A special online children’s programme to celebrate the 25th anniversary of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, was enjoyed by thousands of children and their families on Sunday 16 August 2020.
The interactive programme followed the adventures of a young boy, Tilak, who celebrated his eleventh birthday by embarking upon a thrilling ‘journey of discovery’. He followed a series of clues and unravelled riddles which led him successively around London Mandir where he learned about its history and charitable activities, as well as the Mandir’s environmentally friendly features and community outreach programmes.
Tilak’s interactions with swamis along the way provided him with valuable life lessons of Growth, Identity, Faith and Thoughtfulness – forming the eternal ‘GIFT’ of profound teachings with which the Mandir has inspired countless children over the last 25 years.
Children joined Tilak in his journey from their respective homes by answering questions through interactive online polls. They also discussed and debated how they, too, would overcome some of the obstacles and dilemmas that he faced.
Mahant Swami Maharaj elaborated further upon these key values through a specially recorded video message, encouraging children to work hard and study hard, imbibe purity of thought and action, serve with unity, and to develop firm faith in God.
The programme concluded with pledges from children to reflect upon the precious gift of values that the Mandir has bestowed upon them and to embody these in their lives.
Both children and parents thoroughly enjoyed the enlightening programme. A selection of impressions is shared below.
“Thank you so much for this superb programme. My daughter was fixated on the drama throughout, and so were we. We learned so much.” – A parent from Leicester, UK
“I am so touched that my son was able to learn about the importance of the Mandir and how much it can offer him. To deliver this so engagingly in the current climate was fantastic.” – A parent from South London, UK
“That was brilliant! I really liked that we could follow Tilak around and help him on his journey and learn with him.” – A young girl from Paris, France
“Wow! This webcast was so much fun and I really learnt loads today. Thank you London Mandir for everything you have given me in my life. I hope I can give you something back as well.” – A young boy from Southend-on-Sea, UK