Over 1,100 distinguished members of the local Emirati and Indian communities were present to celebrate the launch of ‘Transcendence: My Spiritual Journey with Pramukh Swami’, in the royal presence of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development for the UAE.
He was welcomed on arrival by Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami, with young children lining the path with a shower of flower petals. The national anthem of the UAE was played, followed by a brief introduction by Brahmavihari Swami.
Then, Sheikh Nahyan and other stage guests performed the book launch ceremony. Thereafter, the keynote address to the august gathering was delivered by Sheikh Nahyan. He deeply appreciated the messages of love and harmony promoted by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and expressed, “‘Transcendence’ is indeed a book of both current and historical importance. Dr. Abdul Kalam recounts the spiritual transformation and inspiration he experienced and how that led to his vision for a society in which science, spirituality and leadership can be fused into a coherent, holistic vision for India, and indeed, for the entire world.
“Indeed, his book captures the spiritual essence of all religions and is as much a fountain of inspiration and a treasury of wisdom as it is a tribute to the multi-faith Indian society. It will become a guide for all who wish to know more about transcendence and its applications to many aspects of our personal and professional lives. This is a book that all should read as I believe that ‘Transcendence’ is destined to become a classic in its field.”
Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami presented Sheikh Nahyan an Amrut Kalash – 'Vessel of Immortality' – and a commemorative plate.
The assembly continued with creative videos and speeches elaborating upon the core messages of the book.
Prof. Arun Tiwari, co-author of the book, recounted some of his personal experiences with Dr Kalam and the process of writing the book.
Brahmavihari Swami narrated his experiences as an interpreter between Dr Kalam and Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and the wider messages of inner development and harmony that their unique friendship teaches.
Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami spoke about the messages of global peace as advocated by Dr Kalam, Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the leaders of the UAE.
In his Vote of Thanks, His Excellency Anurag Bhushan, Consul General of India in Dubai, revealed his deep respect for Dr Kalam and how he had been inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj and BAPS.
Among the guests were the Consul General of Sri Lanka, Dr B.R. Shetty, Maghanmal Pancholia, Vasu Shroff, Bharat Shah, Ram Buxani, Harshad Mehta, Vinod Adani, Pradeep Dhoot, and other distinguished guests and well-wishers.
The celebration assembly concluded with the national anthem of India.
All the guests were deeply touched and spiritually inspired by the sacred, soul-stirring and enlightening program.