During his recent visit to London, the respected head of SGVP-Chharodi Gurukul, HH Swami Madhavpriyadasji, graced the home of his longtime friend, CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samchar.
Known for his humility and dedication to good causes, Swamishree has made a significant impact in the fields of education, social service and environmental work. He arrived at CB’s residence with Thakorji, whom he worships daily and a special sthavan and poojan ceremony was held in Thakorji’s honour.
Swamishree was welcomed with deep respect and heartfelt bhavpoojan, while guests were warmly introduced and received. On this occasion, Velji Vekaria, former President of the Kutch Leva Patel Samaj, gave a thoughtful and detailed introduction of Pujya Swamishree. This was followed by a meaningful satsang, where Swamishree shared wisdom and joy with everyone present, leaving the gathering inspired and spiritually uplifted.
Swamishree said, “Our goal today is to light the lamp of humanity. Our dharma teaches us ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah — may all be happy’. While some religions focus only on their followers, our ancient rishis and sages extended their compassion to all living beings - animals, birds, trees, rivers and nature itself.”
Stressing on the importance of preserving our culture and values, starting at home, he added, “Today, the human mind is becoming dry like a desert,” he said.
“With so much time spent on machines, people are turning into robots. We must protect the warmth in our hearts — the love, kindness, and care that makes us human.”
Swamishree shared that 75 years ago, the founder of the Gurukul tradition, HH Gurudev Shastriji Maharaj Shri Dharmjivandasji Swami, had already asked an important question: “How do we make sure that modern life doesn’t take away our humanity?”
Gurudev believed that to protect our culture and values, we must begin by caring for and nurturing children at childhood.
He followed two key teachings from the Shikshapatri of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan as life’s guiding principles: “Pravartaniya Sadvidya Bhuvi Yatsukrutam Mahat” – Spread true knowledge and good deeds in the world, and “Sarva Jeeva Hitavaha Seva Pravritti” – Serve all living beings with kindness and selflessness. These mantras remain at the heart of the Gurukul’s mission even today.
SGVP Gurukul’s ongoing mission of knowledge and service
Swamishree Madhavpriyadasji shared a brief overview of the educational, social and environmental work being done by SGVP Gurukul. He said, “We are simply carrying forward the noble mission started by Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan and our Gurudev.”
He explained that SGVP now has five branches, with its main campus in Chharodi, Ahmedabad. There, SGVP International School, ranked among the top three in India, welcomes students from over 20 countries. The Gurukul also runs Darshanam Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, where students (rishikumars) learn all four Vedas. While Samaveda scholars are rare today, nine rishikumars at SGVP are receiving deep training in this field. Today, over 200 rishikumars are studying at SGVP free of cost, dedicated to preserving Indian culture. Many graduates are now spreading this knowledge across India and around the world.
At Memnagar Gurukul in Ahmedabad, nearly 500 students from rural backgrounds are receiving quality education by contributing just one rupee a day, just Rs 360 (roughly £3.10) for an entire year. Similarly, at Droneshwar Gurukul, students from nearby villages are also benefiting from access to good education.
SGVP Gurukul is currently supporting the education of over 1,100 students. As part of a special effort to uplift rural girls, the Gurukul offers completely free education to girl children from remote areas. To support their journey, a hostel is also being built to house 500 girls, providing a safe and nurturing environment to study and grow.
A radiant flame of social service
SGVP is deeply committed to social and environmental service too. One of its major contributions is a modern hospital that combines allopathy, Ayurveda and yoga to offer complete and holistic healthcare. This hospital is equipped with the latest facilities and runs with the aim of serving humanity.
Each year, SGVP carries out many service projects. In summer, it distributes sandals to those in need, this year alone, 10,000 pairs were given. During mango season, the Gurukul donated 7,000 kg of Kesar mangoes to old age homes, orphanages, hospitals, and the underprivileged.
SGVP also works hard to protect the environment. It has planted and cared for hundreds of thousands of trees, built 1,000 check dams to fight drought, and revived thousands of wells. The Gurukul is also guiding farmers to move from chemical to natural farming, promoting a healthier, eco-friendly way of life.
Gujarat Samachar’s invaluable service to the Gujarati language
Swamishree praised Gujarat Samachar for its key role in keeping the Gujarati language alive and thriving. He said, “Through Gujarat Samachar, respected CB Patel has given great service to our mother tongue. It is through our language that we keep our values, culture and faith alive. In the UK, Indians have built a unique identity different even from other Asians and CB Patel has played a big part in that.
His contribution is so inspiring that we always feel drawn to him and enjoy meeting him again and again.”
Present at the gathering at CB’s home in honour of Swamishree were NCGO Chairman Vimalji Odedra, former Secretary Jitu Patel, Subhash Thakrar OBE, Manu Ramji (King’s Kitchen), Jigar Shah, Govind Kerai, Ravji Hirani, Velji Vekaria and others.
Swamishree had warm and meaningful conversations with the group, discussing various social and spiritual topics in an uplifting and inspiring atmosphere. Subhash Thakrar OBE asked: “We hear so many talks about Hindu Dharma, yet why does it feel like society is drifting away from it?”
In response, Swamishree shared a heartfelt reflection and asked, “Are we, as Hindus, as loyal to our Dharma as followers of other religions are to theirs? Do our daily lives truly reflect Hindu values?” He said these are questions every Hindu should ask themselves honestly.
Swamishree went on to explain, “Our sages have taught that Dharma is not about what we say or know — it’s about how we live. Whether at home, in society, or in spiritual life, actions speak louder than words. If we want to raise children with strong values, parents must create a value-based atmosphere at home. Children observe everything closely — they quickly notice if there’s a gap between what we preach and what we practise.”
Similarly, he said, society too pays attention not just to a speaker’s words, but also to their behaviour.
Do not measure women’s contributions in economic terms alone
During the gathering, respected Kutch-based industrialist Manu Ramji expressed concern that women are still not given the opportunities they truly deserve. Jigar Shah agreed, saying that women's role in economic growth is still not as visible or strong as it should be. Vimalji Odedra, a well-known Maher community leader and businessman, highlighted the rising number of divorces today and stressed the need to revisit family and social values.
In response, Swamishree shared thoughtful insights, saying these issues should not be seen only through the lens of economics. While women’s progress in education, business and other fields is important, he reminded everyone that the role of a mother is sacred and unique, something men cannot replace.
He added that, like birds returning to their nests, our thoughts must return to education, not just academic success, but life education.
Swamishree also reminded everyone that even within one family, people have different personalities and views. He quoted philosopher Khalil Gibran, saying that a happy family is one where everyone’s individuality is accepted and respected. Instead of forcing children to fit our moulds, we should help them discover and grow into who they truly are. They should also learn that life is full of change, ups and downs, success and failure, and they must be equipped with the strength and balance to face it all.
Govindbhai of Amazing Tiles shared a powerful message from our scriptures, which speak of the four purusharthas — Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire) and Moksha (liberation). He said problems begin when we focus only on Artha and Kama, while forgetting Dharma and Moksha.
CB thanked Swamishree for his visit and all those who joined the occasion.
