Face-to-Face With Shishu Bharati’s Seshi Sompuram on the 47-Year-Old Organization’s Mission and Langauge and Cultural Curriculam

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LEXINGTON, MA- Forty-seven years ago, a group of passionate Gujarati friends, driven by their love for their language and immense pride in India’s rich heritage, planted the seed for Shishu Bharati in the humble setting of a basement with just five students.

Today, that modest beginning has blossomed into an institution serving around 850 students across three locations—Lexington, MA, Nashua, NH, and Walpole, MA—with the support of nearly 300 dedicated volunteers, including 200 adults and 100 students, and with thousands contributing over the years. Now, even third-generation students are enrolling.

In an exclusive video interview with INDIA New England News, Shishu Bharati volunteer and former president Seshi Sompuram talks about the Shishu Bharati journey, its mission and its educational and cultural curriculum.

To watch the full interview, please click here, or on the image below.

Guided by its vision and motto—”Perceive, Preserve, and Promote”—Shishu Bharati is committed to teaching and preserving Indian languages and promoting the timeless, rich heritage of India. The institution has earned a cherished place in the hearts of the community and is recognized as a household name.

Shishu Bharati operates as a Sunday school, running from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. The day begins with a 10-15 minute assembly where students sing both the Indian and American national anthems, participate in patriotic songs, and watch a short video celebrating India’s uniqueness. Students start their journey at the kindergarten level and formally graduate in 8th grade. They choose to learn one of the offered Indian languages—Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Sanskrit—while also participating in cultural classes that explore diverse topics such as Indian history, geography, customs, current events, arts, and philosophy. The school also offers yoga classes for both students and parents.

Beyond classroom lessons, students engage in diorama and poster presentations, hands-on projects, and other creative expressions of their learning. Each location celebrates key Indian festivals like Holi and Diwali, and every two years, the entire Shishu Bharati community gathers at Lexington Field House to celebrate these traditions on a grand scale, bringing together over 2,000 people in a spirited display of unity and pride.

In 2023, Shishu Bharati established the Shishu Bharati Alumni Association, creating a space and platform to strengthen bonds, foster communication, and maintain a connection between alumni and the institution.

In another significant achievement, Shishu Bharati’s language curriculum is now recognized by several universities and colleges, allowing students to receive waivers for language requirements.

The unwavering dedication and passion of Shishu Bharati’s volunteers, some of whom have been serving for over 40 years, are the heart and soul of the school. Their efforts continue to ensure that the precious languages and rich culture of India will be passed down through generations, enriching the New England Indian community and beyond.

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