Raj Sadosh/Abohar.
The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations and the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha came together to honor the life and message of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and celebrate his centennial birthday at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016) served as the spiritual leader of the BAPS for over fifty years. He was the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
Fittingly themed, The World is One Family, the event at the United Nations aimed to honor his legacy on the special occasion of his centennial celebration in the presence of Mrs. Ruchira Kamboj, the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations and other dignitaries.
Dr. Kashyap Patel, cardiologist at the Northside Hospital Cardiovascular Institute in Atlanta inaugurated the program with a welcome address.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s address at the United Nations Peace Millennium Summit on August 29, 2000, was brought to life through a video presentation.A statement by Miguel Angel Moratinos, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General holding the post of High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, was shared with the assembly. Mrs. Ruchira Kamboj expressed her deepest honor for hosting this event on the centennial birthday of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
A statement by Miguel Angel Moratinos, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General holding the post of High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, was shared with the assembly.
Mrs. Ruchira Kamboj expressed her deepest honor for hosting this event on the centennial birthday of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Sejal Patel,an associate director of professional development with McKinsey, said, “The signature mark of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s relief efforts was this… his ability to share in the suffering and to channel that empathy into a sense of urgency to provide the swift action needed to save lives and then rebuild them over time…”
Prof.SejalSaglani of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine at the Imperial College in London shared the depth and breadth of meaningful initiatives led globally to impart physical, mental, and emotional support to individuals through the peak of the pandemic.
“Pramukh Swami Maharaj taught me in all aspects of my life that real success comes from serving and uplifting others,” Ria Soni, co-founder of Project Stree, said.
Aarti Patel, Principal, John D Parker Junior School in Toronto, said, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj suggested that a career centered around moral purpose will bring a positive impact at an individual level.”
Bawa Jain, Secretary-General for the World Council of Religious Leaders and Founder and President of The Centre for Responsible Leadership, said, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj was one of the most transformational leaders of our time” for being able to touch countless lives and inspire people of all backgrounds to drive positive change.”
Pujya Anandswarup Swami virtually offered prayers for World harmony. Mr. Ashish Sharma from the Permanent Mission of India thanked the audience.