Over fifty years ago, His Holiness Yogiji Maharaj had shared his vision that Satsang will one day spread to Russia, America, Germany and Japan. Those around him felt this was impossible as Satsang had barely reached the villages and cities of Gujarat, let alone left the shores of India.
With the blessings of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, on Saturday 27 July 2019, a historic spiritual assembly was held at the Indian National Cultural Centre SITA in Moscow, Russia, in the presence of Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami and other senior swamis from India and the UK.
The Indian National Culture Center ‘SITA’ is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to honour, promote and engage the culture and heritage of India with local Russians, foreigners and Indians in Russia.
The assembly, attended by over 100 devotees and guests, was themed ‘In the Joy of Others’ – the spiritual ethos that His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj embodied throughout his life.
Pujya Aksharvatsal Swami, speaking in Hindi, discoursed on the rich cultural heritage of Hinduism that was epitomised by HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Next, Pujya Brahmavihari Swami elaborated in English upon the values and wisdom of both Russian and Indian cultures while focusing upon HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s profound teachings and selfless life. Video presentations further enhanced these themes before Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami blessed the gathering with his wisdom on devotion to God and the power of Satsang.
Mr Mikhail Davydov, a senior government advisor and international affairs analyst, presided over the event as Chief Guest. Impressed by the exemplary life and universal values of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Mr Davydov, among others, pledged to become a vegetarian.
Sanjay Kara, a lead BAPS volunteer, said, “We remain thankful to both Russian and Indian officials and would like to offer our special gratitude to Mr Sammy Kotwani and SITA for partnering with us and supporting this event. HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s borderless love has touched the lives of millions and we are very honoured to have an opportunity to share these universal values here and fulfil the vision of Yogiji Maharaj.”