Samskruthi 2026 – New Zealand
With the boundless grace of our Guru Maharaj Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji and the causeless mercy of Sri Madhuri Sakhi Sametha Premika Varada Thakurji, Global Organisation for Divinity organised Samskruthi 2026 at the Fickling Centre, Auckland, New Zealand on the 18th of April, 2026.
Samskruthi is a beautiful Sanskrit word that signifies culture refined by values, knowledge, and righteous living. It represents the passing of our culture, traditions and the spirit of Bhakti and Devotion from one generation to the next—not merely through words, but through lived experience, expression, and shared joy. Samskruthi 2026 is a humble offering at the lotus feet of our beloved Guru Maharaj, resplendent with joy and vibrancy—bringing together families, children, and the wider community to celebrate heritage with devotion and enthusiasm.
The programme witnessed an inspiring turnout of around 350 attendees, with 76 children participating from various community groups including Kiwi Tamizh Sangham, Satya Sai Group, Kannada Koota, and the Telugu Association. This diverse participation beautifully reflected the unity in diversity within our community, where different cultural roots came together in harmony under our shared heritage of Sanatana Dharma.
From the very beginning, the event exhibited the spirit of seva, sharing and collaboration between the organising team, the supporting groups and the participating community members that was foundational to the success of the event. Every effort—whether seen or unseen—carried a sense of purpose and devotion. The event was organised in multiple segments each presenting a rich and colourful tapestry of fine performances by young children.
Stories that Came Alive
Storytelling
The storytelling segment unfolded with a gentle depth, drawing from sacred narratives and cultural roots. The story of Maa Ganga was shared with devotion—describing how King Bhagiratha’s penance brought the celestial river to Earth, and how Lord Shiva received her in his jata, allowing her to flow gracefully for the benefit of humanity. The story beautifully conveyed ideas of purification, surrender, and moksha. In another instance, the story of Pundaleeka showcased his Bhakti to his parents that had even the Lord bound to a brick outside his hut.
Alongside this, storytelling expressions were also woven through young voices that reflected curiosity and understanding—where children shared short reflections or chose to speak a few lines themselves, adding a personal dimension to the segment. The simplicity of narration, combined with the depth of meaning, inspired the audience.
Debate
The debate segment brought a thoughtful and engaging dimension to the programme. With participation extending beyond performances, this segment reflected the enthusiasm of the community, with additional entries being accommodated even closer to the event.
The discussions reflected clarity of thought and confidence, with participants presenting their ideas respectfully. The ability to articulate viewpoints while staying rooted in values stood out, making this segment both lively and meaningful. It also highlighted how such platforms encourage children to think independently while remaining connected to cultural grounding.
Fancy Dress
The fancy dress segment was a vibrant celebration of history, spirituality, and devotion, with a wide range of characters brought alive on stage. The most loveable moment was when baby Hanuman graced the audience with his innocence and charm on stage. The courage of Rani Lakshmi Bai was portrayed with great spirit, reflecting her fearless stand during the 1857 uprising. The legacy of Rani Kittur Chennammawas presented as one of the earliest symbols of resistance and patriotism. The wisdom and compassion of rulers were reflected through portrayals such as Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, while the greatness of ancient kings like Harshavardhana was brought forward—highlighting his righteousness, patronage of arts, and dedication to his people.
The stage also witnessed the presence of some of the great spiritual masters and pillars of our eternal Sanatana Dharma—Adi Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, and Madhvacharya—representing the depth of Indian philosophy. Revered sages like Rishi Vishwamitra and Veda Vyasa, along with divine and epic characters such as Sri Rama and Sage Vashishta, added further richness to the segment. The spectacularly cute little bearded children made the day for the adoring audience!
A particularly endearing moment came through the portrayal of Lord Ganesha, where the innocence of a young child combined with devotion—sharing the love and admiration for Ganapati as the remover of obstacles and the embodiment of wisdom.
The variety of characters—from queens and kings to sages and deities—created a colourful and meaningful tableau, reflecting the vastness of our cultural heritage.
Cultural Dance Performances
The dance segment brought together multiple groups, each contributing to the vibrancy of the evening. The “Happy Feet” group of young dancers performed with joyful energy, showcasing enthusiasm and coordination among the youngest participants. The Srinatyalaya group presented a Krishna-themed dance (“Dheera Sameere”), beautifully expressing devotion through graceful movements and expressions that captured the charm of Krishna bhakti. The Nrithya Dhwani team delivered a poised and graceful performance, reflecting discipline and classical training. Another group performance inspired by the Varkari tradition brought a devotional folk element to the stage, connecting the audience to a different dimension of bhakti.
Additionally, a drama presentation titled “Megha Maharishi” brought together young participants in a group performance, blending storytelling with expression and teamwork. Each of these performances reflected dedication, practice, and the joy of collective participation.
Poem Recitation and Singing
The poem recitation and singing segment brought forward a range of young voices expressing themselves with sincerity. Participants presented poems and songs with themes rooted in culture, devotion, and values. The segment also included multiple entries, reflecting the enthusiasm and willingness of children to participate and express themselves.
In addition to structured recitations, some children chose to speak a few lines about their characters or themes, adding a spontaneous and heartfelt element to the segment. The simplicity of expression, combined with genuine effort, made this segment deeply touching.
Esteemed Judges – Guiding the next generation with their Wisdom and Experience
The presence of three esteemed judges provided guidance, inspiration and encouragement to Samskruthi 2026, rooted in the depth of the experience and values they brought to the event.
Smt. Shanti Ravi is deeply rooted in spirituality and Vedanta and is a two-time recipient of the President’s Award for her community service through Girl Guides, conferred by former Presidents of India R. Venkataraman and Giani Zail Singh. She has also represented India at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development and continues to actively serve cultural and spiritual organisations in New Zealand.
Dr. Yogini Ratnasabhapaty is a Stroke Specialist Physician and Geriatrician with Health NZ and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Auckland, contributing to both clinical care and research. She is also a Director at the Auckland Academy of Fine Arts and Chief Examiner for Vedic Cultural Studies (London), actively teaching and promoting cultural education across multiple countries.
Smt. Mallika Janakiraman is an accomplished executive leader with over 35 years of experience in nutrition and food science, having held leadership roles at global organisations such as Kellogg Company, Nestlé, and PepsiCo. She is the Founder and Chair of the Wahine Charitable Trust and serves on multiple boards, contributing to community health, women’s empowerment, and cross-border collaboration.
Spirit of Togetherness
Adding to the warmth of the event was the availability of prasadam and food stalls, organised as part of a seva initiative by Bhajan Satsang New Zealand. Families gathered, shared moments, and continued their interactions beyond the stage—strengthening the sense of community.
By Guru Maharaj’s grace the entire programme flowed seamlessly – even with multiple events, young participants, and a large audience, everything unfolded with grace and on-time. This was made possible by the tireless efforts of volunteers who worked quietly in the background, ensuring every detail was taken care of.
As the programme concluded, there was a deep sense of fulfilment and gratitude. Samskruthi 2026 was not just an event—it was a collective expression of devotion, culture, and community spirit. It created a space where children could learn, express, and connect with their roots, while the community came together in joy and harmony.
With folded hands, devotees of New Zealand offer their sincere Pranams and heart-felt gratitude to our beloved Guru Maharaj for making this event a grand success and offer our sincere thanks to every organiser, volunteer, parent, and participant. Each contribution added to the beauty of this wonderful event.
Prayers to our beloved Guru Maharaj to keep the spirit of Samskruthiflourishing and keep our traditions alive in the hearts of future generations.
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