Themed 'Seed, Tree, Fruit,' the grand event in Ahmedabad honored 100,000 BAPS volunteers for their selfless service over five decades, showcasing the global impact of seva and spirituality.
Ahmedabad: The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, witnessed a breathtaking celebration of service and devotion as BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha commemorated 50 years of volunteerism through its Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav (Golden Anniversary Celebration). This grand event, attended by over 100,000 volunteers and millions of viewers worldwide, paid tribute to the selfless dedication and contributions of BAPS volunteers worldwide.
The evening’s celebrations united individuals of all ages and walks of life, reaffirming the legacy of selfless service inspired by BAPS spiritual leaders. From captivating performances to inspiring addresses, the event highlighted the transformative impact of seva (selfless service) on individuals, communities, and society at large.
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His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj arrived in an artistically crafted floral chariot at the BAPS Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav, greeted by the applause of thousands of volunteers.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah joined His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj in a ceremonial lamp-lighting during the grand inauguration of the event.
Key dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, shared their reflections on the volunteers' contributions and the values they embody.
“May it be the Gujarat earthquake, a landslide in Uttarakhand, or COVID relief efforts, the dedicated workforce of BAPS serves for the betterment of humanity. When the decision was taken to rescue the Indians trapped in Ukraine, a large number of Indians reached Poland from Ukraine. At that time, I spoke to a BAPS saint at midnight. I urged them to help the Indians who were reaching Poland. Overnight, BAPS volunteers from all over Europe came forward to help, and I greatly appreciate it," PM Modi said via a video message.
The program began with a ceremonious welcome for His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, who arrived at the stadium in a chariot. As the chariot advanced along the periphery of the stadium, a symbolic performance was performed by nearly 800 children and youth karyakars dressed in 550 handcrafted floral petals and 225 beads, which took nearly four months to prepare.
A thematic presentation by children, set against a dazzling backdrop of vibrant lights and symbolic displays that depict the journey from seeds of seva to the fruitful impact of volunteerism.
As Mahant Swami Maharaj blessed the gathering, he reminded everyone of the importance of seva in creating a harmonious and prosperous world.
“Pramukh Swami Maharaj has often told me in various situations, 'Bhagwan will make everything right,' and that strength has always stayed with me. By constructing over 1,200 mandirs across India and abroad, Pramukh Swami Maharaj has worked to keep Indian culture alive. I wholeheartedly bow to the Guru tradition from Shastriji Maharaj to Mahant Swami Maharaj,” Home Minister Amit Shah, who was present at the event, said.
Themed 'Seed, Tree, Fruit,' the event celebrated the journey of volunteers over the past 100 years. The Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav program was divided into three segments — Seed, Tree, and Fruit — each symbolizing the evolution and impact of BAPS volunteerism.
Each segment of the program was brought to life with mesmerizing performances by 2,000 artists, dazzling visual projections across a 160x140-meter screen, 70 projectors, and innovative uses of 100,000 pre-programmed wristbands that lit up in unison.
The celebration culminated in the Maha Arti, performed by 100,000 volunteers under the open sky, and a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the Ahmedabad skyline.
Children and volunteers performed the Maha Aarti, holding lit lamps that illuminated the stadium with devotion and unity.
A spectacular fireworks display lights up the night sky over the stadium, marking the grand conclusion of the event.
(All photos courtesy: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)
