Pujya Swayamprakash Swami (Doctor Swami) and a group of 11 sadhus visited the Gulf to nurture the Satsang in the United Arab Emirates (9–23 March), Bahrain (23 March to 3 April), Kuwait (3–7 April) and Oman (7–14 April).
During this Satsang Tour, Pujya Doctor Swami and the sadhus conducted daily morning discourses, and evening satsang and public assemblies. During the day, they performed padhramanis to the homes of devotees, guiding and inspiring them to conduct regular family assemblies, perform daily puja and attend the weekly satsang assembly. They also conducted Satsang Shibirs in which the devotees were enlightened on the core principles and practices of satsang and how to strengthen them in their daily lives.
At each place, Pujya Doctor Swami and the sadhus were warmly welcomed by prominent leaders and representatives of the local Indian communities.
In the United Arab Emirates, Consul General of India at Dubai, His Excellency Mr. Vipul and others welcomed the sadhus. Also, special assemblies were organized by the Sindhi, Jain and other communities in which Pujya Doctor Swami and the sadhus emphasized the need for safeguarding and fostering spirituality, values and traditions among the Indian diaspora.
During the various evening assemblies, leaders of the Indian community, distinguished professionals, businessmen and government officials shared their enthusiasm for the recently launched mandir project in Abu Dhabi, and narrated experiences of how their interactions with BAPS sadhus and devotees had positively impacted their lives.
Satsang assemblies were also held in Sharjah, Ajman and Abu Dhabi.
During this visit, Pujya Doctor Swami blessed the land generously gifted by His Highness the Crown Prince for the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. He showered sanctified flower petals on the land and prayed for the peace and prosperity of the UAE, and the successful and timely completion of the mandir.
In Bahrain, Pujya Doctor Swami and the sadhus celebrated Shri Swaminarayan Jayanti and Ram Navmi. Also, in the public assemblies organized by local well-wishers and attended by distinguished government officials, academics, professionals and other guests, Pujya Doctor Swami and the sadhus highlighted the need of love, peace, tolerance and harmony to help unite families and communities.
In Kuwait the Ambassador of India, Shri K. Jeeva Sagar, warmly welcomed Pujya Doctor Swami and the sadhus.
In Muscat, Oman, Shri Indramani Pandey, the Ambassador of India to Oman, Shri Kanakbhai and Shri Anilbhai Khimji, Shri Ashwinbhai Dharamsey, Shri Bakulbhai and Shri Dilipbhai Mehta, Shri Kiranbhai Asher and others welcomed Pujya Doctor Swami and the sadhus.
Also, public assemblies were held in Al Turki and Sohar in which the sadhus highlighted the need for piety and purity in one’s life and actions.
This 37-day Satsang Tour by Pujya Doctor Swami and the sadhus inspired many devotees and well-wishers, young and old, to make spirituality a central part of their lives.