U.S. CONGRESSMAN PETE SESSIONS WELCOMED AT BAPS SWAMINARAYAN MANDIR

Raj Sadosh/Abohar

.U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions, elected representative of Texas’s 17th Congressional District, commenced his seven‑day visit to India with an official tour of the BAPS Yogiji Maharaj Hospital in Shahibaug. He was traditionally welcomed by Brahmavihari Swami. During the visit, the Congressman commended the hospital’s advanced healthcare infrastructure, noting its integration of modern medical practices with traditional systems such as Naturopathy and Ayurveda. He also expressed appreciation for the hospital’s rehabilitation and physiotherapy facilities.

Later, the Congressman visited the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Shahibag, where he had darshan of the deities and performed abhishek of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He also held a special meeting with Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami, International Convenor of BAPS. In this dialogue, Congressman Sessions acknowledged the extensive humanitarian initiatives undertaken by BAPS globally, with particular emphasis on its activities in the United States. He highlighted the dedication of BAPS volunteers and attributed the distinguished stature of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, to their commitment and devotion.

Congressman Sessions expressed deep admiration for India’s cultural heritage, values, and global influence. He praised the contributions of BAPS volunteers worldwide, reaffirming the organization’s positive impact on communities in the United States. Reflecting on his visits to other BAPS locations in the US, the Congressman highlighted the importance of the BAPS community, its volunteers and temples within each society. He presented an American flag to Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami as a gesture of goodwill and appreciation.