Under the auspices of the Pramukh Swami Maharaj Shatabdi Mahotsav, a novel online study course, ‘Pramukh Sanskritam,’ has been launched for balaks and balikas who have memorized all 315 shloks of the Satsang Diksha as well as the 565 Swaminarayan Siddhant Karikas from the Swaminarayan Siddhant Sudha.
Understanding aids long-term retention of what has been memorized. Thus, the children and their parents requested a word-to-word understanding of the memorized shloks. As the understanding of such shloks requires a detailed knowledge of Sanskrit, as well as the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan and the Sampradaya’s beliefs and traditions, the course is designed to deliver in-depth knowledge of Satsang, Darshanam (Philosophy), Bhasha Kaushalam (Sanskrit speaking, reading and writing) and Kanthapath (Memorization techniques).
A total of 69 balaks and 47 balikas, aged between 8 and 14, enrolled for this online study course, which will involve one hour of daily study. Of these, 84 are from different states of India and 32 are from Australia.
The launch of this course was held in-person at BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Sarangpur in the presence of Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami and Pujya Viveksagar Swami. Those unable to attend joined online. During this eight-day gathering, the children gained an overview of the Pramukh Sanskritam course through classes, breakout sessions, recitation, revision and various other activities.
The children were guided by sadguru and learned swamis, as well as professors, lecturers and students of the Sanskrit Mahavidyalay. Parents, karyakars and volunteers also played a vital role in taking care of the bal-balikas though personal attention and inspiration.
Every day, the children participated in samuh puja. In addition to four-hour study classes daily and discussions with swamis, the children recited shloks of the Satsang Diksha and Swaminarayan Siddhant Karikas before the murtis of Shri Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj (at Mandir), Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj (at Shastriji Maharaj Smruti Mandir and rang mandapam) and Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj (at Pramukh Smruti Mandir).
The children also received the blessings of guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj via a live video link from Ahmedabad. Swamishri formally launched the Pramukh Sanskritam course by lighting the inaugural divo. Balaks presented what they learnt and asked for blessings. Swamishri conversed with the balaks in Sanskrit and gave blessings.
In addition to the study time, the children were entertained through special daily programs, which included magical shows, rides, sports, and other activities.
A special session was also arranged for parents in which Pujya Viveksagar Swami and Adarshjivan swami provided guidance on how to support their children during this course.
The children left Sarangpur enlightened and enthusiastic to fully benefit from the Pramukh Sanskritam course.