BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a spiritual, volunteer-driven fellowship dedicated to improving society through individual growth by fostering the Hindu values of faith, service and global harmony.
Bal Mandal is the childrens wing of BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha). It is a dedicated organization within BAPS that focuses on the spiritual, moral, and character development of children.
Bal Mandal provides a platform for children to learn about Hindu culture, values, and traditions in a fun and engaging manner. It aims to instill in them a strong foundation of spirituality, devotion, and righteous living from an early age.
The teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the lineage of spiritual gurus are imparted to children through various activities and programs. Bal Mandal activities often include religious discourses, storytelling sessions, devotional singing, arts and crafts, drama, and educational games.
Children are encouraged to participate in these activities to enhance their understanding of Hindu scriptures, festivals, and rituals. Through interactive sessions, they are taught about moral values, ethics, and the importance of leading a virtuous life.
Bal Mandal also organizes camps and retreats where children can come together, learn, and bond with peers who share similar values. These events provide an opportunity for children to engage in team-building activities, outdoor games, character-building exercises, and cultural performances.
The primary goal of Bal Mandal is to nurture the holistic development of children, emphasizing the integration of spiritual, intellectual, and emotional growth. By participating in Bal Mandal activities, children can develop a strong sense of identity, character, and a deep-rooted connection with their cultural heritage.
It is worth noting that the specific activities and programs of Bal Mandal may vary from one BAPS center to another, as they are tailored to meet the local needs and cultural context. However, the core objective remains the same - to provide a nurturing environment for children to grow spiritually and morally within the framework of Hindu values.
The history of BAPS Bal Mandal traces back to the early days of the formation of BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha). Bal Mandal was established with the vision of nurturing the spiritual and moral development of children within the organization.
The founder of BAPS, Shastriji Maharaj Shri Yogiji Maharaj, recognized the importance of instilling spiritual values in children from a young age. He emphasized that children should be brought up with a strong foundation of faith, character, and devotion.
With this objective in mind, he laid the groundwork for Bal Mandal in the early 1950s. Under the guidance and blessings of Yogiji Maharaj, Bal Mandal activities initially took place informally, with small gatherings of children where stories from Hindu scriptures were narrated and devotional songs were sung.
The spiritual teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the lineage of gurus were imparted to children through these interactive sessions. Over time, Bal Mandal evolved into a structured organization within BAPS, with specific programs and activities tailored to the needs and interests of children.
The activities were designed to engage children and make learning about Hindu culture, values, and traditions enjoyable and relatable. In the following years, the popularity and reach of Bal Mandal grew significantly.
As BAPS temples were established worldwide, Bal Mandal chapters were formed in different regions, allowing children from diverse backgrounds to participate in the organizations activities. Today, BAPS Bal Mandal operates globally, with numerous chapters and centers in various countries.
It offers a wide range of activities, including weekly assemblies, camps, retreats, competitions, and festivals specifically designed for children. These activities focus on character development, moral values, spirituality, and cultural preservation.
Through the efforts of BAPS Bal Mandal, countless children have been exposed to the teachings of Hinduism, imbibed moral values, and gained a deep understanding of their cultural heritage. The organization continues to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of children while remaining committed to its core objective of nurturing the spiritual growth of the younger generation within BAPS.