Bhavan Manchester: My Lifelong Learning

Dr. A.R. Sharma BDS

Growing up, my Saturdays were dedicated to attending Bhavan, a Hindu Saturday school in Manchester where I learned Hindi and Bollywood dance from ages 6 to 16. Looking back, those formative years were transformative in shaping who I am today.

At Bhavan, I wasn’t just a student but part of a vibrant community celebrating culture and creativity. Learning Hindi connected me to my heritage, enabling me to communicate with family and appreciate literature, music, and traditions that might have otherwise felt distant.

Bollywood dance, on the other hand, gave me the freedom to express myself in ways school or academics never could. It was a space where targets were about expression, and confidence—not grades or exams.

This non-academic pursuit offered a vital balance in my childhood. While school life emphasized academic achievements, Bhavan provided a creative outlet to explore and grow outside those constraints. It taught me discipline, perseverance, and teamwork in a joyful, relaxed setting—skills that continue to serve me in my career and beyond.

For children, having spaces like Bhavan is crucial. It’s healthy to pursue goals that aren’t tied to career aspirations but to personal growth and joy. It builds self-esteem, fosters a sense of identity, and provides a much-needed break from the pressures of achievement-driven environments.

Bhavan taught me the importance of balance—between hard work and play, structure and creativity. Those lessons remain invaluable, reminding me that nurturing the soul is as vital as nurturing the mind, especially for young people navigating their way in a fast-paced world.