Celebrating BAPS UK and Europe day : pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar
On 8 January 2023, BAPS devotees from the UK and Europe presented a creative programme titled, ‘In His Own Words: BAPS UK and Europe Day’ to tens of thousands assembled in Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar celebrating Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s contributions to fostering the cultural and spiritual heritage of thousands in UK and Europe. Following the programme, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj and dignitaries from around the world paid tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s inspiration of personal spirituality, Hindu mandirs and humanitarian service in UK and Europe.
Evening Assembly
Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s tireless spiritual travels resulted in the spread of faith and goodwill across the world. This week at Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar, devotees from different countries are paying tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj for connecting them to their spiritual and cultural roots. Today’s evening assembly, dedicated as ‘BAPS UK and Europe Day’, began at 5.00 pm.
The programme commenced with over 100 participants of all ages singing devotional hymns. Following this, a drama interspersed with various skits, videos and speeches, depicted Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s tireless efforts for the people of UK and Europe. Through Mahant Swami Maharaj’s analogies of a flute, pot and rain drops in his publication Divine Memories 4, the audience discovered how Pramukh Swami Maharaj wore out his body for the devotees of UK and Europe, how his universal love touched the hearts of all and how he granted all the bliss of God.
His Holiness Mahant Swami shared his experiences with Pramukh Swami Maharaj saying, “Contemplating Pramukh Swami Maharaj increases our understanding and love for him. He has continued to shower immense love and affection on us all. What I distinctly remember from my first meeting with Pramukh Swami Maharaj was his simple, unpretentious demeanour. He was absolutely natural and guileless. He made no effort whatsoever to impress, and yet he left a deep, indelible impression: ‘Yes!’ I remember saying to myself, ‘This is what I call a sadhu!’
“That is the Pramukh Swami Maharaj I have experienced. I’ve said this much, but it still seems like I have not said enough. He was a mountain of virtues, difficult to fully grasp, but this will help us understand him better. Ultimately, we pray, Swami, please help us recognize you and offer us a seat in Akshardham with God.”
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak shared a video message to the assembly in which he said, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj lived by the maxim that ‘In the joy of others lies our own.’ In the UK he was the inspiration of our magnificent Neasden temple, a familiar sight on our London skyline known as much for its service to the local community as it is for its beauty. That dedication to service is found in all 14 of the mandirs Pramukh Swami Maharaj inspired across the UK. And throughout the pandemic, they stepped up not only to help the Hindu community, but thousands who needed support during that difficult time. Over the past many years, these efforts have not gone unrecognised. Roads have been named after Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and our iconic Wembley Stadium arch has been lit up to pay tribute to his service and support for our country. So, as you gather to mark Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s 100th birth anniversary, let me pay my respects to his enduring memory and the incredible legacy he has passed on. I wish you every success with these anniversary celebrations.”
Other dignitaries who graced the stage include:
- Dr. Vijaykumar Krushnrao Gavit, State Cabinet Minister of Minister of Horticulture, Medical Education, and Tourism, Government of Maharashtra
- Shri P.K. Mehra, Air Marshal (Retd.) – Government of India
- Shri Manoj Ladva, Chairman and Chief Executive of India Inc. Group
- Shri Vijay Darda, Chairman – Lokmat Media Group
- Shri Rakesh Singh, Member of Parliament (Jabalpur)
- Shri Jayesh Shah, Chairman – Shree Naman Group
- Shri Ashok Jain, Managing Director – Jain Group
- Shri Anil Kumar Mittal, Chairman & Managing Director – KRBL Limited
- Shri Rakesh Chaurasia, Renowned Indian Flautist
Monday 9 January 2023
BAPS Africa Day
5.00pm to 8.00pm
Narayan Sabha Gruh
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