On Friday, 21 April 2017, a special evening event for inaugurating an iconic art publication depicting Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s divine life and work was held at BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Ahmedabad, in the divine presence of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj, acclaimed artists, invited dignitaries and thousands of devotees.
The event started with chanting and prayers followed by a short tributary video featuring divine memories of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Thereafter, P. Ishwarcharan Swami welcomed and garlanded HH Mahant Swami Maharaj and all invited dignitaries on the stage.
Shri Vasudeo Kamath, an internationally famed artist, worked for over 15 years to recreate the era and aura of Bhagwan Swaminarayan through his paintings. He expressed, “I was overwhelmed by the experience of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s constant blessings and inspiration while I was painting.”
Shri Baba Yogendranath, Founder of Sanskar Bharti, extolled Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s divine life and congratulated Shri Kamath for creating awe-inspiring paintings.
Shri Ravi Paranjape, renowned artist from Pune, expressed, “I am content on seeing this iconic publication of the saga of Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s paintings. Shri Kamath is a rare artist in the 21st century, who has not only preserved our art by this unique creation, but also awakened the new generation of artists by his inspiring works.”
Shri Advait Gadnayakji, Director General of National Gallery of Modern Art, expressed, “Vasudeo Kamath’s immersive canvass creations are of utmost importance in today’s time to kindle spiritual awakening with art.”
Shri Bhagyesh Jha, renowned poet and an ex-IAS officer of Gujarat, expressed, “I can feel the divine presence of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj in this spiritually charged event. I congratulate Shri Kamath for fulfilling HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s wishes through his great work in paintings.”
Shri Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of Indira Gandhi National Centre of Arts, Delhi, expressed, “I pay my regards to this publication and congratulate Shri Kamath and BAPS for beatifying society by such an iconic book. It has been an immersive experience while going through some of the paintings.”
Shri C.S. Krishna Shetty, renowned artist, expressed, “I congratulate this publication as a revolutionary artwork that has elevated Indian art by the masterly work of Shri Kamath. I congratulate BAPS for undertaking such a laudatory project to revive art and infuse spirituality through such phenomenal paintings.”
Shri Samveg Lalbhai, renowned industrialist and art enthusiast, reminisced his fond memories with HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj and congratulated Shri Kamath saying, “Shri Kamath has fulfilled the wishes of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj by creating such an unprecedented work of art.”
Shri Pradyumna Vyas, Director of NID, Ahmedabad, congratulated Shri Kamath saying, “He has portrayed through his extraordinary genius through his paintings the time, place and emotions of the divine incidences from Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s life. Such an art publication is much needed today to infuse morality and spirituality in our society.”
Shri Madhav Ramanuj, renowned poet, extolled Shri Kamath and expressed, “I congratulate him for his painstaking efforts in producing this mesmerizing work. I pay tributes to HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s divine charisma and profound efforts of BAPS sadhus and devotees to inspire such an epic work.”
The event was climaxed by the inauguration of the iconic publication by HH Mahant Swami Maharaj.
P. Ishwarcharan Swami, who had been instrumental in coordinating this project, expressed that the art publication is a result of the divine blessings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj. He congratulated Shri Kamath for undertaking this gigantic task.
Thereafter, HH Mahant Swami Maharaj blessed the assembly, “This publication has finally fulfilled the wish of portraying Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s life vividly. I congratulate Shri Kamath for his herculean efforts and dedication. I pray for peace and happiness for all. I thank all dignitaries for their heartfelt wishes and speeches.”