On Thursday 7 August 2003, the Governor of Gujarat, H. E. Kailashpati Mishra visited the sacred Akshar Deri and Akshar Mandir in Gondal. He was welcomed in traditional Vedic style by Pujya Balmukund Swami, the mahant of Akshar Mandir, and Pujya Gnanprasad Swami, the kothari.
The Governor heard with interest from the sadhus about the glory of Akshar Deri as a revered pilgrim place visited annually by thousands of spiritual aspirants from throughout the world. He was also delighted to learn about the wide-ranging socio-spiritual activities of BAPS under the guidance and inspiration of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.