Thousands of devotees, dignitaries, and swamis from India and abroad participated with great devotion in the five-day Jivan Utkarsh Mahotsav (Festival for the Upliftment of Life) to celebrate Mahant Swami Maharaj’s divine life, teachings, and services to humanity at his birthplace in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.
Each morning, devotees drew inspiration from the saintly life of Mahant Swami Maharaj from the Mahant Charitam parayan delivered by Adarshjivandas Swami.
In the evenings, Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami, Anandswarupdas Swami, Jnaneshwardas Swami, Brahmaviharidas Swami, Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami and other BAPS swamis delivered inspiring discourses on culture, selfless service, the role of saints in the uplift of society, and other topics. Their talks highlighted Mahant Swami Maharaj’s tireless dedication to spreading faith, unity, and compassion across the world.
The inaugural evening session was graced by Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak (Chief) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), who emphasized the importance of spirituality in national development and encouraged all to draw inspiration from the selfless life of Mahant Swami Maharaj. In his address, he highlighted how the values of devotion, service, and humility embodied by Mahant Swami Maharaj can serve as guiding lights for a vibrant and value-based nation.
The Hon. Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mohan Yadav, also graced the festival and inaugurated two transformative value-based initiatives for youth and students – ‘Chalo Bane Adarsh’ and the ‘Integrated Personality Development Course (IPDC)’. Both programs aim to foster moral education and holistic development in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). The chief minister commended the efforts of BAPS in nurturing values and contributing to national uplift through education and spirituality.
Supported by the Jabalpur Municipal Corporation, Mayor Shri Jagat Bahadur Singh announced that Jabalpur’s main road from Dayanand Chowk to Maharshi Valmiki Chowk would now be renamed as ‘Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj Marg’.
Among the many other distinguished mahatmas and dignitaries who attended were Shri Rakesh Singh, Minister, PWD, Madhya Pradesh; Prof. Rajesh Kumar Verma, Vice-Chancellor, Rani Durgavati University; Prof. K.R.S. Sambashiva Rao, Vice-Chancellor, Mangalayatan University; Pujya Badriprapannacharyaji Maharaj; and Pujya Dandi Swami Shri Kalikanandji Maharaj, Kalidham. All expressed admiration for the life, work, and spiritual leadership of Mahant Swami Maharaj.
A special evening celebration also highlighted the contributions of women to social and spiritual life, featuring inspiring performances and reflections by members of the BAPS Women’s Wing, who showcased how Mahant Swami Maharaj’s teachings continue to inspire women to live with faith, strength, and devotion.
The event was a sacred celebration of the timeless values, compassion, and divine vision of Mahant Swami Maharaj, whose life continues to inspire countless people toward service, spirituality, and harmony.