Launching the late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam's last book the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide community-based spiritual organisation, hosted a special memorial event at their temple in Neasden in his honour. This event was also one of many in the year long celebration that marks the Mandir's 20th anniversary. The BAPS goal is to attain peace through certain ideals and joining together communities. The organisation is recognised internationally for its humanitarian services and is associated with the UN. In the UK, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is one of the largest Hindu organisations within the Indian community.
The former President's book Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji highlights the time that he spent with the late Pramukh Swamiji. Present for the ceremony was a gathering of senior BAPS swamis, including Sadguru Pujya Mahant Swami, Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami and Pujya Atmaswarup Swami, as well as His Excellency Ranjan Mathai, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, and other highly distinguished guests, civic leaders and community representatives.
As a young Hindu looking at the impressive architecture gave a sense of pride that such a temple has been built and accepted in the community outside of India. The hall the event was held at was as impressive on the inside as out as the wooden carvings in the entrance hall was a sight to behold. What surprised me however was that in a modern society it seemed to me slightly archaic that even in a public event such as this one the women and men were sat separately throughout the event, even during dining.
After the traditional lighting of the holy lamps to inaugurate the auspicious occasion, Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami introduced the work of the Mandir in London. He thanked the guests for their support and goodwill starting off the event with his speech.
Pujya Atmaswarup Swami, currently head of Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, then introduced Transcendence. There were several videos that highlighted the work that BAPS do and introduced the 14 year relationship between Dr Kalam and Pramukh Swami. Dr Kalam explicitly cites the inspiration he obtained from Pramukh Swami’s leadership of BAPS, and shares his vision for a society in which science and spirituality are fused. The influence that Pramukh Swami had on Dr Kalam was phenomenal as he asked the Swami for advice for important matters such as whether or not he should run for another term as President, he had that much faith in his Guru.
In his keynote address, the High Comissioner Mr Mathai paid tribute to both Dr Kalam as statesman, scientist and rishi, and the London Mandir, “the great jewel of Indian tradition and culture on British soil,” citing Dr Kalam’s description of it in Transcendence as “an incredible combination of heaven on earth.”
The High Commissioner praised the book and Dr Kalam's achievements went on to say: “You have provided a shining example of the greatness of India’s highest spiritual traditions in this foreign land. This extraordinary artistic achievement is a contribution to British and indeed world culture. Your commitment to social causes, betterment of lives and encouragement to the young has made you a living centre for the wider Indian community in the UK. Your example has helped to build the image of Indians in this country, and much credit goes to you for being open to both Indian and British traditions.”
Concluding the ceremony they awarded special packs including a copy of the book to the distinguished members of the community and citied several passaged from the book. The book itself is not written for any specific religion but merely dictates a set of values one should live their lives by. Pujya Mahant Swami describes the book as, “A universal book, for people of all faiths, nations, ethnicities and vocations, because it is about higher values such as peace, spirituality, tolerance, patience and service.” This, he explained, would be the highest tribute to Dr Kalam’s life, work and legacy.
