More than 630 kishores and kishoris from across the UK and parts of Europe gathered at Warwick Conference Park for a four-day journey of faith, learning, and inspiration. Themed “For the Sake of Akshar-Purushottam,” this year’s shibir immersed delegates into the life and legacy of Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj, whose sacrifices secured the eternal siddhant of Akshar-Purushottam for generations to come.
Day 1: For the Sake of Akshar-Purushottam
The opening session began with a gripping courtroom drama that transported the audience to the era of Shastriji Maharaj. False accusations were vehemently levelled against him for upholding the Akshar-Purushottam siddhant, while delegates served as the jury, experiencing the opposition and hostility he faced.
Following the drama, Atmatruptdas Swami and Dharmasetudas Swami delivered a session titled ‘Akshar: A Forgotten Chapter,’ drawing on the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and other sacred Hindu texts to establish the timeless authority of Akshar-Purushottam Darshan. The afternoon involved interactive group sessions where kishores and kishoris imagined ‘Satsang in 2050.’
The day concluded with a moving drama that brought to life the inception of BAPS and the creation of Bochasan Mandir, built with unmatched courage and devotion.
Day 2: Letters, Legacy & Living History
The second morning began with Yogvivekdas Swami’s narration of ‘the letters that built mandirs,’ in which the handwritten letters of Shastriji Maharaj and Nirgundas Swami revealed their tireless appeals, deep faith, and unshakable determination.
In the afternoon, Kishori Mandal presented a powerful session titled ‘What Was Her Why?’ A captivating drama unfolded across five acts, brought to life by 50 kishoris, highlighting the seldom-told stories of women whose devotion and sacrifice became the silent foundations of mandirs that propagated the true Akshar-Purushottam siddhant. From Bochasan and Sarangpur to Gondal, Atladara and Gadhada, ordinary women displayed extraordinary courage, humility and resilience in the face of formidable resistance. Their journeys reminded everyone that true strength lies in faith, conviction, and an unwavering “why” that elevates seva and truth above comfort or recognition.
As evening descended, the stage came alive once more with a dramatic retelling of the immense hardships faced by Shastriji Maharaj and his swamis and devotees, closing on the moving fulfilment of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s divine wish – the erection of a mandir upon the hill in Gadhada.
Day 3: A Legacy Continues
The courtroom reconvened, where the allegations against Shastriji Maharaj were decisively dismantled. Atmatruptdas Swami and Dharmasetudas Swami then spoke on the enduring legacy of our gurus, from Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj, with a heartfelt emphasis on the life and works of Pragat Guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj. Their words reminded delegates that we are the hands and hearts through which this legacy continues to grow.
The afternoon sunshine welcomed energetic sports sessions, creating moments of joy while strengthening bonds of teamwork and lifelong friendship.
A mesmerising kirtan aradhana lit up the night. Led by Gurukirtandas Swami, Gunkirtandas Swami, Paratpardas Swami, and kishores, accompanied by the world-renowned Jaydeepbhai Swadia and his talented ensemble, the hall resounded with devotional music and meaning. The crescendo of kirtans and compères filled every heart with umang (zeal), himmat (courage), and anand (bliss), leaving a glow that lingered long into the night.
Day 4: Promises for the Future
The final morning began with a special Q&A session with Yogvivekdas Swami and Dharmasetudas Swami. This was followed by Nirgunpurush Swami’s inspiring presentation on the unbreakable and fulfilled sankalps of the Gurus, reminding all that every divine resolve is ultimately realised through their vision and grace.
In a moving finale, each delegate penned personal pledges – heartfelt commitments to live for the sake of Akshar-Purushottam.
The shibir concluded with video blessings from Mahant Swami Maharaj, encouraging daily niyams of tilak-chandlo, satsang reading, and seva.
Delegates left Warwick not only inspired by the living story of Shastriji Maharaj, but also determined to uphold, imbibe, and share the eternal siddhant he struggled so hard to protect and propound.