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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline SEPTEMBER 01, 2023 | The Indian Eye 24

Youth Program Blends Tradition and Tech

at the BAPS Festival of Inspirations

During the Festival of Inspirations at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, two uniquely themed

programs, “My House to Home: Inspiring Family Values” and “Swami Malvathi” took place

OUR BUREAU as they navigated some of the most
challenging years of their life, before
Robbinsville, NJ
and during college, by reflecting on
he first segment of “My House the intuitive foresight and support
to Home” organized by wom- they received through Mahant Swami
Ten, for women, showcased Maharaj’s verbal or written guidance.
women from diverse backgrounds The program featured an Augment-
sharing personal tales of the impor- ed reality experience designed and
tance of family values in child-rear- implemented by the youths of BAPS.
ing. Themes of unity and forgiveness Augmented reality is an interactive ex-
were explored to maintain harmony perience in which a real-world environ-
in one’s family and within oneself. “It ment is enhanced with computer-gen-
is okay to ask for help. Learn to lean erated visual elements, and sounds
on your inspiration” said Dr. Rakhee The event was honored by the
Patel, BAPS volunteer and dentist. presence of several dignitaries, in-
The second half of the program cluding Robbinsville Township
emphasized the significance of fam- Council President Deborah Blake-
ily values in child-rearing through ly, who shared motivating words
speeches and dramas. Opening with with the youth. “Our journey is to
a thought-provoking video on the es- find what you are passionate about,
sence of good parenting, the event il- what brings you joy and fulfills you.
lustrated that effective parenting bal- Use them on your journey to get in-
ances guidance with freedom, setting volved in your community, school,
boundaries while fostering individual- and where you worship.” Dr. Chirag
ity. Through engaging narratives, the Patel, Co-Founder and President of
program showcased how to navigate Amneal Pharmaceuticals, remarked,
the challenges of parenthood. “The world can look beautiful if you
Key elements of positive par- are spiritual. What you are doing here
enting were explored in a panel dis- and what is passed to our generations
cussion and further emphasized by to come is unthinkable and only can
Pujya Anandswarupdas Swami. Such be done with the grace of Bhagwan
parenting offers warmth, security, and Swaminarayan, Pramukh Swami Ma-
unconditional love. Pujya Vivekjivan- haraj, and Mahant Swami Maharaj.”
das Swami stressed the role of parents During the assembly, key guests
as a home’s emotional pillar, empha- in attendance included Bharat Patel,
sizing health, education, and values Chairman of the Asian American Ho-
as crucial in child upbringing, as once care helps a tree grow, children need The first half of the program tel Owners’ Association (AAHOA);
shared by His Holiness Pramukh Swa- proper love and nourishment. Don’t featured young women who shared Dr. H.R. Shah, Chairman and CEO
mi Maharaj. His message resonated: rush their growth; let them blossom.” unique perspectives from their life ex- of TV Asia; Dr. Gaurav Shah, CEO
“A family that eats, plays, and prays He underscored that values instilled periences of how distance is no obsta- of Rocket Pharmaceuticals; Chirag
together, stays together.” A pivotal today shape generations tomorrow. cle in forming a spiritual connection Patel, Co-Founder and President of
takeaway was the harm of comparing The other program, “Swami Mal- with the guru. Through reflections on Amneal Pharmaceuticals; Grammy
children to others, which can instill vathi” (after meeting a spiritual guru) heartfelt prayers offered in times of winner Falguni Shah; and Deborah
lasting feelings of inferiority. was a special tribute from the teen- distress, service performed selflessly Blakely, the Robbinsville Township
Distinguished guests included Mr. Council President.
Vincent Lima from Moelis & Compa- agers to their guru, Mahant Swami as inspired by their guru, and divine In conclusion of the program,
Maharaj. A guru serves as a friend, a
memories from the spiritual tours of
ny, who praised the BAPS Swamina- mentor, and most importantly, a guide Mahant Swami Maharaj, the partici- Mahant Swami Maharaj shared in-
rayan Akshardham’s volunteer-driven through all moments in life. One’s re- pants illustrated ways in which they’ve spiring words with all in attendance.
efforts in creating a haven of peace. lationship with the guru is one of the been able to strengthen their bond “The happiness and sorrows of this
The evening concluded with a speech most transformative relationships with Mahant Swami Maharaj and feel world will come and go for all, but if
by His Holiness Mahant Swami Ma- in life. The program explored what his guiding presence in their lives, ir- you keep your focus on prapti (spiri-
haraj’s on the most important and strengthening one’s bond with the respective of distance. tual attainment), then happiness and
universal lessons a parent can imbibe, guru looks like and what it means to During the evening assembly, sorrows will not affect you,” he said,
“Give your children unconditional love truly understand the guru. students shared candid experiences giving a lasting memory through lov-
and avoid comparisons. Just as the right ing guidance to the youth.

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