Ever since humanity began its journey of evolution, mankind has come face-to-face with the realization that human capacity is very limited and where human capacity ends, God’s power begins. This realization inspires us to recognize the divine hand behind our abilities and the fact that all our greatest achievements are graced by Bhagwan.

Quite unexpectedly, in this age where technology seems to amplify human potential beyond imagination, this realization appears increasingly irrelevant—especially for Gen Alpha, with intelligence and resources at their disposal. Hence, this grim situation necessitates igniting and instilling in this generation a sense of humility and gratitude toward the Almighty. Atmiya Vidya Mandir accomplishes this purpose with the spiritual guidance of His Divine Holiness GuruHari Prabodh Swamiji Maharaj.

The 29th of December 2024 was one such auspicious day when GuruHari arrived at the AVM campus to rekindle in all of us the necessity of seeking strength from the divine. The school’s prayer hall was enveloped in quiet reverence as students and staff gathered to experience the profound blessing of GuruHari’s divine presence. Students, dressed in crisp uniforms, sat in an orderly manner, their eager eyes fixed on the entrance, awaiting their first glimpse of Him. Meanwhile, the host of the Sabha, Tarun Sir reminded the students of their unique privilege to be part of AVM. He also reminded them how fortunate they are to be on a steady path of spiritual growth, nurtured by such rare and sacred moments.

As soon as GuruHari arrived, an air of reverence and joy swept over the prayer hall. Everyone eagerly folded their hands and bowed their heads to welcome Him. The students then presented a short drama depicting inspiring incidents from the journey of Prabhudas Bhai, portraying moments from His early life as an ideal student. The first scene of the drama masterfully conveyed the exceptional drive and concentration of His Divine Holiness as a student, inspiring others to adopt such a quality. Since it would get dark by the time He would reach home from school, Prabhudas Bhai would sit by the parabdi (place where grains and water are kept for birds, squirrels, etc.) while there was still some sunlight and diligently complete His homework before the onset of the night. Quite inspiringly, in such a young age, Prabhudas Bhai would be so deeply immersed in His studies that He remained entirely unaware of His surroundings.

Another scene depicted a light-hearted yet inspiring incident from Prabhudas Bhai’s student life. One of His friends quietly approached Him during His study time and placed a book gently on His head. Immersed in His studies, Prabhudas Bhai’s deep concentration remained unbroken, and He continued reading, the book perfectly balanced on His head. This moment profoundly inspired the students, motivating them to cultivate such unwavering focus in their own studies.

After the skit role play, the students presented a graceful and soulful dance to the tune of the bhajan “Prabhu Tara Bade Jiviye.”  The soft melody filled the air, and the dancers, dressed in colourful attire, moved with elegance, their gestures reflected the depth of devotion expressed in the song’s lyrics.

Following this dance performance, Vijay Sir addressed the students, he explained them how Prabhudas Bhai exemplified the qualities of an ideal individual in various roles: as an ideal son who respected and cared for his family, as an ideal friend who was loyal and inspiring, as an ideal shishya (disciple) who was dedicated and committed to his Guru, and as an ideal spiritual master who selflessly served for the well-being of others. Vijay Sir also encouraged students to turn to prayers during challenging situations.

Next, the school’s choir group sang a devotional bhajan titled “Samarpit.” The heartfelt lyrics of this bhajan expressed sincere prayers to GuruHari, who listened attentively to the choir’s melodious presentation. The bhajan resonated with a sense of total commitment and selfless dedication, serving as an expression of gratitude towards GuruHari.

This was followed by inspiring words from Pujya Suhrad Swamiji, who emphasized valuing time and using each moment wisely. Suhrad Swamiji urged the students to learn from Prabhudas Bhai’s life, who lived with purpose and ensured that every second was used meaningfully and with clarity of goals.

The long-awaited moment finally arrived as GuruHari started to share His golden words. Students and staff eagerly drew out their diaries and pens, ready to capture the pearls of wisdom that would leave a lasting imprint on their hearts and souls. GuruHari remarked with profound insight, “A life devoid of the values and morals that are instilled in us during our school years is no different from death itself.” His words carried the weight of timeless wisdom, emphasizing that the true essence of life lies in upholding the principles and ethics that shape our character and purpose. He further urged everyone to maintain their unique identity and values rather than being swayed by the opinions, actions, or expectations of others, saying, “આપણે બીજાના રંગમાં ના રંગાઈએ”. Furthermore, GuruHari quoted a phrase from our scriptures, “सा विद्या या विमुक्तये”, emphasizing that true education and learning should serve as a means to ascertain spiritual progress, but not just as an accumulation of knowledge. Thus, though the sabha ended, and the next day school campus buzzed back to humdrum of daily schedule, but this Bhagyoday Parv, lit our way towards a life of virtue and purpose. Through this divine day, hearts were stirred, souls uplifted, and a quiet resolve bloomed—to be anchored in values, live with gratitude and guided by the divine.

Seema Ma’am