The joint family system (which has now become a thing of the past) provided the children with opportunity to get acquainted with our rich treasures of Namas, Stotras and Keerthanas through the elders, especially grandmothers. It is sad reality that now-a-days there is none available at home from whom the children can imbibe the age old culture and rich values of life. 
Keeping this aspect in mind, I decided to start classes at home for children to teach them traditional Stotras, Namas etc, under the guidance of Late Smt. N.K.Warrier (fondly known as Ammayi). During the initial stages, there were only 3-4 students but soon the number of students up. We named the group "Pushpanjali". Pushpanjali has performed in and around Delhi on many occasions. It may be the only group of children reciting Vishnu Sahasranama, Hanuman Chalisa, Bhagavad Gita etc. in Delhi. 
In June 2005, the venue of the class was shifted to Uttara Guruvayoorappan Temple. Since then number of students have increased considerably. Now, Pushpanjali consists of about 40 children between the age group 4 and 18 years. In addition to daily prayers my classes include the following Narayaneeyam, Bhagavat Gita, Vishnu Sahasranama, Hanuman Chalisa and compositions of Adi Shankara. To make the classes more interesting we have story-telling and quiz too. Well to say, I consider this as a service to the children.
I have compiled a book in English called "Stotra Manjari". It comprises of Namas and Slokas in English so that it reaches out to maximum number of people who are willing to learn and language not being a barrier. There has been an effort to include popular and important Slokas as well as some chapters of Srimad Narayaneeyam. The response to the book was good and therefore it has inspired me to start preparing the second volume.
Am happy to note that some students have indeed started namajapa (Sandhyanamam) in their daily lives. I consider myself lucky to have been chosen by GOD to impart whatever I know to the kids.
You can reach me at 09958076233 or by e-mail at warrierraji@gmail.com.
Wow Mom, you are a internet star now!!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, keep up the good work..