Raj Sadosh/Abohar.
To commemorate Pramukh Swami Maharaj's birth centenary, a grand nine-day festival was celebrated in Nairobi, Kenya. Around 1,575 volunteers (783 men and 792 women) from Nairobi and various canters across Kenya served in 38 departments performing various duties before, during and after the festival.
The Swaminarayan Nagar festival site was inaugurated with a mahapuja ceremony in the presence of revered swamis, senior devotees and Rohit Wadhwana, Deputy High Commissioner of India to Kenya.
More than 80,000 people from all over Kenya attended and were inspired by this festival, of these, 10,371 students from 67 schools in Kenya visited the festival and gained inspiration on how to progress in studies and life.
‘In the joy of others lies our own’ was Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life motto and he had continuously worked for the betterment of society. Highlighting this, a special exhibition showcased the social services undertaken by BAPS Charities in Kenya. Inspired by the exhibition, visitors resolved to plant 1,000 trees and donated 565 pints of blood in the blood donation camp.(SUBHEAD)
‘Shantilal’s Wonderland’ was a special area for children to have fun and gain practical life skills based on the stories of role models like Shravan, Dhruv and Nachiketa. They learnt about the great heroes of India who brought life to virtues such as courage, patriotism, integrity, duty and others. Values such as respecting elders, sustaining the environment, offering daily prayers, remaining addiction-free and others were also conveyed to the children through participative activities and vivid poster presentations to help them become more responsible and caring citizens.
Guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj’s 89th birthday was also celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. A procession to honour and welcome Mahamahopadhyay Pujya Bhadresh Swami and the Swaminarayan Bhashya was carried out. Pujya Gnaneshwardas Swami, Kothari of Sarangpur Mandir, was also present and blessed the assembly.
