Women devotees of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, Ill. celebrate 100th birth anniversary of Pramukh Swami Maharaj

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On Saturday, September 24, 2022, thousands of female devotees and well-wishers of all ages and backgrounds gathered at the B.A.P.S Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, IL, in a joyful celebration of the 100th birth anniversary of their guru, Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

The event titled “A Beacon of Values, Hope and Faith,” a cultural program organized by women, and for women, took place at over 100 BAPS mandirs across North America. The program centered on an immersive experience where guests could understand and experience the lasting impact that their guru had on individuals, families, and communities, a press release from BAPS said.

The program included live, colorful performances by women ‘portraying timeless values, experiences, stories from the past and present day, insightful multimedia presentations and energizing dances,” the press release said.

“What inspired me the most about today’s program was to hear real women come together and share stories of the vulnerabilities in their lives. It is crucial that women can come together in that way and support each other,” devotee Rohini Patel is quoted saying in the press release, crediting Pramukh Swami Maharaj for creating a space where everyone can come and be vulnerable, share experiences, and grow.

Rinku Patel, a BAPS volunteer, praised Pramukh Swami Maharaj for his leadership, saying “He does so through humility which is a very unique quality to have in a leader.”

BAPS noted that Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life motto was: “In the joy of others, lies our own. In the progress of others, rests our own. In the good of others, abides our own. Know this to be the key to peace and happiness.”

For devotees it was an emotional program and attendees left with a renewed commitment to continue Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s legacy by imbibing his life’s motto as their own.

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) “is a spiritual, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to improving society through individual growth by fostering the Hindu ideals of faith, unity, and selfless service.” It is a worldwide network of 3,800 centers.