On Saturday 1 March, London Mahila Mandal gathered to celebrate a special Parents' Day at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London. The inspirational event was celebrated as ‘Matru-Devo Bhava’ and included a colourful cultural programme centred on the Vedic sentiments of revering one’s mother as one reveres God.
The programme commenced with Vedic shlokas recited by young girls, followed by a beautiful dance – "Swikari lyo... ame balak chhiye tamara...”. Amongst the other highlights of the evening, teenagers presented the difficulties that arise in modern society that affect the relationship between mother and daughter especially when a girl leaves home for university. Young mothers presented a question and answer session between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law to highlight the need of building a bond between the entire family.
The evening highlighted Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s message of love, mutual trust and effective communication as essential tools in a successful parent-child relationship.
On Sunday 2 March, the London Children’s Forum also celebrated a similarly themed event with mothers and daughters enjoyed a beautiful colourful cultural programme.