Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Milton Dick, visited the newly opened BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir and Cultural Precinct in Kemps Creek, Sydney, and met His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Mr. Dick has visited a number of BAPS mandirs in Australia and is a leader in India-Australia dialogues. Mr. Dick traveled from his home in Brisbane, Queensland, to attend the special Maha Annakut festival and meet Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Following a traditional welcome by children, Mr. Dick was given a guided tour of the new cultural precinct before arriving in the assembly hall to address the gathering,
“I have a special relationship with BAPS; I proudly wear my nadachhadis. I’m currently wearing one from my local BAPS Mandir in Kingston, Queensland. And one I received last year when I was so graciously welcomed to the BAPS Mandir in Canberra.
“His Holiness’s visit reminds us of the privilege we have to live freely and peacefully without conflict. To live side by side with people of different faiths, cultures and heritage. Where differences are welcomed, where cultures are shared and celebrated.
“This new mandir will be a place that not only benefits the congregation but the broader Australian community. It will serve as a place whereby the values of peace, harmony, respect and mateship will be nurtured and inspired.”
The Maha Annakut festival reflected the importance of community and devotion.