Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) hosted a special cultural program themed, ‘My Country, My Duty,’ at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey.
During the program, public servants such as police officers, firefighters, and elected officials were honoured for their dedication to protecting and serving their communities. A donation of $5,000 was presented to the rapid response partnership of Mercer County on behalf of BAPS, in recognition of their efforts in responding to incidents of high complexity, a release said.
The 200 Club of Mercer County, an association dedicated to providing financial assistance to families of essential personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The event emphasised the far-reaching effects of simple gestures, from voting to neighbourhood clean-ups, through various skits and addresses also received a donation of $5,000.
The spiritual head of BAPS Mahant Swami Maharaj said that any profession can be transformed into a service for the broader benefit. “Whether you’re a doctor, a teacher, or any other professional, strive to excel in your role. Don’t just be ordinary; be outstanding in a way that contributes positively to society,” Swami Maharaj said.
Chaitanyamurti Swami’s speech at the program underscored Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s belief that serving one’s nation is a form of dharma. He equated national service to serving one’s guru, highlighting that the essence of service is integral to Akshardham’s foundation, inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Dr Manjit Singh Bains, affiliated with Memorial Sloan Kettering and Cornell, lauded Akshardham not merely for its architectural brilliance but for its deeper values. He underscored its pivotal role in educating the younger generation about respect, responsibility, and the spirit of giving.
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