With the divine grace of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and blessings of Guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj, over 430 Kishores and Kishoris from across the East African region gathered at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Nairobi for the Kishore – Kishori shibir themed “Kahat Hai Sant Sujan”.
This year’s theme enlightened the delegates about the importance of the God’s word, the scriptures and our guru. Topics such as agna, asmita and the Satpurush were discussed in great depth through various mediums such as speeches, videos, powerpoint presentations, talk shows, invaluable guidance from the Sadguru Santo, activities, workshops etc. including inspiring blessings from Guruhari Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Participants were also very fortunate to gain from the presence of two senior and learned sadhus from India, Pujya Yagnapriya Swami and Pujya Vivekjivan Swami.
The delegates got to learn how agna is important in one’s life. Pujya Yagnapriya Swami enlightened everyone on how to follow agna. They were also enlightened about Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s spiritual expectations from the Kishores and kishoris.
A practical activity entitled “Paramhanso Na Pagle Pagle” was performed where the delegates experienced some of the prakarans that Shriji Maharaj had passed the paramhanasas through like walking barefoot on mud and stones, eating Gola (tasteless morsels), wearing a kantan (Asian cloth) and drinking neem leaf extracts. Participants experienced how the Paramhansas followed Shriji Maharaj’s agna without questioning him regardless of the extreme difficulties.
The delegates also learned about Asmita - having pride in our belief. Pujya Vivekjivan Swami through various profound prasangs invoked a sense of asmita towards our God and Guru. Delegates also learnt different ways of how they can awaken the sense of asmita of our beliefs and in ourselves as the atma.
And lastly the delegates learnt on the importance of the Satpurush, his words and his life. How Pramukh Swami Maharaj has sacrificed his life for the Sanstha and his devotees; what Pramukh Swami Maharaj has done for the Sanstha and how he has lived up to the promise he made to Shastriji Maharaj when he was made the President of the Sanstha.
The event proved to be a great success as the participants departed with renewed confidence to follow agna, greater knowledge to imbibe asmita and rejuvenated pride in who they are and who they believe in.