Following the successful ‘Timeless Hindu Wisdom’ seminar in October 2024 –
‘From Ayodhya to Abu Dhabi: A Journey of Global Harmony’ – more than 350 guests enjoyed another inspirational evening at the Mercure Hotel in Northampton on Sunday 30 March 2025. Coinciding with Mother’s Day, the title of the seminar was ‘Matru-Devo Bhava: Reverence and Responsibility for Mothers in Hinduism’.
Guests were warmly welcomed with heartfelt greetings and refreshments before they proceeded into the banquet hall. The seminar formally commenced with Vedic prayers and the ceremonial lighting of the sacred lamp, symbolising the call for wisdom and spiritual illumination.
The keynote address was delivered by Paramtattvadas Swami, a learned swami of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, who expanded upon the deep spiritual and cultural roots of this ancient Vedic blessing, ‘Matru-Devo Bhava’ – ‘May your mother be a god unto you’ – and how it shapes values and traditions within Hindu society.
The seminar delved into the teachings that honour mothers as revered figures, highlighting their pivotal role in nurturing, guiding, and sustaining families and communities – and what we can all learn from them.
Attendees had the opportunity to celebrate mothers and the timeless Hindu wisdom behind motherhood, maternal love, and the sacred bond between mother and child.
A parallel interactive session led by Saumyavadandas Swami was organised for children aged 5 to 13, titled ‘Lessons from the Ramayan’. With the help of games and engaging activities, the children learned about family values, respect, and harmony at home in a fun, meaningful way.
The event concluded with an authentic Indian vegetarian meal.
Jaynita Patel, one of the delegates at the seminar, shared, “What a wonderful, heartfelt tribute to mothers everywhere! The presentation was captivating and thought-provoking, and really made us reflect on how we need to celebrate mothers and their sacrifices, their selfless love, their care and nourishment, and also our responsibility to the world as ‘influencers’ and first teachers to our children.”
Dhaval Gosaliya, a leading member of the Hindu community in Northampton, added, “Thank you to BAPS for organising this deeply meaningful and relevant event. We need more of these topics and seminars that help us understand our Sanatan Hindu culture better. As was eloquently explained, we all need to learn from ideal mothers to become better citizens of the world.”