A tribute assembly in honor of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj was held at the Mahatma Gandhi Mandir hall in Gandhinagar on 6 September 2016 in the presence of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj, Governor of Gujarat H.E. O.P. Kohli, political leaders, industrialists and devotees. Also present were Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami, Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami, Pujya Viveksagar Swami, former Chief Minister Shri Keshubhai Patel, Speaker of Gujarat Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) Shri Ramanlal Vora, Education Minister Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, opposition leader Shri Shankarsinh Vaghela, former minister Shri Saurabh Patel, President of Planning Commision of Gujarat Shri Narhari Amin, Congress leader Shri Shaktisinh Gohil, renowned cardiologist Dr Tejas Patel, Chairman of Khadi Gram Udhyog Shri Vadibhai Patel, MLA Shri Ashokbhai Patel, head of Ramakrishna Mission Pujya Nikhileshwaranandji, Head of Panch Dev Mandir Shri Fulshankar Shastri, sadhus of Swaminarayan Gurukul, Gandhinagar, members of Jain society, Vaishnav community, renowned industrialists, devotees and well-wishers.
A video was shown about the life and work of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Thereafter the stage guests expressed their tributes.
Shri Saurabhbhai Patel said, “It is a matter of great pride for us that Pramukh Swami was born in India. He is still alive through his works and thoughts. He showed the right path for all to follow.”
Shri Keshubhai Patel shared his memories about Pramukh Swami Maharaj, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s humanitarian works and services to society can never be put into words. He brought out the hidden goodness in people.”
Shri Narhari Amin offered his tributes, saying, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj made colossal efforts in fostering our culture. For 67 long years he remained the president of the Sanstha; which is a unique feat.”
Shri Shaktisinh Gohil shared his experiences, saying, “In the aftermath of the terrorist attack in Akshardham peace prevailed in Gujarat due to Pramukh Swami Maharaj. He had never uttered a controversial word in his entire life.His divine soul will forever remain eternal on earth.”
Shri Shankarsinh Vaghela expressed, “Pramukh Swami’s human touch and support was such that those who went to meet him crying left smiling, and those whoweremiserable left happily. His mere darshan was a source of love, relief and emotional support."
Thereafter, Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasama appreciated Swami’s works,saying, “When I was Minister ofthe Narmada dam projectSwamishri had advised me to be patient and make efforts.In addition, Swamishri had instructed his devotees at all the BAPS Mandirs worldwide to pray for 10 minutes daily for the completion of the project. Soon thereafter all obstacles subsided.”
H.E. the Governor of Gujarat Shri O.P. Kohli spoke glowingly about Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s personality, “A true sadhu is always charitable to others. By giving happiness to all he experiences joy within himself. Such was the divine personality of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. When such a divine person suddenly departs from us we experience a void and inner poverty. The definition of a genuine sadhu is reflected by the life of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.”
Finally, HH Mahant Swami blessed the function, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s memorial assemblies are beingheld throughout the world. Bapa had made great efforts in fulfilling people's wishes and thoughts. Today, it is very difficult to satisfypeople’s minds. We should also learn the virtue of absolute humility from his life.He had never allowed us to feel that he was thehead and that others were subordinate tohim. Essentially, we have to strive to attain the qualities of humility and forbearance from his great life.”
Thereafter a mantra-pushpanjali ritual was performed by the dignitaries and guests to pay respects to HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj. In conclusion,8,000 devotees and well-wisherssang the national anthem and leftwith fond memories of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj.