PTI | King Charles III, UK PM praise BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha founder Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Jan 08,2023

King Charles III of the United Kingdom has said the timeless message of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha founder Pramukh Swami Maharaj about joy and progress of all resonates as much now as it always has. The UK King's message was read out on Sunday by British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, as part of the birth centenary celebrations of the renowned spiritual leader. The theme of Sunday's event was 'BAPS Europe Day'.         The British King, in his message also said he was greatly pleased to meet Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 1997 and also visit Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Shri Swaminarayan Temple. 

"His Holiness' timeless message that 'in the joy of others lies our own, in the progress of others rests our own, in the good of ours abides our own, knows this to be the key to peace and happiness' resonates as much now as it always has," King Charles III said.         In a video message, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised the dedication of Swaminarayan volunteers and their "seva" (service) in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic to help not just the Hindu community but thousands of others who needed support.         "That dedication to seva is found in all 14 mandirs the Pramukh Swami inspired across the UK. And throughout the pandemic, they stepped up to not only help the Hindu community but thousands who needed support during that time," the British PM said.         

"Over the past 50 years, these efforts have not gone unrecognised. Roads have been named after Pramukh Swami and our iconic Wembley stadium arch has been lit up to pay tribute to his service and support for our country," Sunak said.         

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He said right from the beginning of the Indian civilisation, the emphasis and respect for spirituality, saintliness, good deeds, and qualities put to alleviating human suffering now finds resonance in PM Modi's ability and philosophy of reaching out to the most disadvantaged.         

"Today, as we celebrate 75 years of Independence and the leadership of G-20, there is much that India has to offer to the world and the work of the Swaminarayan Sanstha BAPS has similarly infused cultural, social and spiritual initiatives providing comfort and care to millions," he said.         

Union Minister VK Singh recalled the assistance provided by the volunteers of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha during the evacuation of Indians from Ukraine after war broke out. He said the Embassy there (Ukraine) was short staffed but the volunteers associated with the organisation came there from the UK and other European countries. "The way you came and ran the kitchen and helped and organised people was not possible by others," said General Singh (retd). "Spirituality is like an ocean, and religion is like rivers that ultimately come to the ocean. It is this spirituality that inspires you to serve humanity and this is the greatest, nothing is greater than this," he added. Gopichand P Hinduja, co-chairman of the Hinduja Group, in his speech, said none of his brothers had any interest in money. "I always remember one thing, that we should keep doing good and not follow arrogance and not do harm to others. In our family, everything belongs to everyone, and nothing belongs to anyone. And everything that we have has to give away," he claimed.