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North The Indian Eye

AMERICANNewsline

22 OCTOBER 13, 2023

Prominent Mayors Gather at Akshardham

to Commemorate Community Unity

Ahead of Grand Opening

OUR BUREAU
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ
n October 5, 2023, BAPS
Swaminarayan Akshardham
Ocelebrated the theme “Cel-
ebrating Community” in honor of
the unity and relationships fostered
within various communities across
America. This event marked the lead-
up to the grand opening of the BAPS
Swaminarayan Akshardham in Rob-
binsville, New Jersey.

The evening witnessed the
presence of prominent may-

ors and state officials nation-
wide and congregants from
around the world. Pujya Chait-
anyamurtidas Swami highlight-

ed the shared values between
American founding principles
and Hindu teachings of unity, proud of. This community [BAPS] of Robbinsville Township and May-
or John Higdon of Matthews, North
has become part of our community.
emphasizing the collaborative We are grateful and honored that you Carolina.
Several
representatives
from
spirit of communities like Rob- thought to choose our community across the nation shared their experi-
and had the vision to turn this piece
binsville. of land into something that is truly ences and appreciation for BAPS Swa-
unbelievable. And for that, I want minarayan Akshardham:
Robbinsville Mayor David Fried to thank you. And last but certainly • Assemblyman Daniel R. Benson of
expressed his gratitude towards not least, I want to congratulate you New Jersey’s 14th legislative dis-
BAPS, recounting his decade-long on the inauguration and be the first trict - “Today, the inspiration and
association and the organization’s person to officially say ‘Welcome to progress I have seen is a testament
commitment to community-build- Robbinsville.” giving time, tolerance, accommoda- to the selfless sacrifice and service
ing. Addressing the assembly, he said, Pujya Yogananddas Swami tion, and maintaining a broad per- from those thousands of individu-
“Every time I reached out to BAPS, emphasized the spiritual and com- spective. als working together to show what
they never failed to answer the call, munal significance of temples like His Holiness Mahant Swami folks can do when there are no lim-
and for that, I’m incredibly grate- BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham. Maharaj, in his blessings, reiterated its to your inspirations.”
ful.” He continued to convey stories He highlighted the temple’s role in the message of unity and community • Mayor Hemant Marathe of West
of volunteers he encountered and nurturing spirituality, civic duty, and betterment. He stressed the impor- Windsor - “When people used to
expressed their dedication to a com- moral values in North America. tance of understanding and respect- ask, ‘Where is West Windsor?’, I
mon vision. “What you are teaching Pujya Bhaktipriyadas Swami ing each other’s traditions and values. used to say that it’s the town next
our youth is so important because shared the teachings of Pramukh In recognition of BAPS’s contri- to Princeton University. Now I
the next generation needs to become Swami Maharaj on fostering unity butions, His Holiness Mahant Swami say, ‘It’s the town next to BAPS
part of our community, and that is among individuals and communities. Maharaj was honored with the “Key Robbinsville,’ and everyone knows
something that you should be very He emphasized the importance of to the City” by Mayor David Fried Continued on next page... >>

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