A one-day conference for international students, titled “Ignite the Power Within”, was held at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, on Sunday 10 August 2025.
More than a thousand delegates from across the UK attended the conference, which empowered them with guidance on education, career growth and personal well-being while providing a valuable platform for networking and community support.
The day commenced with light refreshments, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The formal programme began with devotional singing, video presentations, and welcome addresses, and continued with the ceremonial lamp-lighting (deep-pragatya).
A key highlight of the day was a Q&A session in which students received clarity on critical topics related to education and career opportunities. Delegates described this as highly practical and reassuring. Many also noted that the advice they received would help them give back – by sharing knowledge with peers, mentoring juniors, and engaging in community service alongside their studies.
The conference was further enriched by the presence of Atmatruptdas Swami and Gnanvatsaldas Swami, who delivered thought-provoking discourses on spirituality, inner strength, and the role of values in achieving success abroad. Their addresses, titled “Importance of Spirituality in the Young Generation” and “Ignite the Power Within”, inspired participants to pursue balance in their academic, professional, and personal lives.
They also offered guidance on how students could integrate education with higher values, helping them to become not only successful professionals but also responsible citizens and role models.
In addition to these talks, the day featured interactive sessions that blended practical advice with cultural and spiritual nourishment. The event concluded with a networking dinner, where delegates and speakers engaged in meaningful conversations and forged new friendships.
Reflecting on her experience, one delegate shared, “This conference gave a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. Listening to the swamis reminded me of the importance of inner strength alongside career goals.”
Harsh Patel, one of the volunteers who helped organise the event, added, “The conference was about more than just personal growth. It provided guidance and encouragement to excel academically and professionally, as well as contribute positively to the communities they live in, making education a means of service as well as success.”