In an era where the world’s demands are rewriting the language of education−where schools promise nurturing of intellect and integrity with global exposure and worldly success−can one truly imagine a school of such rare and luminous purpose, one that celebrates ‘Bhagyoday Parv’, marking the dawn of a vision that guides students beyond worldly illusions and leads to discerning wisdom? Yes, this utopian vision of a school truly exists as Atmiya Vidya Mandir, for at its founding His Divine Holiness Hariprasad Swamiji Maharaj bestowed his divine blessing, declaring that whoever enters its hallowed halls to study shall remain untouched by the fleeting illusions of the material world, rising above the overpowering sway of Māyā.

This blessing leads to the celebration of the Bhagyoday Parv at Atmiya Vidya Mandir: ‘‘Bhagya signifies divine grace, and ‘Uday’ its rising, together symbolizing the birth of a mission through this school, destined to touch countless lives. This celebration became profoundly sacred and spiritually elevated with the arrival of Guruhari−Param Pujya Prabodh Swamiji−the torchbearer of the sacred legacy of the school. All the members of the Atmiya family−students, teachers, housemasters, and didis−gathered in the prayer hall, waiting with eagerness for Guruhari’s darshan and the blessed moment when His presence would fill the hall.

Meanwhile, the host, Tarun Sir, at the mic, held the spiritual ambience intact, weaving moments of reflection through his thoughtful nuggets of wisdom, reiterating the sacred significance of Bhagyoday Parv. Soon, the waves of joyful applause filled the hall as the gathering caught a glimpse of Guruhari. He first bowed and devoutly knelt at the central sanctum before the murtis of Thakorji and Bhagwan. To welcome Him, little students stood in neat lines, wearing paper crowns with written prayers embellished at the front, their innocent faces glowing with devotion and delight.

The prayer hall stood beautifully adorned, radiant with thoughtful decorations and filled with devotional ambience. At the front of the mandir, the trophies and certificates for the upcoming Annual Athletic Meet were displayed, placed there to be sanctified by His touch and thus rendered blessed. Large display screens flanked both sides of the hall, while, for the first time, an impressively vast screen graced the stage itself−its inauguration coinciding with this pious occasion. Together, these glowing screens amplified the sacred atmosphere, allowing every heart present to immerse into the divine moments unfolding.

As Guruhari was reverently welcomed and settled upon His seat, and the sacred pujan of Thakorji was solemnly completed, the atmosphere became sanctified and serene. In this auspicious stillness, the programme gently unfolded with the formal introduction of Shivam House’s creative assembly presentation, marking the graceful commencement of a spiritually anchored and thoughtfully curated event − RRR: Routine-Ritual-Rajipo: The Journey from Discipline to Divine Joy.

The students of Shivam House presented this compelling creative performance−an intellectually engaging and morally reflective presentation that extended beyond the confines of the stage. Each scene whispered practical wisdom drawn from real life, urging young minds to pause, reflect, and realign their daily conduct. Through the device of imaginative time travel, the presentation highlighted how discipline, when guided by devotion, elevates routine into ritual and leads to Rajipo. Drawing inspiration from the diligent spirit of Nikola Tesla, the disciplined excellence of Sachin Tendulkar, and the value-centred, service-oriented daily life of Prabhudas Bhai (the young-age name of His Divine Holiness Hariprasad Swamiji Maharaj). This assembly instructed, inspired, and implanted enduring life lessons meant to be lived.

Watching this presentation, Guruhari’s expression subtly evolved as the drama progressed−shifting from quiet happiness to evident pride, and culminating in a smile of thoughtful appreciation and wonder at the students’ performance.

This was followed by a devotionally composed prayer-song, rendered by the junior wing students, whose lyrics were imbued with heartfelt longing and imagination: “I wish I could be the pen to write the thoughts of Guruhari, I wish I could be a rabbit to hop around His lotus feet, I wish I could be the rosary, gliding through the fingers of Guruhari.” The performance exuded innocence and devotion, filling the hall with a palpable sense of appreciation and awe. Guruhari’s eyes welled with tears of joy, touched deeply to witness the nurturing spirit of Swamiji’s school, where even at such a young age, students are being shaped with devotion and heartfelt reverence.

Following this, the assembly rejoiced in an outstanding achievement−the gold medal won by former Head Boy Bhoolku Aatman Patel at an CBSE State Championship. He stands as a luminous example of the harmony of talent, diligence, and humility, reflecting the very ideals the institution seeks to nurture in every student.

Thereafter, two students, one each from Grades 8 and 9, offered heartfelt prayers to Guruhari on behalf of their entire class. The most striking aspect of these prayers was their pure intent−they did not seek anything material, but rather expressed aspirations of a spiritual and transcendental nature, reflecting the values and inner orientation nurtured by the school.

After this, the students of Grades X and XI stepped forward with quiet reverence to offer their prayers and seek blessings. They carried a three-dimensional model they had conscientiously crafted−a tangible reflection of the dilemmas they face in life. The model displayed two paths: one veering into distraction, the other leading steadfastly toward their true purpose, illuminated by the guiding light of their teachers, saints, and Guruhari. As they placed their creation before Guruhari, each gesture spoke of the values they had absorbed within the school.

Next came the cherished moment, destined to be engraved upon the lanes of memory, as the graduating batch of Grade XII gathered upon the stage, blessed to be captured in a single frame−a photograph that would forever kindle light in their hearts and gratitude in their lives.

In the wake of this, it was the fortunate moment to listen the words of wisdom from ‘the divine mother’ and most beloved saint, Pujya Suhrad Swami who defined Bhagyoday Parv as a turning point: an awakening moment to align daily life with dharmic values, and let spirituality guide choices, thoughts, and actions. He highlighted the lesson of practical spiritual living from the life of Prabhudas Bhai−manifested through compassion, self-discipline, and devoted service to others. Suhrad Swamiji further explained that true fortune (bhagya) is not external wealth, but the clarity of purpose and selfless service.

Thereafter, the stage was set for the most awaited moment of receiving blessings of Guruhari. Guruhari explained profound truth about friendship and good company by quoting the scenes from the creative assembly drama presented by the students of Shivam House, in which a group of sincere friends helped a lazy and lackadaisical companion rediscover the power of routine, ritual, and rajipo. Guruhari further explained the importance of good friends in our lives, kind of friends who awaken us from laziness, challenge our ego, and support our growth in career. This is exemplified by the story of Prabhudas Bhai climbing back up Mount Girnar after already descending, simply because he realized a friend was still up there waiting for him. A true friend does not leave another behind, regardless of the effort required to reunite. Guruhari further narrated another inspiring example from Prabhudas Bhai’s life wherein he remained a true friend by guiding a “genius” friend, who had faltered in college due to life’s diversions, back on track, this shows that a friend who helps navigate distractions toward one’s true destination can be even more valuable than a brother.

As the students listened, their hearts settled into reflection and resolve. Young minds awakened to the values of friendship, perseverance, and purpose, carrying the blessings of Guruhari with a commitment to walk with integrity and support one another. As Bhagyoday Parv drew to its close, students and teachers alike felt blessed and firm in their resolve to follow Guruhari’s words. The function concluded with Akshar Naman, as folded hands and bowed heads reaffirmed a shared pledge of seva, smruti, suhradbhav, and swadharm−to be lived beyond the moment and into daily life.

‘Go and catch a falling star,’ writes John Donne−an image of the impossible; and yet, here stands a school where grace uplifts, wisdom awakens, and learning elevates; and to be a part of this school truly marks the uday of our bhagya.

Seema Ma’am