A special tribute assembly was organized at the University Convention Centre auditorium by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to offer tributes to HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who passed away in Sarangpur on 13 August 2016. Various heads of different religions, statesmen, bureaucrats and leading dignitaries attended the assembly.
The Mayor of Ahmedabad Shri Gautam Shah lauded Swamishri’s works, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life was phenomenal. His association with the city of Ahmedabad was historical and special. I offer my reverences to HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj on behalf of more than 6 million citizens of Ahmedabad.
The Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijaybhai Rupani offered his tributes, saying, “Countless people had strong feelings of having lost a father figure on the demise of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. He was rightly a ‘Sant Shiromani’. We have to behold him as an ‘Ishwar’. I am honoured to declare the 1200 crore Ahmedabad Riverfront from Vadaj to Vasana as ‘Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj Marg’.
Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami addressed the assembly, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj had sanctified this city through his tireless visits to thousands of homes. He had lived by serving others. He loved to be a ‘sevak’. Pramukh Swami Maharaj has not left us, he is forever present today amongst us in the form of Mahant Swami Maharaj.”
Finally, HH Mahant Swami Maharaj blessed the assembly, “Swamishri always gave to others. He gave faith and strength. He never harboured any expectations from others. His egolessness touched everybody. His virtue of forgiveness was unfathomable too. I thank you all for attending this memorial assembly.”
In conclusion, a mantra pushpanjali ritual to pay respects to Pramukh Swami Maharaj was offered by heads of all sects, selected dignitaries and political leaders. In all, 2,300 invited dignitaries and media persons attended the memorial assembly.