The theme of the centennial celebration at the UMBC Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Baltimore, Maryland on Dec 4, centered on three qualities that Pramukh Swami Maharaj consistently exemplified: humility, universal love, and sincere faith in God
Over 4,800 community leaders, devotees, and well-wishers commemorated the life of the late Hindu spiritual leader, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, in Baltimore, Maryland, reported americanbazaaronline.com.
Born in 1921 and respected as a global ambassador of peace, harmony and values, Pramukh Swami Maharaj served as the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha for over 65 years until his passing in 2016. His life’s work focused on inspiring, nurturing, and motivating spirituality in the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals throughout the world, according to a BAPS release.
The theme of the centennial celebration at the UMBC Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Baltimore, Maryland on Dec 4, centered on three qualities that Pramukh Swami Maharaj consistently exemplified: humility, universal love, and sincere faith in God.
The programme incorporated these characteristics through speeches and skits as well as choreographed dance segments performed by the children and youth wings of BAPS.
Video blessings were given on the occasion by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the current spiritual guru and president of BAPS. Community leaders also took part and offered their sincere tributes.
“This event is significant because it represents so many individuals all over the globe who have been touched by the words, teachings and vision of Pramukh Swami Maharaj,” said US Congressman Kweisi Mfume.
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The centennial celebration in Baltimore was one of hundreds of such events taking place not only across North America, but also in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.
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These events will culminate in a final, month-long, grand celebration in India in December, which is expected to be attended by millions of devotees and well-wishers from around the world, according to the release
“After hearing Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s words, I can understand why so many people were drawn to him,” said House member-elect Glenn Ivey. “We need this kind of faith, love, and leadership to make a difference in the world.”
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball III reflected on the idea of legacy at the event: “I thought about all of the people with whom Pramukh Swami Maharaj has interacted, and its ripple effect through time and space. That is legacy.”
Under Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s leadership, BAPS established an international presence with the creation of over 1,100 traditional Hindu temples as centers of peace and worship around the world, according to the BAPS release.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj visited over 250,000 homes across more than 50 countries, and replied to over 760,000 letters personally counseling individuals, helping them through struggles, and inspiring them to live value-centric lives, the release added.
The centennial celebration in Baltimore was one of hundreds of such events taking place not only across North America, but also in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.
These events will culminate in a final, month-long, grand celebration in India in December, which is expected to be attended by millions of devotees and well-wishers from around the world, according to the release.
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