pm-modi-hails-baps-service-campaign-at-karyakar-mahotsav

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav in Ahmedabad via video conferencing, a significant event marking the completion of 50 years of dedicated service by BAPS.

 

The Prime Minister began his speech by warmly welcoming Guru Hari Mahant Swami Maharaj, revered saints, and the Satsangi family. He paid his respects to Lord Swami Narayan and acknowledged that the occasion coincided with the 103rd birth anniversary of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

 

He highlighted that the work and teachings of Lord Swami Narayan and Pramukh Swami Maharaj are continuing to flourish today through the tireless efforts of Guru Hari Mahant Swami Maharaj.

 

The event, which included around one lakh volunteers, showcased vibrant cultural performances by the youth and children.

 

Although the Prime Minister was attending virtually, he expressed feeling the energy and enthusiasm of the occasion. He congratulated the BAPS workers for their dedication to service and for their collective achievement over the past five decades.

 

The Prime Minister praised the Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav as a testament to the extraordinary impact of Bhagwan Swami Narayan’s teachings. These teachings, he noted, have changed millions of lives over the years.

 

He fondly recalled his personal experiences with BAPS, particularly their participation in major humanitarian efforts. He recalled their invaluable assistance after the Bhuj earthquake, during the Kerala floods, and their efforts in Uttarakhand following landslides.

 

Modi also lauded BAPS for transforming their temples into service centres during the Covid-19 pandemic, where they provided vital support to the community. He also highlighted their selfless efforts during the evacuation of Indian citizens from Ukraine when war broke out, a demonstration of their organisational strength and global compassion.

 

Expressing gratitude to the BAPS workers, the Prime Minister commended their role in bringing about meaningful change in the lives of people worldwide. Their service, he said, extends across the globe, reaching remote areas and touching the lives of countless individuals.

 

He went on to acknowledge that BAPS' efforts were not only enhancing India's cultural influence worldwide but were also contributing to the country's growing prominence on the global stage.

 

The Prime Minister also emphasised that the work done by BAPS is a reflection of India’s spiritual heritage. With over 1,800 temples in 28 countries and more than 21,000 spiritual centres worldwide, BAPS has become a symbol of India’s cultural identity.

 

He expressed his pride in being a part of the consecration ceremony of the Lord Swami Narayan temple in Abu Dhabi, an event that received global attention. He noted that such events helped showcase India’s spiritual legacy to the world.

 

Further, the Prime Minister acknowledged that the values taught by Lord Swami Narayan continue to resonate globally, thanks to the efforts of BAPS. He recited a few lines from a poem that exemplified the service-driven mission of BAPS, underscoring their importance in spreading human welfare and compassion.

 

Modi then shared a personal anecdote about his long-standing association with BAPS. He spoke of his deep affection for Pramukh Swami Maharaj, recalling the many lessons and guidance he received from him.

 

He mentioned how the guidance of Swamiji had been crucial to his personal and political journey, from his early days in Gujarat to becoming the Prime Minister of India. He reminisced about the time when Pramukh Swami Maharaj had personally come down to help during a crucial moment in Gujarat, symbolising his selfless service.

 

The Prime Minister went on to discuss the importance of service, quoting the Sanskrit phrase ‘Seva Param Dharma’, meaning "service is the greatest religion". He stressed that in the Indian tradition, service is considered more valuable than worship and devotion.

 

He further explained that when service is performed through organised institutions, it can address major societal issues and bring about meaningful change. Institutional service, he asserted, has the power to solve the country’s biggest problems and tackle social evils.

 

Shri Modi also mentioned that as India moves towards becoming a developed nation, it is heartening to see people from all walks of life engaging in national development efforts. He cited examples of ongoing initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Mission, natural farming, and the promotion of environmental consciousness, and encouraged the volunteers to contribute to these causes.

 

He urged them to actively participate in spreading awareness about Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for the Environment), a global initiative led by India, and to take part in campaigns like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, ‘Fit India’, and ‘Vocal for Local’. These, he believed, would accelerate India’s development.

 

Looking to the future, Modi also announced the ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue’ scheduled for January 2025. He encouraged the youth to participate in this initiative, where they will share their ideas to help India achieve its vision of becoming a developed nation.

 

Finally, the Prime Minister highlighted the role of family values in India, underscoring that Pramukh Swami Maharaj had placed a strong emphasis on the importance of the joint family system.

 

He urged the Karyakars to continue promoting these values and contributing to the country’s development goals for 2047, as India embarks on its journey to become a developed nation.

 

He concluded by expressing confidence that with the blessings of Lord Swami Narayan, BAPS’ service efforts would continue to grow and benefit humanity at large.