Jabalpur. On the second day of the ongoing ‘Jeevan Utkarsh Mahotsav’ organized by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in Jabalpur, a program on ‘Foundations of Culture: Shastras, Temples and Saints’ was concluded. Special guest in this program, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohanji Yadav had a dignified presence. After the due respect given to him by the revered saints was completed, a historic task was accomplished. During this period, two culture-oriented projects named ‘Chalo Bane Adarsh’ and ‘IPDC’ were launched for the children and youth of Madhya Pradesh. The special thing is that both these projects are being started in the state of Madhya Pradesh from Jabalpur, which is called the cultural center. Rani Durgavati University Vice Chancellor Rajesh Kumar Verma, Mangalayatan University Vice Chancellor KRS Sambasiva Rao and Jabalpur Education Department DEO Ghanshyam Soni specially participated in the inauguration ceremony in this context.
The program started with melodious devotional music by the saint-youth troupe. Thereafter, motivational videos on ‘Importance of Temples’ and ‘Greatness of Jabalpur’ were displayed. In the main session, Pujya Adarshjeevan Swamiji said in his discourse that scriptures, temples and saints are the three divine pillars of Indian culture, which lead the society towards spirituality, morality and unity. In his statement, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav described both these projects of BAPS organization as inspiring steps towards the bright future of the nation and appreciated the contribution of the organization. Also expressed his respect towards the most respected Mahant Swami Maharaj. After this, an inspirational quiz was done through podcast with famous TV artist and follower of Swaminarayan sect Dilip Joshi.
‘Let’s be ideal’ project
The whole of India is well aware of the various works being done by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in the field of social and cultural upliftment. In the series of these Bhagiratha works, this is also an important effort that every child of India can become an ideal child, ideal student and ideal citizen by acquiring invaluable lessons of values, education, health and culture and thus can make a valuable contribution in the service of family, society and nation. With this objective, the ‘Let’s Become Adarsh’ project was launched by BAPS organization in the year 2016. So far, the benefits of this project have reached more than 44,00,000 students from more than 20,000 schools in Gujarat.
Under this project, new and attractive video series are being made available to schools free of cost through mobile and desktop applications. This initiative is proving to be a strong step towards the development of moral values, positive thinking and ideal conduct among the students. Also, this video series will prove to be an invaluable contribution in realizing the ideals of the National Education Policy (NEP-2020) implemented by the illustrious Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi with the aim of promoting value-oriented education.
Integrated Personality Development Course (IPDC)
IPDC-BAPS is a divine and valuable educational initiative of Swaminarayan Sanstha, whose objective is to develop such values in the college students that make them characterful, successful and full of vision in life. It is a two semester credit-based course which is being taught regularly in many universities across the country. Its aim is to create a young generation that enjoys learning, lives with love and practices good life values.
Created by world-renowned educationists, psychologists and youth-development experts, the course combines modern teaching methods – such as inspirational films, interactive lectures and guided reflection – with the timeless ideals of Indian culture. In this, students are not only shown the path to success but are also given the vision to understand the higher objectives of life. Today this course has been adopted in 30 universities and more than 600 colleges of India, and through it more than 2 lakh students are giving a new direction to their lives. The IPDC course inspires the youth to become enthusiastic learners, ideal professionals, loving family members and responsible citizens. Thus, IPDC is not just a curriculum but a way of life – which awakens the divinity hidden within the youth and illuminates them with the light of knowledge, values and service.
Pujya Brahmavihari Swamiji described the features of Abu Dhabi temple
Also, in his inspiring statement, Pujya Brahmavihari Swamiji, while describing the features of the Abu Dhabi temple, said that ‘This temple is not just a set of stones, but a living symbol of co-existence, harmony and peace, which has established the culture of India in the heart of the world.’ The program ended with Aarti and Mahaprasad. In the presence of hundreds of Hari devotees from India and abroad, today’s program proved to further enhance the spiritual and cultural pride of ‘Jeevan Utkarsh Mahotsav’. Finally, on 5th November, it was announced that the sermon of the famous speaker of the organization, Saint Pujya Gyanvatsal Swamiji would take place.