Gujarat Chief Minister flags of youth torch rally to mark 60th anniversary of BAPS

With guidance of spiritual leaders, Indian youth will show the path of humanity, doctrine of service before self to the world: Narendra Modi

Ahmedabad, 6 January, 2013

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi flagged off a youth torch rally to mark the largely attended diamond jubilee celebration of Bochasanvasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) held at Sardar Patel stadium here this evening.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Modi said that seers could see past and present and build the future generations, too. Yogiji Maharaj had sowed the seeds of youth culture sixty years ago which has spread like a banyan tree. Youth is the future of humanity.

Mr. Modi said that there is an increased realization of emerging prowess of youth around the world. He said the 21st Century would belong to India because 65 per cent of our population belonged to youth. The Indian youth is also mastering the art of computer technology and dazzled the world with their brain power. He exuded confidence that with the guidance of the spiritual leaders’ Indian youth would show the path of human values and doctrine of service before self to the world.

Mahant Swami and Doctor Swami felicitated Mr. Narendra Modi. The mega event concluded with religious and cultural events and presentations.

More about the function:

The grand finale of the BAPS 60th Youth Anniversary Celebrations was held at the Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad. It celebrated the socio-spiritual youth activities established by Yogiji Maharaj and nourished worldwide by the present head, Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The guiding principle of BAPS youth activities is to develop character and to help inspire a morally sound society. More than 60,000 youths from all parts of India, USA, Canada, UK, East Africa, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Dubai had assembled for the grand cultural celebration.

The festival was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Narendrabhai Modi in the presence of senior BAPS sadhus: P. Mahant Swami, P. Dr Swami, P. Tyagvallabh Swami, P. Ishwarcharan Swami and P.Viveksagar Swami. On this occasion Hon. CM Narendra Modi said: “The knowledge of India’s glorious culture unifies, but does not create differences. This legacy has been propagated by our saints and sages. Today the BAPS Youth Forum has grown into a giant banyan tree from a small seed sown by Yogiji Maharaj and nourished by Pramukh Swami Maharaj. I have been privileged to meet Pramukh Swami and receive his blessings many times. It is his spiritual energy that I see in this mammoth youth assembly. My spirit has been fortified in seeing all of you youths the future of India is bright. I wish you all success and strength to serve God and mother India.” The 3½ hr. celebration was themed on six values: 1. Unity, 2. Self-control (sanyam), 3. Service (seva), 4. Character (sanskar), 5. Satsang and 6. Guru bhakti. The theme was portrayed through colourful dances,
dramas, parades, videos and speeches. In all, more than 1600 children and youths from Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Bhavnagar and Mumbai performed on the stage. (See highlights below.)

Pramukh Swami Maharaj in his video blessings said, “Pujya Yogiji Maharaj established the BAPS Yuvak Mandal and Satsang Mandal and blessed us with a priceless gift to elevate our lives. He often urged the youths to imbibe ‘Unity, Brotherhood and Harmony’ for peace, prosperity and success. My congratulations to you all for upholding satsang, service to parents and country. Let us remember that in the joy of others lies our own…”

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FUNCTION

1. A grand international parade of 1,000 youths on the stadium grounds. It comprised of: ras group, bhajan group, music band, youths on motorbikes, giant tableaux, marching youths with flags and tribal dance.

2. Dramas portraying the sterling values of tolerance, allegiance to moral principles and faith in God.

3. Video shows on the history of BAPS youth activities and the efforts of gurus Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj in instilling faith and values in youths.

4. Astonishing cultural African dance from youths of East Africa, and regional cultural dances of India, namely Rajasthan, Karnataka, Punjab, Maharashtra, etc.

5. Musical presentation on addiction and its solutions.

6. Portrayal of the spirit of service through dramatic presentation of youths cleaning huge pots and pans.

7. A thrilling boat dance by children portraying the ocean of life and its storms.

8. Torch-dance in which youth danced with lighted torches. Also 140 youths on 70 motorbikes paraded the grounds with lighted torches in hand.

9. During the year-long Youth Celebration, thousands of BAPS youths performed 816,942,742 malas, 639,780,596 prostrations, 869,359,106 pradakshinas of God in mandirs.

10. Two lighted torches, one from Dhari (the birthplace of Yogiji Maharaj) and the other from Mumbai (where the first BAPS Yuvak Mandal was established in 1952) were brought by youths running a total distance of 1,113 km.

11. The function climaxed with a grand arti performed by 60,000 youths.