PROMINENT INDIA SPIRITIAL LEADER SALUTED FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION TO HUMANITY AT THE SAME TIME THAT MOTHER THERESA HAS BEEN DECLARED A SAINT

By Subry Govender At a time when the whole world has been focusing its attention on the sainthood bestowed on Mother Theresa of Kolkota, another Indian spiritual leader has also been recoginised for his contribution to humanity. The South African branch of an India international spiritual organisation, Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha (BAPS), have joined world leaders and millions of people around the world in paying tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who passed away on August 13 at the age of 94. Swami Maharaj was the fifth spiritual head of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha, which has its pilgrim headquarters at Sarangpur in the state of Gujerat in north India. The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mission of South Africa along with the President of India, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, Mrs Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Party presidential candidate in the United States, the Dalai Lama and other world leaders have described Swami Maharaj as an international spiritual leader who was always concerned with the “welfare of humanity” and “service to mankind”. Mr Hari Patel of the BAPS South African Mission, who has just returned from Sarangpur after attending his spiritual leader’s funeral, said great spiritual masters and heads of state had been deeply touched by Swami Maharaj’s “humility, saintliness and noble works” over the past 76 years since renouncing the worldly-life and joining the spiritual world at the age of 18. Some of the leaders who were touched by the Swami’s spirituality and “humanitarian services to society” included the late former president of India, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam; former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan; the late Sheikh Isa bin al Salman Khalifa of Bahrain; and current Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi.

(PRABUKH SWAMI MAHARAJ BLESSING THE LATE FORMER PRESIDENT OF INDIA, DR A P J ABDUL KALAM) Swami Maharaj, who was born to a humble farmer’s family in the village of Chansad, near Vadodora in Gujerat, was elected head of BAPS in 1971 after serving under several spiritual leaders for more than 30 years. “For more than seven decades he had been travelling tirelessly, visiting more than 17 000 towns and villages in India and abroad spreading the gospel service to humanity. His untiring efforts in uplifting the tribals, liberating thousands from vices and addictions, providing relief and rehabilitation to innumerable people in times of calamity and catastrophe, and inspiring character and faith in hundreds of thousands of children and youths were some of his many outstanding services to society,” Mr Patel. “He also created and consecrated 1 100 mandirs and cultural complexes like the Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi and Gandhinagar to portray the cultural and spiritual heritage of India. “The news of his earthly departure has created a pall of deep sadness among countless devotees and well-wishers. A massive concourse of devotees and others are streaming into Sarangpur for his last darshan and to pay their final respects to him.” In her message, Mrs Clinton said Pramukh Swami Maharaj did not only teach virtues but also “lived them everyday”. She said: “That’s what made him a Guru to millions of devotees around the world. From the Akshardham Mandir in New Jersey to the countless temples that he blessed in the United States, Pramukh Swami built a global faith and community founded on Vedic values. “Bill (Clinton) was fortunate enough to visit with his Holiness, both here in the United States and at the Akshardham Mandir in Gujarat. In meeting many of his followers, I’ve been touched by his wisdom as well. “Pramukh Swami’s deep sense of devotion led him to spend his life revitalizing communities in need. His worship of karma inspired him to promote peace and justice in India, America, and all around the world. His example helped his followers find more harmony – both with others, and within themselves. And we hope that humanity will build upon his legacy for generations to come. Jai Swaminarayan.”

The President of India, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, said in his message said “Swamiji was a pious soul, always concerned about the welfare of humanity”. He added: “A constant crusader for spiritual values, Swamiji's teachings of service to mankind have great relevance in the present world. Swamiji's words and wisdom will remain a source of inspiration to all his followers and people at large, guiding them on the path of love and compassion. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey them to the countless followers of Swamiji in India and abroad.” – ends Sept 4 2016