BAPS Pramukh Academy, Atladara, organized the Pramukh Vision Conference 2023 at BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Sankari. This seven-day conference, centered on the theme ‘Cultivating PRAMUKHness’ encouraged youths preparing for the competitive Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams to learn from Pramukh Swami Maharaj, walk in his footsteps, and embrace his visionary ideals for the betterment of the nation.
More than 375 students from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan participated in the conference. Motivational exhibitions and artistic displays adorned the mandir premises to highlight the saying ‘Shilam Param Bhushanam’ – ‘Character is the Supreme Ornament’ and inspired the attendees on the path of Pramukh Vision.
Dedicated and experienced volunteers and swamis had meticulously prepared the program for this conference, which encompassed three key types of guidance: Pramukh Vision Guidance, Pramukh Strategy Guidance and Pramukh Subject Guidance.
The Pramukh Strategy Guidance sessions guided the students on passing the UPSC Civil Services Examination, considered one of the toughest exams in the world. Experienced experts from SPIPA in Ahmedabad, Core IAS in Delhi, Ignited Minds IAS Academy in Delhi, Chahal Academy and many others conducted practical activities and workshops to impart strategic and technical guidance.
During the Pramukh Subject Guidance sessions, renowned subject experts provided concise and clear guidance to students on the various compulsory and optional subjects they have to study. They shed light on the significance of each subject in the UPSC syllabus, its relevance in personal life, effective strategies for college preparation, what to focus on during studies, and recommended and non-recommended resources for each subject.
At the heart of this conference were the impactful keynote sessions included in the Pramukh Vision Guidance. Pramukh Swami Maharaj possessed a unique blend of qualities that not only served as guidance for students but also for officers. The central theme of the conference was ‘Cultivating PRAMUKHness.’ Each letter of the word ‘PRAMUKH’ highlighted a virtue embodied by Pramukh Swami Maharaj: ‘P’ for ‘Passionate yet Compassionate’, ‘R’ emphasized ‘Rational yet Spiritual’, ‘A’ highlighted ‘Abstinent yet Valiant’, ‘M’ focused on ‘Mindful yet Purposeful’, ‘U’ stressed on ‘Updated yet Cultured’, ‘K’ emphasized ‘Knowledgeable yet Adaptable’, and ‘H’ stood ‘Honorable yet Humble.’ Jnanvijay Swami provided guidance on these seven qualities.
In addition, experienced and respected former and current officers and government officials guided the students on experiential knowledge, interviews and soft skills.
The students were also guided in person by Yagnapriya Swami, Rajeshwar Swami, Bhagyasetu Swami, Jnanvatsal Swami, Purushottamcharan Swami and Atmatrupt Swami. Further, Anandswarup Swami, Jnaneshwar Swami and Brahmavihari Swami inspired the students via video conference on faith, association with the truth, and the need for spiritual strength along with reasoning and intellectual prowess in life. Thus, students received remarkable inspiration to become officers and contribute to society, culture and national service.
The attendees participated in various activities, such as poster making, skit writing, debates, group discussions and a mock parliament. The students’ favorite session was the revision quiz held at the end of each day. On the final day of the conference, the talented youths who excelled in various competitions were felicitated.
The contributing teachers, dignitaries and officials expressed that in this conference the students who are preparing for the UPSC are receiving clarity in just seven days, which otherwise would take up to two years. During this conference, more than 35 faculties, officers and experts guided the students through over 75 lectures in over 50 modules. The students also felt that the atmosphere was amazing, and that every topic had been explained with deep understanding and clarity.
During the last session, an overview of the future planning for BAPS Pramukh Academy was presented. One of the key initiatives is the ‘Pramukh Vision’ application, designed to assist undergraduate students preparing for the UPSC exam. The application will provide a comprehensive range of resources.