Over 475 high school- and university-aged youths participated in the Kishore-Kishori Shibirs held during June and July across Australia and New Zealand at six centers: Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
The theme, ‘My Akshardham, My Home: Let’s Build It Together’ was based on Mahant Swami Maharaj’s handwritten blessings to devotees of the Asia Pacific region on his vision to build an awe-inspiring Akshardham in Melbourne, Australia. Thus, the shibirs focused on detailing how the kishores and kishoris could bring this vision to life, through the pillars of Satpurush, Samp, Samarpan and Saiyam.
Each session was a blend of group discussions, involvement activities and enlightening elaborations by BAPS swamis on the essence of each pillar. The shibir sessions highlighted the importance and benefits of samp (teamwork), selfless service and observing niyams for success in any task.
The shibirs provided guidance to the youths to facilitate their spiritual learning, personal growth and cultural engagement with the community.