The Kishore-Kishori Mandal and Yuvak-Yuvati Mandal of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Coventry hosted an inspiring event entitled ‘Managing the Self’ in the presence of Harikrishna Maharaj on Friday 17 July at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Coventry. The aim of the talk was to raise awareness of youth activities at the BAPS Mandir in Coventry to the wider community. Event flyers and emails to friends and relatives inviting them to the talk were distributed well in advance.
Every attendee was welcomed in a traditional Hindu manner with the balaks and balikas tying a nada-chhadi on their wrists.
After the deep-pragatya and an introductory video-presentation, Shukmuni Swami delivered a motivating and inspirational talk on how and why ‘Managing the Self’ is essential in today’s society in order to live a happy and successful life. A wide range of anecdotes and real-life examples were narrated to illustrate the nature of the mind and realisations of those who have failed to manage themselves.
The importance of Mandirs, Shastras and the God-realised Sadhu were also highlighted, describing how important they are to bring peace to the mind and in preserving values. A short Q&A session was then held at the end of the talk, whereby individuals were provided an opportunity to ask questions.
A video presentation of the activities of the Sanstha and BAPS youths.
Over 80 youths of Coventry attended, highly impressed with the talk and organisation of the whole event. A selection of their quotes can be found below:
"It was amazing, I would definitely come to another talk in future; very motivating and inspiring."
"Thank you for organising such a fantastic event from beginning to end – it was brilliant. The youths have done a fantastic job, were so polite and friendly. Well done. Look forward to more events."
"Many thanks for such an inspiring event. It has influenced our thoughts very much and has opened up many windows in my mind about Hinduism and BAPS. We enjoyed it very much and would come again."