Day 5 : Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar.

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj along with other leading swamis and dignitaries celebrated Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s devotion to the guru before an assembly of tens of thousands during the fifth evening programme of the Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Celebrations in Ahmedabad on Monday 19 December. Reflecting on the role and importance of devotion to the guru in Hinduism, dignitaries from various fields remembered how Pramukh Swami Maharaj exemplified and inspired these ideals in millions worldwide.

The programm started at 5:15 pm with Devotional songs paying homage to Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s devotion to the guru. Then the programm was started when BAPS scholar Adarshjivandas Swami narrated incidents in Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life explaining how people experienced him to be an ideal guru. While narrating he said, “Every corner of this festival reflects Pramukh Swami's divine life. When we observe Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s 30-foot sculpted image we gain a glimpse of his simple life filled with the purity of God. Many people of varied ages, races, and religions were inspired to transform their lives just by looking at a simple photo of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Such divinity and peace flowed from just his photo that they stated they would never tire of looking at him. So, it is no surprise that upon people’s first interaction with Pramukh Swami Maharaj they would be overwhelmed with feelings of love, divine peace, and purity. People were attracted to Pramukh Swami Maharaj's ears, his voice, his smile, his laugh, his walk, and every aspect of his life. This attraction to Pramukh Swami Maharaj was the attraction of God; the peace experienced was the peace of God; because Pramukh Swami Maharaj was one with God.”

After that BAPS Swamis sang kirtan ‘Guru Parameshwar Re’ celebrating the highest ideals of the guru-disciple relationship, which were epitomized in Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life.

Padmashri Savji Dholakia, Founder and Chairman of Hari Krishna Exports said, “Although one may feel one cannot see God, I can say with certainty that the creation of this festival is not possible without the presence of God. Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s love has brought all the volunteers here and infused them with love and devotion to God. For the last 35 years I have prayed to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and in that time not a single wish has remained unfulfilled. Bhagwan Swaminarayan has protected me in every way for all these years. This is the power of God and his Saint.”

Arun Gujarathi, Former Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly said, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj was godly. His words were divine, his character was godly. He wasn't a saint for one particular religion; he was for all, irrespective of religion, community, or country. While one world religion cannot be established, it is certainly possible to have the entire world united by religion. And Pramukh Swami Maharaj was the one saint who did that and brought peace to the world. He did this not through magic, but through temples. His mandirs were global centres of peace. Pramukh Swami Maharaj's thoughts and works will live forever, and by following them we attain inner peace. This peace in one’s heart will spread to the family, the country, and finally across the world.”

Keshav Varma, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, High-Level Committee on Urban Planning, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs said, “As an urban planner, I know that the transformation of 600 acres of land into such a magnificent cultural center, with such spirituality and beauty, should take years. The fact that 80,000 volunteers of varied backgrounds have come together and created this in six months is astounding to me. It is a symbol of inclusiveness, equity, and unity that our entire country must engrave into their hearts. It is clear that Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s divine impulse is present here.”

1. Academic Conference: 9.00am to 4.00pm

Day 2 Main Speakers:

 C.R. Raju, President of the Indian Institute of Architects

 Dr.Parul Pandya Dhar, Professor of Art History, University of Delhi

2. Professional Conference: 9.00am to 3.00pm

 Mr. Rajnikant Ajmera, Ajmera group of Companies

 Mr. Rahul Patel, Tax Consultant

3. Evening Assembly: 5.00pm to 7.30pm