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Through the divine grace of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the blessings of Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Nairobi Bal Mandal organized Bal-Balika National Shibir during the August school vacation under the able guidance of P. Priyavrat Swami, P. Gnanyogi Swami and sant mandal. The shibir’s theme was “Shastras – Walk the Talk,” The theme helped the participants to understand the central messages of each scripture and determine how they could be applied to their lives. The shibir was held for all Kenya Bal-Balikas in Nakuru .A total of 320 participants attended the shibir. The National shibir was organized at Greensteds International School in Nakuru.
The shibir started on 12th August 2011 and concluded on the 14th of August 2011. The first day of the highlighted the importance of the various Hindu scriptures such as Vedas, Ramayan and Mahabharat. The second day was dedicated to the main scriptures of the Swaminarayan sampraday (Vachanamrut, Swamini Vato and Shikshapatri). All the delegates were divided into groups for workshops. There were 10 Bal mandal groups and 7 balika mandal groups for each workshop.
There were 6 workshops based on Hindu scriptures and Swaminarayan sampraday scriptures. The Balaks and Balikas learned the importance of observing one’s dharma – the moral code of conduct, with regards to one’s parents, elders, siblings, and peers. They also learned the values of siding with God at all times, even in moments of uncertainty and doubts. Each session was conducted in various mediums – inspiring video presentations, thought-provoking discussions, and challenging games and activities. The sessions reiterated the message of how the scriptures can be a guide through life’s daily challenges.
On the Second day, a Mukhpath competition was held for the top three bal-balika from each mandal. The competition was divided into 2 groups. One group consisted of Balaks in the age group of 10 to 12 years and the other age group consisted of Balaks in the age group of 13 to 15 years. A total of 40 balaks and 30 balikas participated in the mukhpath competition.
In the afternoon a sports day was arranged from 1:30pm to 4:30pm in which all children got to play various Indian games as well as football, cricket, volleyball and others for 3 hours. Each night ended with an evening program of humorous emcees, videos and competitions including a scavenger hunt. An exhibition on Vachanamrut was set up and all the Balaks were guided on the key points.
On the last day, attendees learned how Pramukh Swami Maharaj is the ‘Living Shastra’ because of his pure lifestyle which is devoid of worldly attachments. He embodies the values and morals of the scriptures and inspires others toward that spiritual path. Attendees shared a common feeling that they left with a greater understanding of the shastras, a deeper appreciation of its principles, and an eagerness to learn more from daily learning.
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