An enlightening one-day shibir for mahilas was organised on Tuesday 21 April 2015 in Paris, France.
Themed ‘Bhagwan Bhaji Leva’, the shibir provided more than 120 participants with an opportunity to develop their understanding of spiritual devotion through an informative programme of powerful speeches, insightful dramas and group discussions.
The day was organised into three distinct sessions, each incorporating interactive exercises to help the participants learn about the fundamental concepts of devotion. Creative video presentations were also used to explore these concepts in greater detail and provide a deeper understanding of the subject.
One of the highlights of the event was a vibrant cultural programme held in the presence of Harikrishna Maharaj. The programme provided the mahilas with a practical and creative medium through which they could express their devotion.
The evening also included devout celebrations marking the birth of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Shri Ramachandraji. Video blessings from Pramukh Swami Maharaj brought the enlightening day to a fitting conclusion.
As part of the auspicious silver jubilee celebrations of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in Australia and New Zealand, a five-day Sanskrit Conference was organised by the BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute in Adelaide, Australia.
Titled ‘Sanskrit Conference: Apni Ekta’, the conference was inspired by the 100th shloka of the Satsang Diksha, authored by Mahant Swami Maharaj. The conference focused on the theme of one Ishtadev, one guru and one siddhant, while exploring the relevance of Sanskrit and traditional knowledge in contemporary life.
The conference brought together 292 select students, 64 teachers and 10 Swamis from across the Pacific region. Delegates participating in the Satsang Siddhant Adhyayan, Satsang Diksha Visharad and Siddhant Sarvasvam courses took part in the five-day programme.
Through panel discussions, podcasts and interactive workshops, the conference connected traditional academic study with practical applications of Sanskrit. Learned local and senior sadhus guided participants through the teachings of verse 100 of the Satsang Diksha and encouraged them to deepen their understanding of Sanskrit and its place in daily life.
A significant highlight was the participation of 14 young scholars who presented their final examinations in Sanskrit. Their presentations demonstrated the depth of their study of Hindu scriptures and Sanskrit language and reflected the emergence of a new generation of scholars committed to preserving and applying this traditional knowledge.
A special session explored the practical use of Sanskrit for communication, thinking and learning. Participants were encouraged to integrate Sanskrit into their daily conversations at home, lead prayers and scriptural readings during assemblies, and assist in teaching Sanskrit to younger children.
The conference therefore extended beyond academic learning. It encouraged students to make Sanskrit a living part of their personal and community life, ensuring that the knowledge gained would continue to benefit future generations.
Senior Swamis also provided guidance through Zoom sessions, encouraging the young participants to maintain a healthy balance between their academic studies and Sanskrit learning while sharing practical advice on effective study.
Mahant Swami Maharaj also sent special video blessings for the young scholars, inspiring them to pursue true success through learning, character and spiritual understanding.
The five-day conference served as a meaningful celebration of Sanskrit, traditional Hindu knowledge and the commitment of young people to preserving and carrying these traditions forward.
From 2015 onwards, BAPS swamis conducted a series of special seminars on the ‘Psychology of Child Development’ at BAPS mandirs and centres across the UK. The seminars were designed to help parents better understand their children’s needs, interests and wants and provide them with practical guidance for supporting their holistic development.
The initiative was rooted in the BAPS tradition of nurturing children. Yogiji Maharaj established the Bal-Balika Mandal to educate, elevate and inspire children, an ethos that was furthered by Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Recognising that parents play an integral role in the development of children, the seminars focused on equipping parents with a deeper understanding of child psychology.
Tyagprakash Swami delivered the seminars at seven locations across the UK: Bolton, East London, Edinburgh, Leeds, Luton, Manchester and Preston.
The first part of each seminar focused on the development of the young child’s brain. Participants learned how children absorb knowledge from their earliest years and how their surrounding environment can influence brain development. Practical advice was provided to help parents create a more positive and conducive atmosphere for their children. Diagrams, charts and scientific references were used to explain the concepts in an accessible manner.
The sessions also examined the potential negative impact of technology on children. Parents were provided with references for further reading to help them gain a deeper understanding of their children’s needs, interests and wants.
The second part explored a broader developmental roadmap covering the body, including diet, exercise and lifestyle disciplines; the power and complexity of the mind; and the role of a spiritually enriched life in the holistic development of a child. The presentations also explained how family harmony can support these aspects of a child’s development.
The seminars were well received by parents, with many delegates sharing positive feedback and committing to incorporate the learning into their daily lives.
A young mother from Luton described the seminar as “a real eye-opener” regarding the responsibility parents have to nurture and develop their children. She particularly appreciated the simple explanations of complex theories and studies, as well as the relevance of the real-life examples presented during the seminar.
Through these seminars, parents were given practical knowledge and a deeper understanding of child development, helping them create healthier, more supportive and spiritually enriched environments for their children.
More than 190 children from The Swaminarayan Sunday School in London enjoyed a three-day educational activity camp at Kingswood Grosvenor Hall in Kent from 3 to 5 April 2015. The event was designed to develop various personal and interpersonal skills among the children.
Kingswood is part of Inspiring Learning (formerly Education Travel Group) which provides educationally rich activity-centred breaks for schools and groups. ‘Out of the classroom learning’ is a key feature of their programmes.
Over the three days, the children challenged themselves through a variety of tasks specially designed to harness a number of skills and abilities.
Some tasks tested and developed teamwork and communication, while others strengthened physical fitness, control, coordination and balance.
One memorable team-building task involved navigating blindfolded through a series of obstacles and mazes as a group, relying heavily on the trust, support and communication of fellow team members. Another involved working collectively to hoist a colleague in the air on a harness.
The days were rounded off with lighter activities, including talent performances by the children themselves. They also thoroughly enjoyed the lively discussions at night around the camp fire.
Over the course of the three-day trip, volunteers observed the children grow in confidence, strategic thinking and social interaction.
Overall, the educational camp provided a wealth of fun and valuable learning experiences for the children as a part of their holistic development.
BAPS Charities organised a seminar for ‘Achieving a Healthy Lifestyle’ on Saturday 20 September 2014 at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London. In collaboration with MIND and Diabetes UK, the seminar raised awareness and provided practical guidance on working towards a healthy body and a healthy mind.
Dr Rajeev Dhar, consultant psychiatrist practising in Harley Street, was a guest speaker at the event. Dr Dhar’s lecture addressed the importance of recognising symptoms of poor mental health that can compromise daily functioning and, in turn, impact physical health.
Dr Dhar highlighted sleep disturbance, low mood and poor concentration as key factors that may represent early signs of poor mental health. He also stressed acknowledging that optimal mental health is as important as physical well-being and urged those suffering to seek professional help.
Dr Markand Patel, a radiologist and a volunteer at BAPS Charities, spoke of the importance of maintaining a healthy body. He firstly explained the vital signs of heart disease and stroke. After emphasising the high genetic risk of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure among the South Asian community, he went on to provide useful guidance on how each of these can be prevented or at least controlled by an active lifestyle, a healthy diet, and, if necessary, prescribed medication.
The concepts from both lectures were further reinforced during interactive workshops.
Members of the Harrow and Brent branches of MIND conducted a workshop on “Dealing with Chronic Pain” where they explained the emotional impact of chronic pain and shared practical tips on how to minimise its effects on daily living.
Volunteers from Diabetes UK led a workshop on “My Lifestyle as a Diabetic”. This included a Gujarati food quiz, testing the delegates’ knowledge of a balanced diet. Additionally, a recently diagnosed diabetic shared his personal journey through the condition helping further educate the attendees.
BAPS Charities volunteers also led a yoga session demonstrating how both body and mind can benefit from physical exercises and relaxation techniques.
The event was attended by approximately 40 people from the local community, with lots of positive feedback. Most shared that they were grateful that mental health and well-being were discussed so openly and given as much prominence as physical health.
Narendra Patel, a medical volunteer for BAPS Charities, commented: “Sadly, there’s still a stigma in the community attached to mental health problems and so too often they are swept under the carpet, meaning people who need the help the most don’t receive it. We wanted to break that taboo and bring both mental and physical health out in the open on par. We hope this seminar can be a step in that direction and are pleased we have been able to provide some practical guidance too with the help of these experts.”
To learn more about MIND and Diabetes UK, please follow the respective links.
