Thomas Awad has been exposed to a variety of religious influences throughout his life. Being born into a Christian family, he was initially raised as a Church-going Christian though he was always interested in all religions. “My Grandfather was from a Palestinian Roman Catholic family and attended an Arabic Saturday school with an Islamic basis. It was since the age of 8, however, that my interest in Hinduism began to grow, after learning about the Ramayana in Primary School,” he told Asian Voice. Here’s a short Q&A:
Q- You've had a very secular exposure to culture and religion since your early days. What about BAPS appealed to you when you became a devotee?
I first visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden when I was 11 and I still remember that day so vividly as if it were yesterday. I was so captivated by the whole experience; the stunning architecture, the beauty of the murtis and the incredibly welcoming nature of the devotees. I was left utterly in awe by the aarti, which awoke something deep inside of me. This was the initial spark that would go on to ignite a burning fire. As I grew older, however, it was the beliefs of values of BAPS that attracted me to it. The genuine love and compassion for all regardless of any distinctions, such as race, gender, caste and creed, as taught by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the Guru Parampara, truly inspired me and I soon realised that I had found my ishtadev.
Q -What does spirituality mean to you and how does it help you in everyday life?
For me, spirituality is the very core of my being. My faith is utterly intertwined with every aspect of my life and I would not have it any other way. Every day I perform nitya puja and do darshan of my small ghar mandir. Having taken vartman diksha, or spiritual initiation, I wear the double-stringed kanthi and I follow the fundamental niyams of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, such as maintaining a strict vegetarian diet (although I am a vegan) and completely avoiding alcohol and all intoxicants. Spirituality helps me navigate the challenges of everyday life, reminding me that however centred around myself or my own problems I may be, there is always something far greater than myself.
Q - During the pandemic, the BAPS team has done God's work in helping people cope with adversities. What was your observation and experience while following BAPS?
The work of BAPS throughout the world is utterly invaluable. It has championed the rights of Dalits, Adivasis and other such marginalised communities, helping them to elevate their own lives and communities, in a way that so many others would not. We have seen the same selflessness during the pandemic, with BAPS donating medical equipment to hospitals in India, and providing food to the needy. In my eyes, this is nothing less than a form of Seva and an act of worship in itself. Bhagwan Swaminarayan placed a huge emphasis on helping those who are in need, so I believe it is my duty, both as a member of BAPS and as a human being, to do the same.
Q - What according to you is the importance of an institution like BAPS for the Hindu diaspora and people like you who find solace in the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan?
Most devotees of BAPS have certainly endured great hardship, though their strength and resilience throughout is completely inspiring. Hearing many stories of devotees from Kenya and Uganda, I am always so moved by the huge sacrifices they made and how they managed to rebuild their lives as well as Satsang here in the UK. For me, BAPS is not just my faith, but it is also a family, and I know that wherever I go, someone will always be there to look out for me. BAPS has worked hard at preserving the values of Hindu Dharma, both in India and throughout the diaspora, and it allows millions to keep in touch with their faith and culture. BAPS Mandirs provide not only an opportunity to connect with the divine but also a safe haven of serenity away from the busyness of the outside world that can often be so hard to find.
