On 7 July 1970, during a flight stopover in France, Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj requested Pramukh Swami and Mahant Swami to step foot onto the land of Europe on his behalf, historically marking the first European visit of the Satpurush. He unfathomably envisioned, ‘Europe rangvu chhe’, that one day, the whole of Europe will experience the peace and wisdom that comes from practising Satsang.
In the 50 years since, Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj travelled tirelessly in several European countries, in the face of untold hardships and challenges, for the sole purpose of fulfilling his Guru’s vision and bestowing paramount happiness upon the devotees. Pragat Brahmaswarup Mahant Swami Maharaj continues that very same tradition today.
A special documentary was produced to mark the 50th anniversary of that historic occasion, which was enjoyed by thousands across the UK and Europe on 24 and 31 January 2021. The fascinating four-hour film incorporated never-before-seen footage and photographs as well as eye-witness accounts from devotees, senior swamis and reflections by Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Cherished moments of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s historic and insightful interactions with the people of various European countries, including devotees, dignitaries and religious leaders, were among the many captivating highlights, along with Mahant Swami Maharaj’s first visit to Europe as Guru in 2017.
The programme provided an opportunity for all members of the family to come together to thank the Gurus for the unforgettable bliss they have showered upon Europe and to relive 50 years of their inspiring visits. Young and senior members decorated their respective ghar mandirs with flags of European countries where Satsang has flourished. A special map was provided to participants allowing them to colourfully mark the places and dates where the Satpurush has blessed the respective lands – similar to the map that Mahant Swami Maharaj had also decoratively coloured.
The programme concluded with blessings from Mahant Swami Maharaj who reflected on the vision of Yogiji Maharaj and the tireless endeavours of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. He also blessed for Satsang to continue to flourish throughout Europe in the coming years.
Akash Patel, aged 13, from Lisbon shared, “It was amazing to see how many countries Pramukh Swami Maharaj visited and all the people he met. This will help me to explain to my friends the wonderful contributions that he made to those countries and their people.”