In 1952, Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj established the BAPS Youth Wing to harness and channel the energy of youths into constructive endeavors. First, under Yogiji Maharaj’s and presently under Pramukh swami Maharaj’s enthusiastic guidance, the Youth Wing has flourished worldwide. As part of the year-long celebrations to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the BAPS Youth Wing, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melbourne presented ‘Youth Enlightenment – A Journey of Inspirations’, a series of cultural programs spread over five weeks from 19 August to 16 September 2012.
The enlightening presentations featured breathtaking and inspiring messages from the lives of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Gunatitanand Swami, Bhagatji Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Each week, BAPS youths in Melbourne enthusiastically unearthed this journey of inspirations through dramas, cultural dances, speeches, soothing kirtans, panel discussions and audio-visual shows. An exhibition portraying the life and work of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Guru Parampara was also displayed on each evening in the prayer hall. The programs inspired many to undertake various vows, such as, giving up addictions, regular Satsang reading, holding family assemblies, performing extra malas-pradakshinas-dandvats, etc. to help them lead a noble, addiction-free and pious life of service, devotion and discipline.