Peace in the world begins with peace in the home – this was the vision with which Pramukh Swami Maharaj visited over 250,000 homes and touched millions of hearts across the world. It was this vision that inspired the Parivarik Shanti Abhiyan, a family values project as part of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Centenary Celebrations.
On Sunday, 24 April 2022, special assemblies were held across BAPS centres in India to appreciate the efforts of the 72,000 volunteers involved in the project. Over the past three months, these volunteers visited 2.4 million homes, taking Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s message of family unity, ghar sabha and spiritual values to over 6 million people across the country.
The Parivarik Shanti Abhiyan inspired some 424,000 families to conduct a regular ghar sabha, and a further 1.9 million families pledged to have at least one meal together daily.
The project was embraced and applauded by government leaders, communities and individuals across the country.
During the assembly in Ahmedabad, videos were shown highlighting the personal experiences of the volunteers and the deep impact of the messages of the Parivarik Shanti Abhiyan in the daily lives of the families and individuals contacted by the volunteers.
Then, speaking before volunteers at the felicitation assembly, Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel said, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s personal touch and project management was such that we continue to learn from his ideals... You have all upheld those ideals today.”
Stating his support for Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Centenary Celebrations, he said, “I, too, will join you as a volunteer in this Shatabdi Mahotsav... And you have the full support of me and my government.”
Education Minister of Gujarat Shri Jitubhai Vaghani commended the volunteers’ efforts saying, “This is probably the first time in history that such a large-scale family values project has been organized to commemorate someone’s centenary.”
Gujarat’s Minister for Industry, Shri Jagdishbhai Panchal, lauded the project’s inspirer saying, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj was one of the top 10 religious leaders of the world, who touched millions of hearts.”
Brahmaviharidas Swami also spoke at the assembly, thanking volunteers for dedicating tremendous time and effort in preserving and promoting Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s values of family unity.
Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami spoke of how each volunteer has earned the blessings of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj through their selfless service.
The invited guests were also informed about another upcoming project to celebrate Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s centenary to be carried out by 30,000 BAPS children in which they will encourage de-addiction, and raise awareness for water and electricity conservation.
The assembly concluded with a ceremonial waving of flags to celebrate Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Centenary.