Page 17 - The Indian EYE 010623

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JANUARY 06, 2023 | The Indian Eye 17

while millions watched live around On December 15, Home Minis-
the world. ter of India Amit Shah inaugurated
On this occasion, the Prime Min- the month-long 'International Con-
ister of the United Kingdom, Right vention for Better Living' in the pres-
Honorable Rishi Sunak MP, shared ence of His Holiness Mahant Swami
a personal video message of tribute, Maharaj and many leading industri-
offering his admiration and gratitude alists of India. The evening assembly
to His Holiness Pramukh Swami Ma- started with a unique symphony of
haraj for his countless contributions 150 performers from 19 countries
to the U.K. and the world. and 33 Indian instruments.
The Head Swami of Akshard- The convention on December
ham in Gandhinagar, Anandswarup 15 highlighted Pramukh Swami Ma-
Swami said, “What was it in Pramukh haraj’s life’s work in inspiring addic-
Swami Maharaj that attracted so tion-free lives. Under his leadership,
many and inspired them to positive- BAPS became a global movement
ly transform their lives and selflessly providing unprecedented spiritu-
serve? Pramukh Swami Maharaj was al, social and cultural services for
so simple and made himself easily society through more than 160 hu-
accessible to everyone because he manitarian activities. In noting the
saw God in all. So anyone who came spiritual energy, he felt at the nagar;
into his contact experienced so many Gautam Adani, Chairman of Adani
virtues in him: selfless love, limitless Group, remarked, “One stunning ex-
compassion, contentment, divinity, On this occasion, Prime Minister The colorful evening concluded ample of such an entity is the BAPS
peace, and the presence of God.” Narendra Modi said, “I want to con- with a maha-arti with tens of thou- Mandir in Abu Dhabi, which is the
Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhu- gratulate Mahant Swami Maharaj for sands of devotees as they paid tribute symbol of unification across races,
pendrabhai Patel said, “As we have inspiring this magnificent Nagar and to their guru Pramukh Swami Ma- religions, and nations. Swamishri’s
come together to celebrate the cen- the swamis for conceptualizing and haraj, who personified his universal principle that humanity must be built
tenary of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s creating it. It is not only impressive; teaching, “In the joy of others lies on a consciousness of unification and
fifth spiritual successor Pramukh it will be a source of inspiration for our own.” unshakable integrity to serve with-
Swami Maharaj, all of us remember generations to come. This festival is The festival will continue out expectations is now nowhere
the manifold ways his life inspired great not just because of its scale and through January 15, 2023, and each better reflected than the Mandir in
us. He served all of humanity his en- beauty but because of the experience evening will feature a themed assem- Abu Dhabi. Such an ability to unify
tire life with a vision that transcend- of divinity and grand vision behind it, bly focusing on the life, work, and millions of people comes not from
ed bodily distinctions. He inspired where everyone can learn about our messages of His Holiness Pramukh the limiting power of geographical
countless to transform their lives. Af- heritage, history, faith and values.” Swami Maharaj. In the mornings, boundaries, but from the unlimited
ter the terrorist attack on Akshard- “I dearly miss Pramukh Swami academic conferences will present power of a unified effort.”
ham, his actions set an example for Maharaj. But today, I feel his love research topics ranging from temple In noting his legacy, the Chair-
the world of peace and forgiveness and spiritual energy through Mahant architecture and Hindu literature to man of Zydus Cadila, Pankaj Patel,
that became renowned as ‘the Ak- Swami Maharaj, who continues to women’s empowerment and social said, “As a spiritual leader, Pramukh
shardham Response.’ He provided inspire me to serve everyone in our uplift by national and international Swami Maharaj propagated the
comfort to all in need, providing aid country.” members of academia. In addition, message of equality regardless of
to the disaster-stricken. He personal- Mahant Swami Maharaj, in his specific conferences will bring to- caste, creed or religion. He was for-
ly inspired thousands to become ad- blessings, stated, “Why has Naren- gether various professional associa- ever focused on uplifting the lowest
diction-free. One of his greatest con- drabhai Modi come? He is very intel- tions, such as lawyers, doctors, and, members of society.” Charmain of
tributions is the inspiration of family ligent and can grasp the entire nagar entrepreneurs. Afternoons will fea- GMR Group G. M. Rao said, “He
unity. This is a festival to pay tribute in an instant, but he has come solely ture programs with presentations possessed nothing, wanted nothing,
to the invaluable contributions he to offer his homage to Pramukh Swa- and performances planned and pro- asked for nothing, and yet he has giv-
had made to society.” mi Maharaj.” duced by women. Continued at next page... >>

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