On the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of India’s Independence, the Birth Centenary of Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj and an invocation by Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi to expand awareness and practice of ‘natural farming,’ the District Administration of Botad district, in association with BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha organized a convention on ‘natural farming’ for farmers of the Botad district.
Shri Acharya Devvratji, Hon. Governor of Gujarat graced the event, attended by more than 1,700 farmers. Also on the stage were Shri Ghanshyambhai Virani (President, Botad Zilla Panchyat), Shri Saurabhbhai Patel (MLA, Botad), Shri D.V. Barot (Director of ATMA, Gujarat), Shri B.A. Shah (Collector, Botad), Shri P.D. Palsana (DDO, Botad), and Gnaneshwardas Swami (Head Swami, BAPS Sarangpur).
On arrival, the governor visited the BAPS Swaminarayan Vidyamandir, Yagnapurush Wadi and Yagnapurush Gaushala, and was delighted with the functioning of these institutes. Then, he had darshan in the main mandir and visited stalls set up by local farmers displaying their products produced through natural farming.
In the convention, held in the Yagnapurush Sabha Mandap, Shri B.A. Shah, Collector of Botad, on behalf of the District Administration, welcomed everyone.
Following the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by all the stage guests, Gnaneshwardas Swami addressed the assembly and also read out the blessings of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj especially sent for this occasion.
Thereafter, the governor delivered an interactive, engaging, and inspiring keynote address, highlighting the benefits of using natural farming techniques and the ill effects of using chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers. At the end, he urged the farmers to gradually switch over to natural farming techniques. His address and appeal were well-received by the farmers.
At the end, Shri P.D. Palsana, DDO of Botad, presented the vote of thanks.