BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha holds
National Youth Leadership Seminar

It was indeed heartening to see more then 800 youth volunteers pour into Atlanta, GA on January 8, 2008 for Youth Leadership Seminar. These dedicated volunteers from across North America came together to participate in the fifth

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Youth Leadership Seminar spurred by one clarion call – “to go above and beyond!” The seminar was held at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn, GA – the largest traditional Hindu Mandir outside of India! The participants were a mix of talented students and young professionals. As the attendees registered for the seminar, the rooms were abuzz with excitement. For the next three days, the youth leaders would attend lectures and participate in workshops, designed to help them develop skills in management, public speaking, interpersonal skills, and youth counseling.

“This was an extremely motivating weekend for me,” remarked Rani Thakkar, an investment banker from Cleveland, Ohio. “This is my third such seminar and I am always amazed at how inspiring they are. I am able to apply what I have learned not just to my volunteer work as a youth group leader but in my professional capacity.”

Apart from cultivating leadership skills, the youth leaders also took part in the ceremonies and rituals performed at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. This interaction provided them with a chance to reach out to their Hindu and traditional roots. Through classroom sessions conducted by experienced and learned sadhus, the spirit of the participants was bolstered by a sense of pride for their culture and heritage.

“We learned so much the last few days on how to fine-tune our leadership skills”, said Vipul Patel, a graduate student from Atlanta, Georgia, “Along with learning these skills, I also gained a sense of who I am and where I come from.”

The Seminar was more than just information and education, it was also fun! Akhil Patel, Coordinator of BAPS Youth Activities in North America observed some interesting comments about the participants. “They seem to love the environment. It creates a sense of belonging and positive energy. A lot of the participants loved the customary Indian cuisine served in a traditional manner.”

The seminar, which started in Atlanta 10 years ago, is a testimony to the commitment that BAPS has made in nurturing youth and molding them to become effective leaders and productive members of society around North America and the world.

Since its inception, BAPS has heavily invested in youth development across the world. Under the leadership of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of BAPS, the organization has opened 31 permanent educational institutions. It provides 5,000 scholarships yearly, and has established a worldwide youth and volunteer group. BAPS has also built 55 schools in disaster affected areas. The seminar proved to be another one of its excellent initiatives to better the community - by providing opportunities to future generations to imbibe a sense of leadership with spiritual poise.