On 20 August, during a special event at the National Library of Australia in Canberra, Bhadreshdas Swami presented the Swaminarayan Bhashyam texts to Stuart Baines, Project Manager of Indian Diaspora Collecting, who, on behalf of the Director of the Program Management Office, Nikki Ordanic, received the texts to add to the library's rich, extensive, and distinguished collection that showcases diverse intellectual and cultural heritage and philosophical insights.
Bhadreshdas Swami then gave an insightful explanation of the profound significance of the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan, elaborating on its pivotal role within Hindu philosophical discourse and its relevance to the contemporary understanding of spirituality and ethics.
On 21 August 2024, Treasurer of Australia, Hon. Dr. Jim Chalmers, invited a delegation of BAPS swamis and volunteers to the Australian Federal Parliament. The Speaker of the House, Hon. Milton Dick, acknowledged and welcomed the BAPS delegation, led by Bhadreshdas Swami, to the Australian Parliament House and the House of Representatives chamber, where MPs from across Australia also welcomed the BAPS delegation.
During Question Time, the Treasurer acknowledged, "Shout out to my friends from the BAPS community who are in the gallery today. I wear this nadachhadi in your honor, as you know. I welcome you all. You are a reminder of the wonderful contribution that our faith communities make in the local areas."
Later, Bhadreshdas Swami gifted the Swaminarayan Bhashyam text to Hon. Milton Dick in his office and explained the significance of these sacred shastras as a living testament to the Vedic knowledge and wisdom of the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan revealed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
Hon Milton Dick stated, "In my capacity as the Speaker of the House of the Australian Federal Parliament, I accept these sacred gifts, which will be housed in the Australian Federal Parliament Library, where their values and wisdom will be available for many generations to come. Thank you."
The inclusion of the Swaminarayan Bhashyam in such prestigious institutions reaffirms the global recognition of its philosophical and scholarly merit as a source for universal values of peace, multicultural harmony, and ethical living.
The BAPS delegation also met Hon. Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy; Mr. Steve Georganas MP, Member for Adelaide; Hon. Shayne Neumann MP, Member for Blair; Dr. Andrew Leigh MP, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury; Hon. Jason Wood MP, Shadow Minister for Community Safety; Hon. Jim Chalmers MP, Treasurer of Australia; and Hon. Cassandra Fernando MP.
Bhadreshdas Swami expressed deep gratitude to the ministers for their dedicated services to their communities and the nation, acknowledging their crucial roles in fostering a harmonious and inclusive society, and offered prayers for their continued success.