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Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centennial Anniversary Celebrated at British Parliament, London, UK

19 Dec 2022

Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centennial Anniversary Celebrated at British Parliament

The commemorative event took place on the terrace of the Palace of Westminster, home of the British Parliament

The event paid tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s countless contributions to the UK during his 19 visits between 1970 and 2007

Young ladies from Neasden Temple began the event by singing the Shanti-Path, an ancient Vedic prayer invoking peace and harmony in all aspects of creation

Karishma Patel, a BAPS volunteer at Neasden Temple, introduced the event to all those gathered

“Pramukh Swami Maharaj was an inspiration for millions of people around the world... serving as a global ambassador of love, peace and harmony.”

The event had been hosted by Lord Jitesh Gadhia and supported by various Members of Parliament, Lords, local government officials, charity partners and faith representatives

In his address, Lord Gadhia paid tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s “pioneering work” that has left “a strong legacy throughout this country... and on the global stage.”

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had also sent a personal video tribute offering his admiration and gratitude to Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Prime Minister Sunak paid tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s “service and support for our country” before adding, “Let me pay my respect to his enduring memory and the incredible legacy he has passed on.”

His Excellency Vikram Doraiswami, the High Commissioner of India to the UK: “Pramukh Swami Maharaj embodied in his life a true selfless spirit of love, service and harmony.”

Mei Sim Lai, Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Brent as well as Trustee of the Pan-Asian Women’s Association: “Pramukh Swami Maharaj was truly an amazing, extraordinary and inspirational person who had done so much over seven decades to help so many people around the world.”

Mayukhjit Chakraborty performed a beautiful rendition of ‘Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye Je’ on the flute

The audience listened attentively to the melodious performance on the flute

Kamlesh Patel, a BAPS volunteer, read a testimonial from British Airways, one of BAPS’s longstanding partners

Dr Mayank Shah, a BAPS UK trustee, recalled the formal felicitation of Pramukh Swami Maharaj at the House of Commons during his visit in 1988

BAPS lead volunteer Rena Amin concluded the event with a vote of thanks

Participants included distinguished guests from the House of Commons and the House of Lords as well as Members of Parliament representing all parties

Representatives of various faith groups and charities had also joined in offering their tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj

The guests enjoyed traditional Indian snacks and refreshments after the testimonies

Barry Gardiner MP, Member of Parliament for Brent North, enjoying the event with other attendees