Balagokulam Magazine, more than 2000 subscribers, becomes International
The first-ever children’s magazine for Hindu children enters its third year of publication
Sunnyvale, CA, September 15th, 2005 – Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), a non-profit cultural organization working in the Hindu community in North America, announced that the Balagokulam Magazine has grown to over 2000 subscribers. The Balagokulam Magazine is the first of its kind, focusing on second generation Hindu American children of ages between 5 and 12. The magazine has subscribers from 40 out of 50 states in the USA. The Balagokulam Magazine will now be available in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
“When we initially conceived the Balagokulam Magazine, we did not expect such a rapid growth,” said Jyoti Yelagalwadi, Chief Editor of the magazine. “It is very heartening to see the enthusiasm in children and parents to subscribe and support a unique magazine that is specifically designed for Hindu children in America,” continued Jyoti didi. A few key factors contributing to the magazine’s growth include its novel way of reaching out to children through various events such as Hindu Heritage Camps, the day-long camps dedicated to teach children Hindu culture through a variety of stories, arts and crafts and games; and Balagokulam competitions, which are held semi-annually.
Sunita Arora, a parent whose two sons Akul and Arav are regular readers added, “My two sons really adore the magazine. They want to completely read it, especially the stories and other articles, the same day we receive the magazine in the mail. They also look forward to participate in the competitions conducted by the Balagokulam and ask me everyday about the results. It helps all of us to stay in touch with our Indian culture and traditions.”
The Balagokulam Magazine has set an impressive array of “firsts” that include:
- The first children’s magazine for second generation Hindu American children with a focus on unleashing creativity in children
- The first Hindu children’s magazine that is available globally
- The first children’s magazine that is run entirely by a dedicated team of over 20 volunteers who are mostly women, spread across of the United States.
- The first Hindu children’s magazine that carries about 60% content contributed by children
About Balagokulam Magazine
The Balagokulam Magazine is a unique magazine for second generation Hindu American Children. The magazine is published quarterly. The Balagokulam Magazine aims to become a critical aid in teaching Hindu culture to children through stories, activities, crossword puzzles, columns on Vedic mathematics and competitions. The magazine is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS). More information on the magazine and a sample copy of the magazine are available through the Balagokulam web site, http://www.balagokulam.org.
About Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS)
HSS is a non-profit, cultural organization dedicated to Hindu society in the USA. HSS runs “Balagokulams” or Children Centers throughout the USA to impart Hindu cultural values to children. HSS also runs programs for youth, adults and parents that focus on complete personality development (physical and intellectual), teamwork and inculcation of friendship towards fellow human beings. HSS has over 90 chapters all over the USA. For more information on HSS, visit the web site, http://www.hssus.org/. To learn more about Balagokulams run by HSS, please visit the web site, http://www.balagokulam.org/.
Media Contacts
Khanderao Kand, HSS National Public Relations Coordinator, sampark@hssworld.org, 408-737-7930
Srinivas Penumaka, Balagokulam Public Relations Coordinator, Srinivas_penumaka@yahoo.com, 408-296-5424