| Inspired by Pramukh 
                Swami Maharaj and guided by the sadhus, 8,650 men and women volunteers 
                serve to consolidate satsang in over 5,500 BAPS satsang and women’s 
                centres, in Gujarat.For the continued guidance and improvement of these dedicated 
                volunteers, annual regional shibirs are organised and conducted 
                by the Satsang Activities Central Office based in Amdavad.
 Beginning on 10-12-2004, a total of 13 shibirs were held: one 
                at Rajkot and two each at Sankari, Tithal, Amdavad, Atladra, Gadhada 
                and Bochasan. The last shibir concluded on 9-1-2005. A total of 
                4,800 men and 3,850 women volunteers from 177 districts of Gujarat 
                participated in the shibirs.
 The theme of the shibirs, ‘Only One Aim – Akshardham’ 
                was based on Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s statement in Vachanamrut 
                Gadhada II-22, that devotees of God should aim “to attain 
                the abode of God within this very lifetime.”
 Each shibir began with a video of Swamishri’s blessings 
                elaborating on the shibir’s theme. The shibir’s agenda 
                consisted of speeches, meditation and contemplation, question 
                and answer sessions, audio-visual presentations, message-oriented 
                games, discussions and other programmes focusing on the central 
                message of the shibir. Speeches by senior sadhus – Doctor 
                Swami, Mahant Swami, Kothari Swami, Tyagvallabh Swami and Ishwarcharan 
                Swami – and other experienced sadhus gave the volunteer’s 
                valuable guidance and inspiration.
 Through these shibirs, the volunteers were inspired to progress 
                in their own spirituality and in their service to the Sanstha.	
                ?
 Every year, the BAPS 
                Bal Mandal Central Office in Amdavad organises regional shibirs 
                to train and refresh volunteers for children’s satsang activities. 
                This year’s theme was ‘Pratigna’ – Pledge.To shibir's theme was based on Swamishri's pledge to Shastriji 
                Maharaj 54 years ago to serve the Sanstha, and subsequently his 
                unceasing and herculean efforts in fulfilling his pledge. A total 
                of 11 regional shibirs were held to inspire and train 5,236 children’s 
                activitiy volunteers from 187 districts of Gujarat. Each shibir 
                lasted for one-and-a-half days. During this time, there were inspiring 
                speeches by senior sadhus which helped to explain and consolidate 
                the main message of the shibirs. In addition, there were skits 
                and dramas, audio-visual presentations and question-answer sessions 
                which gave guidance on matters of work procedure and discipline 
                essential for the smooth and efficient execution of duties. Discussions 
                also took place on the fundamental principles which enable the 
                children’s activities to flourish. A report of the activities 
                and achievements of 2004 by the volunteers was also presented. 
                Then, a schedule of the projects to be undertaken during 2005 
                was announced.
 
 
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