More than 1,200 delegates from around the UK, including students, parents and young professionals, attended an Education and Careers Fair at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London – popularly known as ‘Neasden Temple’ – on Saturday 1 February 2025.
The event provided attendees with invaluable guidance, practical training, and vital confidence for academic success and career development through tailored workshops, expert panels, and networking opportunities.
The day commenced with an inaugural lamp-lighting ceremony by Yogvivekdas Swami (Head Swami of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in the UK and Europe), symbolising the spread of knowledge worldwide.
Workshops focused on exam techniques, career planning, and professional branding, with dedicated sessions on CV writing, job applications, and networking strategies.
Attendees also benefited from one-on-one career consultations and getting high-quality headshots for their LinkedIn profile.
A keynote session featured Hinal Patel and Ghanshyam Ramparia – two senior BAPS volunteers – who shared their personal journeys of balancing professional success with spiritual growth, inspired by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Sonia Morar, an associate partner at KPMG, also delivered an inspiring talk on female empowerment, emphasising resilience, mentorship, and overcoming workplace barriers.
Recognising the role of parents in education, the fair also delivered specialised discussions where experienced parents and swamis shared insights on supporting children in their academic and spiritual journeys. Volunteers also presented information on degree apprenticeships as an alternative career path.
The afternoon featured a diverse careers fair representing over 35 industries, including aviation, engineering, finance, healthcare, IT, law, and marketing. Professionals offered first-hand insights, while recruiters provided CV reviews, interview preparation tips, and assessment centre guidance.
The event proved to be highly successful, with many attendees sharing their positive impressions of the day. One university student said, “I had paid money to go to a fair like this! But this one at the Mandir was far more helpful. I gained so much clarity and confidence on what I want to do in my future,” while a mother added, “Excellent! Really helpful for both students and parents. I can’t thank you enough for doing so much for our children – more than we [parents] could ever do ourselves.”
The event concluded with renewed motivation and confidence among the participants, reinforcing BAPS’s commitment to youths and their academic, professional, and spiritual development.