Pramukh Varni Amrut Mahotsav, Ahmedabad, India

The culmination of the much-anticipated Pramukh Varni Amrut Mahotsav, which had resonated throughout the past year, unfolded today in grand splendour at the Riverfront Event Center by the River Sabarmati in Ahmedabad. The event was celebrated from 5.30 to 8 p.m, portraying the selfless services of Pramukh Swami Maharaj through a series of breathtaking presentations.

Celebration of an Extraordinary Life of Selfless Service

The magnificent celebration honoured 75 years since Shastriji Maharaj, founder of BAPS, appointed Pramukh Swami Maharaj as President of BAPS at Ambli Vali Pol, Ahmedabad. The very day he was appointed as President in 1950, Pramukh Swami Maharaj washed utensils. This guiding ideal of seva remained the hallmark of his 95-year life.

The celebration stage exquisitely reflected this historic journey. On one side, stood a beautifully crafted representation of Ambli Vali Pol — the sacred place where Pramukh Swami Maharaj was appointed President — and on the other side rose the iconic form of Akshardham in New Delhi, symbolizing the global spiritual footprint that blossomed through his vision and efforts. This artistic and spiritual setting framed the entire celebration, highlighting how a humble beginning in a small pol in Ahmedabad mushroomed into a worldwide spiritual organization. The impressive main stage also included the murtis of Shri Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj and Guru Parampara.

The assembly commenced with the singing of dhun followed by a kirtan, ‘Amrut Mahotsav aaje re Ambli Vali Pol ma…’ by youths.

Senior BAPS swamis greeted the Home Minister of India Shri Amitbhai Shah, Hon. Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, and Hon. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Harshbhai Sanghavi on their arrival. Thereafter, the guests joined Mahant Swami Maharaj and Pujya Kothari Bhaktipriya Swami, Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami, Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami and Pujya Viveksagar Swami on the main stage.

An exhilarating traditional dance, extolling the glory of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the Gunatit gurus, ‘Divyam Sukhadam Parabrahma Swaminarayan, Gunātit Gurum Aksharam...’, was performed by children and youths. Another presentation portrayed an analogy between Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life and a flowing river – ‘Pramukhjini Sant Sarita Mahant Rupe Vaheti…’  – ‘What does a river do? The saintly river of Pramukhji now flows in the form of Mahant Swami.’

The entire programme was weaved through a dialogue between a father, who lived in the time of Shastriji Maharaj, and his son speaking from the backdrop of Akshardham.

Speeches on Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Virtues

Seva – Selfless Service

A series of evocative videos highlighted touching incidents of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s lifelong dedication and service to humanity. A lyrical presentation and a video showcased BAPS’s global humanitarian services.

Sadhu Aksharvatsaldas spoke, “A true Sant is like a flowing river, always giving. Pramukh Swami Maharaj served selflessly to millions of people. Service was a synonym for his life; a constant rhythm of his life. He served with profound humility.

“The depth of his compassion was seen when, after reading the postal stamp on a postcard, he sent people to a remote village to ensure a hand pump was installed for an Adivasi person named Reshma Parghi. Mahant Swami Maharaj is the embodiment of this seva today.”

Aham-Shunyata – Egolessness

Through creative visual storytelling, the virtue of egolessness was illustrated with episodes of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life. Sadhu Brahmaviharidas shared reflections on how Pramukh Swami Maharaj remained free from ego despite receiving global admiration. He shared, “The vibrations of the milestone incident at Ambli Vali Pol (where he was appointed President) are still resonating throughout the world. Egolessness (Aham Shunyata) was the identity of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

“When a World Wide Studios interviewer asked him, during the inauguration of the London Mandir in 1995, ‘What role are you playing as the guru of millions?’ Pramukh Swami Maharaj replied, ‘God is the guru of millions. I serve according to his command.’

“When asked to list his achievements, Pramukh Swami Maharaj said, ‘Yogiji Maharaj and Shastriji Maharaj perform this work, so how can I make a list?’ Pramukh Swami Maharaj attributed all his accomplishments to his gurus.

“Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam once revealed to Pramukh Swami Maharaj, ‘You have removed ‘I’ and ‘mine’ from me.’“

Shraddha – Faith

A compelling video presentation depicted Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s unshakeable faith while steering the organization. In his discourse, Sadhu Anandswarupdas highlighted inspiring examples of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s unwavering trust in Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his gurus. He said, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj demonstrated an unwavering faith in his guru’s word by obeying his instruction to become a sant at the age of 18.

“He fulfilled the sankalp of Yogiji Maharaj, who had resolved in 1968 to build a mandir in Delhi on the banks of River Yamuna. Despite the immense hurdles, he fulfilled the vow of his guru by completing the mandir in 2003 and the Akshardham complex in 2005.

“In 1998, a renowned journalist Ron Patel asked him about his first thought when he regained consciousness after his heart bypass surgery. Pramukh Swami Maharaj replied, ‘God is constantly with me. I firmly believe everything happens according to God’s will.’ His greatest gift to the organization is Mahant Swami Maharaj, his spiritual successor.”

Addresses by Dignitaries

The Hon. Home Minister Shri Amitbhai Shah offered his heartfelt tributes to Pramukh Swami Maharaj and acknowledged his spiritual and social services to society. He elaborated, “It is impossible for me to fully describe the entire life, work, divine memories, and infinite virtues of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. I see today that the ‘Pramukh Varni Amrut Mahotsav’, organized by BAPS, is being held on the banks of River Sabarmati in an extremely serene environment, and it is a truly delightful experience.

“By linking devotion and service, Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj revived our ancient tradition of compassion for every living being. As the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, I want to state with full confidence that Sanatan Dharma has faced many crises in its journey through the millennia. However, the greatest crisis after India’s independence was the decline in reverence for sants and sannyasis. The credit for restoring that reverence goes to Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the BAPS organization. He paved a beautiful and universally acceptable path that has now become an ideal for all sanyasis and sects of Sanatan Dharma.

“The work he carried out from 1950 to 2016 has today become an inspiration for all sects across the country. While listening to the swamis, Ambli Vali Pol and Shahpur were repeatedly brought up. I am fully confident that after today’s program, Ambli Vali Pol will no longer remain limited to Gujarat or India, but will become an unforgettable pilgrimage site for the entire world.”

A festive dance by BAPS youths followed, which culminated in a symbolic presentation of the Guruhari Jyot – torches carried by youths, beginning from Jabalpur, to commemorate Mahant Swami Maharaj’s birthday on 2 February in Vadodara.

Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami revealed in his address the meaning and purpose of Pramukh Varni Amrut Mahotsav. He said, “Today, we have gathered here to celebrate Pramukh Varni Amrut Mahotsav. Shastriji Maharaj had envisioned that the philosophy of Akshar Purushottam should flourish for thousands of years. We had witnessed the extraordinary, unprecedented, and divine tasks of Pramukh Swami Maharaj to fulfil this vision. Despite his colossal accomplishments he never uttered or even thought, ‘I did all this’.

“During and after the inauguration of Delhi Akshardham in 2005, Pramukh Swami Maharaj was profusely showered with praises for his accomplishment. When Dr Kalam praised, Swamishri replied, ‘I have done nothing.’ Dr Kalam responded, ‘Neelkanth (Bhagwan Swaminarayan), who resides in your heart, has done this.’

“We offer our utmost reverences to Pramukh Swami Maharaj for bestowing us with the gift of Mahant Swami Maharaj. Now, we have only one task to do; to please Mahant Swami Maharaj by obeying his commands.”

Shri Jagdish Vishwakarma, President of BJP, Gujarat State, offered his heartfelt tributes to Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s egoless personality and inspiring, divine life.

The Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel expressed, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj remained tirelessly active through all the nine decades of his life, dedicating himself completely to God and society. Our culture stands on three fundamental pillars – sant, shastra, and mandirs. Pramukh Swami Maharaj strengthened all three through his extraordinary efforts and works. The land of Gujarat has been blessed with the divine presence and guidance of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Mahant Swami Maharaj, and many great sadhus. The Pramukh Varni Amrut Mahotsav is truly a celebration for all people.”

Publications Launched

The program featured the launch of three Gujarati print publications at the holy hands of Mahant Swami Maharaj:

HH Mahant Swami Maharaj’s Blessings

Mahant Swami Maharaj inspired all to imbibe the virtues of seva, humility, and faith exemplified by Pramukh Swami Maharaj. He said, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj dedicated his entire life for seva. He lived as a ‘servant of servants’ (das na das). Today, we heard the praises of Swami Bapa’s virtues. He truly lived only for us. He had love for everyone. When I was a youth, I once visited Ambli Vali Pol with him. At that time, Babubhai, who managed the small mandir in Ambli Vali Pol, was very restrictive in providing food rations to cook meals. Pramukh Swami Maharaj made rotlis for lunch and gave his portion to me, of which I was completely unware. He knew I enjoyed eating rotlis. Such was his selfless seva and sacrifice.

“The vow he took upon his appointment as Pramukh or President, he fulfilled and lived it throughout his entire life. The virtues of Pramukh Swami Maharaj are visible here in the River Sabarmati through seventy-five decorative floats. If we truly internalize these virtues, then the ‘Pramukh Varni Mahotsav’ will be celebrated in its truest sense.”

Finally, the highlight of the grand finale celebration was a spectacular fireworks display from the banks of River Sabarmati.

Through Mahant Swami Maharaj’s inspiration, it took over three months for 7,000 volunteers in 21 different departments to plan and prepare for the celebration. Fifty thousand devotees and dignitaries from India and abroad attended the program.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) provided generous support in making the celebration possible and successful in all ways.

The celebration was viewed live by countless devotees and well-wishers in India and abroad through live streaming on live.baps.org and Aastha Bhajan channel.