakthi Manjari is an organization that helps us learn our culture as we grow and Im honored to be its student.

• Vignesh Chandramouli, Age: 14

  For the past few years, the Friday sloka class has been my Friday getaway. All through these years, I have learnt valuable lessons about life through the stories, many important slokas, and also some background information about my culture. At the Bhakthi Manjari Friday classes, we not only learn, but also have a great time. Its basically like a meeting place where one would be able to see some of his friends at least once a week. Moreover, the class not only presents a great learning environment, but it also presents the chance for everyone to perform in plays, and other group singing activities at temples. The class is so lively and vivid, that when a person walks into the room, the presence of energy, and curiosity of the vivid kids can be felt.

  Personally, I find the class the best place to meet some of busy friends, and at the same time, be able to practice some of the important slokas at least once a week. In addition, I also enjoy the funny discussions and debates that randomly arise between the kids and the adults due a stereotypical conflict. Overall, the class is probably the best place to relax the mind after a hard week of school, simply because you can listen to interesting stories, disguised as elongated jokes. All in all, the place to be on Fridays, is at sloka class.

• Krupa Guruvayurappan, Age: 16 (10 Years of Bhakthi Manjari)

  I started attending sloka class when I was 7 years old. It was a small group that consisted of not more than 10 people. We started the class by learning daily slokas and small bhajans. She also concluded each class with an interesting story. It was a great start for me and I was very happy that I joined the class. I was even happier when I saw more people coming to join this class. As I complete my 10th year in Bhakthi Manjari, I think about all the things we have learnt, from slokas to Hanuman Chalisa. Bhuvana Aunty has been a great teacher. She is such a busy person with other schedules yet teaches us on Friday nights. I enjoy participating in various pujas and parties. It proves that this can be religious and serious as well as fun and entertaining too. Im proud to be part of our 10th year celebrations for Bhakthi Manjari! Im sure even when I go off to college that I will still be a part of Bhakthi Manjari. This is something I will remember forever. This is something we all should pass along and spread our religion.

• Surya Shivkumar, (ex student Age: 16)

  After attending the Bakthi Manjari Sloka Class for several years, I am able to proudly say that it has extensively helped me understand more about my culture and religion. The class has taught me many Slokas as well as Bhajans that have made me realize and appreciate the various aspects of Hindu Traditions. Also, Bhuvana Aunty has put together many plays and other performances, which have helped me to confidently go on stage. Most importantly, the class is always fun and interesting to attend, with other children of different age groups; so, not only do you learn about your heritage, but you are also able to make wonderful friends. Therefore, I feel that I am extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to be a part of Bakthi Manjari and enhance my knowledge of the Hindu Religion.

• Niveda Ponmudi

  Bhakthi Manjari has taught me the meaning of Bhakthi. After coming to Bhakthi Manjari classes I have learned a bout God, different prayers, slogams with meanings and many stories teaching good values. Im also learning about our culture and why we celebrate different festivals. I have learnt to believe, trust and have faith in God. Now whenever I m scared (of tests etc.) or find something hard to do I sit in front of God and chant the prayers. I have learnt and I get the strength to do my work without fear. This is what I think as the main influence of Bhakthi Manjari on me.

• Sruthi Narayanan

  The Bhakthi Manjari influences me well on many ways. My sister and I have gone for over a year, and I think Weve learned more about my culture than I knew before, from the great teaching of Bhuvana Aunty. Ive learned more Slokams and a lot about all our Gods . Ive also learned a lot about being humble, praying to God, how to respect elders,etc., from all her stories.

  I enjoy the festivals we have during Deepavali, Ganesha Chaturthi and Navarathri. All our celebrations make me feel more Indian and understand more about my culture. Whenever I pray at home and at the Temple by chanting Prayers, it gives me more strength. I enjoy Bhakthi Manjari classes and dont ever want to stop these lessons.

• Nihitha Kishore

  I like slokam class because Bhuvana auntys lectures are very interesting and her stories are very nice to hear. I like auntys devotion to God because she does so much for him and Ive learned so much about God from her. I started when I was 5 years old and Ive learned more than slokas from her. So I would like to thank her once again for teaching us slokas and good things. I wish good luck to Bhakthi Manjari. May God bles everyone.

Parents perspective on Bhakthi Manjari

• Radhika Chandramouli (Swami & Mathangis mom)

  "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." - John F.Kennedy

  I cannot talk about Bhakthi Manjari without saying a few words about Bhuvana. Bhuvanas contributions to this young community are enormous. She teaches the kids by being an example and provides her invaluable services to the community. She sacrifices her time, energy for the sake of these children. She takes so much interest in imparting knowledge to them and even goes the extra mile by researching and providing all kinds of tidbits. She has a story for every possible Religious holiday and also for imparting the moral values to the kids. What more can we ask? Our children are indeed fortunate to have Bhuvana Auntie as their Slokam Teacher.

  Bhakthi Manjari is a big family where Bhuvana Auntie is the matriarch. (Bhuvana, no hint at age or anything please). All the kids love to hear the stories and learn bhajans - oh, yeah and learn slokams!!. They have fun activities for Vinayaka Chathurthi, Krishna Jayanthi , Vijaya Dasami and the best of all DEEPAWALI. We dont miss out on Mothers and Fathers Day either. Of course not- especially since we are taught that Annaiyum Pithavum Munnari Deivam. While the children have fun, so do Moms and on occasions, Dads. The Mothers are as eager to learn Suprabhatam, Bhajans and argue about Kshetrams as the teenagers are eager to argue about the socio-economic injustice done to Indian women. While the teens and pre-teens giggle and shy away from reciting Slokas aloud( much to the consternation of the teacher and mothers), nothing fazes the Juniors and Intermediates who take their jobs very seriously.

  Ultimately, it is a great community, where we can get together in such numbers with one thing in mind SATSANGH. I thank BhatkhiManjari and Bhuvana Iyer for providing my children and I this great opportunity

• BM Krishnamurthy (Jayant & Bharats mom)

  This is Kali Yuga , the fourth era of the existence of this universe , as per Hindu epics and legends . This Yuga , as per Hindu scriptures , is full of so called attractions to distract the mind from Good and GOD . Especially children , at their immature age, are a prey to these diversions. That is more so in countries away from India where the day-to-day living and experience in the environment of Hindu culture is missing in most of the households , mired in alien culture and oblivious of their roots . People originated from Hindu Dharma , should be proud of their religion , Sanatana Dharma , which is the mother of all religions and which is the righteous way of life . Instead , they are apologetic and ignorant of their roots .

  In such a situation , movements like Bhakthi Manjari and teachers like Smt Bhuvana Iyer , come as a breeze of fresh air in a stuffy room and a silver lining in the cloud. The completion of a decade in the growth of the Bhakthi Manjari movement and the phenomenal growth of young and adult participants in this movement in the past few years are testimony to the devotion , dedication and hard work of the noble teacher Bhuvana. Believe me , teaching the values of life through slokas and stories from epics is not as easy as teaching a material subject like Science , Maths or English. It can be experienced only by the parents of kids who get the nourishment from Bhuvana Iyer.

  Students of Bhakthi Manjari have all the opportunity to receive basic education in their own religion during their formative years . As a result , they may not feel empty in their adult lives and are sure to develop a deep conviction of their own being in this wonderful universe created by God . To this effect , teachers like Bhuvana Iyer are messengers of God to guide us to the right and righteous path.

• Latha Raja (Nishas mom)

  At the outset, Id like to thank Bhuvana for starting the sloka classes and for keeping up with them and for spending so much time and effort on our children. She has been very successful in inculcating our culture, tradition and values to our kids, who grow up so far from our motherland, they dont have much of an exposure to everyday life in India. But, thanks to Bhuvana (auntie), they come to know, understand and celebrate each and every festival, major and minor. I am pretty sure your students know much more slokas than the average child living in India.

  Personally, it has been a very rewarding experience. At the beginning I used to think that I only needed to take my daughter to the classes once a week. But, I soon learnt that because of Bhuvanas interest and enterprise, its a much bigger thing. She involves the whole family in the activities and I think that helps generate an even greater interest among the kids. My daughter loves and really enjoys dressing up for these functions, whereas earlier, she would find some excuse or other to not wear Indian clothes at all. And my younger daughter, now 2 yeas old, cannot wait for the day she can join the classes herself.

  Kudos to you, Bhuvana, for your successful efforts at passing on your tremendous knowledge to our children.

• Bala (shantanu & Vedikas mom)

  I enjoy taking my kids for Bhuvanas class for several reasons. First and foremost it fills the void created from being away from India. I have taken my kids to similar classes and each of them have contributed in their own unique ways to educate the children with their respective styles of teaching.

  However, I chose Bhuvanas class for the following reasons:

  Bhuvana is most definitely one of the best story tellers the kids have had the opportunity to listen to. Besides being extremely knowledgeable about the Tamilian Hindu culture she is open to expanding her knowledge base from non tamil speaking parents. The message that she conveys to the children with this open attitude is priceless. Besides learning about their culture, hopefully the lessons that my children will take away from these classes is that everyone has their own way of doing things and we should be respectful of different religions and even different customs within the same religion.

  Bhuvanas voice is extremely pleasing to listen to, so much so that the kids enjoy learning bhajans and shlokams only from her. Playing the recorded version of her (bhajan and shloka) class in the mornings is pleasant to the ear and a reinforcement for the kids.

  Last but definitely not the least , Bhuvanas style of talking, the phrases she uses, brings back fond memories of my dad.I dont know if it has got anything to do with the fact that they share the same hometown Vadeeveeswaram, Nagercoil, but whatever it is, her class brings back fond childhood memories and an evening that I look forward to attending.

• Thara Balachandar (Santosh & Sandhyas mom)

  When my son Santosh was six years old, I, fortunately, happened to see Buvana. Thats how Santosh became enrolled into Bakthi Manjari. Today I have a lot of friends, acquaintances, etc, because of Sathsung-association or group of good people. Bakthi Manjari is a beautiful and appropriate name for this group, and Bakthi Manjari has a great teacher. Even in India, you cannot find a person who will be willing to teach the Indian culture, religion, humanity, and prayers. Yes, this is what Bakthi Manjari is about. Her teaching and her own curriculum has been enhanced since I enrolled Santosh.

  Her method of teaching is very good. One of her focuses is to make the kids pronounce Sanskrit and read the slokams. Another one of her focuses is to educate the kids through stories, legends, and epics. This proves to be a useful approach to teaching the kids. Lastly, she enforces upon mental discipline, humanity, and charity. She repeats her principals over and over again. This method also helps the kids learn and her principals will stay embedded in their minds.

  In conclusion, I sincerely pray to the almighty to give Buvana health and opportunity to continue her Vidya Danam, and I thank the god because I am a part of this group.

• Radhika (Ramyas mom)

  "Who is your best friend?", I once casually asked my daughter. "Like my real real best friend?", She enquired back, in her typical tone. "Yes", I said, "your real real best friend, who is it?". After thinking pensively for a moment She replied, "My real best friend is God". I was taken aback a bit by what my daughter taught me. As a parent I can see the amazing amount of maturity that Bhakti Manjari brings to children. Being in a country far away from their origin, the kids get to meet others of their own age, in an environment that very closely resembles the satsang conducted by the past great masters. Singing bhajans and listening to short stories from their guru Smt.Bhuvana Ayyar goes a great way in making them think about truth. It instills in them a great sense of their culture, and heritage, and is something that I consider an indispensable activity in their lives.

  Bhuvana I really Thank You for all the help and wish you all the Best.