This year’s Diwali festivities in Great Britain, held on 17th and 18th October, were marked by devotion, grandeur, and the sacred presence of Sant Bhagwant Sahebdada, who has been residing in the UK for the past three months.
On 17 October, Shree Lakshmi Pooja and Shree Sharada Poojan were conducted with reverence and spiritual fervour, guided by Pujya Himatswamiji and Sadhu Pujya Ashokdasji. Nearly a hundred pairs of yajmans participated in the sacred rituals alongside devotees and saints from both India and the UK.
The event drew a host of distinguished guests, including Satish Chatwani, Director of Fairview Hotels and Healthcare, Kanta Enterprises, and Davis and Dann Limited; Dr MN Nandakumara, Executive Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan; Manu Ramji, owner of King’s Kitchen; Kanti Nagda MBE, CEO of Sangat Centre, Vraj Pankhania, Founder and Chairman of The Westcombe Group; CB Patel, Editor-In-Chief of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar; and poetess Bharati Vora.
A highlight of the celebration was the conferring of the prestigious title “Shalin Manav Ratna” on Shri Prof Dr Jagdish Dave, recognising his unparalleled contribution to the Gujarati language and literature over the past 75 years. CB Patel introduced Dr Dave, sharing anecdotes from their five-decade friendship and highlighting his notable works, including Thando Suraj, Bhasha ane Sanskriti, Britainma Gujaratiyo, and Purva Africa ma Gujarati. Dr Dave has inspired generations worldwide, preserving and promoting Gujarati culture with humility and scholarship.
In a heartfelt ceremony, Sant Bhagwant Sahebdada, along with the saints and dignitaries, honoured Dr Dave with a shawl, garland, cloth, and memento. In his response, Dr Dave expressed gratitude to the Anoopam Mission and offered an inspiring address reflecting on his lifelong achievements.
Sant Bhagwant Sahebdada blessed the gathering, emphasising the importance of dedicating wealth and efforts in service of God, echoing Lord Swaminarayan’s guidance in the Shikshapatri.
The celebrations concluded with devotees receiving Mahaprasad, leaving with spiritual blessings and renewed commitment to preserving their mother tongue and culture.
