The first Sewadal Camp of 2011 was held in West Midlands Bhawan on May 7 and 8, 2011.  Approximately 140 Sewa Dal members from Inner and Outer London, Hitchin, Bedford, Oxford, Birmingham, Leicester, Bradford, Scotland and various other towns attended this camp. Young and old alike attended but the youth of the mission were out in force.

On May 7, 2011 the session started with the Prayer and all of the Adhikaris reported on the activities and development in their respective areas over the previous 12 months. This was followed by a co-ordinated PT parade where it was heart warming to observe the full efforts of even the youngest members of Bal (Children) Sewa Dal. The next session was dedicated sections from the ‘Blue Book 2010’ which specifically covered Sew Dal related instructions.

After a break, group discussion and feedback was shared on the topic of “Views from youngsters regarding how to improve Sewa Dal activities on a regular basis” as well as views on how to motivate attendance by youth at congregations. Both the National Shikshak Rev Balbir Singhani ji and the Executive Member in Charge of Sewa Dal, Rev Sukhjinder Singh ji, noted all of the extremely valuable and relevant points for review.

This led into the next session, ‘Sewa Dal Motivation’ which was enhanced by the Executive Member in Charge sharing his personal experiences of how his own motivation and dedication to follow the Satguru’s teachings developed and how we all, whether members of the Sewa Dal or not, should retain absolute faith in Nirankar and the Satguru in all situations.

The next set of learning opportunity was provided by the sharing of the smallest and largest of details on how the Sewa Dal should focus and be alert during Baba Ji’s tours. These factors were important for both those on the tour itself as well as those arranging the Samagam hall and stage facilities and management of the gatherings.

The absolute highlight for everyone and remains the key talking point by all those who attended, was the special video blessing by His Holiness from the Khetriya Sanchalak Conference in Delhi of 16 April 2011. His Holiness very poignantly and directly covered in minute detail the purpose and history of the Sewa Dal, the responsibilities and above all the clear need for teamwork, for development and attention to detail in forward planning in every single aspect of Sewa Dal and Adhikari activity.

The final session of the evening, the icing on the cake for many, were the uplifting devotional songs sung melodiously by male and female members from all over the UK and in the form of Antakshari competition from old and new Nirankari mission songs sung late into the night.

The second day, started with Sewa Dal Games where male and female including seniors and children, energetically participated in a sack race, egg and spoon race, hop race, 3 legged race and Guru Sandesh. A presentation on Health and Safety was well received, being a key requirement for all gatherings in the Western World, not only for the well being of members of the congregations but also as a legal requirement. The weekly Sunday congregation was then enjoyed in a blissful atmosphere.

* * *