West Bengal Governor Shri Jagdeep Dhankar and his wife Smt. Sudesh Dhankar visited the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Kolkata at Bhasa, Joka, to offer prayers and seek blessings.
On behalf of the spiritual head of BAPS, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the resident swamis of the mandir traditionally welcomed Governor Dhankar. After respectfully offering flowers petals to the holy charanarvind of Bhagwan Swaminarayan at the entry, the Governor and delegation were then guided around the mandir campus.
While having darshan in the mandir and paying respects, the governor and his wife offered prayers for world peace and unity. Thereafter, they offered abhishek in the Neelkanth Mandapam and prayed for well-being of their family, the people of West Bengal, all Indians and for all of humanity.
Kothari Aksharnandandas Swami and other swamis held a spiritual dialogue with Governor Dhankar, during which he was informed about the universal messages of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
The swamis gifted him a copy of the sacred scripture Satsang Diksha and recited verses 201 and 202, which highlight the physical, moral and spiritual duties of individuals holding public responsibility.
West Bengal Governor Shri Shri Jagdeep Dhankar was so moved by this message that when addressing the press on campus, he said, “The state of West Bengal is a culture hub; it is an epicentre of everything good in life. Look at our sants and see our great sages. Their words echo in the country and in the world. They have strongly inspired and positively influenced society. I have taken a pledge in this holy place where I have offered puja that may I have that same basic mantra of resolve. I will also strive to inspire everyone and they, too, should to do the same thing to bring happiness and peace in the lives of people.
“From the scripture given to me, I will read an excerpt which is very important and influential: ‘Administrators should follow dharma that is necessary to govern well. They should provide for the people, foster their growth and safeguard sanskars. They should suitably arrange services for health, education, defense, electricity, food, water and other resources for the benefit of all.’”