A special Bal-Balika Din entitled 'My Gunatit Guru' was held in the presence of Mahant Swami Maharaj on Saturday 30 September 2017 at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London.
Around 1,100 children from across the UK embarked upon an enlightening journey to find the true ‘treasure’ in the form of the Guru, in a world where the enticements of many other objects and people are so alluring.
Balaks sang popular children’s bhajans during Swamishri’s puja and presented a series of scriptural recitals that they had learned by heart. A brief interactive session with Swamishri followed which included a short sketch based on the samudra-manthan of the Shrimad Bhagwat Puran and an invitation for Swamishri to attend the various programmes during the day.
After breakfast, the children proceeded to specially tailored sessions. Balikas offered their devotion to Harikrishna Maharaj through a grand welcome procession, devotional singing, an annakut offering and folk dances, while the balaks enjoyed an interactive session with volunteers and swamis. Balikas also relished a photo opportunity with Harikrishna Maharaj, providing a personal memento of their experiences.
Shishus then gathered for a joint session in the presence of Swamishri at 10.30am. A video depicting Swamishri’s compassion for children provided a fitting opening. Swamishri met balaks and shishus individually and blessed them with a gentle pat on their heads, providing lifelong memories for every child.
Swamishri then engaged in a series of games and puzzles which imparted deep underlying spiritual messages. Children also developed a finer spiritual understanding of Swamishri as their Gunatit Guru. The highlight of the engaging session was the celebration of Swamishri’s 84th birthday in which everyone offered their heartfelt wishes in unison.
The evening session continued the journey of exploration further. Young children performed a captivating ‘underwater sea dance’ and an enlightening drama to highlight humanity’s fruitless search for lasting happiness. A series of presentations, practical demonstrations, sketches and real-life testimonies reinforced the message that the ‘treasure’ of true happiness is found in the Gunatit Guru.
An array of children dressed as sea creatures welcomed Swamishri to the evening programme shortly before 7pm. A light-hearted yet inspiring session with Swamishri followed, where children played various games to consolidate important spiritual concepts. Swamishri joined in the games providing cherished memories to all. He blessed the children and reinforced his innermost wishes for unity and spirituality to prevail amongst them.