The Swaminarayan School, Neasden, hosted a special programme for over 300 parents of kishores and kishoris on the evening of Saturday 1 Oct 2005, where a group of 40 karyakars provided advice and guidance at this unique event, held for the first time by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, and inspired by Guruhari Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Each kishore or kishori, accompanied by their parents, arrived at the school for their designated appointment. Every family was individually escorted to a classroom where they met the sanchalak/sanchalika to discuss various family issues. Greeted with folded hands and a friendly welcome, the parents, accompanied by their children gathered at a table where they settled for their meeting.
The opening segment involved discussions between the sanchalak/sanchalika and the family where the progress and regularity of the individual’s satsang was discussed in detail. Activities of the Kishore-Kishori Mandal and forthcoming events were also detailed to provide the parents with an improved understanding of the Kishore Mandal functions.
An opportunity for the parents to discuss any concerns individually without the presence of their child was also available. Conversations including resolution of parent-child conflicts as well as the parental role and assistance in developing the child’s social, educational and physical development, and progression of satsang were a selection of items that were discussed. Subsequent to these classroom sessions, parents moved towards the Yogi Hall where light refreshments were served during a video presentation detailing the activities of the Kishore-Kishori Mandal.
The parents evening provided the essence of sharing values to change the lives of families seeking harmony and unity in their homes. Generous feedback from visitors proved a testimony to the success of the programme, which was supported by astute administration and expert organisation.