Jai Swaminarayan!
I bow at the feet of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan. By the grace of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan, a magnificent bicentenary celebration is being organized at Vadtal Dham. Devotees from across the country and around the world have gathered, and it has always been a tradition in the Swaminarayan community that no endeavour proceeds without service. Today, people are enthusiastically contributing to various acts of service. The images I have seen of this celebration on television, in the media, and the videos shared on social media over the past few days have multiplied my joy immensely.
Friends,
The bicentenary celebration of the establishment of Vadtal Dham is far more than a mere event or a date in history. It is a significant occasion for individuals like me, who have grown up with an unwavering faith in Vadtal Dham. For us, this celebration serves as evidence of the enduring flow of Indian culture. We have preserved the spiritual consciousness of Vadtal Dham, which was established by Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan two centuries ago. Even today, the teachings and divine energy of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan can be felt here. I bow at the feet of all the sages and extend my congratulations to all of you and to our fellow countrymen on this grand bicentenary celebration. I am pleased that the Government of India has issued a silver coin of Rs. 200 and a commemorative postage stamp to mark this occasion. These symbols will help keep the memories of this momentous event alive for generations to come.
Friends,
Everyone connected with Bhagwan Swaminarayan understands the depth of my bond with this tradition. Rakesh ji, who is present there, could share with you how old and significant my relationship with him is. This bond is not only spiritual but also social. During my time in Gujarat, I was fortunate to have spent time with the sages and participate in satsangs. I was extremely fortunate to have those moments and I cherished every one of them. By the grace of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, even today, in one way or another, either directly or indirectly, that connection continues. On many occasions, I have had the privilege of receiving the blessings of sages, which has inspired me to reflect deeply on matters of national importance.
I deeply wished I could be physically present at this sacred festival at Vadtal Dham today. I wished to sit with you all, reminisce about many cherished memories, and share in the joy of this occasion. Naturally we would have relished such a moment. However, due to my responsibilities and commitments, this has not been possible. Yet, I am very much with you all in spirit. My heart is completely with Vadtal Dham at this very moment.
Friends,
Respected sages, one of Bharat's remarkable qualities is that during times of hardship, sages, Maharshis, saints, and Mahatmas have always emerged to guide and uplift society. Bhagwan Swaminarayan appeared at a moment when our country had become weakened after centuries of subjugation, having lost faith and become steeped in self-criticism. At such a crucial time, Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the seers of that era infused us with renewed spiritual energy. They awakened our self-esteem and revitalised our sense of identity. The teachings of the Shikshapatri and Vachanamrit have made an immense contribution in this regard, and it is our duty to embody these teachings and carry them forward.
I am pleased that, inspired by this vision, Vadtal Dham has become a great institution dedicated to serving humanity and shaping the era. This sacred place has given rise to devotees like Sagaram ji, from underprivileged community. Today, numerous initiatives are being run through your efforts, including projects for providing food, shelter, and education to countless children. Moreover, many service-relates initiatives are operating in remote forest areas. You have undertaken significant missions such as promoting the education of girls in tribal regions. Whether it is serving the poor, nurturing a new generation, or preserving Indian culture by blending modernity with spirituality, the ongoing campaign for a brighter future stands as a testament to your dedication. Every appeal I have made—be it for cleanliness or environmental conservation—has always been met with your enthusiastic response. Sages and devotees like you have never let me down; you have embraced each of my requests as your own responsibility, striving wholeheartedly to fulfil them.
I recently heard about a campaign I had proposed: planting a tree in the name of one’s mother (Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam). The Swaminarayan family has enthusiastically participated, planting more than one lakh trees under this initiative.
Friends,
Every person has a purpose in life, and this purpose shapes our existence. It influences our thoughts, actions, and words. When we discover our life's purpose, everything changes. Throughout history, our saints and sages have helped people understand the meaning and purpose of their lives. The contributions of these spiritual guides to society have been immense. When an entire society or nation unites to achieve a common purpose, success is inevitable, as demonstrated through numerous examples. We have accomplished it before—our seers have achieved it, our society has achieved it, and our religious institutions have achieved it.
Today, a significant objective lies before our youth, and the entire nation is moving forward with a clear vision. This vision is to create a Viksit Bharat. I appeal to the seers and sages of Vadtal and the entire Swaminarayan family to inspire everyone to join in this noble mission, this grand vision of a Viksit Bharat. Just as the freedom movement was fuelled by an unyielding passion for independence that ignited the hearts of people from all walks of life for over a century, so too must we embrace the same relentless drive for national development. Not a single day or moment passed during the freedom struggle without the pursuit of freedom being alive in people's hearts, and such dedication is what we now need in every one of our 140 crore countrymen.
Together, we must inspire everyone—especially our young friends—to commit the next 25 years to this vision of a Viksit Bharat. We must live and breathe this mission, staying connected to it every moment. Wherever we are, we should start contributing from that very place. As each of us contributes to this goal, we will collectively benefit. One essential step towards a Viksit Bharat is achieving self-reliance. To build a self-reliant nation, we must rely on ourselves, without expecting external assistance. All 140 crore citizens must take up this responsibility, and the devotees present here are no exception. We can begin with the Vocal for Local campaign, promoting local products and businesses.
For a developed India, our unity and national integrity are crucial. Unfortunately, some people, driven by selfish interests and limited understanding, are attempting to fragment society along lines of caste, religion, language, social status, gender, and urban-rural divides. They are undermining the ambitious goals for Bharat's bright future. We must recognise the seriousness of these threats posed by the country's adversaries and understand the gravity of this crisis. Together, we must thwart these divisive acts and prevent them from succeeding. We must stand united and resolute in protecting our national unity.
Friends,
Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan taught us that great goals are achieved through immense dedication and hardwork. He emphasised that the youthful mind possesses the potential to shape the nation decisively. He instilled the belief that the youth can and will build the country. To realise this, we must nurture competent, capable, and well-educated young people. For a Viksit Bharat (developed India), empowering our youth is essential. Skilled young individuals will become our greatest asset. The global demand for our youth will continue to grow. Today, most world leaders I meet express their desire for Bharat's youth, skilled workforce, and IT sector professionals to work in their countries. The world is captivated by the dynamism of Bharat's youth. These young people will not only meet the needs of our nation but also serve global demands. Our efforts to develop skilled youth will significantly contribute to nation-building.
I have another request for you. The Swaminarayan sect has always made significant efforts in the fight against addiction. Our saints, Mahatmas, and devotees can play a vital role in keeping our youth away from substance abuse and making them free from addiction. Campaigns and initiatives to prevent youth from falling into the trap of drugs are crucial and must continue. These efforts are needed across all societies and every corner of our country, and we must persevere in this mission.
Friends,
A nation can progress only when it takes pride in and preserves its heritage. Thus, our guiding principle is development alongside heritage conservation. It is heartening to see the resurgence of glory at our ancient heritage sites, with many that were thought to be lost now being restored. The transformation of Ayodhya is a prime example, where a dream cherished for 500 years has finally come to fruition. Generations upheld this dream, struggled for it, and made sacrifices to realise it. Today, we witness the rejuvenation of Kashi and Kedarnath, which stand as testaments to this revitalisation. In Pavagadh, after 500 years, the flag of our faith now flies proudly. The Sun Temple of Modhera and the grandeur of Somnath are other striking examples. Everywhere we look, a new spirit and a cultural revolution are unfolding before our eyes.
Not only that, but for centuries, idols of our deities were stolen from our country, and no one was concerned about their disappearance. Today, after considerable efforts, these stolen idols of our Gods and Goddesses are being found and are being returned to our temples. We, the people of Gujarat, feel immense pride in the heritage of Dholavira and Lothal, symbols of our ancient civilisation. Efforts to restore and revitalise these sites are also underway. This campaign to awaken Bharat's cultural consciousness is not just a government initiative. It is the collective responsibility of all who love this land, this country, who cherish its traditions, take pride in its culture, and admire its heritage. Each of us has a significant role to play, and you can provide great inspiration in this regard. The Akshar Bhuvan museum in Vadtal Dham, which houses many items associated with Bhagwan Swaminarayan, is a part of this cultural revival, and I congratulate you for this achievement. This museum gives the new generation a glimpse of our heritage in a very short time. I am confident that Akshar Bhuvan will become a magnificent shrine of Bharat's eternal spiritual legacy.
Friends,
I firmly believe that the vision of a developed India will only be realised through such efforts. When 140 crore Indians come together with a shared purpose, success will come naturally. The guidance of our seers is crucial in this journey, and with thousands of saints and devotees from across the nation and abroad gathered here, I feel as though I am part of this family. This gives me the opportunity to involve you in one more mission. This year, the Purna Kumbh is taking place in Prayagraj. A Purna Kumbh, held every 12 years, is a celebration of Bharat's immense heritage, now acknowledged globally. From 13th January, over a span of 45 days, approximately 40 to 50 crore people will gather for the Kumbh Mela. I have a humble request: can you take on this endeavour? You have a global presence, with temples in many countries. Could you educate people abroad about the significance of the Kumbh Mela, why it is celebrated, and the cultural philosophy behind it? Can you engage with non-Indian communities and try to bring at least 100 foreigners from each of your overseas branches to the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj with respect and reverence? This would be a powerful act of spreading cultural awareness worldwide, and I am sure you can accomplish it effortlessly.
Once again, I apologise for not being able to be with you in person, but I am grateful to have had the opportunity to see you all through video conferencing. It brings me immense joy to see so many familiar faces. Although from afar, this moment fills me with happiness, and I am delighted to be part of this bicentenary celebration in spirit.
Many congratulations! Thank you all!
Jai Swaminarayan.
