Dear Teacher

I am happy to inform you that Educational  Services can now provide Hindu presentations to schools, colleges and universities within the Southwest area Of England. We offer tailor-made presentations to suit every requirement - from Key Stage 1 up to GCSE, to BA course in Theology and Philosophy. Here you will find an outline of presentations - for classrooms, assemblies, multicultural days or even as part of a conference. This outline is merely a suggestion and adapted as required.

Educational Services also provides teachers training, striving to make the teaching of Hinduism as rewarding as possible. This often involves addressing the challenges which teachers face, particularly their concern to accurately present a non-Christian tradition. We are pleased to say this service has been well received by both teachers and pupil alike.

When booking a presentation please provide directions to your establishment, advising us on parking and reception arrangements. In order to prepare, we also require the hall or classroom to be free half an hour before the presentation.

Although we try to accommodate last minute requests, please do book well in advance to avoid possible disappointment. A residential telephone number can make communication much easier.

For more information or any questions regarding Hinduism and related topics, please feel free to contact us on 07881945880 or dhirasanta@aol.com

1. General Presentation (1 hour)

2. Hindu Gods (1:30 hour)

• Dressing-up as Hindu Gods and Goddesses
• Traditional Dances; Siva's dance of destruction, Sita Rama diwali dance, Krishna Rasa dance and stick dance
• Offering Respect, Worship of Flowers and Prayer
• Sampling of Traditional Temple Sweets Prasad

3. Hindu mock Wedding (1:30 hours)

4. Discussion and Stories (1 hour)

Daily routine, God and gods, Holy scripture, Reincarnation, Karma, yoga and meditation, worship and prayer, symbols, marriage, food etc.

• Sampling of Traditional Temple Sweets prasad          

What Teachers Are Saying

"Without oversimplification, these presentations have been informative, engaging and vibrant. they have appealed to all the senses and have stimulated much work and discussion back in the classroom." Susan Bell: R.E. Co-ordinator, St Columb Northern Primary, Columb, Cornwall

"Dhirashanta has given lessons to year 10 GCSE and 11 PSMD groups. All groups have enjoyed these talks and the knowledge gained has been particularly important for GCSE coursework. His knowledge of Hinduism is considerable and presents his material in an interesting and practical way." C.H. Anderson: R.E.Department, King Edward VI Community College, Totnes, Devon

"These school visits should be seen as a crucial aspect of any self-respecting Religious Education Department's programme. As a person Dhirashanta is warm and genuine. As a speaker he is skilful, honest, polite and challenging." Head of R.E., Plymouth High School for Girls, Devon

"Dhirashanta is a wonderful inspirations for the students studying Hinduism. His presentation is colourful and stimulating. He involves students in an exploration of Hinduism which enhances their spiritual awareness and encourages their sense of enquiry."  Head of R.E., Kingsmead Community School, Wiveliscombe, Somerset

"In addition to being thoroughly enjoyable, the session had "put flesh" on the material already studied and deepened the students` understanding of Hinduism." Dr. Paul Grosch: Department of Theology and Philosophy, The Collage of St Mark and John, Plymouth, Devon

Assembly Presentations

• Devotional Music
• Story
• Thought for the day/Current Affairs
• Previous classroom workshop

Secondary School Presentations

2. Discussion and workshop on the following;

• Moral Issues; euthanasia, abortion,     capital punishment, animal rights etc
• Daily Routine; symbols, worship, rituals, brahman, priests, holy men etc
• Social Customs; food, music, art, costumes, dance, marriage, festivals etc
• Religious Beliefs; atma, reincarnation, karma, Gods and Goddesses, liberation etc
• Sampling of Traditional Temple Sweets prasad

These students and their teacher are dressed in costumes of different Hindu gods. Using dressing up and roleplay is a dynamic and enjoyable method for presenting Hinduism in the classroom.