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‘BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute’ inaugurated at Neasden Temple, London, UK

29 May 2022

The assembly began with children from around the UK performing a musical tribute to His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in commemoration of his centennial birth anniversary

The children sang a medley of traditional bhajans extolling the life and virtues of Pramukh Swami Maharaj

The devotional singing was accompanied by talented children playing the violin, sitar, flute and other musical instruments

The musical performances were skillfully interwoven by talented child-compères

The musical tribute was one of 100 being performed around the UK and in Europe commemorating Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s centennial birth anniversary

The audience appreciated the children’s devotional performance with a standing ovation

Yogikirtandas Swami thanked the children and introduced the inauguration assembly for ‘BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute, UK & Europe’

A volunteer initiated the proceedings for the inauguration assembly

Paramtattvadas Swami introduced the stage guests for the assembly

Paramtattvadas Swami firstly introduced Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami, explaining his role as the scholarly exponent of Akshar Purushottam Darshan, in line with the acharyas of the other schools of Vedanta

Yogvivekdas Swami, head of the London Mandir, honoured Bhadreshdas Swami with a garland

Professor James Hegarty of Cardiff University was also garlanded and formally welcomed to the assembly

Stage guests from left to right: Yogvivekdas Swami, Professor James Hegarty, Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami

Hundreds of devotees had gathered in-person to witness this historic occasion

Many devotees outside of the London area had also joined online through a live webcast

Paramtattvadas Swami introduced Professor Hegarty to the audience

Professor James Hegarty addressed the assembly, sharing his hopes and confidence about the new research institute

Professor James Hegarty: “The new research centre will soon flourish here in the UK and Europe – and globally – under the sure and skilled guidance of the swamis assembled here today.... I have no doubt at all.”

Yogvivekdas Swami shared some vital background to the new research institute

A choir of children sang the Shanti Path, a Vedic peace prayer, and other verses of benediction in Sanskrit

Children also recited several Sanskrit verses of the Satsang Diksha that they had memorised

10-year-old Maharshi Shah of Coventry recited <i>Swaminarayan-Siddhanta-Sudha</i> karikas from memory

10-year-old Maharshi Shah of Coventry recited Swaminarayan-Siddhanta-Sudha karikas from memory

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj joined the assembly via video link live from Kanad, near Surat, India

Bhadreshdas Swami warmly welcomed Mahant Swami Maharaj to the inauguration assembly

Bhadreshdas Swami read a letter from Mahant Swami Maharaj in which Swamishri expresses his wish to personally participate in the inauguration of the new research institute

Mahant Swami Maharaj lit the sacred lamp inaugurating ‘BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute, UK & Europe’ in the presence of Shri Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj in India

Mahant Swami Maharaj performed the deep pragatya inaugurating the new research institute in London

Thousands in the assembly in London and those joining online watched Mahant Swami Maharaj perform the deep pragatya

The stage guests also ceremoniously lit lamps in the assembly hall in London

Mahant Swami Maharaj observed the deep pragatya in London from India

Joining in lighting the lamps were representative devotees of various ages who had memorised the Satsang Diksha

Trustees and senior devotees also joined in the deep pragatya to auspiciously inaugurate the new research institute

Mahant Swami Maharaj blessed the assembly recalling the vision of his guru Yogiji Maharaj, where youths all over the world would be learning and discoursing in Sanskrit

Mahant Swami Maharaj blessed: “May students excel in their studies and work together to serve society, expanding the circle of unity across the world.”

Mahant Swami Maharaj blessed everyone in the audience, including representatives from various Hindu organisations who had gathered to celebrate the historic inauguration

Bhadreshdas Swami thanked Mahant Swami Maharaj for joining live from India to inaugurate the new research institute for UK & Europe

Bhadreshdas Swami further shared the importance of the newly inaugurated ‘BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute’

Bhadreshdas Swami then delivered the ‘first lecture of the Institute’ by reinforcing Mahant Swami Maharaj’s messages of global harmony, public service and academic excellence

The assembly concluded with the arti