Photo Gallery

Morning Sabha

In a society where bad influences and peer pressure drastically affect the children and their future, Pramukh Swami Maharaj's love, care, and efforts for balaks and balikas have truly created strong-minded children who can withstand such forces. To bring about this awareness and reassure their commitments to a righteous lifestyle, the children of BAPS celebrated a Bal-Balika Din today.

When Swamishri came out for his morning walk, two balaks dressed as bullocks pulled a cart and led Swamishri to the mandir hall. They symbolized the famous words of Brahmswarup Shastriji Maharaj: "Hu To Akshar Purushottam No Baladio Chhu". During the walk, balaks chanted Shlokas, recited entire Vachanamruts, presented "Swami Ni Vatos," and sang Sakhis, all of which they had memorized. During Swamishri's pooja, children recited all the verses of "Shri Vasudev Vimalamrut Dham …" and "Bhaktachintamani Gaan" along with the singing of kirtans.

In a special morning session for children, saints and children competed against one another in games, which ultimately brought out satsang related messages. Swamishri's presence and participation in the games brought joy to every child. In his blessings at the end, Swamishri emphasized the need of unity, love and harmony amongst the children.

Evening Sabha

Prior to the start of the Bal-Balika Din evening program, a number of dignitaries greeted Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Georgia State Representative, Mr. Hugh Floyd, and Former Councilman of the City of Clarkston, Mr. Abdul Akbar, welcomed Swamishri to the State of Georgia. The Chief of Staff for the Speaker of the House for the State of Georgia, Mr. Charles "Chuck" Topetzes, presented a resolution on behalf of the Speaker of the House to recognize June 9, 2004 as "Pramukh Swami Maharaj Spirit of Humanity Day".

To advance the theme of Bal-Balika Din - "Swamina Baag Ma Khilya Re Ame Foramta Phool" - an evening program, entirely presented by children, was organized. The use of different presentation media such as speeches, videos, kirtans, dances, and dramas emphasized the importance of satsang and social & moral values.

In the end, Swamishri blessed the assembly by stressing the importance of becoming a good "gardener" to nurture moral and spiritual values in children by bringing them to mandir and the Bal Sabha. Swamishri also advised parents to give time, love, and respect to their children.