Giving Up Everything for the Adhiveshan
To prepare for the adhiveshan, balaks and balikas gave up their play and vacation time, while some even cancelled their holiday trips! Disability, illness, the passing away of a loved one — nothing could deter these participants. Below are just a few of the inspiring incidents revealing how they balanced time challenges, family commitments and emotional setbacks

CHILDREN’S DETERMINATION
Not Giving Up Despite Father’s Demise
Harsh Jaykishanbhai Khamar of Patan bal mandal studies in the 8th grade. His father was admitted to a hospital due to poor health. Just days before the Zonal Adhiveshan, Harsh’s father’s health worsened and he suddenly passed away on 1 March 2019. Harsh was deeply saddened by his father’s death, but he remained firmly intent on taking part in the adhiveshan. The mourning ceremony was to be held on 3 March, the same day as the Zonal Adhiveshan. Harsh remained calm and firm in the face of this tragic loss. After the ceremony, with his mother’s permission, he participated in the Zonal Adhiveshan. Similarly, Nadiad resident Chirag Rangvani’s father also passed away. Yet Chirag, too, remained mentally and emotionally strong and prepared for the adhiveshan.
Unsuccessful Participants Pray for Others
Two balikas from Ahmedabad, Khushi Hingu and Krishna Panchal, took part in the Regional Adhiveshan, but did not progress to the Akhil Bharatiya Adhiveshan stage. Yet these two selfless balikas helped to prepare mukhpath papers for the balikas who had progressed. Also, Khushi and Krishna prayed for the success of their fellow balikas who had progressed. During the day, they would even go to Shahibaug Mandir to prepare decorations to be used in the Akhil Bharatiya Adhiveshan in Sarangpur.
Resolute in the Face of Illness
Sajal Keyurbhai Patel of Patan studies in the 5th grade. He had various stomach illnesses for two months. Then, on the night of 4 May 2019, having developed a high fever and severe headache, Sajal had to be admitted to hospital. He was released after treatment and reached home at 2:30 a.m. His father had passed away three years ago, so he called his mama (maternal uncle) to come early next morning to help him. His mama is disabled. At 5:30 a.m, Sajal, his mother and mama left for their region’s main center, Himmatnagar, on a three-wheeled Activa scooter. They arrived at 8:30 a.m., just in time for the Regional Adhiveshan. There, he gave mukhpath of 12 chapters, despite being tired and sick!
Cancelled Overseas Trip
The family of Jeet Sunilbhai Bhatt of Satellite in Ahmedabad had planned a trip to London to visit his mama. Even his ticket had been booked, yet he said, “No, I don’t want to go to London. I’ve been selected for the adhiveshan, so I would like to prepare as best as I can and earn Swamishri’s rajipo.” Similarly, the family of Param Tiwari of Anand had planned to go to the Shilanyas Mahotsav in Abu Dhabi. But they postponed their visit so that Param could prepare for the adhiveshan.
Competed Despite Blood Transfusions
Vandan Mayurbhai Thakkar of Mulund, Mumbai, suffers from an illness called thalassaemia since birth. This means he has to have a blood transfusion about twice a month. Following the Zonal Adhiveshan, he went to Dubai for treatment and a vacation, but returned before the Regional Adhiveshan. Immediately after returning, he had to have a blood transfusion on 30 April 2019. Yet, on 1 May, Vandan successfully gave mukhpath for all 25 chapters. Also, he performed well in the Satsang Q & A, storytelling and mono-acting competitions. During his month-long stay in Dubai, Vandan’s karyakars had helped him to prepare for mukhpath via video calls.

Blind Balak Does Mukhpath
Keyur Mukeshbhai Priyan of Nikol in Ahmedabad has been blind since birth and his body remains weak and frail. Yet, Keyur memorized chapters from the Satsang Mukhpath and studied for the Satsang Q & A by listening to audio recordings of the texts, and repeatedly revising them word-for-word. He successfully memorized 25 chapters and 100 questions as well. Keyur is also a good singer. With his parents’ help, he worked exceptionally hard. Keyur won a prize in the Mukhpath competition and earned Swamishri’s rajipo.
Took Part Despite Operation
Kunj Patel of Ahmedabad had a major kidney operation on 26 February 2019. The following week, he participated in the Zonal Adhiveshan and qualified for the Regional Adhiveshan.
Staying Strong in the Face of Obstacles
Jeel Patel of Vadadla near Petlad had just recovered from a hand fracture when his father suffered a fatal heart attack and passed away on 4 May. Still, on 5 May, he participated in the Regional Adhiveshan. He had memorized 25 chapters, and a hundred questions and answers. Jeel prepared for the adhiveshan, despite the uncertainty about his admission to a new school and his family’s financial difficulties, with the understanding that whatever Maharaj does is always for our own good.
Unbearable Kidney Stone Pain
Mit Rathod of Ahmedabad suffered from repeated bouts of pain due to stones in both his kidneys. The day before the Regional Adhiveshan, the doctors gave him a choice: be admitted for treatment or tolerate the pain. Deriving strength from how Mahant Swami Maharaj completes his daily routine despite many health challenges, Mit decided to delay admission and to participate in the Regional Adhiveshan. He was selected for Satsang Mukhpath, Satsang Q & A, Storytelling, Speech and Mono-acting.

Memorized with Understanding
Tilak Chudasama studies in Standard 3. Having progressed to the Regional Adhiveshan, he memorized all 25 chapters of the Satsang Mukhpath and thoroughly studied the Satsang Q & A booklet. Once, during his family’s ghar sabha, his parents were discussing how atma darshan is possible. To their immense surprise, Tilak answered their question by quoting a passage from Vachanamrut Vartal 11, and added that by developing profound love for the Satpurush, Mahant Swami Maharaj, atma darshan is possible. Not only had the young balak memorized the passage, but had understood its meaning as well.

Mukhpath Despite Disability
Mit Kotadiya of Bhojraj Para, Gondal, is severely physically handicapped and requires assistance to complete all his daily activities. After the adhiveshan was launched, Anantcharan Swami said in the bal sabha, “God has given us infinite abilities.” This motivated Mit to participate. He told his mother, “In any way possible, I want to participate in the adhiveshan.” So, with the help of the audio books prepared by the Sanstha, he persevered. In the Zonal Adhiveshan, he memorized 10 chapters. In the Regional Adhiveshan, he memorized 20 chapters.
Studies Boosted
Amit Chavda of Surat performed poorly at school. But by participating in the adhiveshan, he developed his abilities of reading and memorizing to reach the Akhil Bharatiya Bal-Balika Adhiveshan. This has also helped him to improve in his studies at school. Some gave up on their favorite pastimes… some sacrificed vacation fun… some disregarded illness and physical pain… some overcame the sorrow of a family death… they all stood strong amidst many challenges… all with a common aim: to earn Mahant Swami Maharaj’s rajipo. These children worked hard and participated in the adhiveshan and passed with distinction. We bow down to these children who, like flowers, have spread the fragrance of satsang and sanskars around them, and thus earned the priceless rajipo of Mahant Swami Maharaj.
SUPPORT OF PARENTS
Parents Help Their Children to Prepare
Agna, who studies in the third standard, had participated in the adhiveshan. Whenever her mother helped her with preparations, her four year-old sister, Upasana, would be around too. So, she also started picking up the mukhpath. Thus, four year-old Upasana learnt by heart five complete chapters. For the Zonal Adhiveshan, Agna had memorized eight chapters. But her mother felt that Agna could memorize all 25 chapters. So, for the Regional Adhiveshan, Agna memorized 25 chapters with the help of her parents. In the morning, her father would help her prepare new mukhpath and revise what she had already memorized. Her mother, a school teacher, would help her after school. Whether it be in the bathroom, in the car, while playing, while her mother was cooking or during the ghar sabha, the only focus was the adhiveshan. Besides Satsang Mukhpath, Agna also won prizes in Satsang Q & A, Coloring and Mono-acting. Her mother said, “The adhiveshan has benefited me immensely. Both my daughters, Agna and Upasana, have learnt a lot from it.”
Helping Both Their Daughters
Khushi and Palak, two sisters who attend the balika sabha in Mumbai, participated in the adhiveshan — Khushi in Group 1 and Palak in Group 2. Their father’s name is Anandbhai Thakkar. Since the girls are studying the CBSE syllabus, along with the adhiveshan, they also had their final exams in the same month. Their mother removed the TV cable connection. So, instead of watching TV, they would listen to the adhiveshan audio. Similarly, they would listen to the audio while bathing, getting ready and eating. Due to their hard work, Palak won five prizes and Khushi won three prizes in the Zonal Adhiveshan. These girls had their exams just prior to the Zonal Adhiveshan and then they had school before the Regional Adhiveshan. Just before the Akhil Bharatiya Adhiveshan, Palak was seriously ill, hence had to take complete bed rest. Even in such conditions, their mother helped her to work hard for the adhiveshan. And as a result, in the Akhil Bharatiya Adhiveshan, Palak won prizes in Satsang Mukhpath and Storytelling.
Grandmother and Mother Help to Prepare
Nayan Shukla of Bharuch studies in the 8th standard. His 64 year-old grandmother has only studied up to the ninth standard, many years ago. She had to have a leg operation and was advised complete bed rest for two months. While in bed, she would help Nayan to read the questions and answers. In total, his mother and grandmother would daily spend about four to five hours helping Nayan with reading, writing and understanding and prepare him for the adhiveshan. They would also test him on whatever he had prepared. In spite of being busy serving her mother-in-law, looking after guests coming to their house, doing household chores, and looking after yuvati activities, Nayan’s mother would find time to help him with his preparations as well. While cooking, she would help him to do his mukhpath. She would also prepare question papers for him to test his Satsang Q & A knowledge. Nayan’s final CBSE exams finished just two days before the Zonal Adhiveshan. He developed a high fever. Even then, his mother motivated him saying, “You will receive Bapa’s rajipo by participating in the adhiveshan.” With help from his grandmother and mother, Nayan succeeded in getting a prize in the Akhil Bharatiya Adhiveshan.
Support Despite Lack of Resources
Umesh Rakholia (Standard 5) of Nikol, Ahmedabad, achieved success in the Shishu Adhiveshan through prayers and the support of his parents and karyakars. Daily, his parents took him to the hari mandir in Nikol where karyakars helped him and other balaks to prepare. The mandir is about 4 km from his house and his family does not have a private vehicle. So, his mother or father would drop him there and pick him up again, either by rickshaw or bus. Even at home, he would prepare for the adhiveshan.
Parents Would Bring Food and Snacks
Upendrabhai Patel serves as a sah-nirdeshak for Ahmedabad Zone 16. He reported that balaks used to stay from early morning till late at night in the local hari mandir to prepare. So, parents would bring them food and snacks. Not just for their own balak, but also for others. The parents were delighted that the children were engaged in such a constructive activity. Thus, parents and karyakars would encourage the children to earn Swamishri’s rajipo. They would specially take out time from their routine activities to help the children prepare.
EFFORTS BY KARYAKARS
Grasping the adhiveshan as an opportunity to please Swamishri, the karyakars also poured their hearts into doing whatever was required to help the children prepare in the best way.
Giving Priority to Adhiveshan Preparation
Dipakbhai Soni, sah-nirdeshak for Anand 1 commutes daily to Vadodara for work. The round trip takes about four hours. So, he would reach the home of the balaks at 7:00 a.m. to check on their progress for the adhiveshan and motivate them. On returning at 9:00 p.m. in the evening, he would again visit the balaks and encourage them and their parents to prepare properly. Due to his selfless efforts, the parents also assisted in preparing their children for the adhiveshan.
Helped to Prepare Despite a Fractured Foot
Joybhai, a bal karyakar from Satellite, Ahmedabad, was teaching the role of Joban Pagi to a balak for the mono-acting competition. As Joybhai stood on a chair, three of its legs suddenly buckled and he fell, suffering several fractures in his toe. Doctors told him he should rest for one month. Despite this, he daily gathered the balaks at his home to guide their preparations for the adhiveshan.
A Pilot Helped Children Prepare for Mukhpath
Amitbhai Shah from Mumbai is a pilot with a reputed airline. However, whenever he was not flying, he would spend all his free time to help children prepare for mukhpath competitions.
Reduced Job Hours
Niteshbhai Chauhan serves as a nirikshak and BSS sanchalak in Paldi, Ahmedabad. He was assigned the task of helping the balaks with their preparations. He was wondering how he would find time for this seva. He works for 14 hours daily at a medical store. So, he decided to cut down on his overtime for about two-and-a-half months. He sacrificed on his income to find time for his seva.
Sadhu Amrutvijaydas

