With the inspiration of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the Shishu Mandal was established in India in 2004 – the 50th anniversary of BAPS’s children’s activities. Shishu mandals are special spiritual assemblies and activities designed for children between the ages of 3 and 10. Today, there are more than 1,000 shishu mandals in India alone that are led by 1600 volunteers. To further the development of these dedicated volunteers, one-day seminars were held in Rajkot and Sankri on 30 September and 2 October respectively.
Based on the theme of Atmabuddhi, the shibir focused on fostering an environment which fosters a greater relationship with the Satpurush. P. Atmatrupt Swami and P. Dhyanjivan Swami and other learned sadhus discussed the meaning, purpose and methods of atmabuddhi with the attendees. To help better understand how children learn and relate to others, a session on Child Psychology was integral to the seminar. To help children and volunteers to make Satsang and the Satpurush a part of their daily lives, sadhus from the Children’s Activities Central Office conducted workshops on how to teach children about shishu sabha, daily puja, and panchang pranam.
Concluding the seminar, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj blessed the shibir and said, “These are not children; they are souls from Akshardham. That they have a sense of oneness with the Sant is our seva. This seva will guarantee our liberation.”