Mahant Swami Maharaj initiated 46 BAPS youths into the monastic order in a grand initiation ceremony at Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar in Ahmedabad before an audience of tens of thousands from around the world on the morning of 6 January 2023. The 46 highly educated and devoted youths received parshadi dikshaa and embarked on their lifelong path of worldly renunciation, self-realization and service to God and society.
Of the 46 youths taking initiation, there are 4 postgraduates, 22 graduates, 18 engineers, a teacher, a pharmacist, an MBA and an MPH. Having graduated from prestigious Indian and foreign universities like IIM, Rutgers University (USA) and Melbourne University (Australia), these youths left the comforts of home and promising careers to eagerly walk on the path of renunciation. The youths have come from around India and the world, including nine from America, one from Africa, and others from Rajasthan, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Gujarat.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Celebration Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Celebration Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Celebration Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Celebration 
Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Celebration Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Celebration Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Celebration Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Celebration Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Celebration Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Celebration
The newly initiated parshads will continue their rigorous training at the BAPS seminary in Sarangpur, Gujarat, where they will lead a life of simplicity and austerity steeped in devotion, service and learning. The seven-year training course helps them become proficient in their personal spiritual endeavours related to worship, service, austerities and learning.
The educational curriculum includes a deep study of Swaminarayan Hindu theology, history and literature as well as of the Ramayana, Mahabharat, Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and other Hindu scriptures. It also includes a study of languages such as Sanskrit, Hindi, Gujarati and English, and world religions.
The diksha ceremony started at 9 AM with the preliminary initiation rituals performed by Sadguru swamis. Following the rituals, senior BAPS swamis addressed the assembly. Then Mahant Swami Maharaj completed the initiation rituals and blessed each new parshad with a new name.
Also Read: Pressurising Govt Over Compensation Not On: Raj CM
