From June 14 to June 17, BAPS yuvak and yuvati volunteers from centers across North America gathered in Robbinsville, New Jersey for a leadership training seminar (Karyakar Convention). Over 700 delegates were in attendance to help nurture their devotion and to help strengthen their satsang roots. As volunteers, they were also able to gain insights into improving their performance in various youth activities. As these leaders will help shape the future of BAPS in North America, it is essential to learn to work in harmony with each other, their families, and their communities. Samp, the convention’s theme, helped to inspire strength through unity.
The delegates were blessed to have the presence of Pujya Anandswarupdas Swami and Pujya Bhadreshdas Swami, two senior and learned swamis from India. Pujya Paramtattvadas Swami from the United Kingdom and many other swamis from North America gave discourses, highlighting the history, theory, and practical applicability of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s and the guru parampara’s message of Samp. The attendees listened to inspiring speeches and participated in workshop sessions and discussion groups to learn about how achieving unity requires time, self-awareness, strength, compromise, mutual respect, and the actionable steps that can be taken when one encounters challenges. Youth leaders closed out the weekend’s activities by participating in a traditional ceremony celebrating a major milestone in the construction of the Swaminarayan Akshardham Mahamandir, as well as assisting in small projects associated with the construction. The convention was inspired by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, who blessed the event through a live video message and inspired the volunteers to continue to their seva and imbibe the virtue of Samp in their lives.