In a momentous literary and spiritual celebration, the Sahitya Akademi – India's National Academy of Letters under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India – in collaboration with BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute, Delhi, launched the book ‘Santvibhuti Pramukh Swami Maharaj’ at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Ahmedabad in the presence of the Honorable Union Minister of Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including, Dr. K. Sreenivasa Rao, Secretary, National Sahitya Akademi; Dr. N. Suresh Babu, Deputy Secretary, Publication, Sahitya Akademi; Padma Shri Gautambhai Patel, a renowned Sanskrit scholar from Gujarat; Madhav Ramanuj, a celebrated Gujarati poet, writer, and critic; Tarun Vijay, former editor of Panchjanya and retired MP; Srinivas Varkhedi, Vice-Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, Delhi; Harekrishna Satpathi, a distinguished Sanskrit scholar; Murli Manohar Pathak, Vice-Chancellor of Lal Bahadur Shastri University; G.S.R. Krishnamurti, Vice-Chancellor of Tirupati Sanskrit University; Sukant Senapati, Vice-Chancellor, Shree Somnath Sanskrit University; and Shri Virendrakumar Tiwari, Former Director of IIT Kharagpur; and Shri Bhagyesh Jha, President of Gujarat Sahitya Akademi and former IAS officer.
Authored by Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami, the book presents an insightful portrayal of the profound life, works, and global services of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and his contributions to the elevation of Indian culture. It reflects upon his spiritual influence and service-driven leadership that brought global recognition to India's timeless heritage of Sanatan Dharma.
During this grand event, the distinguished dignitaries lit the ceremonial lamp and offered floral tributes at Pramukh Swami Maharaj's feet. During the launch assembly, the eminent guests shared their wisdom.
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Culture, Government of India: “It is impossible to capture Pramukh Swami Maharaj's vast life journey in a single book. The moment I had darshan of Pramukh Swami Maharaj was the most fortunate and blessed moment of my life.
“Pramukh Swami Maharaj was a rare soul. He was a saint who dedicated every moment of his life to public welfare. He was a saint who lived every moment in infinite bliss, seeing the entire world as a manifestation of God.
“He was the embodiment of infinite peace, yet simultaneously simple, straightforward, and humble. By dedicating every moment of life to public welfare, he made an immense contribution to preserving Sanatan Dharma. Amidst numerous invasions, the reason Indian culture remains uninterrupted and eternal is because of such saints who have donned saffron robes and made sacrifices.
“He kept Indian culture perpetually renewed. At a time when Indian culture needed preservation and the saint tradition needed strengthening, Pramukh Swami Maharaj initiated saints, built mandirs, and promoted scriptural traditions.
“He was full of affection and capable of delivering eternal wisdom in just a few words. People felt that every message he gave was for their welfare, and his words would resonate deeply in their hearts. The changing global role of India today has a special contribution from Pramukh Swami Maharaj. By publishing this book about his life, I feel that my ministry and I have been blessed.”
Dr. Bhagyesh Jha, President, Gujarat Literature Academy, Gandhinagar: “Pramukh Swami Maharaj blessed many devotees like myself. I met him 29 times. In 2000, I spent 24 hours with him in Sarangpur. At that time, I realized that the globally venerable Pramukh Swami Maharaj never used a single moment for himself, but used every moment for society, religion, and cultural protection. Being in the proximity of such a person was a blessed moment of my life. His blessings were a greater honor for me than even the Padma Bhushan.
“This book is not just a book, it is a guru's saga, a poem, the essence of our shastras, and the purpose of human life. Despite managing a vast empire-like organization, Swami Bapa always smiled like a child. Today, the subtle presence of Pramukh Swami Maharaj is here.”
Dr. K. Srinivas Rao, Secretary, National Literature Academy, Delhi: “Pramukh Swami Maharaj was one of the greatest spiritual personalities of the 20th century. He was a spiritual guide and supreme friend to everyone. He showered selfless love towards all. Due to Pramukh Swami Maharaj's tireless efforts, BAPS has served in numerous spiritual and social activities.
“The Literature Academy is extremely pleased to publish this book about his life, written by Bhadreshdasji Swami. This book is a brilliant document of a divine life and philosophy.”
Shri Tarun Vijayji, Former Member of Parliament, Scholar, and Author: “When I became a member of parliament, Pramukh Swami Maharaj blessed me at Akshardham in Delhi to spend my life serving India along with serving the poor and helpless people of society. Only India’s sages, ascetics, and saints can give such blessings. Pramukh Swami Maharaj dedicated his entire life to serving humanity. Through him, Vedantic knowledge is being spread to everyone, and through him, brave saints are propagating and expanding the radiance of India's eternal religion across the entire globe. This is Pramukh Swami Maharaj's greatest gift to the world. He was a century-defining personality.”
Prof. Srinivas Varkhedi, Vice Chancellor, Central Sanskrit University, Delhi: “Today, through this book, we are having darshan of a great personality and guiding light, Pramukh Swami Maharaj. This book is not a literary work or a biography, but a manifestation of a saint. In every word of this book, one experiences the presence of the Akshar-Purushottam philosophy and Pramukh Swami Maharaj himself.
“My guru Swami Vishveshtirthji Maharaj used to say that just as King Bhagirath brought the divine Ganga to this land to liberate his ancestors, Pramukh Swami Maharaj has propagated the Indian cultural Ganga worldwide for the liberation of future generations. He was a modern-day Bhagirath-like saint.”
Prof. Murali Manohar Pathak, Vice Chancellor, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University: “I have watched Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s videos many times. His facial expressions reveal the essence of the Indian spiritual aura. Reading this book, I felt that this is the language of conduct, civilization, good character, and culture.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj lived for the welfare of the public and dedicated his entire life for social good. He has done so much for the society, nation, and world that we cannot even imagine. Mahant Swami Maharaj is another form of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Just by having his darshan, worldly sorrows disappear, and all difficulties are resolved.”
Prof. G.S.R. Krishnamurthy, Vice Chancellor, National Sanskrit University, Tirupati: “Just by remembering Pramukh Swami Maharaj, our heart's desires are fulfilled. Under his inspiration, Bhadreshdas Swami wrote the commentary on the Prasthantrayi. Pramukh Swami Maharaj was the embodiment of service. His special quality was that he paved the way of selfless action.”
Prof. Harekrishna Satpathi, Former Vice Chancellor, National Sanskrit University, Tirupati: “Like a sacred confluence, Pramukh Swami Maharaj was himself a confluence. He was an ocean of knowledge, an ocean of action, an ocean of devotion. In Swamiji, the Ganga of action, the Yamuna of devotion, and the Saraswati of knowledge flowed. These three rivers merged into one great ocean.
“The same merit one gets by bathing at a holy pilgrimage site will be obtained by remembering the name and life of the saintly personality Pramukh Swami Maharaj.”
Mahamahopadhyaya Padmashri Gautambhai Patel, Eminent Scholar: “India has produced great personalities like Swami Vivekanand and Pramukh Swami Maharaj who have guided the world. Pramukh Swamiji was the embodiment of equality. If a four-year-old child invited him, he would go to their hut, and on the other hand, he would give an inspiring speech at the UN addressing the entire world. The composition of this book is marvelous. I request that everyone study this book.”
Prof. Virendrakumar Tiwari, Former Director, IIT Kharagpur: “BAPS volunteers provide service worldwide through Pramukh Swami Maharaj's grace. People from every walk of life are involved. Today, the world needs dialogue and peace, which can only come through the words of a saint like Pramukh Swami Maharaj and by reading such books.”
Shri Madhav Ramanuj, Renowned Poet: “I had the benefit of having Pramukh Swami Maharaj's darshan on many occasions. He has saved many people’s lives. Many great works have been done by him. Much more can be written about him. By seeing, knowing, and reading all this, we will continue to get constant inspiration.”
Prof. Sukantakumar Senapati, Vice Chancellor, Somnath Sanskrit University: “Pramukh Swami Maharaj was a great human being. The objective of Indian wisdom is to become human. Pramukh Swami Maharaj was its best example. His vow was public welfare. He remained dedicated to public service throughout his life.”
Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami, author of the book: “Pramukh Swami Maharaj's life was not lived in a single time period; it was an immortal historical event. Pramukh Swami Maharaj was a noble saint. A supreme devotee of God, a pure heart, pure thoughts, and pure actions were his identity. Such a saint is called Brahmaswarup in spiritual philosophy. Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s extraordinary life infused energy into us. In the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Lord Shri Krishna says, ‘Esha Brahmi-sthiti’ –This is the Brahmic state. Another name for the Brahmic state is Pramukh Swami Maharaj. He was the living embodiment of the ‘sthitaprajna’ described in the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. His existence is eternal. Presently, Mahant Swami Maharaj is the representative of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. This book is a unique offering at the feet of Pramukh Swami Maharaj on behalf of the Government of India, for his divine life and selfless service works.”
The event concluded with a grand unveiling of the book by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture, and the stage dignitaries, to the excited applause of the packed auditorium.