Cheltenham Balagokulam Inspires Young Voices During UK Parliament Week

Cheltenham Balagokulam (toddlers group) of HSS (UK) recently hosted an inspiring UK Parliament Week event — a celebration of civic education, community spirit, and youth empowerment.

Quoting Winston Churchill’s famous words — “Democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time” — the session captured the very heart of democracy and encouraged even the youngest participants to think about their role in shaping society.

The event was honoured by the presence of the Right Honourable Alex Chalk MP, who spent time engaging with the children, listening to their ideas, and explaining his role in Parliament. His visit was a true highlight, offering inspiration and encouragement to the young attendees.

Through interactive discussions, the children learned how Parliament functions, what MPs do, and how individuals can make a difference through petitions and campaigns. The group also presented a creative “Save Water” campaign video — produced by the balaks (boys) and balikas (girls) of the Shakha — which encouraged everyone to think more deeply about environmental responsibility.

The excitement continued with a lively debate session. Children aged 11–17 shared thoughtful arguments on reducing household plastic waste and whether schools should limit attendance to control infection spread. The debate ended with a democratic vote and a Q&A with Mr. Chalk, whose thoughtful answers and kind encouragement made a lasting impact.

A heartfelt vote of thanks was delivered by Kshama Nagaraj and Poonam Manocha, who praised the dedication of the organisers and the passion of the young participants.

Mr. Chalk expressed his admiration for the children’s confidence and clarity, saying he was “genuinely blown away” by their insight. He also praised the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the Sanskrit phrase meaning “the whole world is one family” — noting how beautifully it was reflected throughout the event’s inclusive and positive spirit.

Eleven-year-old participant Tanish Dhir shared his reflections:

“I thought the debate was very interesting because there were lots of different ideas. It made me think about how I could reduce plastic, save water, and even whether schools should limit attendance. I learned a lot, and I’m sure everyone else did too.”

The Cheltenham Balagokulam UK Parliament Week event was more than a celebration of democracy — it was a powerful example of Dharma in Action. Through activities like this, British Hindu youth continue to learn, question, and grow as confident citizens ready to help shape a better and more caring world.