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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline SEPTEMBER 08, 2023 | The Indian Eye 22

A Touching Tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj

at the Festival of Inspirations

OUR BUREAU

New York, NY
n August 25, 2023, devotees from across
North America paid tribute to the life,
Owork, and values of their beloved, late spiri-
tual leader, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
The emotionally stirring assembly was part of the
ongoing Festival of Inspirations, a three-month-
long celebration of the inauguration of the BAPS
Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New
Jersey. The program was held in the presence of His
Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the current spir-
itual head of BAPS, who personally recalled mem-
orable moments from Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s
life. Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s divine qualities of
humility, selflessness, and unconditional love came
to light as the inspiring recollections illustrated his
virtues rooted in a deep connection with God.
Throughout the evening, swamis affectionate-
ly reminisced on their personal experiences and
memories with Pramukh Swami Maharaj. They
shared heartfelt incidents with their late spiritual
leader that touched them deeply and transformed
their lives. Warmly recalling his calmness, pres-
ence of mind, and noble sentiments, the swamis
exemplified how, no matter who he was with, Pra-
mukh Swami Maharaj loved everyone with equal
warmth and care. Pujya Aksharvatsaldas Swami, a
renowned orator from BAPS, shared the follow-
ing metaphor: “If one holds a flower and later sets
the flower aside, the fragrance of the flower may
still linger on the hand. In a similar manner, the
essence of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s divine qual-
ities spread to anyone who was near to him.”
Having served and worshiped in close prox-
imity with Pramukh Swami over decades, Sadguru
Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami, a senior swami of
the organization, further elaborated on the spiri-
tual head’s humility by saying, “Despite his many
great accomplishments throughout his lifetime, reer path, and Swami guided him to pursue busi-
Pramukh Swami Maharaj attributed all of his ness. “Our success has come from Pramukh Swami
achievements entirely to God’s will.” Maharaj’s advice. I tell my son, if you want to learn
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj candidly discipline, then learn it from Pramukh Swami
shared his experiences with Pramukh Swami Ma- Maharaj’s life.” Thereafter, Digvijay Danny Gae-
haraj, who remained ever humble. He emphasized kwad, founder of Danny Gaekwad Developments
Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s unwavering commit- and Investments, relayed his experience as part of
ment, in every moment of his life, to the vow of ser- the American delegation accompanying former
vice he took decades earlier. “We are all witnesses President Bill Clinton to Gandhinagar Akshard-
to how he lived and what he did for devotees and ham to meet Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Detailing
swamis. He was a true swami, remaining ordinary a moment in which both spoke in their native lan-
despite his extraordinary nature. Every action Pra- guages without translators, Mr. Gaekwad was awe-
mukh Swami Maharaj took benefited future gen- struck. “They spoke different languages, but they
erations. Whether day or night, he overlooked his were still connected. This can only happen if you
physical needs and stayed amongst his devotees.” are God or close to God.” done so, in part, as a tribute to Pramukh Swami
The program welcomed honored guests, who The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, which Maharaj, to ensure his vision to build a place of
fondly recalled personal incidents from their time is nearing the end of its construction and slated to lasting peace and inspiration, becomes a reality.
with Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the impact he be inaugurated in October 2023, was Pramukh The program served as a testament to the fact that
had on their lives. Subhash Sam Patel, CEO of the Swami Maharaj’s last wish. It was inspired by his while Pramukh Swami Maharaj may no longer be
Natson Hotel Group, shared a turning point in his singular vision and guidance. Each volunteer who present physically, his legacy will live on for gener-
life when he was questioning his engineering ca- has offered his or her time in its construction has ations to come.

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