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SPECIAL FEATURE AUGUST 05, 2022 | The Indian Eye 16

TOWARDS BETTER LIVING

Wisdom from the life and talks of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Thoughtful Leader

enry Kissinger, former U.S. Secretary of said, “Haresh’s family was originally from Ugame-
State, aptly asserts that the world needs di. Shastriji Maharaj relocated them to Shrijipura
Hthoughtful leaders. Critical to being such to look after the organization’s property. His fa-
a leader is self-awareness: understanding your- ther’s name is Ramji, and his uncle’s name is Day-
self – your behaviors, your motivations, your al. They are the two sons of Chhaganbhai.” Every-
morals, and your values. Equally important is one was astonished as Pramukh Swami Maharaj
understanding others - their behaviors, their mo- continued, “Chhagan had three other brothers –
tivations, their morals, and their values. Thought- Trikam, Narayan and Talshi. Haresh’s brother is a
ful leaders make other people feel important and swami (renunciate) in Sarangpur. They are related
valuable. to Manilal from Surat.” Haresh stood still with the
One late afternoon, His Holiness Pramukh microphone in his hand. He was lost for words.
Swami Maharaj was traveling by car in the town Pramukh Swami Maharaj knew more about his
of Nadiad, Gujarat. As the vehicle slowed down family than he did!
on taking a turn, Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s eyes Thoughtful leaders know what makes people
fell on a shepherd strolling along the road. He had happy or sad because they have love for human-
a cigarette in his mouth. Pramukh Swami Maharaj kind. They sacrifice their own needs for the needs
recognized him, “That’s Popat Bharvad of Manji- of others. In 1980, Pramukh Swami Maharaj was
pura.” He then told the driver to stop and called on a tour of the United States and Canada. After
out to the man. Popat looked around in surprise a house visit in Baltimore, Maryland, he was trying
and thought to himself, “Who could be calling me to put his slippers on, but he kept missing them.
at this time of the day?” He ran towards the car One of the swamis noticed the peculiar behavior,
and saw Pramukh Swami Maharaj who put his so he asked about it.
hand on Popat’s shoulder and said, “Popat, you Pramukh Swami Maharaj quietly explained
need to stop smoking. Save the money you spend that he couldn’t see. His eyes were evaluated, and
on addictions and take care of your family.” it was found he had cataracts. Quickly, he was tak-
Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s soothing tone en to Boston Eye Hospital for further checks, re-
touched Popat’s heart, and he instantly vowed sulting in the need for surgery in both eyes. Med-
never to smoke again. ical experts said that if Pramukh Swami Maharaj
had been a couple of weeks late, he might have
THOUGHTFUL LEADERS PATIENTLY lost his eyesight. The swamis and devotees asked
LISTEN AND OBSERVE. him why he did not notify them earlier about the
In 1984, Pramukh Swami Maharaj was in Nai- situation, to which he replied, “If I had told you
robi, Kenya. He was having a meal along with some earlier, the entire U.S. program would have been
devotees who were seated across the hall. One of canceled, and the devotees’ plans would have been
the devotees, Natubhai Choksi, was also having disturbed. Many had taken vacations and days off
his meal. Pramukh Swami Maharaj told Nirgun- he had requested for ‘khakhara’ instead. Pramukh from work just to be a part of the festivities. They
das Swami to give Natubhai some ‘khakhara’ (thin Swami Maharaj astonishingly recalled that four would have been disappointed, and that would
cracker made from wheat flour) in his plate. Nir- years later. He remembered such minor details have become unbearable for me.” Pramukh Swa-
gundas Swami wondered why he was instructed about thousands of devotees. It reflected the deep mi Maharaj was willing to forsake his own eyesight
to serve just ‘khakhara’ and nothing else. He did bonds of affection and care that he had for devo- for the happiness of others.
as he was told, but he also served a sweet dish of tees of all ages and backgrounds. Thoughtful leaders put themselves in some-
‘jalebi’ in Natubhai’s plate. Pramukh Swami Ma- On one of his overseas spiritual tours in 2004, body else’s shoes and try to understand how they
haraj saw that and said, “Natubhai has diabetes. Pramukh Swami Maharaj was in London, and a feel. As we celebrate the centennial of Pramukh
He cannot eat any sweet dishes, so just give him few youths were introducing themselves. One said, Swami Maharaj this year, let us also choose to be
khakhara.” Natubhai was astounded to hear that “My name is Haresh, and I am from Shrijipura, more empathetic towards others, thereby bringing
because the last time Pramukh Swami Maharaj Gujarat.” Swamishri asked him his father’s name. peace and happiness to those around us.
had met him was four years ago in 1980. Yet, he He replied, “Ramji Chhagan.” Swamishri had vis-
still remembered his diabetic condition. On that ited every single home in Shrijipura many times. Gnanpurushdas Swami
occasion, Natubhai could not eat any sweets, so He knew all the devotees and their families, so he BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha

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