Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav participated in the concluding ceremony of the 92nd birthday celebrations of Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), held in Vadodara on Monday. The event brought together political and spiritual leaders to honor the legacy of the Swaminarayan sect.
Emphasis on Humility and Devotion
In his address, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel highlighted the critical need to "give up egos" and embrace a life guided by "devotion." He referenced the exemplary humility of former President of India Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, who was known for "being seated at the feet of Pramukh Swami," illustrating the importance of reverence in personal conduct. Patel elaborated that faith and devotion, as demonstrated by seers, have historically inspired humanity to follow righteous paths, reinforcing cultural values across generations.
Pillars of Indian Culture
Patel further articulated that Indian culture has been fortified by three fundamental pillars:
- Saints
- Scriptures
- Temples
MP CM's Address on Guru Reverence
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, in his speech, emphasized the pivotal role of "gurus" in Indian traditions. He noted that reverence for spiritual teachers has been instrumental in keeping Indian culture vibrant through all epochs. Yadav also drew connections between Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, praising Gujarat as a land of freedom fighters and the sacred city of Dwarka, associated with Lord Krishna.
Cultural Initiatives and Achievements
Yadav commended the BAPS sect for its efforts in fostering cultural awareness and service among children and youth through various initiatives. He highlighted a significant achievement: the breaking of a Guinness World Record in Vadodara, where 15,666 children aged three to 13 recited the complete Satsangiksha Granth, comprising 315 verses in Sanskrit, within one year. This feat showcases the organization's dedication to promoting Sanskrit and spiritual education among the younger generation.
The event also featured a letter from Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, which was read aloud, adding a governmental endorsement to the spiritual and cultural discussions. The gathering served as a platform for reinforcing the values of devotion, humility, and cultural preservation in contemporary society.
