In the Joy of Others Lies our Own;

In the Good of others Abides our Own.

This is the profound message that is instilled in the young generation by their spiritual leader His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and it is this message that inspired the children and volunteers of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (UK) to participate in the BBC ‘Children in Need’ programme – a nationwide charitable event that raises funds every year for unfortunate children.

This year the BAPS children decided to stage a cultural performance to raise funds for the BBC’s ‘Children in Need’ charity. They practiced for over two weeks to perform a spectacular Indian cultural dance. Under the banner of ‘Kids 4 Kids’ and ‘Show You Care’, the 400 children attending the BAPS children’s forum and Sunday School in London also gave up their pocket money for a week to ‘make a difference’ to a deprived child’s life. Whilst living in the modern world full of various luxuries, contributing towards this charitable cause gave them a sense of compassion and affection for less fortunate children and taught them to appreciate and cherish what they have! Moreover, while watching this programme, the thousands of children that visit the London Mandir annually as part of their religious education curriculum could also relate their trip to the Mandir and appreciate the Sanstha’s charitable efforts for the wider community.

On Friday 17 November, the fundraising efforts of the children were recognised by the BBC. Scenes from the traditional Indian dance, interviews of children, and the support slogans of the 400 balaks and balikas were recurrently broadcasted on primetime TV not only throughout the ‘Children in Need’ programme but also during Newsround (a popular children’s TV news show) on Friday and Saturday.

The event emphasised the Sanstha’s priority to work towards a cohesive multicultural society and a better future for unfortunate and underprivileged children.