A total of 388 delegates aged between 4 and 63 from across Australia and New Zealand participated in the first-ever seven-day Sanskrit Conference in the Pacific region organized by the BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute Australia. In the presence of Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami and resident swamis from Australia and New Zealand, the conference explored the significance of the Sanskrit language, its cultural importance, and its usefulness in the 21st century.
Among the delegates were 285 balaks, balikas, kishores, kishoris, yuvaks, and yuvatis who have memorized either the entire Satsang Diksha in Sanskrit, Siddhant Karika, Siddhant Samamnaya or Shri Swaminarayan Mahapuja.
Since 2023, the Research Institute has offered online courses on Satsang Diksha, Siddhant Karika, Siddhant Samamnaya, and Shri Swaminarayan Mahapuja taught by teachers from around the country. Of these, 52 teachers also attended the conference.
On day two, the delegates participated in the various ‘Swaminarayan Siddhant Mukhpath Mahotsav’ challenges based on the mukhpath they had completed:
Vinu Challenge – Satsang Diksha Mukhpath
Keshav Challenge – Satsang Diksha and Siddhant Karika Mukhpath
Mahant Challenge – Satsang Diksha, Siddhant Karika and Shri Swaminarayan Mahapuja Mukhpath
Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to the top three male and female performers in each challenge. In the final round, the top two from each challenge faced off in a Shalaka Spardha, conducted using a special Suvarnamay Satsang Diksha and Survarna Shalaka sanctified by Mahant Swami Maharaj in Rajkot, India. The winners were awarded a special trophy for their outstanding performances.
Four days of the Sanskrit Conference focused on Shastriji Maharaj’s four great sayings (mahavakyas). The delegates learnt the history, importance and relevance of these mahavakyas in today’s world through interactive presentations, skits, group discussions, question-answer sessions and special activities.
A graduation ceremony was also held for all who had completed the courses. They all received certificates, trophies and a special garland for their outstanding achievements. Swamis and volunteers honored them by sprinkling sanctified flowers on their heads.
The conference provided the delegates with a clear understanding of the importance of Sanskrit, and they all pledged to learn the language to enhance their understanding of Hindu culture and history.