You Are the Light: 21st AYUDH Europe Youth Summit

The gathering in Germany brought together over 200 young people from more than 25 countries.

Key Points

  • The 21st AYUDH Europe Summit encouraged youth to reconnect with their inner light to bravely face the crises and uncertainty of our current world—and become a source of love and compassion for others.
  • The summit bridged ancient spiritual practices with emerging technologies, illuminating how Great Masters like Amma show that life can become an endless flow of joy, meaning, and service.
  • Eminent speakers spanned a broad spectrum, from Amma’s most senior disciples to world leaders for global peace and human rights.  
21 July 2025
Main topic
AYUDH
Related topics
Groups & Centres Humanitarian Spiritual

In a world increasingly challenged by crises and uncertainty, this year’s AYUDH Europe Summit encouraged young people to recognise and reconnect with the inner light that carries us through adversity, inspires others, and guides us toward a purposeful life.

With the theme “You Are the Light”, it was the 21st annual gathering of our youth wing in Europe. Its vision—building resilience by learning through experience and dialogue. 

The event offered deep insights into what it means to stay grounded in turbulent times and live with presence and compassion, becoming an inspiration for others.

Have courage to go deeper into the darkness

Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, Amma’s most Senior Disciple and President of AYUDH International, emphasised the importance of discovering an inner sanctuary—an eye of the storm—from which we can respond to life’s challenges with serenity and strength. 

Swami Amritaswarupananda inspired the youth to tap into their inner strength.

“People ask Amma, ‘When should I start my sadhana, my spiritual practices?’ Amma says, ‘Now.’ This is the right time. Never postpone or delay if you want to do something that will transform you and bring forth the light and love within you. Now is the perfect time,” he said. 

“Have the courage to go deeper into the darkness within you. Only then will the dawn of a new light arise. Without love, there is no light. And without light, there is no life. Love and light are one.”

The gathering was held July 13 to 20 at the MA Centre in Brombachtal, Germany and brought together over 200 youth from more than 25 countries. About a third of them were attending for the first time, drawn by the high calibre of speakers and workshop leaders, as well as a strong desire to connect with like-minded people of their generation.

“Great Masters like Amma demonstrate that life can become an endless flow of joy, meaning, and service.”

Dorian Spaak, President of AYUDH Europe

Swami Shubhamritananda Puri is one of the mentors of AYUDH Europe. He delivered an address called “Finding the Inner Light”. 

“In a world inundated with filters, likes, and external validation, it’s easy to forget that our true empowerment doesn’t come from what others think of us, but from the inner strength and worth that already reside within,” he shared. 

Drawing from the life of Amma, he urged the youth to pursue their inner calling, cultivate a growth mindset, strive with persistence, stay mindful of their influences, and empower others by sharing their inner light.

Swami Shubhamritananda Puri

“The experiences we gain at AYUDH show us that we can overcome differences and challenges,” expressed Dorian Spaak, President of AYUDH Europe. “Great Masters like Amma demonstrate that life can become an endless flow of joy, meaning, and service.”

From ancient knowledge to artificial intelligence 

Throughout the week, participants explored different dimensions of resilience through daily themes such as artificial intelligence, professional development, conflict resolution, mental health, and inner peace. Each of the seven days featured inspiring talks, practical workshops, and reflective moments—interwoven with joy, music, and a strong sense of community.

Tuesday focused on the role of emerging technologies such as AI in serving humanity, with Pablo Jiménez Godoy, CEO of WeKan Enterprise Solutions, providing key insights. 

“It is Amma’s prayer that we develop the expansive mindset to embrace both scientific knowledge and spiritual wisdom,” he said. 

Jiménez Godoy, CEO of WeKan Enterprise Solutions

Workshops and keynotes bridged the development of technology with the ancient practices of spirituality, encouraging participants to approach innovation with intention and compassion.

Wednesday featured Amandine Roche, a UN human rights consultant and seasoned peacebuilder, who spoke about embodied strength and emotional intelligence. She also shared how Amma supported her in her own transformation.

In September 2001, she was detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan as a French citizen. Today, she is a women’s empowerment expert with more than 20 years of experience in conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Haiti, Congo, and Libya.

“I met Amma 20 years ago in Paris and she was already amazing. But when I went to Amritapuri, it was another level. Because she really helped me to heal all the trauma from Afghanistan. So I became an Amma devotee,” she shared.

Amandine Roche, UN human rights consultant and peacebuilder

The day also included martial arts sessions led by Ayhan Ismail, a 5th Dan Karate master, and other experts, teaching youth practical tools to handle interpersonal tension and violence with calm and clarity.

On Thursday, Karen Darke—Paralympic gold medalist, adventurer, and motivational speaker—shared her profound personal journey, offering insights on vulnerability, resilience, and mental health in a challenging world. 

In a spirit of union, she said, “There is a place inside us all which is stillness, and which is peaceful, and which is innately happy.”

Karen Darke, Paralympic gold medalist & adventurer

Friday’s intergenerational policy panel inspired everyone through sharing the week’s reflections and findings. Breakout groups and dynamic discussions enabled youth to transform these insights into practical tools for action. 

As Aiknaath Jain (UK) from the coordination team beautifully expressed, “This summit is not just an event—it’s a shared journey, and everyone’s light is a vital part of it.”

The inner light always shines

The weekend drew more than 350 attendees who celebrated diversity and unity through cultural expression. It featured the Odenworld Festival—a vibrant evening that honoured both national identity and shared humanity. 

The gathering concluded with a blissful rendition of the devotional song ‘Mata Rani’ by Swami Amritaswarupananda, bringing the whole audience to their feet.

“One honest friend is more valuable than 1,000 (fake) likes,” shared Swamini Amritajyoti Prana, President of ETW-France. “It is not the number of friends that counts, but the quality of the relationships.”

Aiknaath Jain, AYUDH UK & Swamini Amritajyoti

Throughout the summit, daily meditation sessions helped them gain the skill set to withdraw to the inner sanctuary of silence whenever needed. 

As well, the event offered a hands-on dive into professional and personal development through a rotating career fair, presentations on European youth programs, and collaborative workspaces. Participants interacted with over 15 professionals from diverse backgrounds, learning how to align their work with both personal values and potential.

Concluding on Sunday, July 20th, the young people left not only with new friendships and experiences, but with a shared commitment to embody the light they discovered within.

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