Youth event “Vidya Yatra” cultivates faith-based values among children in Brentwood

Brentwood, UK – 6 July 2025: A unique youth event titled Vidya Yatra was held on Sunday at Mountnessing Village Hall, Brentwood, bringing together over 35 children and their families for a day dedicated to nurturing Sanatan Dharma and fostering strong cultural and spiritual values in the younger generation.

Organised by Miss Shuchishmita Maitra Auhona, the event featured a rich array of interactive activities, spiritual practices, and motivational talks aimed at helping children understand and embrace their Hindu identity with confidence and pride.

The day began with a soulful Bhagavad Gita recitation by young participant Shornil Maitra Shorgo, followed by an uplifting Aarti. The atmosphere was both devotional and engaging, with children participating in an icebreaker game titled Pass the Garland, designed to encourage reflections on Hindu values and identity across different age groups.

A collective Surya Namaskar session led by Miss Ojasvi Banerjee and Mr Bikram Banerjee brought together children and parents in a powerful display of physical and spiritual harmony. This was followed by an outdoor session of traditional games and dharmic movement activities, promoting teamwork, joy, and discipline through physical engagement.

Participants recited the Bhojan Mantra before enjoying a wholesome vegetarian meal, reinforcing the importance of gratitude and tradition in everyday life. The afternoon included a flag-hoisting ceremony, honouring the Bhagwa Dhwaj (saffron flag) as a symbol of Sanatan strength and resilience.

A highlight of the day was an interactive and thought-provoking session led by renowned speaker Mr Dhruv Chhatralia BEM, who addressed topics such as misconceptions about Hinduism and cultivating faith-based confidence. His talk resonated strongly with both children and adults, sparking meaningful dialogue and reflection.

As the day concluded, children presented roleplay skits tackling real-life questions about their faith, while parents attended a dedicated session with Mr Chhatralia, who shared insights on supporting children’s dharmic growth in a Western environment.