On June 5, 2024, the New York State Senate and Assembly passed resolutions commemorating the 50th anniversary of the opening of the first BAPS Mandir in North America in Flushing, New York. New York State Senator John Liu and Assemblymember Nily Rozic sponsored the resolutions in the Senate and Assembly, respectively. BAPS members from across New York gathered at the State Capitol in Albany to receive the resolutions and perform a traditional Hindu invocation in both the Senate and Assembly chambers to mark the occasion. It was a moment of immense pride and joy for the BAPS community to see their dedication, service, and efforts recognized with such great honor.
Recognizing BAPS’s contributions, Senator John Liu stated: “This year marks the 50th anniversary of the BAPS mandir in Flushing, a historic milestone for the mandir and our community. The BAPS mandir has been a cornerstone of the Hindu community, serving the spiritual, social, and community needs of so many, and we are proud to commemorate their tremendous commitments to serving the needs of others.”
Echoing these sentiments, Assemblymember Rozic remarked: “It's an honor to recognize the BAPS Mandir on their 50th anniversary. For 50 years, the Mandir has been a center for worship, cultural heritage, and community service. Its contributions to the lives of its members and the community have been profound and far-reaching. I am grateful to celebrate their dedication to promoting unity, service, and spirituality with my fellow leaders in government.”
The 50th anniversary of the first Mandir in North America is a testament to the hard work and devotion of countless volunteers and devotees who have contributed to its success over the years. More so, it speaks to the vision and tireless efforts of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, who inspired the creation of such Mandirs. For more than 50 years, they have traveled throughout North America teaching the values of selfless service, faith, and harmony to all. Mandirs, like that in Flushing, unite communities around such universal values and engender positive change—a legacy that will be carried on for years to come.
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a global Hindu organization devoted to nurturing faith, inspiring service, and promoting a better way of life. Established in 1974 by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the first BAPS Mandir in North America was constructed on Flushing’s historic Bowne Street. Since then, BAPS has expanded its North American presence to over 100 mandirs throughout the United States and Canada, including six traditional stone Hindu mandirs and BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey.