15 June 2005 (V.S. 2061, Jeth sud 8) Wednesday, Gondal; Swaminarayan Vidyamandir Day
The evening assembly was dedicated to programme presentations by students of the Sanstha’s school, Swaminarayan Vidyamandir. Students presented a parliamentary discussion as to why there should not be a ban on all Swaminarayan Vidyamandir schools because they emphasise more on values than on academics in their curriculum. The staged presentation with questions and answers were very effective. In conclusion Swamishri summed up, saying, “It was Yogiji Maharaj’s wish to have a school and hostel in Gondal so that students could study properly. The school and hostel have also been established with the purpose to impart values. There is a need for both education and values for students. If there is no education then the country cannot progress, but if there are no values taught in education then one cannot develop the nation properly. Education without values destroys. By values we mean faith in God."
21 June 2005 (V.S. 2061, Jeth sud 14) Tuesday, Rajkot; Satsang Day
In the evening assembly, after Viveksagar Swami’s discourse, a drama, “Servants of Satsang” was enacted by youths. The central theme of the drama was how BAPS volunteers, amidst their personal worldly responsibilities, inspire satsang in others despite difficulties and insults. Finally Swamishri blessed the assembly, “We have attained the association of Shriji Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj, which is a great thing. This is not possible even if we take so many births. So we should remain steadfast in one’s resolve to please God no matter how much pain or misery comes our way.”
In the following days the evening assemblies were celebrated on the theme of Mandir Day and Vicharan Day
25 June 2005 (V.S. 2061, Jeth vad 4) Saturday, Rajkot
A teachers’ convention of the ‘Rajkot District Primary Organisation’ was held in the mandir precincts. More than 2,500 primary teachers were present in the convention. At 11.40 am Swamishri blessed the convention, “The primary school teachers here have been blessed with the great service of educating children. It is like nurturing little plants. To give knowledge to children from grades one to seven is of foundational importance. You have to teach them well, inspire them with an inclination to learn and keep them away from addictions. The teachers should teach with the sentiments that the students are your children. Formerly in the ashrams of rishis students were taught self-sufficiency – doing things by themselves. Today we find the bonds of love fading between teachers and students. Science has progressed but it has brought with it many corruptive elements.”