From 30 June to 8 August 2025, a group of 79 youths – comprising 38 kishores and 41 kishoris from the UK and Europe – undertook a spiritually enriching yatra (pilgrimage), titled ‘Asmita’. This longstanding international initiative offers young devotees the opportunity to visit sacred sites across India, deepening their understanding of Sanatan Hindu Dharma and the Swaminarayan Sampradaya.
The yatra commenced on 1 July at Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, setting an inspiring tone for the journey ahead. Following in the footsteps of Nilkanth Varni, the group travelled through North India, visiting Haridwar and Rishikesh in Uttarakhand – renowned for their ancient temples and the sacred River Ganga. In Uttar Pradesh, the pilgrims visited Ayodhya, the birthplace of Bhagwan Ramchandra, and Chhapaiya, the birthplace of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, strengthening their connection to their roots, faith, and heritage.
The group then flew westward to Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and journeyed to Bochasan, where they received their first darshan of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj during the yatra. They joined in the celebrations of Guru Purnima, an occasion that filled the youths with immense spiritual joy and energy.
A key highlight of the yatra was a five-day shibir held in Sarangpur, titled ‘Brahmavidyani College’. Under the guidance of senior swamis, the youths engaged in focused learning and reflection on topics such as prapti (spiritual attainment), nishtha (resolute devotion and commitment), sadhana (spiritual practices), and jodan (connection with the Satpurush). These sessions were delivered through insightful discourses and practical workshops.
The yatra became a truly global experience as 120 youths from North America joined the UK and Europe group. Together, they spent nine memorable days in Bochasan in the presence of Mahant Swami Maharaj. On 18 July, Swamishri blessed the delegates with a special sabha, during which he shared a heartfelt letter: “We all love you. Trust Maharaj–Swami and [the] Pragat Satpurush. Make Satsang your priority in life.” Swamishri also turned one mala and offered prayers for all the youths, uplifting them spiritually.
During the Gujarat leg, the group visited numerous mandirs consecrated by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Shastriji Maharaj, as well as spiritually significant sites mentioned in the Vachanamrut and the birthplaces of the Guru Parampara. These visits offered deeper insights into the spiritual, historical, and cultural significance of these sacred places.
Throughout the yatra, the youths were blessed with guidance and personal interactions with sadguru swamis and learned swamis, enriching their spiritual journey. Alongside their spiritual learning, the youths also enjoyed light-hearted moments and recreational activities, fostering friendships and creating lasting memories.
The Bharat Yatra 2025 proved to be a transformative experience, instilling pride in satsang and reinforcing the spiritual values of Sanatan Hindu Dharma. It strengthened the youths’ connection to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the Pragat Satpurush, Mahant Swami Maharaj, inspiring them with greater faith and devotion.