To help individuals and local communities during COVID-19 pandemic, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) in the UK has launched a nationwide ‘Connect and Care’ community care programme.
Following the call by its spiritual leader His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS mobilised hundreds of volunteers in more than 30 areas around the UK to help support the elderly and needy in local communities.
Under the programme, volunteers are reaching out to over 1,500 elderly and vulnerable people in the community regularly to collect shopping, medication and running essential errands, where required.
In Harrow and Brent in London, more than 400 tiffins were given to needy. As many as 70 tonnes of fresh fruit, vegetables and grocery bags were given to charitable organisations.
BAPS also Supports five hospitals in the UK, including the newly opened Nightingale Hospital, by providing food as well as letters of appreciation for their heroic staff.
Yogen Shah, a volunteer at the Mandir, said, “His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj has inspired and energised us to serve and support the people of this country and stand by them in their time of need. We’re praying together for this pandemic to subside and for God to provide strength to all.”
Volunteers have posted more than 1,500 letters to residents of local communities neighbouring all BAPS mandirs in the UK, offering support. Also, phone calls were made to over 6,000 families across the nation to enquire about their well being.
BAPS took the initiative to make public announcements and publications, to provide important advice on remaining stable and healthy, and to support individuals as well as businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A series of health awareness videos and presentations in English and Gujarati to educate the public on its collective responsibility to help stem the rapid spread of this deadly virus were also held.
The BAPS has also participated in national initiatives related to the pandemic. A special Nilkanth Varni Abhishek (ritual bathing) ceremony was performed by swamis at the Neasden Temple, and simultaneously by devotees in their homes, on 22 March as part of BAPS’s observance of UK’s National Day of Prayer and Action.
Various mandirs in the UK, including the Neasden Temple, were illuminated in blue on 25 March as a mark of respect and gratitude for the tireless and selfless NHS workers.
A Coronavirus Relief Fund has been set up by BAPS. To donate visit londonmandir.baps.org.
