BAPS hosted mandir leaders of all Hindu denominations at its centers across North America in ‘Unity Forums’ to discuss how to address public safety awareness and other issues affecting Hindu mandirs and organizations. The event was organized locally at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Robbinsville, NJ on June 18, 2022.
Founded on the Hindu belief of “Vasudhaiva kutumbakam” meaning, “the entire world is one family,” the event brought together Hindu Americans 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. Interaction with the respective experts, allowed community members to voice concerns and receive further guidance.
Lieutenant Thomas Egan of the Robbinsville Township Police Department shared "Since the first stones were laid for the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Robbinsville, NJ, we have had a good and collaborative relationship. Having such a close working relationship with local law enforcement is vital to ensure the safety and security of the community."
As part of the Unity Forum, renowned scholar of Hindu Philosophy and Sanskrit, Mahamahopadhyaya Pujya Bhadreshdas Swami also met the mandir leaders. 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, but also for establishing a solid foundation of Hindu practices anchored in scriptural teachings and principles.