The grand finale celebrations of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s centennial birth anniversary in the UK and Europe were held in the presence of Anandswarupdas Swami – a senior swami visiting from India – on the weekend of 27-28 August 2022 at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London.
The celebrations were held across four performances over two days, which allowed over 9,000 registrants to pay tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s untiring efforts, limitless love, and a life lived for others – hence the programme was fittingly titled ‘Jivyā Amāre Kāj’.
Upon arrival, visitors enjoyed a unique opportunity to perform the abhishek (ceremonial bathing) of a special murti of Pramukh Swami Maharaj placed at the foot of the staircase leading up to the Mandir, one of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s iconic gifts to the world.
The special sabha inside the assembly hall included moving bhajans, vibrant dances and uplifting narrations describing Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s tireless endeavour, his limitless love, and the priceless attainment of such a Guru.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj travelled tirelessly and selflessly for the benefit of society, devoting his entire life in the service of others. He connected universally with individuals through letters, phone calls and personal meetings, transcending simple human distinctions. The profound impact of this physical endeavour and personal interactions upon recipients from the UK and Europe was remembered through a series of presentations and videos that delved deeper into the sacrifices that he made, and the lifelong memories that these exchanges forged.
His borderless love touched the lives of millions – young and old, literate and illiterate, rich and poor. This unconditional love was artistically depicted through excerpts from emotive bhajans performed by swamis and youths and further revealed through the eyes of swamis who had travelled with Pramukh Swami Maharaj and witnessed this divine love first-hand over decades. Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s love was further brought to life with a series of personal testimonies, explaining how it restored faith and provided solace in times of tremendous adversity and challenge, and, ultimately, it was his love that guided countless souls towards the highest spiritual enlightenment.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s love and labour for the sake of others provide a perspective of his greatness. Hindu scriptures reveal the true greatness of the Satpurush. A montage of Sanskrit verses extolling the divine glory of Pramukh Swami Maharaj was sung and displayed. These verses were supported by personal recollections by senior swamis who shared inspiring incidents from their travels with Pramukh Swami Maharaj in the UK and Europe. They also reinforced the continued presence of Aksharbrahma through Mahant Swami Maharaj.
A poem, specially composed for the finale celebration, guided the programme throughout, in which it gave voice to everyone’s wish to experience Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s presence “one more time”. At the conclusion, the poem moved to pray: “O Pramukh Swami Maharaj! How can we experience you all of the time?” To this, Mahant Swami Maharaj wrote in an emotional and fitting video climax: “Pramukh Swami Maharaj is forever present. Just remember him and you will feel his divinity and presence. This is my promise. Let us together celebrate Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s shatabdi."
Seawilding by Ryan McMahon
The Wildlife Trusts’ British Rainforest Garden by Zoe Claymore
