A community organisation has been engaged in constructive programmes for the younger members of the society, evincing their interest in Indian fine arts and languages.
Pooja Cultural Centre Trust has been promoting cultural awareness among the youth implementing a meaningful curriculum structured by Pandit Ram Kumar Sewak, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Scores of children of all ages have been learning Sanskrit, Hindi, Music, Drama, Literature and Art for the past nine years.
Established in 2004 under the Charitable Act of 1957, the Centre commenced its classes with 30 children at the premise of Prem Chand and Kamla Nair, Directors of Suites of Elegance and Aman Upholstery (at 6/164 Cavendish Drive, Manukau). The increasing demand for classes encouraged Pandit Sewak to shift to the Hall owned by the Auckland Ramayan Sanstha Trust (ARST) at 53 Skipton Street, Mangere.
“Classes are now conducted at the Hall on Sundays.
The Trust today accounts for 180 students, seven teachers and four assistant teachers teaching Hindi, Sanskrit, Harmonium and Tabla from Elementary level to Senior Level.
Registered under the Charitable Act of 1957, the Pooja Cultural Centre Trust has five Trustees, including Pandit Sewak, Swatna Lal, Monita Kumar, Pravin Deo and Sashin Lal. Its executive body comprises Hemant Kumar (President), Raghubans Singh (Vice-President), Monita Kumar (Secretary) and Susila Lal (Treasurer).
Among the others associated with the Centre are ten Executive Committee members and 26 members of the General Body who are above the age of 18.
“The Centre aims to provide courses in Hindi and Sanskrit prescribed by the Department of Human Resources of the Central Hindi Directorate of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India from early 2014. Music courses, called ‘Sangeet Parichay‘ (Bhag 1, 2 and 3), are taught in most Universities in India, will also be available at our Centre. Most of our students are at Parichay 1 Level,” Pandit Sewak said.
“The Centre’s objective is to preserve and preach culture, tradition and the language of Hinduism,” he added.
Officials will be available for enrolment during school terms on Sundays from 11 am to 1 pm at Arst Hall, 53 Skipton Street, Mangere.
Further information can be obtained from Ram Kumar Sewak on 0275-490163.
Email poojaculturalcentre@yahoo.co.nz.
