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This year’s Bal/Balika Shibir was held in Perth and Sydney, respectively. The details are below:

Topic: Back to Basics

The two-day Shibir consisted of three major topics, Shikshan, Sanskar and Satsang, which form the basics in the development of all bal/balikas.

Through various group sessions and team building activities, the bal/balikas learnt a great deal about these three topics while also having fun. They were all given individual folders containing handouts of the different presentations, including the Bank of Basics which contained our Satsang basics such as Arti, Dhun, Prarthana and our nitya vidhi.

The presentations themselves spanned across a broad range of topics including Be the Best Student and The Essence of Success through which bal/balikas were encouraged to apply themselves to their studies and aspire to be the best.

Then there were the 4 Bs – Bhasha, Bhusha, Bhajan and Bhojan. These sessions were of immense value in teaching all bal/balikas about how we should live our daily lives according to our culture and learn how to become an ideal child.

Finally, in Satsang, the bal/balikas were enlightened with the knowledge of our Guru Parampara, What is BAPS, Our Scriptures and of course the Satpurush – Our Friend. Through these presentations, Pujya Santos instilled in all the pride of our Sanstha and love for the Satprush, who is our best friend.

In addition to these sessions, the bal/balikas in Sydney were taken on a special outing as part of the Shibir. All were transported by bus from the Mandir to the heart of Sydney city – the IMAX Theatre. Here the bal/balikas were treated to a feast for the eyes, the mind and the soul – Mystic India, recently released in Sydney. Each and every balak/balika that left the theatre felt inspired, they were proud not only to be an Indian but also to be part of the great Sanstha that BAPS is today. The Perth Bal/Balika Mandal was taken out for ten-pin bowling during their outing session.

At the conclusion of the Shibir a Prize Giving Ceremony was held in which many of the bal/balikas received various games and puzzles for their team and individual efforts. Each and every balak/balika was also presented with a special memento which will continually act as a reminder of the steps they have taken during the Back to Basics Shibir of 2006.

The Shibir in Perth and Sydney was attended by a combined total of 124 bal/balikas, managed by a team of about 20 karyakars. Throughout the two days of the Shibir, they were all treated to an assortment of meals and snacks. The fact that these were all greatly enjoyed and added to the bright and cheerful atmosphere of the Shibir is a tribute to the selfless seva performed by the Mahila Mandal.