Head of BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi and International Coordinator of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, Brahmaviharidas Swami was on a short visit to London. During his busy schedule, on 1 April 2024, he met the Publisher and Editor in Chief of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar CB Patel and expressed special gratitude towards his selfless service to the community. Pujya Swamiji along with Yogvivekdas Swami Head Swami of Neasden Temple and BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in the UK and Paramtattva Swami admired CB’s column “Jivant Panth” in which he wrote about the Abu Dhabi Mandir, the vision, people and efforts behind it.
At BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Neasden, Brahmaviharidas Swami had a detailed discussion with CB. He shared the story behind the book- ‘A Millennial Moment’ and said, “Renowned Editor and a powerful column writer Bikram Vohara asked me if he could write about the Mandir. HH Pramukh Swami always taught us to be with the truth and to bring the truth out so I suggested Bikram observe everything as an outsider and then write without getting influenced. I told him- be yourself and write yourself. He mentioned in the book that being a critical writer and thinker he was amazed seeing that a religious organisation is so open-hearted.
“On the other hand, it’s also a record of work done by Penguin. Penguin takes almost 6 months to review a book, then they explore the market possibilities and after that, they start the project. But Penguin finished the project of this book in only three weeks. The book is doing great. The first edition is sold and now the second edition is on the way. It’s an amazing book, it's about spirituality.
“Another good thing is that S Jayshankar wrote the forward. He was flying in from Iran, arrived in Dubai for a couple of hours and was on his way to Kampala. I requested him for a forward. Before he reached Kampala, he wrote the forward in the plane and that’s how we got the forward.
“The Abu Dhabi temple is a great message of hope and harmony for humanity. A temple of love and harmony, when the world is being polarised. That is the role of a spiritual place” added Brahmaviharidas Swami.”
CB said he remembered the words of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj that Shri, Sarasvati and Shakti are necessary for success. He said every Satsangi should read this book. Devote some time from every day and exchange knowledge from this book with all.
He shared the moment that he was supposed to join the historic inauguration of the Abu Dhabi Temple but due to ill health during the India visit, was not able to make that. He said, “When I was back in London, I was a bit upset that I could not be there to feel the making of history- the opening of the First Hindu Temple in the Middle East. I came here to Neasden Temple on Mahashivratri and shared with Pujya Yogvivekdas Swami that I felt very sad regarding my absence in Abu Dhabi. Yogvivekdas Swami gave me the book A Millennial Moment. I know Bikram Vohra. Earlier I had some reservations about him but after this book, I have developed a special respect and admiration for him.
“On day one, I read 32 pages. I believe that this book has broken many myths. This book says that 60% of Satsangis (Devotees of Bhagwan Swaminarayan) are women. Bikram explained nicely all about BAPS. It is so catchy and knowledgeable that I read this book two times. The book tells what is the Satv of Satsang and what is the Satv of BAPS. I was so impressed and I decided to spread that knowledge to other people. I wrote a four-page special article- Ran Na Kan Kan Ma Brahmnaad.
“Everybody cannot read the book, but it’s our responsibility to spread the message. The teachings of BAPS will show you how a man can be a human being. HH Pramukh Swami’s teachings will guide you on how to become a better person.”
Praising the leading efforts of Brahmaviharidas Swami, CB added, “In the article, I mentioned about you, your father. Yogvivekdas Swami, Nitin Palan, Paresh Rughani and connected all the efforts of the past with the present. You are always alert and able to sense the changes and convert the challenges into opportunities. It was you who suggested Pramukh Swami to have a temple in the Middle East. This is the indication of a leader to sense the opportunities and act accordingly.”
BAPS Trustees Jitubhai Patel, Vinubhai Bhattessa and Jignesh Patel also joined the meeting.
Brahmaviharidas Swami will join the Zoom meeting this Thursday
In the meeting, CB also said that, “We organise a Special Zoom Get-together every Thursday at 3 pm. This Thursday's meeting (4 April) will focus on the First Hindu Temple of the Middle East in Abu Dhabi Temple. I request you to join the Zoom event and share various facts and knowledge with the audience and motivate them. Brahmviharidas said he would be very happy to join.”
Brahmavihari Swami, who is in charge of international relations at BAPS, is a motivational speaker and champion of humanitarian causes. He grew up in the UK and became a monk in 1981. Brahmavihari Swami has played a pivotal role in the creation and design of various BAPS temples worldwide and was the driving force behind the temple in Abu Dhabi.
