Tribute to Hindu Guru His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj
Special Tribute Assembly for Pramukh Swami Maharaj at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Stafford.
STAFFORD: On Sunday, October 2, government officials, community leaders, devotees, and well-wishers gathered at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Stafford, Texas paid tribute to the life of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha departed his mortal body on August 13, 2016, at the age of 95. From establishing mandirs (Hindu temples) across the world to humanitarian work to creating community infrastructure for education and healthcare in remote towns, Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s contributions to society have spanned across generations. Known by his motto, “In the joy of others, lies our own,” he dedicated his life to serve and inspire others for the greater good of mankind. Even today, this message resonates with millions of individuals from all walks of life and from around the world.
A special assembly was held this past weekend to pay tribute to his life and achievements. Throughout his life, his selfless compassion and humble prayers uplifted countless people. He led thousands on the path of spirituality and inspire even more to live a morally pure life. Ken Mathew, Himesh Gandhi, John Ferro, Harish Jajoo, Sheriff Troy Nehls, Matthew Conner, Ramesh Bhutada, Dr. Mark Foust, Vijay Goradia, Kamlesh Lulla and many more attended the assembly.
Mayor of Stafford presents a proclamation of Pramukh Swami Day to the head swami of Southwest BAPS.
Attendees shared memories of their uplifting interactions with Pramukh Swami Maharaj, reminiscing upon the heartfelt connection that cemented his influence and wisdom in their lives. Through memorable life experiences shared by these individuals, attendees were able to reminisce upon Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s compassionate and equipoised nature. Speakers such as Mayor of Stafford, Leonard Scarcella, John Cooley Plumb (Dr. Denton Cooley’s grandson), Attorney George Willy, Dr. Virendra Mathur, Dr. HD Patel, Krishnaswami Parthsarathy, Monzur Hourani, Dr. Sulekh Jain, Rajiv Bhavsar, Narendra Patel and Dr. Chary Tamirisa shared their moments with Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Mayor of Stafford, Texas, Leonard Scarcella said, “This holiest man inspired millions of peoples across globe to lead a God centered life, he demonstrated the most compelling compassion for humanity and universal wisdom while exhilarating a striking simplicity, something exceedingly rare.” He also recalled, “I shall always remember the visit as I looked into his eyes and saw clarity of serenity and humility that I had never seen before. During our conversation I felt the calmness enveloped in exhilaration, it was the clearest illustration of confirming that I was in the presence of a truly remarkable man of god.”
Attorney George Willy of Houston, Texas commented, “I had the opportunity to meet swami 2 times. Both times I remember feeling a certain divine presence. And concluded, with “I met a saint and through him I met God.”
Over 900 attend the Tribute Assembly for Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
A Lebanese Christian, Monzur Hourani shared his feelings, “I had the honor and the privilege of meeting His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj. It was a great meeting all what you can see is love in his eyes and humbleness and devotion.”
Dr. Denton Cooley’s grandson John Plumb recalled during the Mandir opening in 2004, “At one point he asked me to tell him about myself, the feeling that I had at that point has stayed with me my entire life. I was just the grandson yet; he remembered my name and thought enough of me to include me by name as one of the men. That day I was in the presence of greatness. I will never forget him.”
Many dignitaries thoughts echoed the sentiments from heads of states in all parts of the world, including British Prime Minister Teresa May, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and HRH Prince of Wales. Speaking of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life of service, Teresa May, Prime Minister of UK, added: “His legacy of selfless service will continue to benefit humanity for a long time to come.”
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, visited Sarangpur, Gujarat from New Delhi and addressed saddened devotees before the funeral rites saying, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj was a stalwart among humans who embodied compassion and humility… Today you have lost a Guru, but I have lost a father.”
Millions of people across the world honored Pramukh Swami Maharaj through a program themed “Timeless Tributes to the Life & Legacy of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj”. The program concluded with inspiring video blessings from Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s successor, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
More details on http://pramukhswami.org/tributes