BAPS hosted leaders of faith-based organizations at its centers across North America in ‘Unity Forums’ to discuss how to address public safety awareness and other issues affecting faith-based organizations. The event was organized locally at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Beltsville, MD on June 19, 2022.
Founded on the Hindu belief of “Vasudhaiva kutumbakam” meaning, “the entire world is one family,” the event brought together faith organizations to share ideas with each other and meet with government officials and security experts. The experts from local, state, and federal agencies conveyed the importance of maintaining awareness and being prepared, and provided security best practices for places of worship. Question and answer sessions were held with the respective experts, allowing community members to voice concerns and receive further guidance.
As part of the Unity Forum, renowned scholar of Hindu Philosophy and Sanskrit, Mahamahopadhyaya Pujya Bhadreshdas Swami also addressed the attendees. Drawing on his extensive dialogue with scholars and Hindu leaders throughout the world, Bhadreshdas Swami shed light on how knowledge can be applied to foster social harmony and peace. As a global ambassador of the Hindu faith and Indian intellectual heritage, Bhadreshdas Swami’s unique insights highlighted the need for a continuous dialogue and cooperative efforts not only for physical safety, butalso for establishing a solid foundation of Hindu practices anchored in scriptural teachings and principles.
Various attendees were enthused with the information shared during the event. Natarajan Iyer, Secretary, Rajdhani Mandir (Chantilly, VA), showed his appreciation saying, “I am happy to have attended the event and this initiative to foster social harmony and peace. Every word that Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdasji said was very valuable.”