A total of 160 balaks and balikas participated in Southern Africa’s first regional Bal-Balika Shibir which was held at the Willow Park Resort and Conference Centre in Johannesburg, South Africafrom 8 to 10 July 2011. Based on the theme ‘Sanskruti Naad – Echoes of Our Eternal Culture’,the 3-day shibir consisted of theme specific lectures, classroom sessions, activities and team building exercises which enabled the children to learn about Indian culture and traditions in an enjoyable way.

The four major topics covered in this shibir were:
• India’s contributions to the world,
• Four basic principles of Hinduism: Karma, Punarjanma, Avatar, Murti-puja,
• The three pillars of Hinduism: Shastra, Mandir, Sant and
• BAPS’ contribution in sustaining and nurturing Hindu Sanskruti.

Children from BAPS centres throughout the Southern African region attended:
• South Africa: Mayfair, Lenasia, Pretoria, Durban, Tzaneen, Benoni, Pietermaritzberg,
• Botswana: Gaborone
• Zambia: Lusaka
• Malawi: Mzuzu, Lilongwe

A team of 35 bal and balika karyakars from various centers coordinated the planning and management of all aspects of the shibir.

The shibir gave the balaks and balikas the confidence necessary to talk about Bharatiya Sanskruti and its main concepts.

The shibir was thoroughly enjoyed by all the children and strengthenedtheir pride for Bharatiya Sanskruti.