Youth Programs

Shree Swaminarayan Yuvak Mandal

Mission· Objectives· Contributions

At the turn of the new millennium, the late Mahant Sadguru Purani Swami Hariswarupdasji of Bhuj Mandir envisioned a group that would unite the youth of our religion, residing globally. His goal was to empower the youth to take on the challenge of moving our satsang forward among their fellow haribhakto in this materialistic world. After years of dedicated effort, this vision was realised.

Introduction

Given the youthful congregation in Sydney, Australia, it was decided that this would be the ideal launch location of the international branch. In 2003, in the presence of esteemed Swamis from Bhuj, including the current Mahant Sadguru Purani Swami Dharmanandandasji, Shree Swaminarayan Yuvak Mandal Sydney was established, marking the beginning of Swami’s vision.

From our humble beginnings of involving the youth in decorating hired halls for festival celebrations to organising the first Shibir in Australia, SSYM Sydney has thrived over the years. Today, we are proud to offer a wide range of activities that are designed to foster personal growth, community service, and spiritual development among our youth.

SSYM Sydney Mission Statement

SARVA-JEEV-HITAAVAH | For the betterment of all living beings

SSYM Sydney Objectives

  • Promote Hindu Sanatan Dharma, as directly authenticated by Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan and authenticated by Bhuj Mandir Santo.
  • Grow and develop our youth to ensure the sustainability of the Sampraday for future generations.
  • Empower and inspire our youth to not only sustain but enrich their active engagement in satsang, fostering a lifelong spiritual journey.

Contributions to Australasian Community

  • Weekly YM Sabha: Every Friday, we hold an interactive YM Sabha for yuvaks from 7 PM to 8:45 PM, providing a space for spiritual discussions, learning, and friendship. At the same time, a dedicated separate YM Sabha is held for yuvatis, fostering a supportive environment to empower our young female haribhakto.
  • Youth Support: Our dedicated youth support programs provide guidance and mentorship, helping young individuals navigate the challenges of modern life while staying rooted in their spiritual values.
  • Increasing Bhakti: Through Bhakti Boosters such as bhajan mornings, Prabhat feris, and other satsang sessions, we aim to deepen the spiritual connection of our youth, encouraging them to embrace and practice Bhakti in their daily lives.
  • Decoration: We actively involve our youth in creating grand decorations for all temple festivals. This enhances the festive atmosphere and allows our youth to showcase their artistic expression while creating engaging experiences for visiting haribhakto.
  • Themed Events: Events such as Amazing Race, Maharaj’s Kitchen Rules, and trivia nights provide fun and engaging ways for youth to bond, challenge themselves, and apply their skills in creative contexts.
  • Social Events: Social gatherings such as barbeques and outings provide a platform for youth to bond, share experiences, and build lasting friendships.
  • Shibirs: We organise Shibirs (spiritual retreats) that offer immersive experiences in satsang, personal development workshops, and opportunities for self-reflection and growth.
  • Charity Events: We regularly organise charity initiatives such as blood drives, tree planting, food drives, and step-a-thons. These events benefit the community while instilling responsibility and compassion in our youth.
  • NarNarayan Dev Cup: This annual sports event brings together young haribhakto from SSMB Sydney and ISSO Sydney, promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and a healthy competitive spirit.
  • Sports: Regular sports activities such as badminton and darts help our youth stay active, healthy, and engaged in positive pursuits.

Through these efforts, we aim to nurture the next generation of leaders who will carry forward the legacy of our beloved Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan.