Evaluating Your Child's Knowledge of Hindu Culture and Practices

1. Festivals & Traditions:

How often does your child participate in festivals or rituals at home?

• Rarely - 0 points
• Occasionally - 3 points
• Often - 7 points
• Always - 10 points

2. Scriptures & Legends:

Is your child familiar with any Hindu Scriptures or legends such as the Ramayana or Mahabharata?

• Not at all - 0 points
• Heard of them - 3 points
• Knows some stories - 7 points
• Very familiar - 10 points

3. Deities & Worship:

Can your child identify and name major deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Durga?

• No, not at all - 0 points
• A few names - 3 points
• Most of them - 7 points
• All major deities - 10 points

4. Language & Communication:

How comfortable is your child with Sanskrit or any regional language used in prayers or chants?

• Not at all - 0 points
• Basic words - 3 points
• Can follow along - 7 points
• Very comfortable - 10 points

5. Values & Ethics:

Does your child understand the basic values and principles like dharma (duty) and karma (action) in Hindu philosophy?

• No understanding - 0 points
• Basic idea - 3 points
• Somewhat understood - 7 points
• Fully understands - 10 points

6. Daily Practices:

Does your child engage in any daily spiritual practices, such as prayer, meditation, or yoga?

• Never - 0 points
• Sometimes - 3 points
• Regularly - 7 points
• Daily - 10 points

7. Cultural Arts:

Is your child exposed to traditional music, dance, bhajan, or art forms like Bharatanatyam or classical music?

• Not exposed - 0 points
• Occasionally - 3 points
• Some exposure - 7 points
• Regularly exposed - 10 points

8. Community Participation:

Does your child participate in community events or visit temples regularly?

• Rarely - 0 points
• Occasionally - 3 points
• Often - 7 points
• Regularly - 10 points

9. Understanding of Rituals:

Does your child understand the meaning behind common rituals and ceremonies they participate in?

• Not at all - 0 points
• A little - 3 points
• Some understanding - 7 points
• Fully understands - 10 points

10. Interest in Learning:

How interested is your child in learning more about Hindu culture and religion?

• Not interested - 0 points
• Slight interest - 3 points
• Interested - 7 points
• Very interested - 10 points

Scoring & Interpretation

• 0-15: Low Familiarity
  Your child may not be very familiar with Hindu culture and religion. Consider introducing more cultural activities and learning opportunities to spark their interest.

• 16-35: Basic Familiarity
  Your child has some knowledge but could benefit from deeper exploration. Encourage them to learn more through books, stories, and community events.

• 36-60: Moderate Familiarity
  Your child has a good understanding of Hindu culture and religion. You can build on this by discussing more complex topics and involving them in cultural practices.

• 61-100: High Familiarity
  Your child is very familiar with Hindu culture and religion. Continue to nurture this interest with advanced learning opportunities and participation in community activities.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi