To commemorate the first anniversary of the inauguration of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, 14 Consuls General from the Society of Foreign Consuls of New York, representing countries from all around the world visited the sacred grounds for a special event celebrating peace, harmony, and global unity.
The gathering was hosted by the Deputy Consul General of India, Dr. Varun Jeph, and the Consul General of Malaysia, Amir Farid Abu Hasan.
The event began with a warm welcome from Township of Robbinsville Council President Mike Todd, who acknowledged the significant impact BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham has had on the local and global community. Todd highlighted that Akshardham is truly a place of beauty that will instill a sense of peace and introspection. Todd also spoke about the selfless service of the volunteers who, through BAPS Charities, have been an amazing partner, “Not just in the local community, but in New Jersey and throughout the world.”
A moving video presentation followed, showcasing the global contributions of BAPS under the spiritual guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. From large-scale humanitarian efforts to daily acts of compassion and service, Mahant Swami Maharaj’s unique approach continues to touch lives and spread the values of unity, service, and harmony.
The Deputy Consul General of India, Dr. Varun Jeph, shared his thoughts on the event, emphasizing the power of such gatherings in fostering global peace. Reflecting upon the fact that the Consuls General come from different geographies, religions and faiths, Jeph said, “Nothing could be better than getting them here to Akshardham to represent the coming together of humanity.”
Similarly, Hon. Amir Farid Abu Hasan, Consul General of Malaysia, highlighted BAPS’ role in promoting universal values. “I believe that as diplomats we are here to advocate peace and interfaith and that can only be done through a greater understanding of religions from all around the world. Based on that principle, I believe a visit to Akshardham is an example of how we could understand the different faiths there are in the world today. With that in mind, I discussed [this trip] with my colleagues and they agreed that this visit …. would be a good start for each of us to understand each other even more.”
The highlight of the event was a special vidhi (Hindu ritual) inside BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in which the Consuls General and their teams partook, offering prayers for peace and unity in the world. This ceremony underscored the importance of intercultural and interfaith dialogue in a world increasingly divided by conflict. After the vidhi, the Consuls General toured the awe-inspiring Swaminarayan Akshardham, guided by volunteers who shared the architectural, cultural, and spiritual significance of the site.
As the delegation left, the Consuls General expressed their admiration for BAPS' mission and the values embedded in BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham. They left inspired, united in their commitment to promote harmony and mutual respect among all nations.
In the words of Hon. Vladimir Božović from Serbia, “We are all human beings, and especially in these times, we need to understand and support each other, love our neighbors as ourselves, and unite to create a better world.”
The first anniversary of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham is a powerful reminder of the impact that seva (selfless service), compassion, and unity can have on the world stage, resonating with leaders from across continents.