BAPS Hosts Unity Forum for faith-based organizations

BAPS hosted leaders of faith-based organizations at its centers across North America in 'Unity Forums' to have a dialogue on protecting and preserving Vedic Sanatana Dharma and to discuss public safety and other challenges affecting places of worship in the presence of renowned scholar of Hindu Philosophy and Sanskrit, MahamahopadhyayaBhadreshdas Swami. In the Northeast region, three events were organized: Long Island, NY, Robbinsville, NJ, and Washington DC, attended by representatives from over 100 mandirs and organizations.

In light of current safety and security challenges, experts from local, state, and federal agencies conveyed the importance of maintaining awareness and being prepared, as well as provided best practices for security in places of worship. In addition, question and answer sessions were held with the respective experts, allowing community members to voice concerns and receive further guidance.

Addressing the assembly, Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami said, "There is a need for continuous dialogue and cooperative efforts not only for physical safety but also for establishing a solid foundation of Vedic Sanatana Dharmapractices anchored in scriptural teachings and principles. We are fortunate to have taken this step in bridging our houses of worship. May our collective communities thrive spiritually, economically, and socially. May we grow closer to the divine power within us."

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha sent his blessing for the event, which mentioned, "In the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," meaning the world is one family; let's extend the circle of global harmony."

Attendees of theevent were pleased with the information shared during the event. Expressing his appreciation Natarajan Iyer, Secretary, Rajdhani Mandir(Chantilly, VA), said, "I am happy to have attended the event and this initiative to foster social harmony and peace. Every word thatMahamahopadhyayaBhadreshdasji said was very valuable."

It was an uplifting experience to meet Swamiji and get encouraged to work more for our community and cause. Hinduism has a lot to offer to the world. As Swamiji rightly said, let's all work together to usher in a better world," said, Nimesh Dixit, Outreach Director, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (H.S.S.).

Swami Vigyanand Ji of Asamai Hindu Temple(Hicksville, NY)said, "Establishing a solid foundation of Hindu practices is very essential.We offer our support to the initiative."

Everyone who attended these forums left with pride for Vedic Sanatan Dharma and appreciated this new initiative to promote harmony and unity.

About BAPS

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. Its worldwide network of 3,800 centers supports these character-building activities. Under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is free of addictions as well as morally, ethically, and spiritually pure. For more details, please visit www.baps.org.

About Mahant Swami Maharaj

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth and current spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He was ordained a swami by Yogiji Maharaj in 1961 and named Sadhu Keshavjivandas. As he was appointed the head (Mahant) of the Mandir in Mumbai, he became known as Mahant Swami. His devout, humble, and service-focused life earned him the innermost blessings of Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Mahant Swami Maharaj travels throughout the world inspiring people through hisinsightful spiritual discourses and disciplined conduct. His virtuous lifestyle and profound devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and gurus are ideals toward which devotees strive. Mahant Swami Maharaj became the guru and President of BAPS upon Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s passing in 2016.

Renowned scholar of Hindu Philosophy and Sanskrit, Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami, addressing the 'Unity Forum' at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Long Island, NY. The Forum was organized to have a dialogue on protecting and preserving Vedic Sanatana Dharma and to discuss public safety and other challenges affecting places of worship.

John Paige from the Dept. of Homeland Security providing best practices for security in places of worship at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Robbinsville, NJ

Mandir Leaders listen to Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami, addressing the 'Unity Forum' at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Washington DC. The Forum was organized to have a dialogue on protecting and preserving VedicSanatana Dharma and to discuss public safety and other challenges affecting places of worship.

The 'Unity Forum' at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Washington DC.

An federal security expert providing best practices for security in places of worship at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Washington DC

Mandir Leaders participating inthe Unity Forum at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Robbinsville, NJ

Mandir Leaders participating inthe Unity Forum at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Robbinsville, NJ

Renowned scholar of Hindu Philosophy and Sanskrit, Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami, addressing the 'Unity Forum' at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Washington DC. The Forum was organized to have a dialogue on protecting and preserving Sanatana Dharma and to discuss public safety and other challenges affecting places of worship.