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SPECIAL FEATURE JANUARY 27, 2023 | The Indian Eye 36

Opening Ceremonies

On December 14, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi then observed the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav display, it will be a source of inspiration for generations to come.
and Mahant Swami Maharaj commenced the auspicious which celebrates 75 years of India’s independence This festival is great not just because of its scale and
inauguration ceremony amid the chanting of Vedic through tributes to Indian heroes and inspirational beauty, but because of the experience of divinity and
mantras and puja from the Sant Dwar, the majestic figures. grand vision behind it, where everyone can learn about
380-foot-wide entrance gate honoring the great sages Thereafter, Prime Minister Modi reached the stunning our heritage, history, faith, and values.”
and saints of India. The Hon. Governor of Gujarat 67-foot-tall replica of New Delhi’s Swaminarayan “Pramukh Swami Maharaj taught me that the greatest
Acharya Devvrat, the Hon. Chief Minister of Gujarat Akshardham Mandir. goal in life is to serve others, and he inspired me to serve
Bhupendrabhai Patel, and senior swamis of BAPS The Prime Minister then arrived at the Bal Nagari, the till my last breath.”
Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) also participated in the children’s cultural wonderland, where he was greeted “Pramukh Swami Maharaj did not give me great lectures
ceremony. by the BAPS children who created and produced the but delivered profound truths through simple words
Upon entering the festival grounds, Mahant Swami shows and exhibits. The Prime Minister viewed the and his example. He cared for me even when I was not
Maharaj and the Prime Minister were greeted with a three innovative musical shows in the Nagari. in office, just a mother would for her child. His presence
colorful welcome dance by hundreds of BAPS children Finally, the Prime Minister joined Mahant Swami always gave me peace and reassurance.”
and youths. The Prime Minister then offered his heartfelt Maharaj on the main assembly stage, where they “I dearly miss Pramukh Swami Maharaj. But today, I feel
tribute by placing flowers before the beautiful 30-foot were enthusiastically greeted by tens of thousands of his love and spiritual energy through Mahant Swami
sculpted image of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. devotees present while millions watched live around the Maharaj, who continues to inspire me to serve everyone
After the ceremonial opening, the Prime Minister was world. in our country.”
guided through the enchanting glow garden where Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi The colorful evening concluded with a maha-arti with
artistic renditions of moral stories and inspiring values said, “I want to congratulate Mahant Swami Maharaj for tens of thousands of devotees as they paid tribute to
reflected Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s efforts to illumine inspiring this magnificent Nagar and the swamis for their guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who personified
the lives of countless people globally. The Prime Minister conceptualizing and creating it. It is not only impressive; his universal teaching, “In the joy of others lies our own.”

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