A delegation of swamis and volunteers from BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha was received by the Ambassador of India, His Excellency Shri D. B. Venkatesh Varma, at the Indian Embassy in Moscow, Russia, on Wednesday 31 July 2019.
The Ambassador warmly greeted Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami at the entrance with flowers and personally ushered the delegates to the meeting hall for an enlightening discussion on Hindu culture, values and spirituality.
With the blessings of Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha was represented by senior swamis and volunteers from India, the UK and the USA.
The meeting began with brief introductions of the various members present. Pujya Brahmavihari Swami elaborated on the vision of His Holiness Yogiji Maharaj and introduced Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami, International Convenor of BAPS activities and projects. Expressing how honoured he felt, His Excellency said, “It is not often that we get spiritual visitors like you. We consider it a big blessing.”
Pujya Brahmavihari Swami shared highlights of the upcoming BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, seen as a remarkable project fostering global harmony. His Excellency was deeply impressed by the iconic project, calling it “a miracle” and the “need of the hour”.
The meeting lasted for over an hour and was also attended by the Deputy Chief of Mission Mr Binaya Pradhan, Dr Aseem Vohra, Mr Vivek Singh, and other senior officials. The swamis gifted His Excellency a mala and a copy of Transcendence, an autobiographical account by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India, of his spiritual encounters with His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Earlier during the visit, the swamis had met with Mr Deepak Miglani, Consul General at the Consulate in Saint Petersburg, on 22 July, and the Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr Binaya Pradhan, at his residence in Moscow on 30 July.
The meetings and dialogues were constructive and inspiring for everyone present.