As part of this year’s Shastriji Maharaj Saardh Shatabdi celebrations, the women’s wing of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, Ahmedabad, conducted a cultural program with the theme “Agnadhari Upasako ni Guniyal Gatha” on 27 September 2014. The Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at the event was the Mayor of Ahmedabad, Mrs. Minakshiben Patel.
The afternoon program began with the traditional singing of dhun and prathna after which the invited guests lit the inaugural lamp. Delegates and guests were welcomed with a vibrant and colorful dance performance, illustrating an array of artistic talent among the young women.
Invited guest Ruzan Khambatta addressed the audience and created awareness about an emergency response system ‘Police HEART,” a helpline which enables women to seek immediate help of police through mobile phones in times of emergency. She encouraged all women and girls to register with HEART.
The youth dedicated their time and shared their talents in organizing and conducting the celebration. They performed inspirational skits based on the lives of women devotees during the times of Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj, including Rajkuvarba, Jethiba, Bhaktiba and Diwaliba, who remained staunch in observing their niyam-dharma, bhakti and their samarpan.
Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Patel spoke about how Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj had renounced home at a very tender age, dedicated his life to the Sanstha and the way the BAPS Sanstha works for the uplift of society and humanity. She also spoke on saving the girl child and the need to empower the womenfolk for a better tomorrow – mainly by educating the girl child.
Many thousands attended the festive and heart-warming celebration. The event concluded with a grand dance performed by the yuvatis.