Hindu group turns prayer into school aid for Kenyan children

Attendees enjoy traditional Hindu music and dance during a spiritual event in Lower Kabete, where donations helped fund educational supplies for children across the country. [Bernard Orwongo, Standard]

A Hindu charity group in Nairobi is helping educate more than 20,000 Kenyan children using funds raised from religious music events featuring Indian artists.

The Giant's Group of Nairobi Twiga and Sri Vanik Vaishnav Mahajan, a community organisation representing Hindu merchant families, held the event at the SSD Temple in Lower Kabete on Saturday, June 7.

Attendees of all ages gathered on the temple's beautifully decorated floor to participate in traditional Indian dances and listen to religious songs.

The crowd included men, women and children who also enjoyed Hindu food delicacies during the event.

The live band, which travelled from India, featured singer Deepali Shastri from Ahmedabad, playback singer Vishwanath Batunge, known for his appearances on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, and singer Bhumikaa Malik from Delhi.

Their performances provided the religious music that organisers said is meant to invite blessings.

Chairperson Chetna Mukesh Desai said the group supports children across Kenya with educational supplies, including stationery, uniforms and blankets.

"We support more than 20,000 children. We also have a scholarship programme for underprivileged but bright children. Education is the key to a better future," she noted.

Desai described the event as both spiritual and charitable, adding, "This is a spiritual event, a religious event and at the same time we are doing charity work."

She added that the group welcomes people from all backgrounds to join the celebrations and learn the dances, "not just for Hindus, it is for the entire globe."

Funds raised at the event will support ongoing projects aiming to reduce poverty and violence through education.