Over 1,000 people, including heads of different religions, statesmen, bureaucrats, leading dignitaries, devotees and well-wishers, gathered for this special tribute assembly. The program comprised of short speeches by some guests recalling their memorable life experiences with Swamishri which had inspired them to lead a more fulfilling, spiritually-centric life, his video blessings and videos of Swamishri’s interactions with countless individuals reflecting his compassionate and equipoised nature.
Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi, former minister of Home Affairs, recalled, “The first time I met Pramukh Swami Maharaj – his face was radiant, he was very humble with a great zeal of serving other people. I saw his true love for his followers, and other people. Everyone loved him for it. His zeal to serve humanity will last forever in our memory. Indeed, we shall miss his love, we shall miss him a lot.”
Hon. Dr. Muhammed Seif Khatib, former minister of Home Affairs and Information, Culture and Sport, offered his tribute saying, “Today we pay tribute to Pramukh Swamiji for his phenomenal life that left permanent marks in the eyes and hearts of the people. He will never be forgotten. His life represented fundamental foundations of the ‘Hinduism’ faith. His true devotion for God and remaining humble captured the hearts of many people not withstanding geographical boundaries, religious differences or nationalities. I believe, he is one of the spiritual leaders with spiritual desirability, not only to his followers but to a wider community worldwide. He has passed on, but leaves behind a timeless legacy.”
Sir J.K. Chande, a Tanzanian Statesman, said, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj strengthened the three foundational pillars of Hindu culture – scriptures, mandirs and sadhus. I would say, after Adi Shankaracharya, Pramukh Swami Maharaj is widely acclaimed by spiritual leaders for inspiring youths to live as renunciates for the uplift of society. His saintly virtues and profound devotion for God earned him the respect and reverence of countless worldwide. In advocating peace and harmony he has helped to inculcate in the minds of so many the spirit of service, whilst emphasizing his guiding philosophy ‘In the joy of other lies our own’.”
Pujya Viveksagar Swami and Narayancharan Swami who spent over three decades with His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj shared their memories and experiences with him. The program also featured the inspiring video blessings of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s successor, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
In conclusion, arti and mantra pushpanjali were was offered to pay respects to Pramukh Swami Maharaj.