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Sunlit Path Follow-up Programme - PMB

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REPORT ON SUNLIT PATH FOLLOW-UP PROGRAMME IN PIETERMARITZBURG

The Sunlit Path follow-up programme held in the Aryan Hall in Pietermaritzburg on 04 March 2016, was attended by 172 learners from the following ten secondary schools: Arthur Blaxall, Carter High, Eastwood, EPS, Haythorne, Kharina, Northbury, Raisethorpe, Silver Heights and Woodlands.


Mrs S. Harrichandparsad, representing the Arya Samaj, welcomed learners. In her address she said, "All of us assembled here have one common factor and that is we are the children of the one Supreme God Almighty. Although we come from different walks of life, we have one God of understanding. I believe that the greatest tribute we can pay to our teachers and leaders is by following in their footsteps. On behalf of the Divine Life Society, I welcome you to this session of sharing of positive values."


We informed learners that the purpose of this programme was to gauge the effectiveness of the programme held in 2015 and to ascertain if they are experiencing any problems in maintaining their resolves and to help find solutions. We reminded learners that in the initial programme we discussed the following topics: The importance of prayer, taking drugs and consuming alcohol and how it will affect you, gambling and how it could ruin a person, the value of celibacy, causes of depression and how to overcome depression, the disastrous consequences of suicide, the Law of Cause and Effect, Health & Diet, the effects of viewing undesirable scenes on TV, the checklist or the diary and pledge form.

Guest Speaker, Professor K. Bhowan in an inspiring address, blended with educative humour, made the following points:

1. Young people have a great future ahead, being born in an age of marvellous technological development.
2. A great future can be spoilt by indulging in bad habits such as smoking, consuming alcohol, drug addiction, viewing undesirable scenes on TV, etc.
3. To protect themselves, learners should follow all the guidelines provided by the Sunlit Path programme.
4. Professor Bhowan gave examples of the power of prayer and mental strength from personal experience.
The sketch, "Meeting Life's Challenges, the Sunlit Path Way", was once again brilliantly portrayed by our Rishikumaris. It encapsulated the value of prayer, the consequences of viewing undesirable scenes on television, the importance of celibacy before marriage, violence, depression, the consequences of suicide, etc. In the breakaway sessions, learners participated in lively discussions. One learner reported as follows, "Violent scenes on TV influence the behaviour of people, thus making them more aggressive in the manner in which they react to situations. Therefore, we should limit the amount of TV that we watch. By spending less time on TV viewing, we are able to spend more time with family and on our studies."


During "question time", one of the learners asked, "What is wrong with viewing the cartoon, "Tom & Jerry"? Our presenter requested learners to answer this in one word and in unison they replied, "Violence!" Another learner asked, "If I have committed a sin or done something wrong, is it too late to get back to the virtuous path?" One of our presenters answered as follows, "It is never too late. The important thing is that you realise it is wrong and make a promise to God and yourself never to repeat that act. If you repent, God will give you the strength to overcome all your problems." It was clear to the organisers that this group of learners were not only well behaved but very receptive to the ideas exchanged at this workshop.

The value of the Sunlit Path Checklist was once again outlined and learners were urged to fill in this checklist for their own growth and development.

Although this programme was meant as a follow-up workshop for learners who attended the initial programme on 17 April 2015, organisers did not have the heart to turn away eager newcomers. We are pleased to report that 21 new learners signed the pledge form to try to keep away from drug addiction and other social ills. They were presented with certificates and will now become members of the Sunlit Club. This will entitle them to receive a copy of our quarterly magazine, "Sunlit Path".

In the summation, our presenter urged learners to have greater commitment to themselves, to the school, to the community and the world at large. Such commitment will result in great consequences, he said. Each one has the potential to make a responsible choice—to become a doctor, a lawyer, an engineer or a taxi driver. How we apply ourselves to our goals is up to each. Using the Sunlit Path Checklist effectively is one way of realising our goals.

We conclude this report with our deep gratitude to the following:

1. The Management of the Arya Samaj in Raisethorpe for the free us of the hall and its facilities.
2. Devotees of Divine Life Society of South Africa (Northdale Branch), for their kind hospitality in preparing and serving refreshments and lunch, as well as in providing the sound system, setting up the hall and taking care of the stage decor.
3. Principals of schools for allowing their learners to attend this workshop.
4. The Department of Education for granting permission to organise this workshop during school hours.

Last modified on Tuesday, 15 March 2016 08:04
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