SAINTS SALUTE THE NATIONAL FLAG AT AKSHARDHAM TEMPLE, NEW DELHI

Raj Sadosh/Abohar.

Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and a spirit of reverence, patriotism, and national unity at Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi. Tributes were paid to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s freedom, and prayers were offered for the country’s integrity, unity, and progress.

Dnyaneshwar Swami Ji—the head of the Sarangpur temple and a senior saint of the BAPS organization—spoke about Yogiji Maharaj’s sentiments regarding the freedom struggle. He recounted that when Mahatma Gandhi expressed his resolve for complete national independence to Shastriji Maharaj during the Dandi March, Yogiji Maharaj—acting on Shastriji Maharaj’s instruction—prayed for India’s freedom for 18 consecutive years, chanting 25 rosaries (malas) daily. This episode illustrates the profound depth that spiritual practice and patriotism can reach in the service of the nation’s freedom and well-being.

He stated that the country’s true strength lies in its unity. Today, during the ‘Amrit Kaal’ (auspicious era) of independence, every citizen must prioritize the national interest and faithfully discharge their duties to make the nation even stronger, more prosperous, and developed. He particularly called upon the younger generation to strengthen the nation’s unity, integrity, and cultural values.

Guruhari Mahant Swami Maharaj has blessed everyone to move forward with a spirit of unity, harmony, and service to the nation. He prayed for India’s continued progress, peace, and prosperity, as well as for the welfare of the world. Paying homage to the brave martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom, he conveyed the message that their sacrifices should always be remembered.