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BAPS Shri Swaminarayan mandir celebrates 50th anniversary in New York
The event featured an interactive exhibition that highlighted BAPS’s journey over the past five decades.
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a global, volunteer-driven spiritual organization fostering growth through Hindu values of faith, service, and harmony. / BAPS
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha marked a significant milestone as it celebrated the 50th anniversary of its first mandir in North America, located in Flushing, New York.
Inaugurated in 1974 by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the mandir has become a cornerstone for spiritual upliftment, cultural preservation, and community service in the region. The grand celebration, spanning two weekends, drew thousands of visitors from across the US.
The event featured an interactive exhibition that highlighted BAPS’s journey over the past five decades, from a small group of devotees to a thriving Hindu organization with over 115 mandirs in North America. Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-3) presented BAPS with a US Capitol flag, commending the organization’s service and dedication to the community. "The journey of BAPS is remarkable," Suozzi said.
The roots of BAPS in North America were planted by Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016), whose motto, "In the Joy of Others, Lies Our Own," continues to inspire millions globally. Chaitanyanand Swami of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) acknowledged this impact, stating, "BAPS is an example of how society can live and serve together in a loving, friendly way."
Messages of inspiration from Mahant Swami Maharaj, the current spiritual leader of BAPS, were sent from India for the occasion. Under his leadership, 12,500 volunteers constructed the monumental BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Jersey, a symbol of devotion and unity. Many attendees reflected on the significance of the event.
The grand celebration, spanning two weekends, drew thousands of visitors from across the US. / BAPS“When we started with a single mandir in a basement back in 1974, we never imagined BAPS would grow to over 115 mandirs worldwide,” said Kishore Mehta, a lead volunteer in 1974 from Houston. “It’s incredible how many lives have been transformed by this initiative.”
Smruti Brahmbhatt from Robbinsville, NJ, noted the growth of BAPS, saying, “The NY50 celebrations help us realize that the seed sown 50 years ago has blossomed into a beautiful tree, gifting society Akshardham in Robbinsville.”
Dignitaries and community leaders such as Binaya Shrikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, Dr. Varun Jeph, Deputy Consul General, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., were present to commemorate the event. Earlier this year, the New York State Senate and Assembly passed resolutions honoring the 50th anniversary of the Flushing mandir, recognizing its spiritual, social, and community contributions.
“This year marks the 50th anniversary of the BAPS mandir in Flushing, a historic milestone,” said Senator John Liu, while Assemblymember Nily Rozic praised the mandir for its promotion of unity, service, and spirituality.
The celebrations in New York signal the beginning of similar events across the U.S. and Canada, continuing to showcase BAPS’s dedication to community, spirituality, and service.
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a global, volunteer-driven spiritual organization fostering growth through Hindu values of faith, service, and harmony.
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