Events

There will be many events and activities for 2008 across Europe.
See below for details.

AYUDH Europe Youth Exhange 2008

We are happy to inform you about the 4th European Youth Exchange Program to be held at M.A. Center Germany from the 22nd – 27th of July 2008.
The theme for this year’s Exchange Program is “The Future in Our Hands”.

We can create a bright future if we become a LAMP:

Leadership
Aspiration
Mindfulness
Perseverance

As the future generation we don't just hold our own future in our hands, but also the destiny of society and ecology.

To be led by Br. Shubamrita and Bri. Dipamrita, this European Youth Exchange is meant to bring together young people from all over Europe.
Through talks, discussions and practical workshops we want to discover the possibilities that lie in our hands to create a more peaceful and just future – for ourselves and the world.

The program includes: Talks / Discussions / Environmental Workshops / Spiritual Practices / Personality Development / Art / Music  / Intercultural Exchange

Last year we were accredited by the “Youth in Action” Program of the European Commission DG Education and Culture. This year also we have applied for the same. If accepted, the European Commission will sponsor the accommodation and 70% of the travel costs of a limited number of participants.


Please contact: info@ayudh.eu

Click here to download “The Future in Our Hands” leaflet.



Youth e-Newsletter Subscription:
In our e-Newsletter we keep you up to date with both our gatherings and our social, cultural and ecological activities as well as Retreats in the UK and Europe. It also includes news from AYUDH India and AYUDH America.

To register for the newsletter please go to:

http://www.youth.amma.de/internationalnewsletter.php

2007 Events:

"YOUTH IN ACTION"

European Youth Exchange 20 – 26 July 2007 Report
M.A. Center Germany

Amma’s Youth in Europe are moving ahead, under Her Love and guidance. The third Youth Exchange Programme held at the M.A. Center, Germany was a phenomenal success in which the youth from different parts of Europe participated. This year this programme was supported by the “Youth in Action” Program of the European Commission DG Education and Culture. The exchange aimed at bridging the gap of culture, social background, language and creed and at highlighting and practicing the universal values which are the foundation not only of a mature personality, but also of a harmonious society. The theme of this year’s programme was “Values – the foundation of a happy and balanced life.” The youngsters enjoyed every minute of their stay, and wholeheartedly participated in the workshops and all other activities organised for them.

Br. Shubamrita and Bri. Dipamrita gave inspiring talks to the youth every day, which were filled with practical wisdom and humour. “Values like love and compassion are not just to be talked about – they have to be practiced in our everyday life. These values are the same in each country, in each culture of the world. They have always been relevant, they always will be relevant, and they are, more than ever, relevant now. Values are like the software of a computer – you don’t see them at the surface, but they shape and influence each one of our thoughts and actions” said Br. Shubamrita addressing the 80 plus youngsters.

One of the key values to be strengthened in the younger generation today is love and concern for Nature. “Nature does not need human beings, but human beings need nature. We need to make it a priority in life to protect and preserve Mother Nature” Bri. Dipamrita stressed in her talk. The environmentalist Mathieu Labonne came to the same conclusion: “If we don’t act now, Nature will act upon us.”

In various workshops with the eminent personality development coaches Daya (Antti-Juhani Wihuri from Finland) and Martin August (from Denmark) the young people were invited to run a “virus scan” and update their “value-software”, and refocus on their goals in life. Through various spiritual practices like Yoga, Tai Chi and Meditation the young people were invited to turn inwards and balance the many activities and impression of the full daily program. At night the whole group gathered to sing together - real rocking Bhajans. Every afternoon the participants had the chance to take part in various workshops like Art-Work, Filmmaking, Textile Design, Song writing, Drumming and Acrobatic. As part of the Eco program of the M.A. Centre Germany a group of participants installed a rainwater collection device on the compound.

The deep and thought provoking topics of the exchange have not affected the light and fun atmosphere. During Seva activities, walks in nature and a unique rally called “Darshan – the hunt” the young people could experience the beautiful spirit of togetherness as one European family. During his visit to the center to see how the retreat was going, Christian Rösler, official from the German National Agency of “Youth in Action” said: “I have observed something remarkable here: Each one of these young people have the potential and strength to go out and help other young people - those who drop out of school, who are underprivileged and misfortunate in life.” He was very impressed with the way the activities were going on and wished the youth all the success in life. In a workshop with Singer and Songwriter Sathya (Mikka von Herzen) and Axel the youngsters wrote lyrics in five languages to the theme song of this year’s Youth Exchange, expressing exactly what Mr. Rösler remarked upon:

“Lighten up our candles
Show us how to love
Let us spread your message
On the wings of a dove
In your arms we all feel
Joyous and secure
Amma please remember us
And keep us close to you”

To download "on the wings of a dove" (128 kbit/s mp3) Click here

To download the PDF of the full lyrics Click here


Seeing the enthusiasm, dedication and sincerity of the young people makes one more optimistic about the future – a future that is shaped by individuals who aim to BE the change they want to see in society, a youth full of values, a youth in action. With Amma’s grace, this Youth Meet turned out to be a memorable experience for one and all.

To see a slideshow of photos from the retreat click here