The 2024 UK & Europe Kishore-Kishori Shibir was held from Friday 16 August to Sunday 18 August at Warwick Conference Park, attracting over 500 enthusiastic youths from secondary schools, colleges, and universities from across the region. This three-day youth convention was an enriching experience aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the role of a guru in personal and spiritual development.
Themed ‘Gurubhakti: Our Life’, the shibir aimed to help participants grasp the significance of a guru in their lives and explore the practice of Gurubhakti, following the example set by Mahant Swami Maharaj throughout his life. Hence, the shibir drew deeply upon the personal experiences of Mahant Swami Maharaj, particularly his reflections upon Pramukh Swami Maharaj, shared in the inspiring text, Divine Memories: Part 4. Delegates were each gifted a personalised copy of this book to encourage ongoing reflection and connection to its teachings.
The opening session of the shibir on Friday 16 August, titled ‘His Life’, offered a nostalgic journey as attendees reminisced about Mahant Swami Maharaj’s visit to the UK in 2023. The highlight of the day was a captivating musical production illustrating Mahant Swami Maharaj’s journey of unwavering devotion to his guru, Yogiji Maharaj.
The evening concluded on a lighter note, featuring an interactive session with six Bal-Kishore Mandal swamis, where attendees learned more about them and heard special anecdotes of their experiences with Mahant Swami Maharaj.
On Saturday 17 August, the shibir explored the two foundational principles of Gurubhakti as taught by Mahant Swami Maharaj – Mahima and Praptino Vichar. Under the session theme ‘His Understanding’, Paramtattvadas Swami provided enlightening insights into the spiritual greatness of the Aksharbrahma Satpurush as revealed in sacred Hindu scriptures.
Participants then engaged in group discussions to examine the benefits of praptino vichar. The day also included an exciting Gurubhakti-themed treasure hunt around the Warwick University campus, followed by various sports activities.
The evening session emerged as a standout moment of the shibir, featuring exhilarating kirtan bhakti performances from Somprakashdas Swami, Gurukirtandas Swami, Gunkirtandas Swami, and kishores, all centred on the themes of mahima and prapti.
The final day, themed ‘His Wish’, focused on Mahant Swami Maharaj’s aspirations for the youths and how they can embody Gurubhakti in their thoughts, actions, and words. Dr Sandeepbhai Solanki, a consultant neurosurgeon, shed light on the scientific underpinnings of smruti, mansi, and prarthana. A panel discussion with swamis, including Yagnatilakdas Swami, Paramvivekdas Swami, and Aksharananddas Swami, addressed challenges in adhering to niyam-dharma and offered practical solutions to reinforce commitment.
Yogvivekdas Swami concluded the day by inspiring participants to share the greatness of their Guru and Satsang with friends and family.
The shibir culminated in a surprise session featuring video blessings from Mahant Swami Maharaj, during which delegates pledged to embody Gurubhakti in their lives.
As attendees departed, they left with their own sanctified copy of Divine Memories: Part 4 and a comprehensive mind map summarising the shibir’s teachings.
The 2024 Kishore-Kishori Summer Shibir was not only an opportunity for spiritual growth, but also a platform for building lasting connections among the youth of the community.