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Pramukh Swami Special Flipbook PDF
Pramukh Swami Special
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PEOPLE
An ode to humanity
Kaushik Joshi looks back on the life of Pramukh Swami Maharaj who passed away recently. President of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, an international Hindu socio-spiritual organisation that has over 1 million devotees, Pramukh Swami Maharaj was a man of the people who believed firmly that “in the joy of others lies our own”
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s funerals go, this one was imbued with a sanctity that befitted a man of his spiritual stature. Nearly four lakh people thronged Sarangpur, a sleepy hamlet nestled in the countryside, 153 kms from Ahmedabad, to attend the funeral rites of Pramukh Swami Maharaj who was the charismatic guru of the gargantuan Hindu sect called BAPS, an acronym for Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha. The nonagenarian guru slipped off his mortal coil on August 13th, 2016 unleashing emotional outbursts en masse among his devotees across India and the world. The body lay in state for over three days so that devotees could catch a last glimpse of their beloved guru. Before he was cremated on August 17th, over 21 lakh people visited Sarangpur to pay their last respects. And they came by whatever means of transport was available—rail, road or air.
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The body was kept in a specially designed vacuum-packed glass chamber with the air-conditioning system in place at -10 degrees. The body was first taken to Sarvaswa where he lived while in Sarangpur, for a ritual bath with milk, honey and curds. It was then taken to the place of cremation in a palanquin drawn by the BAPS saints. The cremation site was chosen by Pramukh Swami himself long before his demise and is close to his guru’s memorial. A sea of humanity sat in sombre silence glued to their seats for over six hours braving the scorching sun during the last rites. The plaintive Vedic chants by specially chosen pandits filled the air. Lyrics sung a cappella urging the guru to come back again heightened the sombre mood. It felt as if Pandit Shivkumar Sharma’s santoor was wailing. Finally, the moment came when Shri Mahant Swami, who now succeeds
Visitors at the site of the BAPS Cultural Festival of India (CFI) in New Jersey
as guru, lit the funeral pyre. The flames leapt into the air. It was indeed a heartrending sight. Ashish Ajmera from Mumbai, barely eight, wept inconsolably as did others, young and old. Who says big boys don’t cry! And why not? He was a crutch for many through thick and thin. Reminisces Vandan Ranpura, 20, a student of Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Sarangpur, “I was just three when my father died. My mother wrote to Pramukh Swami, worried about my academics. He wrote back saying: He is mine and I will educate him.” When Riken Solanki of Ahmedabad lost his father in an accident he was just 16, the only son of his parents. When Pramukh Swami came to know of the tragedy, he supported his academic journey. Riken now works as an instrumentation engineer. Dr. Nilaya Amin, an ophthalmologist settled in the U.S. remembers the days when he inspired her to learn Gujarati. People reached out to him in thousands both in person and through mail. He wrote around 7.50 lakh letters to his devotees, 2 lakhs of which were to NRIs. He travelled extensively with punishing schedules at the rate of three to four villages a day which once rose to a count of 13. In 1976 alone, the number reached 728. He visited at least 17,000 villages in about four decades braving the searing sun, biting cold and torrential rain. And that is not all. Home visits were an integral part of his trips to villages that varied from 25 to 60 a day. If the youth or sadhus accompanying him lagged behind, he would say with a smile, “Come along. Don’t be an old man.” He never went to bed before 11 p.m., at times even later. He took no coffee or tea and never read newspapers. He had a robust faith in human goodness and lived by three core values—humility, service and forbearance.
The early days Pramukh Swami was born Shantilal Patel in Chansad village, 12 kms from Vadodara. He was the youngest of 10 children of Motilal and Diwaliba Patel. His parents eked a modest living by farming. Docile as a child, Shanti Patel had to work often on the farm to support the family. There was no school in his village then so he had to 12 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2016 | G2
With Pope John Paul II
Pramukh Swami travelled extensively with punishing schedules at the rate of three to four villages a day. In 1976 alone, the number reached 728. He visited at least 17,000 villages in about four decades
cycle to the nearby town of Padra to attend school. A bright student, he enjoyed history and maths. Even in his early days, his favourite haunt was the Hanuman temple in his village where he often enjoyed the Ramayana discourses by the priest. As for sports, he caught the cricket bug early and used to play in the streets with his friends. While he was in the sixth grade, his group of friends decided to chip in and buy a cricket kit for `500. While he and his friend were about to go to buy the kit, a man came with a letter from his guru Shastriji Maharaj asking him to leave home to become a sadhu. He immediately obeyed. His parents were also disciples of Shastriji Maharaj belonging to the Swaminarayan faith of Hinduism. It was November 7th 1939, when Shantilal renounced the world in a moment of great resolution and with the blessings of his parents. Initiated on November 22nd 1939 in Ahmedabad into the order, he later donned saffron robes on January 10th 1940 and was named Narayanswarupdas or shadow of God.
The mantle of President His guru, Shastriji Maharaj, who founded BAPS, soon recognised the genius in him and inducted him as President (Pramukh) of BAPS in 1950 when he was barely 28. Then he came to be known as Pramukh Swami, a hierarchical name. He also studied Sanskrit for about six years while touring a number of places. But his induction as president was a precursor of the phenomenal growth of BAPS during his lifetime. His guru, Shastriji Maharaj, who founded BAPS, was a Sanskrit scholar and a man of robust will. Starting from scratch, he raised five temples in Gujarat which are now active hubs of the varied spiritual and social activities undertaken by BAPS. Shreeji Maharaj is the A disciplined life central figure in the modern sect of Hinduism known as Swaminarayan Hinduism to which BAPS belongs. Shreeji Maharaj was born Ghanshyam Pande in an obscure village called Chhapaiya near Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. He left home as a pre-teen and settled in Gujarat in 1799 after seven years of pilgrimage across India. Also known as Swaminarayan, he won accolades from the
The BAPS phenomenon
British for his social reforms for women and the poor. He matched devotion with righteous living, encouraging people to lead a pious life. He worked primarily in uprooting the evil of sati and promoting literacy. Says Prof. Raymond Brady William, “Swaminarayan is an early representative of the practice of women’s rights.” When he came to Gujarat, the crime scene was at its worst and neither the British nor the local kings could contain the waves of robberies, killings and rapes. But through his preaching and distinct humane approach, Swaminarayan encouraged criminals to embrace moral values. Impressed by his work, Bombay Governor Sir John Malcolm travelled to Rajkot to meet him. BAPS gurus followed in his footsteps making societal good the fulcrum of their travels.
BAPS owes its existence to its visionary guru Yagnapurushdas (aka Shastriji Maharaj) who founded the institution. What was once a presence in a few pockets of Gujarat has now spread its wings to over 50 countries with 6,800 centres and 55,000 volunteers. BAPS leans heavily on its 950 sadhus and volunteers for all its projects, many of them university-educated in various disciplines. Its leading sadhu Dr. Swami passed his MBBS from Topiwala National Medical College and Nair Hospital way back in 1959. Yogvivek Swami is another medico who earned his degree from the Leicester Medical College and practised medicine for four years. Atmaswarupdas, another leading saint, is an IITian from Mumbai. Paramseva Swami passed his B.Sc. in Economics from the London School of Economics. Mangalnidhi Swami passed his B.A. in Psychology and Biology (cognitive neuroscience) from Harvard University in 1998.
Blazing a new trail If his spiritual trajectory was set to music, it would indeed make a hypnotic symphony. Though surrounded by devotees all his life, Pramukh Swami Maharaj simply refused to rest. At a time when individuals and nations are intent on settling scores, along came a man with no army or weapons, but with the immense wealth and weight of virtues to do his bit for global harmony. Rarely has a spiritual leader captured the attention of both the young and the old, bureaucrats and business tycoons, states and nations, as did Pramukh Swami.
Pramukh Swami with Dr. Abdul Kalam
With Bill Clinton
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Bhaktivallabh Swami, based in London, got his ACCA in 1978 and Paramtatva Swami has three Ph.D.s in Theology, one from Oxford University. While one Viratswarup Swami is a law graduate from Georgetown University. Banking on these sadhus, BAPS runs over 150 activities under its charity covering education, health, language classes and public speaking. Considering its cultural festivals and other allied activities in India and abroad, BAPS was awarded the G.D. Birla International Award for Preservation of India’s Heritage and Culture in 2001. In the same year, Pramukh Swami was awarded the Rotary International Award. In 2000, the Guiness Book of World Records authorities recognised BAPS for raising 713 temples which have now risen to about 1100. BAPS views temples as purveyors of peace and centres for furthering cultural values. There are over 80 temples in America alone where Gujarati Hindus, as well as other NRIs, gather every weekend as also on festive occasions.
BAPS Temple, London
Soon after taking over in 1971 as the head of BAPS, he placed himself at the centre of the most significant conversations of our time—righteous living, education, health, addictions, substance abuse and above all familial relationships. To his bright and cheerful sadhus, he would say, “Remember you don’t live in a world all your own, your fellow beings are also there.” Pulling sainthood out of ashrams and onto the streets and homes, this itinerant prince of the saffron world created his own brand of liberation theology. Pramukh Swami’s deft administration of his charity qualified BAPS for an affiliation with UNO as an NGO in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
The art of altruism BAPS was the first NGO to reach Kutch in Gujarat when the deadly earthquake hit in 2001 providing the affected with fresh meals, water and clothing for days together. They also adopted dozens of villages to rehabilitate people whose homes had succumbed to the earthquake besides helping out in search and rescue missions. They also camped in Morbi, Gujarat when floods hit it in 1979. The BAPS volunteers also sprung into action during the Odisha cyclone and Latur earthquake in Maharashtra. When Hurricane Katrina struck the 16 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2016 | G2
Trusteespeak Shri Mahant Swami, 82, who succeeds Shri Pramukh Swami, is an incredibly self-effacing saint with a philosophical look in his eyes. A B.Sc. in Agriculture, he says he will walk in the footsteps of his guru. “I will see that the aspirations of my guru are realised and the lofty image of BAPS is furthered.” Swami Ishwarcharan, dynamic convener and trustee of BAPS International says that succeeding gurus perpetuate the hallowed traditions of BAPS wedded to the timeless values of Vedic culture. “It was Pramukh Swami’s fond hope to raise Akshardham in America for the sake of NRIs there so that they can remain rooted to our culture. The project is underway and we will see it reaches completion by 2020,” he adds. Swami Brahmviharidas, the sprightly young spokesperson of BAPS, marvels at Pramukh Swami’s influence on the late Dr. Abdul Kalam and PM Narendra Modi. Says he, “While our PM said that he lost a father in Pramukh Swami’s demise, the late Dr. Kalam found the ultimate guru in Pramukh Swami. One wonders how he entered his heart as Dr. Kalam didn’t speak Gujarati and Pramukh Swami didn’t speak English.”
gulf coast region of the United States, BAPS volunteers reached aid to victims. Recently, they worked with UNICEF to provide medicine and clean water and make-shift housing for children in Haiti who had been affected by the earthquake in 2010. Besides providing medical facilities to the needy in the tribal belts of Gujarat and Maharashtra, BAPS Charities recently launched a health awareness drive in the United States to support the goals of Michelle Obama’s ‘Let’s Move’ campaign to check childhood obesity. In it, they educated parents and children on the advantages of a vegetarian diet. The Toronto wing of the BAPS Charities donated $100,000 to Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children for its Research and Learning Tower campaign. On the education front, the organisation funds scholarships and runs 10 schools and hostels. They aim at achieving 100 percent literacy in rural India through their volunteers. They also support needy school children in several African cities with uniforms, school supplies and food as also improving infrastructural facilities in schools. In order to keep the Gujarat youth rooted to their cultural heritage, BAPS runs Gujarati and music classes. Some centres also organise classes for college students as well as leadership seminars and workplace skill development workshops.
Words of wisdom
Do not indulge in gossip or slander. That is not your domain. Think of the virtues of others. l Money can not buy happiness. Rectitude is all that matters. l Rejoice in doing good to others. l Do not fear exams. Exams test your confidence. Focus and study well. l Do not make friends with the idle. l Read something ennobling before going to bed. l Service to individuals and society will make you humble. l Make judicious use of television and smart phones. l Think of paying back to society on growing up. l If you are not vigilant about making the best use of time, life would be spent in futility. l
Anticlockwise: Youth performing at the BAPS Cultural Festival of India (CFI) in New Jersey; Hurricane Katrina Relief Drive; De-addiction campaign conducted by BAPS children
Societal good Pramukh Swami’s persona was one of compassion imbued with merriment. It made him something of a legend. He struck a chord with the young and the old who sought his advice for what mattered most to them. A youth intent on avenging his brother’s murder came to him to give vent to his feelings. He advised him, saying, “Revenge can not bring your brother to life. A long dispute means that both parties are wrong.” That simple logic appealed to the boy. An uncle and a nephew were at odds with each other. They came to seek his advice. In the course of his mediation, he asked them to sort out everything with a cool mind and not fall prey to anger. As always his word was law. Often, he focussed on dowry, junk food and the deleterious effects of television, tobacco and corruption. Familial harmony was another of his great concerns. When an elderly man invited him to his place, Pramukh Swami agreed to go provided he call his son-in-law also, whom his daughter had married against his wishes, and with whom he had severed relationships. A glaring example of brokering peace in the community is that of two villages called Kukad and Odarka near the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, whose Rajputs remained locked in battle for over 200 years over a small plot of grazing land. It was a gory tale of murder and bloodshed. Even the efforts of the Prince of Bhavnagar were fruitless. When this was brought to the notice of Pramukh Swami, he called representatives of both the villages and performed a short ritual at the stone tablets of their forefathers to pay homage to them. Then he appealed to them to bury the hatchet and let love take its place. That was April 12th, 1990. Change does not come naturally. At his best, he inspired and instructed, helped and healed. What type of righteous living did he inspire? Says Suresh Shelat, Senior Advocate, Gujarat High Court,“My father was a judge in the Gujarat High
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Court and I was practising as a lawyer. My father did not allow me to make use of his position to get more briefs nor did I try. It is generally believed that relatives of sitting judges get briefs and there were some lawyers who thus had roaring practices in those days. But my father taught me to rely on my own skills and remain honest. All these values trickled down to me thanks to our family’s closeness to Pramukh Swami.”
The right values Nilesh Patel of New Jersey was working at a departmental store of an Indian where an old American lady used to come to buy lottery tickets. Once she gave him a few tickets to see whether any entitled her to prize money. When he checked, he found that she had won $3 million. The ticket was not signed by her and she went to the nearby store to buy provisions. “For a moment I felt tempted not to tell her about it but then an image of Pramukh Swami appeared before my eyes as if telling me that it didn’t belong to me. I then broke the news to the lady when she came back.” How do you practise humility from the most hallowed seat? How do you keep cool in the face of harrowing attacks on an institution over which you have devoted your life? The Akshardham terror attack by the two fidayeens in September 2002 was a tragic day in the history of the organisation but Pramukh Swami did not let it unsettle him. He did not make a single statement that would cause disharmony or feelings of ill-will or hatred in society. Instead, he made a fervent appeal for peace. The Government and leading citizens appreciated his gesture. He was a sage who could tame the beast in a man at a time when the world is getting smaller, individual voices are getting louder and technology is going viral. Indeed the glory of the dead is to be found in the memory of the living. The gates of heaven had been yearning to receive him. Fortunately for us he made them wait so that he could make the earth more heavenly.
BAPS Temple, Los Angeles
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BAPS Temple, Na
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British Prime Minister Theresa May As the news of Pramukh Swami’s lauded Swami’s work and said, “His demise spread like wildfire, devotees legacy of selfless service will continue and dignitaries rushed to Sarangpur to benefit humanity for a long time to pay their last respects. Eulogies also to come. He exemplified the values of poured in from all over the world. British Hindus whose contribution helps Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew make the U.K. one of the world’s most in. Addressing the gathering, he said, PM Narendra Modi at the funeral successful multi-cultural, multi faith “Pramukh Swami was a mentor to me. democracies.” You have lost a guru, but I have lost a Keith Vaz, longest serving Indian father. His service to society will always MERGING WITH THE INFINITE origin British MP said, “He was a be remembered.” The PM recalled that when he went to Srinagar in 1992 to unfurl special man. Those from all walks of life will feel the loss. We see the tricolour at Lal Chowk despite threats from militants, he received his inspiration in the temples that have been built. His smile was two calls asking about his health even before reaching Srinagar—one infectious.” Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani appreciated how he inspired from Pramukh Swami and the other from his mother. Yoga guru Baba Ramdev said, “He was indeed a yogi who did the educated youth to become saints. He said, “At a time when the not expect fruits of his labour and went on to work at God’s youth think of successful careers, Pramukh Swami inspired them to bidding. He practised what he preached and was the pride of our become sadhus and work for society.” fraternity.” Amitabh Bachchan tweeted, “Leader and humanitarian, condolences Hillary Clinton, recalled Bill Clinton’s association with Swami and on his passing away. A generous, simple human, his aura remains.” wrote, “Pramukh Swami didn’t just teach virtues, he lived them every M. Lokhandwala spoke about how Pramukh Swami often reminded day. That’s what made him a guru to millions around the world. From him to follow the tenets of the Koran. the Akshardham Mandir in New Jersey to the countless temples he Said he, “Whenever I met him, he would ask me to read the Koran blessed in the US, he built a global faith and community founded on regularly and follow it. In the days of Ramadan, he would inspire me to observe fasts religiously.” Vedic values.” 20 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2016 | G2