In an ever-changing world, the values we foster within our families stand as our enduring legacy. At the “From House to Home: Inspiring Family Values” program during the Festival of Inspirations in Robbinsville, New Jersey, the focus was on how family values transform mere houses into cherished homes. This was a highlight in the three-month celebration leading up to the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, a landmark dedicated to inspiring and upholding esteemed Hindu traditions.

The program featured speeches and dramas, emphasizing the importance of family values in child-rearing. It was organized into two assemblies, with the first being spearheaded by women. Pujya Vivekjivandas Swami communicated that parents form the emotional heart of a home. He outlined three fundamental pillars for raising children: health, education, and values. He cautioned against overlooking morals, stressing that a family’s unity and strength are often cultivated during shared meals and prayer sessions—powerful moments for transmitting values.

Among the distinguished attendees we Mr. Vincent Lima from Moelis & Co., who commended the community’s dedication in establishing a haven of peace. Other esteemed guests included Mr. Aman Mittal, Executive Director at Moelis & Co. with experience and expertise in Corporate Finance; Mr. Sandip Patel, CEO of Crossroads Hospitality Inc. accompanied by wife Mrs. Rushia Patel; and Mrs. Yogita Modi, School Board member at Hindi USA who has worked diligently in fostering cross-cultural understanding enabling language to act as a bridge between India and America, accompanied by her husband Mr. Sanjay Modi.

A central theme of the event was the essence of positive parenting. As depicted in stage acts and accentuated by Pujya Anandswarupdas Swami, children crave sincere love and attention. They absorb values by observing adult behaviors. Investing quality time with them, avoiding detrimental comparisons, and consistently modeling exemplary behavior are crucial. An affinity for satsang also provides them with a guiding light in life’s labyrinth.

In his discourse, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj highlighted the dangers of contrasting children with their peers, emphasizing the individuality of each child. Drawing an analogy between child-rearing and tree nurturing, he noted that with attentive care, children thrive, while neglect can inhibit their growth. He encouraged parents to allow their children ample time to mature, pointing out that children often mirror parental actions. He concluded by emphasizing that a foundation in spirituality equips children to flourish, armed with solid values.