Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute inaugurated in US

The institute is expected to generate opportunities for value-based education, innovative research and creative expression.

BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute inaugurated in US

THE BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute, US, was inaugurated on Saturday (18) in Robbinsville, New Jersey, at the site of Swaminarayan Akshardham – North America. Besides Mahamahopadhyaya Pujya Bhadreshdas Swami, a renowned scholar of Hindu Philosophy and Sanskrit, more than 115 representatives from 50 Hindu temples and organisations, devotees and swamis and scholars from India and the US were present on the occasion.

Plans for the research institute in Robbinsville gained momentum after members of the local community showed growing interest in learning Sanskrit and gaining a deeper understanding of Hindu scriptures. The institute will strive to foster social harmony, interfaith dialogue, public engagement, and academic discourse through a rigorous teaching of Sanskrit, Vedic and classical literature and Hindu values, beliefs and practice. It is also expected to generate opportunities for value-based education, innovative research and creative expression.


His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, inaugurates the BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute via live webcast from India by lighting the inaugural lamp (deep-pragatya) symbolising the spreading of the light of knowledge throughout the world His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, inaugurates the BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute via live webcast from India by lighting the inaugural lamp (deep-pragatya) symbolising the spreading of the light of knowledge throughout the world. (Picture: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)

On Saturday morning, hundreds of swamis and devotees gathered at the site to take part in a ‘Satsang  Dikshā  Homātmak Pāth.’ They made offerings to a sacred fire at a unique yajna while recitation of selected verses from the Satsang Dikshawere took place.

The yajna was performed to pray for world peace and an auspicious beginning for the research institute.

Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami (centre) inaugurates the B.A.P.S Swaminarayan Research Institute in Robbinsville, New Jersey, US Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami (centre) inaugurates the B.A.P.S Swaminarayan Research Institute in Robbinsville, New Jersey, US. (Picture: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)

Children also sang Vedic peace prayers and recited Sanskrit verses.

Besides those who were present physically to witness the event, thousands saw it via a live telecast across North America and around the world.

Children sing Vedic peace prayers and recited Sanskrit verses during the inauguration of BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute in Robbinsville, New Jersey, US Children sing Vedic peace prayers and recited Sanskrit verses during the inauguration of BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute in Robbinsville, New Jersey, US. (Picture: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj joined the ceremony virtually from Ahmedabad, India, and inaugurated the institute with the lighting of the inaugural lamp (deep pragatya) symbolising the spreading of the light of knowledge throughout the world.

Mahant Swami Maharaj blessed the attendees and those who remotely joined the event's live broadcasting.

Addressing the assembly, he said, “Yogiji Maharaj had envisioned such an institute and was passionate about youths learning and discoursing in Sanskrit. The research institute has fulfilled this vision. May students excel in their studies and work together to serve society, expanding the circle of unity across the world. In the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, meaning the world is one family, let’s reach out to extend the circle of global harmony.”

Pujya Swamis participate in the Satsang Diksha Homatmak Path during the inauguration of BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute in Robbinsville, New Jersey, US Pujya Swamis participate in the Satsang Diksha Homatmak Path during the inauguration of BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute in Robbinsville, New Jersey, US. (Picture: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)

HH Swami Maharaj  sent Mahamahopadhyaya  Pujya  Bhadreshdas  Swami from India to preside over the inauguration event. Pujya Bhadreshdas Swamiis, who has authored Sanskrit commentarial and philosophical texts -- the Swaminarayan-Bhashyam and the Swaminarayan-Siddhanta-Sudha – respectively, delivered the inaugural speech of  the  institute and conveyed HH Mahant Swami Maharaj’s messages of global harmony, public service and educational excellence.

Over 115 representatives from 50 Hindu Mandirs and organizations, guests and scholars were present during the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute in Robbinsville, New Jersey, US Over 115 representatives from 50 Hindu Mandirs and organizations, guests and scholars were present during the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute in Robbinsville, New Jersey, US. (Picture: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)

Elaborating on Mahant Swami Maharaj’s vision, he encouraged children and youth to explore their interests in the areas of arts and Hindu philosophy.

The ‘BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute’ is the first such centre of learning and research of Indian languages and Hindu scriptures in the Swaminarayan tradition to open in the US.

More For You

uk-railways-iStock

The package includes £415 million to upgrade the rail line between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York, a route affected by delays and disruptions. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Government announces £1.7 bn transport investment for the North

THE GOVERNMENT has announced a £1.7 billion investment to improve transport infrastructure across the North, focusing on buses, roads, and rail.

The funding aims to upgrade key routes and improve connectivity across the region.

Keep ReadingShow less
Keir-Starmer-Getty

Keir Starmer’s communications chief has resigned after nine months in Downing Street. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Starmer’s communications chief Matthew Doyle resigns after nine months

KEIR STARMER’s communications chief, Matthew Doyle, has resigned after nine months in Downing Street. Doyle, a Labour veteran who previously worked for Tony Blair, joined Starmer’s team as communications director four years ago when the party was in opposition.

His departure follows that of Sue Gray, Starmer’s former chief of staff, who left in the autumn. Doyle’s exit is expected to lead to the promotions of James Lyons to director of communications (strategy) and Steph Driver to director of communications (delivery), according to the BBC.

Keep ReadingShow less
Leicester leaders push for major expansion amid local government shake-up

Leicester’s population is expected to grow from 372,000 now to just over 600,000 by 2028

Leicester leaders push for major expansion amid local government shake-up

Hannah Richardson

LEICESTER leaders have named the areas they want to be incorporated into the city amid a shake-up of local government structures. The massive expansion plan would see a number of towns and villages at the city’s edges brought inside Leicester’s boundary.

Leicester City Council is looking to take part of Blaby and Harborough districts, and part of Oadby and Wigston and Charnwood boroughs. Among the communities being eyed up are Glenfield, Oadby, Wigston, Blaby, Whetstone, Syston, Anstey, Leicester Forest East, Birstall, Kirby Muxloe, Thurmaston and Countesthorpe.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lakshmi-Mittal-Getty

Mittal, who built his steel business over five decades, moved to the UK in 1995. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Lakshmi Mittal may leave UK after non-dom tax abolition: report

STEEL tycoon Lakshmi Mittal is considering leaving the UK following the government’s decision to abolish the non-domiciled tax status. The move would make him one of the most prominent entrepreneurs to leave due to the tax reform.

Mittal, who has lived in the UK for three decades, has informed associates that his departure is likely due to Labour’s decision to end the non-dom regime, which allowed certain residents to avoid paying UK tax on foreign income.

Keep ReadingShow less
King Charles

The palace said in a statement that after receiving scheduled treatment in the morning, the king had 'temporary side effects that required a short period of observation in hospital.' (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

King Charles cancels engagements after cancer treatment side effects

KING CHARLES has postponed his engagements for Thursday and Friday after experiencing side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace announced.

The palace said in a statement that after receiving scheduled treatment in the morning, the king had "temporary side effects that required a short period of observation in hospital."

Keep ReadingShow less