April 8-11, 2005
Saddlebrook, NJ
On April 8th, 2005, Kishori Sanchalikas from across the United States arrived at the Radisson Hotel in Saddlebrook, NJ to attend a training convention.
The convention's theme was "I will always be with you" a promise that was made by Swamishri to the Kishores and Kishoris during the Orlando National Convention in 2004. The convention was packed with workshops and katha to impart both practical training and spirituality to the sanchalikas. The katha topics included various subjects; two of which were keeping Maharaj and Swami with us and prasangs showing the divine laabh Maharaj gave to His haribhaktos. A mini series focused on what sanchalikas had learnt from past workshops on networking, reporting, and sabha improvement. With the knowledge of the past KarCon material fresh in their minds, Sanchalikas went to workshops such as "Reporting and Prioritizing", "Swaminarayan Khichdi" which focused on karyakar development, and "Entertain Me! Enlighten Me!" where sanchalikas learned how to improve sabhas. In the afternoon, sanchalikas had a guided discussion on how to deal with a range of communication related obstacles involving Kishoris, parents, etc. In between these sessions, Kishori sanchalikas got the chance to relax by focusing upon Maharaj and Swami. There was also a session on Amrutanjali, a national Kishori Mandal project focused on the translation and transliteration of kirtans, where the progress and future steps were discussed. A separate session was held to brief the Sanchalikas on their role in their respective regional team.
The KarCon culminated with a workshop on Sunday titled "A Step Into the Future" which was setup like an information fair with skits, multimedia presentations, and information booths on a wide range of Kishori related projects all aimed to inform and empower the sanchalikas. Sanchalikas were given the opportunity to ask questions and learn how these projects will be essential to the growth and development of Kishori mandal. After lunch on April 10th, 2005, sanchalikas departed armed with new knowledge and a promise to Swamishri that just as he is always with them, they will always be with him and will join in his vision of the future.