A memorable programme for youths aged 13 to 21 was held in the presence of Mahant Swami Maharaj on Saturday 27 May 2023 at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London.
Kishore-Kishori Din was organised to address various contemporary issues with practical solutions from Mahant Swami Maharaj. Kishores began the event by singing kirtans during Swamishri’s puja, which were interspersed with recitals of prayerful poems especially written for the occasion.
Swamishri blessed the attendees and spoke of the importance of the new Kishore Sevak Training (KST) initiative as a conduit to develop internally, and through which future volunteers and leaders will develop and serve society.
During the mid-morning session, swamis provided an insight into Mahant Swami Maharaj’s daily routine of devotion and service to others. They also explained the connection Swamishri has with youths. These messages were brought to life through video and photo stories. Delegates also drew upon the wisdom of Sadguru Pujya Doctor Swami (Swayamprakashdas Swami), Sadguru Pujya Kothari Swami (Bhaktipriyadas Swami) and Sadguru Pujya Tyagvallabhdas Swami, who provided valuable guidance in response to searching questions.
The sadguru swamis continued to enlighten the attendees during the opening segment of the evening session in which they shared their personal experiences with Yogiji Maharaj and their motivation and lasting fulfilment that continues from those moments. They also answered a series of questions related to various challenges that youths face and provided practical solutions.
The programme then followed the life of a Nikhil – a kishore whose journey through defining moments of his life was presented through a captivating drama – which was integrated into a special and memorable evening live show titled ‘Saturday Night Satsang’ (SNS). This show was founded on the profound memories and feelings of joy from the Kishore-Kishori Din in the presence of Swamishri in 2017.
Mahant Swami Maharaj arrived to the SNS programme with a vibrant and traditional welcome. He was introduced to the over 1,000 youths who had gathered before him to avail of the important messages that were being conveyed, and said they were all muktas (liberated souls). Swamishri joined the panel to provide his perspectives as Nikhil continued to navigate through his dilemmas amid pressure from his peers that threatened to steer him away from a devout and studious life.
Swamishri personally contacted Nikhil via a telephone call to provide him with advice and direction, during which he said he was Nikhil’s ‘best friend’. The final acts of the drama portrayed an emotional conversation between Nikhil and Swamishri, when Nikhil confessed his mistakes and prayed for forgiveness.
Earlier in the day, kishores and kishoris had written letters to Swamishri conveying their own mistakes. These were penned on soluble paper and placed inside a tank of water by Swamishri and thus dissolved, marking his compassion and forgiveness.
The evening provided a montage of unforgettable moments with Mahant Swami Maharaj, who offered specific guidance on the impacts of social media misuse, negative influences and pursuits, and enlightening ways to overcome the battle with one’s mind.
He also expressed his innermost wishes of kishores and kishoris who pledged to strengthen their satsang through various observances and disciplines, and to follow Swamishri’s wishes.
Kishores then played raas (a traditional Indian folk dance) with Swamishri before he revealed a final, reassuring and loving message: “You are mine and I am yours. Remember this feeling.”
Prior to the evening, Swamishri had offered a special prayer for kishores and kishoris expressing his deep feelings of care and concern, urging them to reach out to him through their own prayers. This was shared via a video recording and inscribed in a souvenir that was given to attendees as they departed.