Tarneit’s young people soar towards building of vibrant communities 

Prisha Nayak believes it is by nurturing and guiding young people that she can contribute to the betterment of the world. 

“My goal is to instill in them the virtues that will inspire others and lead to a more equitable and just society,” she says. “By helping them establish a profound spiritual connection and encouraging personal growth, I hope to be a part of creating a brighter future for them and for the world as a whole.” 

In August, Prisha was recognised by the Wyndham City Council as the Young Person of the Month for her active participation in local community-building activities. 

As well as teaching Baha’i children’s classes, she also dedicates her time to tutoring, public speaking, environmental initiatives and fundraising events. 

“Engaging in local initiatives promotes personal growth and development by teaching valuable skills such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving,” she says. 

“Additionally, when young people contribute positively to their neighborhoods, they create a supportive and vibrant environment that benefits everyone, enhancing the overall quality of life. This involvement also helps to build a culture of empathy and collaboration, which is essential for addressing societal challenges and creating a more inclusive and resilient community.” 

Inspired by her participation in Baha’i moral education programs, Prisha is just one example of a band of young people who are dedicating their time to the building of a vibrant, outward focused neighbourhood in the community of Tarneit, west of Melbourne. 

Sanisha Das moved to Tarneit in 2023. Originally from India, she lived in Malaysia for 22 years before embarking on what she calls a “life-changing journey”. 

“While hope and excitement filled my heart, so did a profound sense of anxiety,” she says. “Growing up in a religious household, the belief in a supreme being in the Universe who looks after us all was ingrained in me, and subconsciously, this faith became my anchor during and after my move.” 

Through reflection, friendship, and devotion, Sanisha says she has felt empowered to lead a life of service to others which she believes is “the only way we should be spending our time”.  

“I was introduced to the Baha’i Faith, which deeply resonated with my goal in contributing to society beyond solely my academic and financial capabilities,” she says. 

“My desire to do more for my community found a medium through assisting in children’s classes. I am grateful to be making my way through Books 3 (Teaching Children’s Classes) and 5 (Releasing the Powers of Junior Youth) concurrently, with a dear group of friends.  

“The experiences we share have helped me reconnect with my faith, reinforced the power of the Word of God, and highlighted the importance of letting [God] lead the way while we continue working hard to serve without getting distracted by earthly pleasures.” 

Motivated by a desire to apply the Baha’i teachings to their everyday life, these youth are working shoulder-to-shoulder to bring about a spiritual change within themselves and to empower one another to create a physical and spiritual change in the society around them. 

Pubudi Weliwattage says becoming involved in the junior youth program has been “one of the most rewarding experiences of my life”.

“The journey from being strangers with the youth to being close as siblings has truly been a blessing,” she says. “Helping these kids grow spiritually has also aided in my own spiritual growth, and I can’t wait to make more core memories with them!”

Sam Rashidi is another youth who has been participating in Baha’i community-building activities in Tarneit for many years, both as a children’s class teacher and a junior youth animator. 

He says the youth are the spearheads of society; the individuals who will lead humanity to its next step of understanding and unity. 

“To see youth express their passions and dreams reverently in itself is beyond inspiring and knowing I’m a part of their journey is a gift far more valuable than gold,” he says.  

“As we go through the program their growth begins to showcase itself and their perspectives begin to become one of unity, humility and compassion, simply a marvel.” 

In its Ridvan 2024 message, the Universal House of Justice placed emphasis on the role of youth in building vibrant communities, stating that while “All must surge, the youth must soar.” 

“For us to even talk about a unified world we should start first with ourselves, then our family, followed by our neighbourhood and finally the stage will be set,” Sam says.