Jabalpur: On the second evening of the ongoing ‘Jeevan Utkarsh Mahotsav’ organised by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in Jabalpur, the theme of the session was “Pillars of Culture: Scriptures, Temples, and Saints.” The programme commenced at 6 pm at Hotel Vijan Mahal, Tilhari.
The event began with melodious devotional music performed by the sadhus and youths of BAPS, followed by inspirational video presentations on “The Importance of Temples” and “The Glory of Jabalpur.”
In the keynote session, Adarshjivan Swamiji emphasised that the scriptures, temples, and saints are the three divine pillars of Indian culture, guiding society toward spirituality, morality, and unity. A thought-provoking podcast-style presentation with renowned television artist and devotee of the Swaminarayan tradition, Dilip Joshi, featured inspiring questions and reflections.
The event was graced by the distinguished presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who was warmly welcomed by revered sadhus. A historic moment followed when the Chief Minister inaugurated two value-based initiatives for the youth and children of Madhya Pradesh — ‘Chalo Bane Adarsh’ and the ‘Integrated Personality Development Course (IPDC).’
Significantly, both these initiatives are being launched for the first time in Madhya Pradesh from the city of culture — Jabalpur.
Present on this occasion were Rajesh Kumar Verma, Vice-Chancellor of Rani Durgavati University; KRS Sambashiva Rao, Vice-Chancellor of Mangalayatan University; and Ghanshyam Soni, DEO, Jabalpur Education Department.
The Chief Minister praised the efforts of BAPS, describing both initiatives as inspiring steps toward building a brighter future for the nation. He also expressed his deep respect and reverence for Mahant Swami Maharaj.
‘Chalo Bane Adarsh’ project
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is well known across India for its significant contributions to social and cultural upliftment. Continuing this noble tradition, the ‘Chalo Bane Adarsh’ project aims to help every child in India imbibe essential values of character, education, health, and culture — nurturing them into ideal students, ideal citizens, and ideal human beings who can meaningfully serve their families, society, and nation.
Launched in 2016, this project has so far benefited over 4.4 million students across 20,000+ schools in Gujarat.
Through mobile and desktop applications, schools receive a free series of engaging educational videos designed to promote moral values, positive thinking, and ideal behaviour among students.
This initiative represents a powerful step toward fostering value-based learning.
Furthermore, it aligns beautifully with the vision of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, supporting the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) by encouraging value-based and holistic education.
Integrated Personality Development Course (IPDC)
IPDC is an inspiring, value-based educational initiative by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. It aims to help college students develop character, purpose, and a meaningful perspective on life. It is a two-semester, credit-based academic course, currently taught in several universities across India.
Its goal is to nurture a generation that learns with joy, lives with love, and practices noble values in everyday life.
Developed by leading educators, psychologists, and youth-development experts, IPDC integrates modern teaching methods — such as inspirational films, interactive lectures, and guided self-reflection — with timeless principles of Indian culture.
It not only shows students the path to success but also helps them understand the higher purpose of life.
Today, this course is offered in 30 universities and over 600 colleges across India, benefiting more than 200,000 students who are shaping their lives in positive new directions.
The IPDC program inspires youth to become enthusiastic learners, ideal professionals, loving family members, and responsible citizens.
IPDC is not merely an academic course — it is a journey of self-transformation, awakening the inner divinity of youth and illuminating their lives with the light of knowledge, values, and service.
In an inspiring address, Brahmaviharidas Swami highlighted the significance of the Abu Dhabi Mandir, describing it as “not merely a structure of stone, but a living symbol of coexistence, harmony, and peace that has enshrined Indian culture in the heart of the world.”
The evening concluded with Aarti and Mahaprasad.
In the presence of hundreds of devotees from India and abroad, the programme added further spiritual and cultural glory to the “Jeevan Utkarsh Mahotsav.”