The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, graciously visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto to meet His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj during his visit to Canada.
Upon his arrival, Pujya Gunsagardas Swami, Pujya Viratswarupdas Swami, and the BAPS board of directors warmly welcomed the Prime Minister at the Mandir's entrance. Subsequently, inside the Mandir, he met with Mahant Swami Maharaj, who honoured him with a garland.
Mahant Swami Maharaj ceremoniously tied a 'nada chhadi', or sacred string, around the Prime Minister's wrist, symbolizing their shared values of unity and friendship. The Prime Minister also received four more 'nada chhadi', each with prayers for his family's happiness and welfare.
Prior to their meeting, Mahant Swami Maharaj had inscribed personal blessings within a copy of the revered Satsang Diksha scripture as a heartfelt gift for the Prime Minister. He was also presented with a manuscript of the Satsang Diksha scripture, a handcrafted card, and a copy of the book, 'In Love, At Ease', encapsulating Pramukh Swami Maharaj's teachings. Their meeting witnessed a harmonious exchange of thoughts and insights.
Absorbing the sacred atmosphere, the Prime Minister then took part in the abhishek ritual of Shri Nilkanth Varni praying for prosperity and well-being of all Canadians. He then proceeded to the assembly where he addressed the gathering of devoted followers and well-wishers who had gathered to mark this auspicious occasion.
Prime Minister Trudeau said, "Thank you to the BAPS Mandir community for welcoming me here today. It's an honour to meet His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj once again and for him to be here in Canada for the 50th anniversary of BAPS in Canada.
For 50 years, this community has been an incredibly important part of the greater Toronto area and of the Canadian family. You are devoted to the ideas of peace, charity, prosperity. These are values that we all care for and these are values that the government brings to work every single day.
I'm here to say thank you. Thank you to all of you for 50 years of extraordinary service. And when I say thank you, I don't just say thank you to BAPS for having been such a source of resources, of community and solace for the Hindu community. But I say thank you on behalf of 40 million Canadians, who have seen their lives deeply enriched not just by the hard work and prosperity built by this community but by the richness of culture, of history, of stories, of celebrations. In so many ways, this community contributes beyond its community to the everyday lives of Canadians.
As I spoke with His Holiness earlier, he emphasized the heart of his teachings, the heart of this community's teaching, which is around unity. We all know that unity, real unity, is easy when everyone looks the same and thinks the same, but it is so much more powerful and when are united across differences, aligned on building a stronger future for everyone, aligned in rolling up our sleeves and doing the hard work even when times are tough, especially when times are tough.
Thank you for 50 years of commitment to this country and commitment to the values that drive us all forward."
After the assembly, the Prime Minister was greeted by other community leaders and BAPS volunteers.