“They will also be made aware of their true human identity,” said Das.

Lamenting that emphasis is given only on dance, music and sport as extracurricular activities, Das said spiritual training could also be regarded as one that will help in the all-round development of children.

The universal principles of truth, kindness, human feeling, love for culture and nature, patriotism, self-confidence, self-management and social commitment will also be woven into the teachings in order to help children apply them into their day-to-day activities and thought.

The idea to start a prayer hall entirely for children struck Das when she realised that a proper ambience needed to be created in order to teach young minds about abstract principles. “Such an atmosphere is nowadays missing in both cradles of learning — the home and the school,” added Das, who now wants to dedicate the rest of her life to this noble venture.

The offshoots of the spiritual classes at Akanir Naamghar will also include project activities on universal themes like love and peace.