‘Life in Resonance’ was celebrated at the tenth annual
BAPS Women’s Conference 

In physics, resonance is defined by a phenomenon that follows when a powerful, vibrating system causes another system to oscillate with greater amplitude at a specific frequency. In life, resonance is defined by the innate beliefs and timeless principles that drive an individual’s actions as well as his/her physical and mental state of mind. Harmony within mind and body resonate harmony within our surroundings. 

This year, the tenth annual BAPS Women’s Conference at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs in Edison, New York, Robbinsville and Washington D.C. provided a renewed approach to over 2,000 attendees on balancing three major aspects of one’s life through the theme of “Life in Resonance”: cultural identity, work-life balance, and emotional health. In today’s world, everyone is constantly striving for balance, whether it be at school, work, or at home. While self-help books and online forums can be great sources of inspiration for those seeking this type of balance; open discussions among peers can often have a greater impact in making this a more achievable goal. 

Dr. Amy Patel, a pediatric dental resident at Montefiore Medical Center, was one of the selected speakers who delivered an insightful message on building pride in one’s identity through confidence in one’s intrinsic beliefs and practices.  She shared, “While we may exist in varying environments, it is our identity and what we value that defines us and determines the course of our actions, irrespective of the environment.” 

Circling the ever-debatable topic of maintaining a work-life balance, Gopi Patel, a technical project manager at KPMG, explored various practical methods and solutions, including self-introspection, for seeking clarity and filtering out purposeful priorities from our chaotic lives. She also pressed on the importance of family harmony for one to realize themselves as a part of ‘we’ and ‘ours’ versus ‘I’ and ‘mine’.  

Several dignitaries graced the conference with their presence to support BAPS in spreading this message of empowering women by enabling them to recognize their innate strengths that lie in their cultural roots and traditions. Dr. Vijaya Radhakrishna, MD, was one such dignitary at the conference in Edison, NJ who shared her own experiences of drawing pride from her South Asian heritage and feeling immense joy and satisfaction in utilizing her unique background to not only maintain a work-life balance but also gain harmony in her own life by serving others.  

The delegates were reminded of the immense power that spirituality holds in practicing the above-mentioned principles of self-awareness and introspection by Alak Parmar, an educator at Elizabeth Public School. The knowledge, that in the end, we leave everything behind in this temporary world, allows us to remain grounded and unperturbed through the wavering highs and lows in our life. This knowledge is quintessential for a content mind and a healthy self. 

The event was held at Toronto, Chicago, Detroit, Edison, New York, Robbinsville, Washington DC, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles and San Jose.

Spreading this message of science, practicality and spirituality across the nation, the conference attracted attendees from various personal and professional backgrounds. Panel discussions and Q&A sessions enabled the speakers to effectively communicate their experiences and thus, enrich the audience with practical applications to bring balance into their lives. The conference delegates were reminded not only of the necessity for maintaining stability, but also of their inherent strengths which allow them to pursue this very goal.  ### 

About BAPS 
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide socio-spiritual organization is dedicated to community service, peace and harmony. Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families and individuals. Through social and spiritual activities, BAPS endeavors to produce better citizens of tomorrow who have a high esteem for their roots. Its 3,300 international centers support these character-building activities. Under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is morally, ethically and spiritually pure, and free of addictions.

About Pramukh Swami Maharaj 
His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, has inspired millions of people across the world to lead a God-centered, morally pure life. As the present leader of BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj has traveled extensively, emphasizing the importance of family harmony, community service and spiritual progress. He embodies the essence of Hindu life. His compassion for humanity, universal wisdom and striking simplicity has touched many world religious and national leaders.