The value of peace is at the core of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, and so, in the presence of Mahant Swami Maharaj, distinguished guests presided over the special Day of Peace evening assembly to share their wisdom on how to attain peace through various facets of life.
The speakers included Swami Brahmaviharidas of BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, Honourable Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde, Former Chief Justice of India; Kailash Satyarthi, Indian social reformer and 2014 Nobel Peace Prize Winner; Padma Bhushan Dr. Tejas M. Patel, Chairman and Chief Interventional Cardiologist at Apex Heart Institute, Ahmedabad, India; Bhavish Agarwal, entrepreneur and co-founder of Ola Cabs and founder of Ola Electric; and Umang Bedi, co-founder of VerSe Innovation and Dailyhunt.
Vivek Oberoi, a renowned Indian actor and producer, was the master of ceremonies for the assembly, introducing the eminent panel of speakers who provided enlightening perspectives on peace. He also expressed, “We are just action heroes in films, but the real action heroes are these volunteers and sadhus here in front of us. This is all due to the grace of the guru who envisioned this mandir because the guru makes impossible into ‘I am possible’.”
The speakers gave insightful talks on attaining peace through Environment, Child Development, Justice, Wellbeing, Media and Spirituality.
Kailash Satyarthi shared his insights about peace through child development, “Let us march together. No one should be left behind. We need to learn to walk together.”
Bhavish Aggarwal spoke about peace through the environment, “We don’t seek peace; we are the peace by thinking of the world as one family. For me, to be here has been an inspiration, which has given me stronger vigour to work towards creating a future of peace and prosperity with the timeless values the mandir expresses.”
Umang Bedi said, “This temple is not just a physical edifice; it is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the boundless potential of unity. It is an example for every leader about the power of unity.”
Speaking about peace through health and wellbeing, Dr. Tejas Patel said, “To achieve peace, one must give back to humanity by volunteering and preserving mental health. Peace is a state of mind and can only exist in a conflict-free mind. What is the need of the hour? Universal peace. The BAPS Hindu Mandir is not just a place of worship, it is an immortal monument of universal peace, and it is going to direct the future.”
Brahmaviharidas Swami said, “Very often we hear that when we close our eyes, we find peace, but peace comes to us when we open our eyes to the issues that challenge the world. When we awaken ourselves, we reinvent ourselves.”
Justice Sharad Bobade said, “I am sure this temple has inaugurated a new era in our civilization in which justice and peace reign supreme.”
In the end, Mahant Swami Maharaj blessed the assembly.