OPINIONS

People around the world are starting to realize that power and material objects do not yield peace. They are turning to spirituality and religion to fill a void in their lives. Religion and spirituality is the key. Your sadhus are setting an example of content, co-existence and selfless service. There is an ideal for all of mankind. His name is Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj is always considerate, simple and humble. He leads a multinational organization, yet is always relaxed. He is as light as a flower. He is able to do so because he has surrendered himself to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He continues to serve society with the aim to please God. He thinks nothing of himself. He is just a means. God works through him.

Spiritual progress and liberation can only be attained in the company of a God-realized sadhu. Pramukh Swami Maharaj is a God-realized sadhu. His presence rids people of their materialistic desires.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life is an extraordinary example of love and harmony. If the entire nation were to take a cue from him and live by those standards, it would solve all of our problems. He has sacrificed in the true sense

Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life is an example of spiritual beauty. That beauty shines throughout India and the world as he continues to guide mankind on the path to spirituality. He loves unconditionally and forgives. Revenge and vengeance are never to be seen in his life. This is illustrated in his credo: “In the joy of others lies our own…”

Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s humility and selfless love have touched my heart.

When I look into his eyes, they are filled with integrity. I saw in his eyes that he is a man who has not come ahead by eclipsing others. He has come forward by always placing others before him.

I feel a very strong and divine aura in his presence. I feel at peace in his presence. I forget about all my worries and difficulties. He truly loves people unconditionally. That is why he is able to counsel and take part in their difficulties and problems. Their problems become his problems. I can see it in him.

You are safeguarding Indian culture. I have heard and read a great deal about you. Today, I realize that it is all true. You are culturally, morally and socially changing our country. You have inspired some of the nation’s greatest engineers, technologists, scientists and philosophers to give back to the community. Only God can inspire them. He inspires them through you.

I had the fortune to meet Pramukh Swami Maharaj ten years ago. I was impressed then and I am impressed now. I experience spirituality like never before. It is unique. Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s spirit of social reform is living through Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

Pramukh Swami was a man of great achievement who held a deep and abiding pride for the beauty and strength of BAPS. Under his leadership and vision BAPS became a symbol of tolerance, knowledge and community that serves not only its spiritual congregation and the wider GTA but our great country Canada as well. I had the privilege of visiting your congregation on three occasions during my time as Prime Minister including the cremoney to open your beautiful mandir (2007). Over the years the warmth of your hospitality, the strength of your enduring support, and the bonds of our friendship were a great inspiration to me as Prime Minister…

They tell me your divine holiness that you are 87 years of age and that you pursue a more aggressive world travel circuit that I can possibly undertake myself. It is truly an honour to have you here today. … We are all here to witness the grand opening of this truly exceptional and magnificent architecture (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Toronto) – inspired by both genius and faith. Because of this Mandir and following my recent trip to India, my admiration for the Indian people and Ontario’s own South Asian community has further deepened…I think of the people, people like you, who cherish their history and work hard to build a brighter future… thank you for this wonderful gift to the people of Ontario and Canada. You have enriched us in so many ways.

Ancient India was known for its sadhus, sages and sadgurus. Out of all the sadhus in India, Pramukh Swami Maharaj is different. There is no doubt about his work. It rises above the rest. This is not specific to India; it is known all over the world. He is the walking and talking form of India’s spirituality and morality.

I consider myself blessed to have closely interacted with Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj for years. He has deeply inspired me.

Swamishri’s pure heart never ceases to amaze me. I have interviewed many celebrities and figureheads throughout my career as a journalist, but there is something different about Pramukh Swami Maharaj. It’s his simplicity and transparency. There is no mal-intent in his answers. It is pure. He is selfless and humble.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj has given so much to mankind. It is indescribable. I have gained so much from his darshan, his blessings and that simple dialogue with him. Meeting such a God-realized sadhu gives meaning to one’s life. Bhagwan Shri Krishna says in the Shrimad Bhagvad Gita that he always manifests in the different ages. He is present today through Swamishri. His personality is as pure as the waters of the Ganga. Every time I meet him, I feel like I am bathing in the holy waters of the Ganga.

Despite being the President of BAPS, I have seen Swamishri perform menial seva in Sarangpur. ‘I am the President of this organization. I cannot perform such ordinary tasks.’ This kind of pride doesn’t exist even in the deepest corner of his mind. He doesn’t have the slightest trace of ego. He sees God in all.

Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi, is one of the contemporary Seven Wonders of the World. In fact, it is the best! It is beyond my imagination. This is one of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s miracles. No emperor, king, government or international organization can create such a marvel. Every company, organization and government can learn a lot from this creation.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj is a great spiritual leader. I have met him quite a few times and each time I experience peace. Very few people’s presence gives you that feeling. It is a feeling of spiritual elevation. Swamishri’s presence has a mesmerizing effect. What surprises me the most is his ability to motivate and inspire so many people. It is always a pleasure and fortune to have his darshan.

Creating a moral society is at the foundation of building a successful nation. Pramukh Swami Maharaj is doing this through BAPS. He is working to build a society with strong values and a pure character. He is doing an extraordinary job instilling those values in children and youths. I call that developing the nation. Moulding the character of one youth is equivalent to shaping a nation.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj is ultimate divinity.

Along with his spiritual activities, Pramukh Swami Maharaj has contributed a lot to society through his social initiatives. His work is immeasurable. I bow my head in reverence to his contributions to society and mankind.