MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR INDIAN SPIRITUAL LEADER AT WITS GREAT HALL, UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRANS, JOHANNESBURG ON SATURDAY, SEPT 24

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, COMMUNITY LEADERS AND OTHER PROMINENT PERSONALITIES TO ATTEND THE TRIBUTE SERVICE A memorial and tribute to the life and legacy of the spiritual leader of an India-based international spiritual organization, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, will be held at the Wits Great Hall at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg on Saturday, September 24. Swami Maharaj, who was the leader of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha (BAPS), passed away on August 13 at the age of 94 at the pilgrim headquarters at Sarangpur in the state of Gujerat in north India. Mr Shaynil Lalla, a spokesperson for BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, South Africa, said a special assembly had been organised to pay tribute to a spiritual leader who was celebrated internationally “for his spiritual and humanitarian services as well as his caring guidance as a guru to millions around the globe”. Lalla said Government officials, community leaders, and well-wishers were expected at attend the assembly. Since his passing on August 13, prominent world leaders had paid tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life and legacy.

(BARACK O BAMA WITH INDIAN PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI) The latest world leaders to pay their tributes President Barack Obama of the United States, who will be stepping down from office in a few months, and the newly-elected Prime Minister of Britain, Theresa May.

In his message, President Obama said he joined in the mourning of the passing of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj who was “blessed with the kind of wisdom and faith that transcended boundaries”. “Premukh Swami Maharaj spent his life using the power of his inner goodness to lift others up. He was a trusted ear and revered voice for countless people, and the lessons of his humility stirred not only the hearts of his followers, but also of men and women across the globe who were fortunate enough to have crossed his path. “By paying tribute to a man who believed in the worth of all people and dedicated himself to serving those in need, we are reminded of the ways our common humanity will always bind us together – and of the enduring obligation we have to love and care for one another in the world we share. May the memory of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj continue to guide you, and may his legacy give us the courage to be our best selves.”

(BRITISH PRIME MINISTER THERESA MAY) In her message, the newly-elected British Prime Minister said Swami Maharaj “inspired millions with his powerful motto: ‘in the good of others lies our own’.” She said Swami Maharaj’s legacy of selfless service would continue to benefit humanity for a long time to come. “I remember fondly my visit to Neasden Mandir in March 2013, as Home Secretary, to speak at an inspiring conference for International Women’s Day organised by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. “I also had the opportunity to see the fantastic work that BAPS does across the world to improve the lives of others, and people giving up their time generously to do it. “H.H. Pramukh Swami Maharaj exemplified the values of British Hindus whose contribution helps make the United Kingdom one of the world’s most successful multi-cultural, multi-faith democracies.” Ends – Sept 19 2016 Subry Govender