Youth Shibir 2024
Lakshadweep, India’s smallest Union Territory, boasts of 36 palm-covered coral islands about 300 km off Kerala’s coast, featuring pristine white sands and captivating solitude. Over a thousand young devotees from across the world, including all the members of the Jivanarpit and Yuvarpit groups, set sail for Lakshadweep for a transformative Youth Shibir held between January 31 and February 2, in the serene and sanctifying presence of Pujya Gurudevshri.
Spirited Start with the Master
The grand voyage began aboard the cruise ship at Goa. A vibrant dance to the shibir’s theme song and the waving of the Youth shibir flag by Pujya Gurudevshri and Atmarpit Nemiji, Personal Secretary to Pujya Gurudevshri and Vice President of the Mission, set the tone for
an unforgettable journey filled with devotion and camaraderie.
Aboard the cruise Pujya Gurudevshri blessed the youth in the most intimate of ways. His love shone through informal moments, like His presence during meals and personal interactions He had with the youth. Pujya Gurudevshri personally fed the youth with prasaad, nurturing not just their bodies but their spirits as well.
Aboard the cruise Pujya Gurudevshri blessed the youth in the most intimate of ways. His love shone through informal moments, like His presence during meals and personal interactions He had with the youth. Pujya Gurudevshri personally fed the youth with prasaad, nurturing not just their bodies but their spirits as well.
Exploring Novel Territories with the Master
Amidst the serene backdrop of blue waves and sunny skies, Pujya Gurudevshri’s arrival at the Agatti island prompted a grand welcome orchestrated by the local administration, including Deputy Collector-cum-CEO Central Group of Islands (Agatti & Bangaram), Shri Harshit Saini.
A chitrapat of Param Krupalu Dev was placed within the Lakshadweep Administrator’s Office, marking the first-ever consecration on this land. The Master also visited a local school and distributed educational aids, sports equipment and grocery kits; a touching gesture for over 1,500 students studying here.
Venturing through the island, Pujya Gurudevshri blessed the beach with ‘Hey Prabhu! Hey Prabhu!’, ‘Yam Niyam’, ‘Kshamapna’, sacred chants, joined by the youth in devoted communion, culminating in the stirring strains of the National Anthem, symbolising honour and patriotism. He also performed the ritual of Bhoomi pujan, sanctifying the land of Lakshadweep. A string of shore excursions awaited the youth, offering opportunities for exploration through scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, banana boat rides amongst others.
A chitrapat of Param Krupalu Dev was placed within the Lakshadweep Administrator’s Office, marking the first-ever consecration on this land. The Master also visited a local school and distributed educational aids, sports equipment and grocery kits; a touching gesture for over 1,500 students studying here.
Venturing through the island, Pujya Gurudevshri blessed the beach with ‘Hey Prabhu! Hey Prabhu!’, ‘Yam Niyam’, ‘Kshamapna’, sacred chants, joined by the youth in devoted communion, culminating in the stirring strains of the National Anthem, symbolising honour and patriotism. He also performed the ritual of Bhoomi pujan, sanctifying the land of Lakshadweep. A string of shore excursions awaited the youth, offering opportunities for exploration through scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, banana boat rides amongst others.
Pulsating Celebrations with the Master
Reverberating Pujya Gurudevshri’s nurturing love, Jivanarpits Soham Shah, Manav Mehta, and Yuvarpit Mayra Jasani shared their experiences with the youth. Sarvarpit Bhavin Rupani received the Youth Icon Award and Jivanarpit Bhavik Sarkar the Star Performer Award, in recognition of their dedication and committed Seva. The evening also featured ‘Naam Mein Kya Rakha Hai’, a stirring musical dance drama by 250 youth, highlighting Pujya Gurudevshri’s compassionate roles. The professional-class production evoked a standing ovation, resonating deeply with all present.
On the culminating evening, the youth adorned themselves in their finest attire, poised and eager to celebrate with their revered Master.
On the culminating evening, the youth adorned themselves in their finest attire, poised and eager to celebrate with their revered Master.
Priceless Pearls of Wisdom from the Master
The Youth shibir reached a high on the final morning as Pujya Gurudevshri delivered an inspiring Udghosh. He guided the youth on winning the game of life through lessons from the game of chess. The Master taught the significance of being flexible in one’s strategies, networking for genuine relationships, power of applied knowledge, moving backward at times so as to charge forward rejuvenated and learning from a Master. Pujya Gurudevshri also encouraged the youth to write concise, personal Mission Statements and build a fabulous life.
Oh Master!
Upon the shore,
we experienced Your unwavering love.
Amidst the boundless ocean,
we witnessed Your vastness.
Throughout the voyage,
we found You showing us the path.
In every moment,
it was Your love alone that
we discovered!
Eternally Grateful and Forever Yours,
Jivanarpits and Yuvarpits.
