BAPS OBSERVE AUSTERITY IN CELEBRATING GURU PURNIMA, PRIORITISED FLOOD RELIEF WORK

Raj Sadosh/Abohar.

Due to the flood situation in many areas in Gujarat and other places, Guru Purnima was celebrated with austerity at Sarangpur by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha this time. Devotees were advised to not attend the function physically and watch live telecast of the function at their homes. More than 1.5 lakh people in India and abroad watched the programme and paid their respects to BAPS chief Mahant Swami Ji Maharaj and other senior Swamis.

In the spiritual discourses, Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami, Pujya Doctor Swami, Pujya Anandswarup Swami, Pujya Viveksagar Swami, Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, Pujya Gnannayan Swami, Pujya Shrutipriya Swami, Pujya Vivekswarup Swami and Pujya Adarshjiwan Swami recalled how Brahm Swarup Bhagat Ji Maharaj, Brahmaswarup Shastri Ji Maharaj, Brahmaswarup Yogi Ji Maharaj and Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami ji Maharaj had ensured timely aid to millions of people affected by earthquake, plague and floods. Now, Mahant Swami Ji Maharaj wrote a personal letter to volunteers to serve the flood affected people. The Swamis said, “We consider all the devotees and well-wishers as members of one family and share their pain and grief”.

On the occasion, Dr. Bhumin Ramavat, sarpanch Dharmesh Patel, Bhadresh Patel, Jitender Tindel, Bipin Patel, and Dipesh Patel revealed that due to the heavy rains, a serious flood-like situation has arisen in Valsad and Navsari in South Gujarat. Inspired by Mahant Swami Ji Maharaj, BAPS saints and a large number of volunteers have reached there. They are preparing and distributing hot meals to the flood-affected families. Continuous food service has been continued to provide immediate relief to the families who are unable to cook in their homes due to the flood or who have been displaced. During the relief operation, not only food, but also necessary life-saving materials and other essential assistance are being provided as per the need