09 May -2008

On May 09th, evening seminar was inaugurated with lighting up the lamp by the holy hands of Sadguru Shastri Shree Madhavpriyadasji Swami and other social dignitaries Shree Arajanbhai Vekariya (President of SKLPC), Shree Harilalbhai Halai (Trusty of SKLPC), Shree Manubhai Ramjibhai (Kings Kitchens). Worship of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan was performed along with recitation of Janmangal Stotra and Vedic Stotras. An inaugural Nrutya presented by the alumni of Gurukul was followed by the group Aarti performed by all participants. In the beginning, a Hindu Lifestyle Seminar Souvenir was released which consisted the various articles and explanations representing the importance and glory of Hinduism.

The evening seminar got underway with a presentation explaining the crowning glory of Hinduism. This took the audience from the beginnings of Hinduism through to the growth of the religion, its view with in the western world and eventually to it importance to language, education etc.

This was followed by Sadguru Shastri Shree Madhavpriyadasji Swami explaining the importance of Hinduism and idea of Sanatan Dhrma.

Inauguration : Lighting the lamp & Prayer

Inauguration : Poojan with Jan-Mangal Stotra

Inauguration : Group Aarti

Welcome Nrutya

Release of Souvenir

Shree Arajubhai Vekariya Shree Harilalbhai Halai

Dr. Nandaji (B V Bhavan, UK)

Shree Ravjibhai Hirani Shree Govindbhai Kerai

Dr. Nandaji (Director, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan) Shree Harilalbhai Halai

10 May 2008

The morning session was taken by Shree Vijaybhai, Shastri Shree Bhaktivedantdasji Swami and Pujya Swamiji. Shree Vijaybhai explained and expanded the scientific secrets held within Hinduism. Shastri Shree Bhaktivedantdasji Swami delivered a speech on teachings of Mahabharat and Bhagawat Geeta. Pujya Swamiji explained the significance of sixteen Sanskars of Hindu Dharma with the help of scriptural evidences and interpretation.

The afternoon session began with Kirtan Bhakti and was followed by a displayed Speech from Pujya Purani Shree Hariswarupdasji Swami on ‘Jivan Drashti’. A presentation showed the anatomy and digestive tract of a human being is akin to that of an herbivore - plant eater animal.

It was followed by highly responded event of getting answers or solutions of day to day doubts and queries.

During the course of the afternoon a number of dignitaries attended these included: Lord Navnitbhai Dholakiya, Mr. Tony McNulty MP (Minister of State), Mr. Barry Gardiner MP (Brent North), Mr. Harshadbhai (Mayor, Brent) among many others. Each expressed their delight at what they had seen and the aims of the Hindu Life Style Seminar.

As you would be aware this event corresponded with the disaster caused by cyclone Nargis in Burma. Hence a group pray session was performed in the remembrance of all those affected by such as devastating disaster. An appeal by Shastri Shree Madhavpriyadasji Swami rose over £ 3000 from the audience to which the Vascroft Foundation added a further £ 2000 allowing Arajanbhai Vekariya to present SEVA INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION with a cheque for £ 5000 to help towards aid for the victims.

The evening session consisted of number of cultural programmes performed by the alumni of Gurukul, these included: Sorathi Raas, Maniyaro Raas, Music and Comedy.

Shree C B Patel (Gujarat Samachar)

Time for refreshment

Video Vision : Speech by Purani Shree Hariswarupdasji Swami

Session of Qs & As

Lord Navnitbhai Dholakiya

Mr. Barry Gardiner MP (Brent North)

Mr. Tony McNulty MP (Minister of State)

Prayer session for victims and affected people on Barma

Donation of £ 5,000/- to Seva International foundation for relief work in Barma

Dr. Saunak Rushi, Director Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies

Priyen Vekariya (NRI Student, SGVP) uttering the experiences at SGVP

Guests and dignitaries

Cultural programmes presented by alumni of Gurukul

Welcome Nrutya and Kaththak Nrutya

Humorous skit disclosing social superstitious and cheating

Little artists presenting Kirtan Bhakti and students playing Sorathi Raas

Inspiring skit showing the bad influence of bad company and addicts

Maniyaro Raas Maniyaro Raas

Kavvali

Jugal Bandi (Flute and Tabala)

11 May 2008

The final day began with a presentation on inspiring virtues from the great personalities of Hinduism. This was followed by the speech on ‘Vachanamrutam & Shikshapatri’ by Shastri Shree Bhaktavatsaldasji Swami.

The final day began with a presentation on inspiring virtues from the great personalities of Hinduism. This was followed by the speech on ‘Vachanamrutam & Shikshapatri’ by Shastri Shree Bhaktavatsaldasji Swami. However, the many bulk of the afternoon was dedicated to a question and answer session in which many people young and old had their quires classified by Shastri Shree Madhavpriyadasji Swami.

After the final Prasad dinner the session ended a group Raas and Aarti of Purnahuti which was performed by Pujya Swamiji.

The Hindu Life style Seminar received a great response from all those who attended and hopefully helped spread a greater understanding of Hinduism.

A special mention should be given to all the volunteers who made an event like this possible there selfless dedication allowed all those present to enjoy the festivities and received a greater understanding of Hinduism.

Pujya Swamiji addressing the assembly

Mr. Harshadbhai (Mayor of Brent)

Shree Arajanbhai Vekariya (Vascroft Foundation -UK)

Time for refreshment

Session of getting answers and solutions from Pujya Swamiji was greatly responded. Participants expressed the feelings of satisfaction on getting routine and religious doubts and queries cleared.

Shree Manubhai Ramjibhai (Kings kitchen)

Blessings and encouragement to volunteers and assistants