An assembly at the Festival of Inspirations in Robbinsville, New Jersey, on the summer evening of July 22, 2023, explored one important value that lies at the heart of our existence. It is an invisible force that reminds us of the intrinsic worth of every individual and holds the power of influence over our lives: Morality.
Under the guiding theme, "Shaped by Your Hands, Inspiring Morality," the program used thought-provoking speeches, interactive skits, and guest speakers to bring to life how morality, under the wise direction of God and guru, has sculpted and inspired mankind. Speeches by senior swamis emphasized that although society has benefited from scientific invention, values and moral conduct have been instilled in people and communities through God's work. Bhagwan Swaminarayan met person to person, heart to heart, with the sole purpose of impressing upon individuals the importance of imbibing values in one's daily life. Culture, virtues, and faith paired with trust in God are sustained by self-discipline and moral conduct as life's center point. Behind Pramukh Swami Maharaj's vision for the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham was this exact intention: it will be a living, breathing space that inspires moral living in the masses.
The assembly was a part of the Festival of Inspirations, a three-month-long event celebrating universal virtues that underpin the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham's teachings. Esteemed guests dedicated to serving society graced the event, their contributions to community building resonating with the festival's theme. The dignitaries included Dr. Aseem R. Shukla, Endowed Chair and Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Mrs. Suhag Shukla, Executive Director and co-founder of HAF; Dr. Navin C. Mehta, a distinguished specialist in Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) medicine, and his wife, Mrs. Rashmi Mehta; acclaimed actor Dilip Joshi and Mrs. Jaymala Joshi; philanthropist Dr. Samir K. Sharma; Dr. Daniel Patrick Dunham, Chair of Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital; and Mr. Palash Gupta and Mrs. Payal Gupta, driving forces behind business growth and diversity in the Delaware Asian American Business Association.
Dilip Joshi, a renowned actor, captured the essence of the evening during his address to the audience. "By practicing a moral and disciplined way of living, one will never fall back in life. Pramukh Swami Maharaj's message was to create a moral society not only through words but through practice. Through the presence of BAPS, these values are alive and positively impacting the communities around them."
Drawing a striking parallel between how stones pass through a rigorous process to become beautiful carvings, an insightful skit focused on the guru's similar role in shaping society. The skit highlighted how His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj skillfully uses his expert tools, moral values, and spiritual guidance to sculpt individuals into intricate masterpieces and builds Akshardham within countless souls.
Ending with an interactive question and answer session, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj discussed that "the first step in living a moral lifestyle is to practice unity and not look at the faults of those around us. Rather, by being disciplined in your efforts to live within universal spiritual values and having faith in God, no matter your physical distance from God, you will certainly succeed in living prosperously."