Youth Fest members Mellissa Munsami (far left), Bhaktin Sajana (in pink), Captain Cheryl Pillay (Head OF SAPS Communications Chatsworth – second left), Smita Krsna das (Programme Director- centre) with members of the Metro Police.

The Youth Fest, organized by ISKCON Durban, brought together a large group of young individuals for a day focused on empowerment, service, and spiritual enrichment. This year’s event was notable for the significant collaboration among various communities and organizations, including the South African Police Services (SAPS) Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum. The collaborative effort aimed to address the spiritual needs of young people and provide them with practical life skills.

Smita Krsna Das, one of the main organizers of the event, shared how the Youth Fest has grown and evolved over the years: “The goal was always to give the youth something meaningful and outside of their usual expectations and experiences,” he explained. This year, that mission expanded on new dimensions, focusing more on bringing people together from different backgrounds, addressing social issues, and creating a sense of unity among the youth.

The large crowd of school children with some members of the SAPS and school principals in the front row.

From the beginning, the event aimed to provide a well-rounded experience by incorporating various elements like kirtan, drama, workshops, alongside volunteer service. “The youth participated in several activities that provided both spiritual engagement and practical life skills,” Smita Krsna shared, highlighting the festival’s diverse offerings.

This year, the Youth Fest partnered with the SAPS Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum, which played a key role in addressing issues such as crime prevention and substance abuse in a way that resonated with young people. Smita Krsna mentioned, “The involvement of SAPS brought a level of seriousness to the event. It wasn’t just about spiritual growth but also about addressing real-life issues these young people are facing on a day-to-day basis.”

The presence of SAPS helped bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community, promoting collaboration rather than conflict. “We wanted to show the youth that law enforcement is not just there to enforce rules but also to support them in their development too,” he said.

Rossburgh High School Choir presented a dynamic performance of traditional and gospel songs.

The event emphasized volunteerism as an essential part of this year’s theme. Smita Krsna highlighted the aim of creating opportunities for youth to give back to their communities. he mentioned, “Service is one of the pillars of what we teach, and we made sure our youth volunteers had a chance to engage in various service activities throughout the day.” This not only helped participants feel more connected to their communities but also gave them a sense of purpose and responsibility.

The Youth Fest encouraged young people to contribute their time and effort to different causes, such as distributing food and organizing community clean-up projects. It emphasized the importance of service as a way of life.

At its heart, Youth Fest 2024 was about creating a space for young people to come together, learn, and grow. The day was packed with engaging activities aimed at fostering spiritual and personal development. One of the standout moments was a karate lesson led by Hanshi Sonny Pillay, President of Karate South Africa, who shared valuable self-defense techniques with the large crowd of schoolchildren. Pillay’s session emphasized discipline, respect, and the importance of self-control—skills that resonated deeply with the young attendees.

The crowd, which included school children, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), and school principals seated in the front row, watched attentively as the karate demonstration unfolded. This collaboration between educators, law enforcement, and community leaders highlighted the shared responsibility of shaping young minds.

Adding to the excitement was a stirring performance by Craig Lucas, a winner of The Voice South Africa, who also shared his personal story of overcoming challenges. His music and words struck a chord with the audience, reminding them of the power of perseverance and self-belief.

In line with Youth Fest’s commitment to celebrating diverse forms of expression, the event featured an electrifying performance from Golden Age, a Krishna Conscious Hip Hop group. Their performance was a unique blend of beats, rhymes, and spiritual messages, captivating the crowd and showcasing how faith and modern culture can harmoniously intersect.

Craig Lucas, winner of The Voice – South Africa with members of the SAPS.

Despite the event’s success, there were challenges along the way. One of the main hurdles was logistical planning, especially when it came to coordinating the various organizations and ensuring the safety and smooth operation of the event. Smita Krsna reflected on how these obstacles were overcome through teamwork and dedication. “It wasn’t easy, but the team worked incredibly hard to pull everything together,” he noted.

A key aspect of managing these challenges was the collaborative effort with local authorities. “We had great support from the SAPS Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum, which made things run more smoothly, especially when it came to safety and outreach.”

Looking ahead, Smita Krsna and his team are optimistic about the future of Youth Fest and how it can continue to grow and impact the lives of young people. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “We want to expand this initiative and make it more accessible to many South African youth. The aim is to take this message of empowerment, service, and spirituality to as many people as possible.”

Plans include making Youth Fest an annual event that reaches and inspires many, with the goal of fostering unity and spiritual growth across the province. Smita Krsna expressed hope that more young people will become inspired to take part in volunteerism and self-development activities. “Our vision is to create a platform where young people can grow spiritually while also making a tangible difference in their communities.”

Youth Fest 2024 showcased the power of collaboration and the influence of spiritual and community engagement on young lives. With a focus on both personal growth and community service, the event is consistently growing as a valuable resource for youth seeking guidance, purpose, and community support. Smita Krsna and his team are dedicated to expanding the reach of the Youth Fest, ensuring that its message of empowerment and unity will continue to inspire future generations.

For more information about Youth Fest or to get involved, you can contact Smita Krsna at +27 84 402 0251 or via email.