Part 9 of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s detailed biography covers the period from 1999 to 2002.
Despite having undergone emergency cardiac bypass surgery in 1998, Swamishri’s vicharan and activities continued with increased intensity.
Swamishri began 1999 by consecrating a shikharbaddha mandir in Mahelav, the birthplace of his guru, Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj. His travels continued with a visit to the tribal region of North Gujarat and other regions of Gujarat.
He then traveled to South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Kenya – where he consecrated the shikharbaddha mandir in Nairobi. Thereafter, he travelled to Egypt and Israel where he met spiritual leaders of other faiths and offered prayers at Christian and Jewish pilgrim places. His overseas vicharan concluded with visits to Tanzania and Uganda.
At the year end, Swamishri consecrated the shikharbaddha mandir in Tithal, on the shores of the Arabian Sea.
In 2000, the year began with the news that land to build Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi on the banks of River Yamuna, as per the wish of Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj, had been acquired – ending a 32-year wait. In May, grand celebrations in Ahmedabad commemorated Swamishri’s 50th anniversary as BAPS President.
Thereafter he embarked on a five-month overseas satsang tour of the UK, France, Portugal, Canada and the USA. In New York, Swamishri addressed 1,800 religious leaders at the Millennium Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders at the United Nations. He also received numerous Keys to the City and proclamations in honor of the profound work he inspired among local communities. On his return to India, Swamishri performed the Shilanyas Ceremony of Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, the first step in fulfilling guru Yogiji Maharaj’s vision.
In 2001, Swamishri meticulously masterminded the relief work to help the victims of the devastating earthquake in Bhuj and to alleviate the effects of the drought in Gujarat. Swamishri also visited the UAE, Bahrain and Oman, during which he met the royal rulers of the countries.
Also during 2001, Swamishri consecrated the shikharbaddha mandirs in Sankari, Dholka and Bharuch.
In 2002, the Swaminarayan Mahamantra Bicentenary Celebrations were held in Gadhada and Swamishri publicly dedicated the 15 villages rebuilt by BAPS after the earthquake.
In September 2002, Swamishri’s compassionate response to the atrocious terrorist attack on Swaminarayan Akshardham in Gandhinagar was hailed as the reason that peace prevailed amid social tensions.
So, even as he entered the ninth decade of his life, Swamishri relentlessly continued to visit devotees everywhere, inspiring individuals of all ages, and encouraging and guiding a plethora of activities for the benefit of all. But most noticeably, whatever the situation or predicament, his faith in and reverence for God and guru always shone to the fore.