Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the inaugural function of celebrations for the 100th birth anniversary of Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Ahmedabad. The event is hosted by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, and there will be a month-long celebration from December 15 onward.
Gujarat’s Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel were also present during the event. PM Modi was accompanied by senior saints from the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. The event began with a serenity prayer in the form of a religious and musical presentation. It was followed by a resolution ceremony in which PM Modi also participated. The Prime Minister then offered flowers and prayers to the 30 feet tall idol of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and also offered prayers at the Akshardham temple.
A town has been created in Ahmedabad for various exhibitions during the celebrations. Pramukh Swami Maharaj was a spiritual leader who had huge followers across borders. BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha was established in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj. The organisation is based on the teachings of the Vedas and practical spirituality and aims to address spiritual, moral and social challenges.
The opening marked the public dedication of the month-long festival spread over 600 acres that include inspiring attractions, insightful exhibitions and enlightening. Meanwhile, programmes that are free to all visitors.
Upon entering the festival grounds, Mahant Swami Maharaj and the Prime Minister were greeted with a colourful welcome dance by hundreds of BAPS children and youths. The Prime Minister then offered his heartfelt tribute by placing flowers before the beautiful 30-foot sculpted image of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
The Permanent Mission of India and BAPS also organised an event to celebrate the birth anniversary of Pramukh Swami Maharaj at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj and representatives from various countries attended the event. Each representative also received an invitation to the month-long celebrations in Ahmedabad.
