From 9 to 13 September, youths currently enrolled in the BAPS Yuvak Talim Kendra (YTK) in Sarangpur participated in the annual ‘Antar Jagruti Parva’ (Personal Awareness Campaign). In groups of four each, 24 groups of youths visited 121 villages in 24 districts throughout Gujarat. During their one-day visits to these villages, the 96 youths interacted with young and old villagers and guided them to strengthen their practice of satsang traditions. In turn, the youths were also inspired by the villagers’ commitment, dedication for satsang and observance of niyams.
In each village, the youths spent three hours every morning visiting devotees’ homes to re-inforce the messages of satsang and encourage personal spiritual development.
In the afternoon, the youths held an assembly for children in which they taught them basic Hindu values through stories and games.
Then, the youths would visit public places and encourage members of the public to give up their addictions to tobacco, alcohol, gambling and other harmful habits.
In the early evening the youths led a ‘Sandhya Feri’ – a small procession through the village in which the devotees, young and old, men and women, enthusiastically participated.
Finally, the youths conducted an evening satsang assembly, presenting bhajans and speeches to motivate the villagers to successfully practice satsang.
These village visits energized not only the devotees, but also the youths to strive for greater spiritual growth.