Page 15 - The Indian EYE 012023

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JANUARY 20, 2023 | The Indian Eye 15

Sunil Hali addresses the massive gathering on January 12 at Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar Stage Guests from the US and Canada on the ‘BAPS North America Day’ Celebration on January 7th

the world sang devotional songs ac- USA, shared in a video message,
companied with traditional and west- “Pramukh Swami Maharaj lived his
ern instruments. Following various entire life in the service of the com-
videos, dramas, speeches and cultur- munity and the world. He made his
al dances presented the creation and final trip to America in 2014 at the
consequent influence of one of Pra- age of 93 to inaugurate the temple
mukh Swami Maharaj’s master cre- here. His life and work have inspired
ations, Swaminarayan Akshardham. millions across the world to dedicate
Adarshjivandas Swami, BAPS themselves to humanitarian causes.
scholar and biographer of Pramukh Today, we still experience that spirit
Swami Maharaj, continued his ‘Pra- of service through the thousands of
mukh Charitam’ series in which he volunteers serving here every day.”
narrated several inspiring incidents Dr. Hugo Javier Gobbi, Ambas-
from the life of His Holiness. Anand- sador of Argentina to India, said,
swarupdas Swami, head of Swamina- “The Argentinian government and
rayan Akshardham in Gandhinagar, people congratulate BAPS. Pramukh
explained, “All mandirs and the Swa- Swami Maharaj’s spiritual contribu-
minarayan Akshardham complexes tion to the community and the world
are based on the philosophical teach- are an example of his eternal legacy.
ings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He Stage Guests from Canada on the ‘BAPS North America Day’ Celebration on January 7th. Values of social and family relation-
himself revealed in this teachings ship are important to our nation.
that he built mandirs to preserve and Pramukh Swami Maharaj fostered
foster pure devotion to God. It is in these values in abundance, encour-
this sacred tradition that Pramukh aging peace, dialogue and harmony.
Swami Maharaj built Swaminarayan Pramukh Swami Maharaj was an ex-
Akshardham mandirs in India and ceptional leader and humanitarian.
continues to build mandirs around Argentina takes pride in our capacity
the world to inspire others to better to develop and foster interreligious
their lives and serve society.” dialogue and in our respect for all
Senior BAPS swami Ishwarcha- creeds and beliefs. This has allowed
randas Swami said, “To honour Yogiji our society to open its doors to Hin-
Maharaj’s intense wish, Pramukh Swa- duism, which has many followers in
mi Maharaj constructed Akshardham Argentina. This has facilitated the
in five years in New Delhi, taking per- development of multiple Hindu re-
sonal interest in its design, stonework ligious organizations, bringing di-
and construction. Millions have come versity and enriching Argentina’s
and been inspired by Akshardham. spirituality. I am confident that this
“Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s own celebration will impart the ideals of
wish was to build an Akshardham in Hundreds of women from BAPS centers around the world presented an inspirational program Pramukh Swami Maharaj to thou-
North America. In 2014, at the age sands of people across the world.”
of 93, Pramukh Swami Maharaj titled “Women’s Day: Celebrating Women’s Empowerment” Eminent Hindu speaker and
travelled to New Jersey, inaugurat- leader of Sandipani Ashram, Acha-
ed the temple there and performed even larger than the Akshardham in vine work, sincere devotion to Bhag- rya Bhaishri Rameshbhai Oza, was
a ceremony for the construction of New Delhi. Inspiring everyone, espe- wan Swaminarayan and deep respect also present in the evening assembly.
Akshardham. He blessed everyone cially youths, it will foster faith and for Sanatan Hindu Dharma.” He normally observes a vow of si-
there that Akshardham would trans- increase people’s appreciation for At the event, eminent people lence every Thursday, but especially
form countless lives. Through the our spiritual and cultural heritage. from across the world, especially addressed the audience on this day to
tireless efforts of the volunteers and These three grand Akshardham North America, spoke about the offer his personal tribute to Pramukh
swamis there, it is nearly complete. mandirs in India and America sym- spiritual leader. David Fried, May- Swami Maharaj.
Akshardham in New Jersey will be bolize Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s di- or of Robbinsville, New Jersey, Continued at next page... >>

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