Over 170 BAPS children and youths from 10 countries performed a series of devotional hymns celebrating Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s divine life and work before a mesmerised audience of tens of thousands at Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar on 1 January 2023. The beautiful performance began at 5.00pm in the open-air theatre, ‘Narayan Sabha Gruh’.

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj was joined by various dignitaries who paid homage to Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life of pristine devotion to God that inspired such devotional fervour and talent in countless children and youth around the world.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj was renowned worldwide as the inspirer of over 160 humanitarian activities that benefited the lives of countless millions. His lifelong efforts for the moral uplift of humanity were grounded in his indomitable faith in God.  He was an ardent lover of spiritual discourses and devotional hymns, often stating, “Spiritual discourses and hymns are food for the soul.” He would be constantly engrossed in them and would continually encourage all to similarly immerse themselves in them.

Due to his emphasis on spiritual discourses and hymns, throughout Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Centenary Celebration year, thousands of such devotional hymn programmes were organised in BAPS’s 20,000 spiritual forums worldwide in which hundreds of thousands enthusiastically participated. In just the Ahmedabad metropolitan area, BAPS youths performed 100 devotional hymn programmes over the past year. On the occasion of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Centenary Celebrations, BAPS has designed the ‘Akshar Amrutam’ mobile application, which has over 2,000 kirtans, 900 discourses and 6,000 audio book tracks available for free.

Addressing the assembly, Padma Vibhushan Jagadguru Ramamandacharya Swami Rambhadracharya Ji, Founder and Chancellor of Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Divyanga University, said, “The bliss obtained through a single moment with an enlightened saint is greater than the pleasures of countless heavens. I had this very experience when I met Pramukh Swami Maharaj. I experienced four exceptional virtues in Pramukh Swami Maharaj. His face exuded constant bliss, his heart was permeated with infinite compassion, his speech was exceptionally sweet, and his hands worked solely for the good of others.

“We have all come to the Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Celebrations to learn from his life. As the worship of God purifies our mind, Pramukh Swami Maharaj said to devote yourself to God and inspire others to do the same. Always remember, you are God’s servant and God is your master. Whatever God does is for our best benefit. May we forever maintain such unflinching faith. Everything we amass in this world will be lost at the time of death, except our devotion to God.”

Padma Shri Dr. Sanjay D. Patil, President of D Y Patil Group, shared, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj has brought inspiration, happiness and love to the lives of millions. So, it is no surprise that hundreds of thousands from around the world daily flock to this festival. I congratulate the planning and coordination of the thousands of volunteers whose selfless service has gifted the world with this divine atmosphere of devotion and faith. As I have always believed that the blessings of God and parents are needed for success in life, the new year blessings of Mahant Swami Maharaj will ensure I will be able to do good in the upcoming year.”

In his blessings to the assembly, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj said, “Yogiji Maharaj used to say, ‘Singing and listening to hymns is my spiritual inclination.’ So he will indeed have been greatly pleased with the performance of the children and youths today. He would always bless children and youths who would offer such devotion.

“Children and youths have so much strength, energy and talent. Pramukh Swami Maharaj nourished and channelised that for the betterment of society. Today’s wonderful musical programme is a vivid demonstration of that. We should also appreciate the many swamis and volunteers who have patiently worked hard to develop and mentor these children and youths.

“We also thank Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Ji, Dr. Patil and all our stage guests today for encouraging these performers in their devotional tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj.”

Other dignitaries present in the evening assembly included:

• Rajesh Man Singh, Mayor, Birgunj Metropolitan City, Nepal
• Ashok Kumar Baidhya, Goodwill Ambassador, Birgunj Metropolitan City, Nepal
• Anand Askaran Sharma, Renowned Musician
• Sandeep Kulkarni, Renowned Flautist
• Paresh Shah, Renowned Musician