Around 950 Bal Sevak Sabha karyakars from throughout India gathered for "Bal Sevak Sabha 6" – a convention for volunteers who conduct the more than 340 Bal/Balika Sevak Sabhas across the country. Themed ‘Live for BAPS’, the convention was a 3½-day event which tested the volunteers’ presentation skills, enhanced their ability to lead effective sabhas, promoted personal creativity, and inspired them to dedicate more for the cause of children’s development.
The "Bal Sevak Sabha" is a program in which selected children attend special sabhas which nurture and develop their personal skills and give them a more in-depth knowledge of satsang teachings. The sabhas provide spiritual learning and practical training.
The convention took place in two parts. The first was held in Gadhada and was predominantly focused on testing and training. The participants took part in a number of competitions that tested their presentation skills to the children in their centres. Alongside the competitions, they took part in expert seminars on how they may best conduct their BSS sabhas. The highlights of this first phase were the guiding lectures of Sadguru Pujya Swayamprakashdas Swami (Pujya Doctor Swami) and the numerous creative video presentations. The video presentations included 3D darshan videos and an inspirational large screen presentation on the steps of Gadhada mandir.
The second part of the convention took place in Sarangpur. Here, the convention featured motivational speeches from Sadguru Pujya Keshavjivandas Swami (Pujya Mahant Swami) and other experienced sadhus, as well as impactful panel discussions with devotees and others who had dedicated their skills and resources for BAPS and other causes. The twin highlights of this part of the shibir were the padhramani of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj in the shibir and the subsequent darshan of guruhari Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Swamishri graced the shibir despite his recent ill-health and the attendees were overwhelmed by his grace. They offered their reverence and then a thal consisting of items that each of the attendees had brought from home. In the end there was a grand festival in which the karyakars, with flags waving, danced in unison to the theme song of the shibir: ‘Live for BAPS’.
After the 3 ½-day convention, the volunteers felt charged and well-prepared to better serve the thousands of children who attend the special sabhas in their centers every week.