The theme of this year’s conference was ‘Sadhana: Living a Meaningful Life.’ Among the approximately 650 doctors and their families present from throughout India and other countries were Dr. Navin Thakkar (President of the Asia-Pacific Paediatric Association), Konstantin Beltikov (orthopaedic surgeon, Moscow), as well as other renowned neurosurgeons, cardiologists, plastic surgeons, and other super-specialists.
The shibir theme was effectively conveyed through speeches by senior BAPS swamis, experienced devotees, enlightening videos, workshops and panel discussions. The delegates learnt how to balance their personal, spiritual and professional lives, the role of sadhana (spiritual endeavor) in life and practical ways to apply these ideas in their daily lives.
Topics presented included ‘What is Sadhana?’, daily worship and daily spiritual reading. The delegates were also moved by the narrations of personal experiences shared by their peers on how they have maintained the practice of satsang amidst their busy daily schedule.
To further reinforce the theme and provide practical ideas, students from the Akshar-Purushottam Chhatralay in Vidyanagar, performed a drama entitled ‘Tannu’ based on an inspirational story about a young child who overcame difficulties in his life by practicing satsang and maintaining a positive attitude.
In one practical session, the delegates also performed samuh puja in the morning. In addition, the doctors and their families were inspired and blessed by the special letters and video messages of Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj and Pujya Doctor Swami. The conference concluded with the video blessings of Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Thereafter, the delegates travelled to the BAPS Mandir in Gadhada to view the exhibition on Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s life, which was recently inaugurated by Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj and the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijaybhai Rupani.
Since 1994, more than 32,000 doctors and their families have benefitted from the medico-spiritual conferences organized in various locations by BAPS Pramukh Swami Health Services.