On Monday, 22 February 2016, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Melbourne organized an event for the youth, by the youth, and of the youth at Monash University Caulfield campus, themed ‘Ma Baap Ne Bhulso Nahi’ ('Do not neglect your parents'). The event was organized in the presence of Paramchintan Swami and Priyachintan Swami, aimed at highlighting the universal cultural value of respecting and taking care of one's parents.
The evening program included a thought provoking speech by Paramchintan Swami on issues faced by youths and parents, while at the same time stressing the need for youths to appreciate the sacrifices made by their parents for their upbringing. He further explained the significance of the values that are passed onto youths by their parents, which should not be neglected by the youths.
The program concluded with Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s message to youths, underlining the importance of appreciating the values that parents bring into their lives and of maintaining a sound relationship with all family members.
More than 240 youths attended this event and were enlightened towards maintaining a healthy relationship with their parents by appreciating their sacrifices in the form of love, care and respect.
The enlightened spirits in these youths were represented through the narration of their experiences for the event. A youth narrated his feelings on this event saying “Programs like these strengthen our relationship with parents. In today’s busy lifestyle, it is very tough to keep our culture and values alive. But programs like these help to maintain our culture alive and keep reminding us about our parents’ sacrifices in our lives”.