More than 500 participants gathered at the BAPS Swaminarayan mandirs in London and Leicester on Sunday 19 May 2013 to complete the first phase of ‘Akshardham nu Bhathu’ – a spiritual development programme designed specifically for senior devotees.
Launched in November 2012, the aim of the two-phase project is to strengthen and advance Satsang knowledge, develop motivation for as well as the skills of delivering spiritual discourses, and encourage regularity in reading religious texts and observing other daily Satsang endeavours for personal spiritual growth.
Participants from across the UK arrived to present various aspects of the development programme that were captured using a variety of means, including: delivery of speeches, singing of devotional songs, and answering question papers. The subject matter revolved around the history, beliefs, practices and traditions of Satsang as well as more topical subjects such as the importance of a guru.
The project was meticulously planned with packs being distributed in advance to all participants, and training sessions organised to help preparation.
The feedback from the participants was very positive, with many explaining the closeness that this project brought in the family as members worked together to learn and develop themselves.