Shishukunj’s history and how it all started:
“Shishukunj” translates as “children’s garden”.
Shishukunj originally dates back to the early 1940’s having its roots in Karachi which is now part of Pakistan. Late Shree Harjeevanbhai Somaiya, a teacher in the National High School of Karachi used to gather groups of children informally to tell them stories of great Indian leaders and play various traditional games. These activities were brought to Gujarat after the second world war, and later the concept spread to East Africa during the early 1950’s when the Gujarati community began to settle there. Very soon various Kendras (centres) were set up. Shishukunj activities originally included Gujarati storytelling, and learning about the great Indian Leaders. However, the activities soon expanded to include traditional Indian sports, drama, sessions on self discipline, Yoga, instruction on Dharma and ethics.
Those who came to Shishukunj had the opportunity to listen to and marvel in exciting stories which were told in such a way that they would engage young minds and develop their creativity. The children also learnt about their country of origin, Hindu leaders and culture. They acquired basic life skills which assisted them in developing into young, confident adults.
The Leicester Shishukunj Kendra has been running for over three decades at Shree Sanatan Mandir. It started when Rameshbai V. Acharya came to the UK in the early 1970’s and brought the concept of Shishukunj with him. He had always been passionate about its ethics and cultural values and had already set up a Shishukunj Kendra in Tanga (Tanzania) in 1968. When he moved to the UK, he came with a firm conviction to ensure that these ideals would be sustained in the West. It was in 1972 that he arrived in the UK, where he decided to settle in Leicester with his family and it was here that he felt he could continue his vision. He began to inspire many other people and as the majority of Gujarati families from East Africa had only recently arrived in the UK, they also felt that it was vital to maintain their cultural heritage. Very soon a group of leaders “Karyakarta” developed and the community welcomed the idea of Shishukunj, which would run as a Sunday
school for children. At this time, Late Shree Devchandbhai Shah and Vallabhbhai Patel also came to the UK with the hope of sowing the seed of Shishukunj and the initial planning meeting was held at Shree Sanatan Mandir with Rameshbhai and various other people. It didn’t take Rameshbhai long to establish Shishukunj at Shree Sanatan Mandir
Leicester, one of the first Hindu temples in the UK. As time went on, Shishukunj at Shree Sanatan Mandir grew from strength to strength.
The number of children attending began to multiply and the activities became more varied. These incorporated Bhajans, Kirtans (chanting and reciting prayers), Gita Classes and an exercise session called “Ram Raja”. It was Shantabahen Chavda who first established the Gita Classes in Leicester. Initially a small group of children used to regularly meet at her house in Belgrave and learn how to recite verses from the Gita. She was approached by Rameshbhai and various other people who requested her to come and share her knowledge and passion for the Gita. Hence, she conducted the classes at the Mandir where more children could benefit from her teaching. Very soon, the Gita Class became part of Shishukunj at Shree Sanatan Mandir Leicester.
Even today, if we think of Shishukunj as a children’s garden, then we can see that the variety of activities are like the different things that you would expect to find in such a garden. There would be slides and swings where you could have fun, there would be puzzles and obstacle courses which would help to develop a child’s mind, books that would inspire, stories that would enthral, songs that would teach and leaders who would support and guide. In this garden every child is regarded as an important individual with great capacity to develop holistically and share their skills and interests.
Symbol Definition:
The Shishukunj symbol illustrates the development of a child. A child is like a blossoming bud. A bud blossoms into a flower. Here the flower is depicted as a lotus. The lotus flower is a sign of peace. It has seven petals. The seven colours of the spectrum are woven in all aspects of our planet earth. Each colour has an effect on the child’s nature and temperament. The pot is included to show that soil, nutrition, water and air are needed for buds to blossom properly.
Shishukunj provides these ingredients for the child’s development and helps the talents hidden within a child to emerge. The whole symbol has been established in a circle to show that the development takes place holistically, in all aspects of personal growth and progress. It also symbolises that knowledge is infinite and we never stop learning in life.
This symbol was prepared for the first Kendra of Shishukunj in Karachi
and has been used worldwide to represent Shishukunj.
Shishukunj’s Original Aims:
• To advance Indian cultures and religions amongst children and young people
• To advance the education of children and young people
• To instruct children and young people in the principles of discipline, loyalty and good citizenship
• To try to relieve poverty, distress and sickness amongst children
Shishukunj Meaning:
“SHISHU”
Meaning Children in Sanskrit.
HUMANITY
Serve Humanity and honour all forms of life.
INTEGRITY
Be honest and truthful. Know your identity.
“SANATAN DHARMA”
The name of our religion. It is eternal and based on universal principles.
HUMILITY
Be humble and open minded.
UNITY
Be united as a family, community and whole of humanity.
KINDNESS
Be thoughtful and kind.
UNDERSTANDING
Understand yourself before you try to understand others.
NON-DISCRIMINATORY
Do not discriminate or judge others.
JUSTICE
Stand up for what you believe in and be fair.