Following the Gujarat Earthquake in January 2001, the BAPS adopted 15 villages and city colonies in which 4190 houses have been built and renovated.
On Sunday 14 December 2003, over 5,000 people attended the Dedication Ceremony for the last of these villages, Pramukh Swami Nagar, which was performed by the Defence Minister of India, Shri George Fenandes.
Located on the highway from Bhuj to Mundra, Pramukh Swami Nagar comprises of 290 homes, of which 40 are for widows and other dependent women.
The Dedication Ceremony took place from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the holy presence of Param Pujya Bhaktipriya Swami, the Kothari of the BAPS Mandir in Mumbai.
A short Vedic ceremony preceded the presentation if the auspicious kalashes and home keys to the new owners by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes.
The Prabhari Mantri for Kutch, Shri Ashok Bhatt, Indian Air Force Officers and other dignitaries were also present.
Addressing the assembly, Shri George Fernandes said, "The work done by this spiritual Sanstha and Pramukh Swami Maharaj has been inspired out of compassion. We are indebted to them for what they have done.
The impressive work done in building Pramukh Swami Nagar is due to the sacrifice of the sadhus and volunteers. I have experienced their work not only in India but wherever I have traveled throughout the world. If everyone learns to work cooperatively like the devotees of Swaminarayan then the country will prosper and noble character will develop."
Param Pujya Bhaktipriya Swami also addressed the assembly and at the end Pramukh Swami Maharaj's blessings were read out.