UK's 2nd Hindu school to open next September

Nevada (US), Nov 27 (ANI): United Kingdom's second Hindu state school will open next September in Evington (Leicester, East Midlands), according to reports.

To be named Krishna-Avanti Primary School (Leicester), this "Free School" (no fee charged to parents) will reportedly provide 420 places for children aged 4-11 years and there is said to be a growing waiting list already. Besides outstanding academic opportunities, new school aims to provide a spiritual and moral framework while reflecting Hindu values. It plans to follow the national curriculum but also wants to reflect on Hindu culture and heritage. Leicester is reportedly home to the largest Hindu community in Europe outside London.

London based educational charity "I-Foundation", which opened the voluntary aided Krishna-Avanti Primary School (KAPS) in Edgware (Middlesex) in 2008, is behind this new school and is also planning to open primary and secondary schools across North and East London with similar focus. Its aim is to help children realise their spiritual, moral and academic potential in an environment centred on loving service to Lord Krishna. I-Foundation is the promoter of Hindu state education in the UK with Nitesh Gor as its Board Chairman.

The already existing KAPS claims to be one of the most eco-friendly schools in the country, nurtures character and conduct consistent with Vaishnava virtues, provides opportunities to practice yoga and meditation, and is vegetarian. Mrs. N. Parmar is the Head Teacher.

Applauding efforts to launch the second Hindu school in UK, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed has urged the Hindu community worldwide to open more Hindu schools outside India.

In a statement in Nevada (USA) today, Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that with the economically strong Hindu community spread throughout the world, funding should not be a problem to open such schools. These would help Hindu children to strengthen their spiritual and moral roots and enlighten interested non-Hindus about the concepts and philosophy of the oldest and third largest religion of the world. With a stronger commitment of Hindu community, we would not even need state help, Zed argued.

Such schools would go a long way in nurturing Hindu virtues among our children and give them a spiritual identity. Moreover, these could help counter the misinformation about Hinduism prevalent in the West and promote Sanskrit, Rajan Zed added. (ANI)