Latest news with #BAPSSwaminarayanSanstha
India.com
13-08-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Indias Consulate General In Chicago Condemns Desecration Of BAPS Temple, Calls It Reprehensible
The Consulate General of India in Chicago on Wednesday strongly condemned the desecration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Greenwood, Indiana, involving the vandalism of the temple's main signboard, marking the fourth such anti-Hindu act of desecration against a temple in the US in the past year. Describing the act as "reprehensible", the Consulate, in a statement on X, confirmed that it was in close contact with the local Hindu community and had taken up the matter with US law enforcement agencies, urging swift action against those responsible. "Desecration of main signboard of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Greenwood, Indiana is reprehensible. The Consulate is in touch with the community and has raised the matter with law enforcement authorities for prompt action. Today Consul General addressed a gathering of devotees and local leadership including Hon'ble Mayor of Greenwood, calling for unity & solidarity and vigilance against miscreants there," the Consulate stated. Earlier, the Public Affairs division of the socio-spiritual organisation, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, called the act a "hate crime" and reaffirmed the community's commitment to stand united against anti-religious bigotry. "For the 4th time in less than a year, one of our Mandirs has been desecrated by a hateful act. The anti-Hindu hate crime against the BAPS Mandir in Greenwood, IN has only strengthened our community's resolve, and we remain united in our stand against anti-religious behaviour," it stated in a post on X. US Congressman Nick LaLota also condemned the act, stating, "Religiously motivated crimes like these must be condemned and those who commit them must be held accountable. Live and let live!" in a post on X. US Congressman Tom Suozzi also condemned the act, urging the prosecution of the perpetrators and further calling out "hatred and bigotry". "This is the third hateful attack on a BAPS Temple. We must prosecute the perpetrators and educate against hate. We must all call out hatred and bigotry when we see it," Suozzi stated in a post on X. This incident follows a series of similar attacks on Hindu temples in the United States, drawing sharp condemnation from Indian authorities and community organisations. Earlier this year, on March 9, India strongly condemned the vandalism at a Hindu temple in California. Reacting to the incident, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed the act "despicable" and urged US law enforcement agencies to take stringent action against those responsible.
NDTV
13-08-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Another Hindu Temple Defaced In US' Indiana, 4th Incident This Year
Washington: A Hindu temple was defaced in the US city of Indiana earlier this week. The "hateful act" took place at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Greenwood City on August 10, according to the temple's official public affairs account. The Indian Consulate in Chicago took strong note of the incident, calling it "reprehensible". In a statement, the consulate noted that the main signboard of the temple was defaced and called for vigilance against troublemakers in the temple area. "Desecration of the main signboard of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Greenwood, Indiana, is reprehensible," it said in an X post, adding that it has raised the matter with the law enforcement authorities for "prompt action". Desecration of main signboard of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Greenwood, Indiana is reprehensible. The Consulate is in touch with the community and has raised the matter with law enforcement authorities for prompt action. Today Consul General addressed a gathering of devotees… — India in Chicago (@IndiainChicago) August 12, 2025 It added that the consul general also addressed a gathering of devotees and local leadership, including the Mayor of Greenwood, "calling for unity & solidarity, and vigilance against miscreants there." The temple administration in its post also said that the act has "strengthened our community's resolve, and we remain united in our stand against anti-religious behaviour." The Public Affairs division of the socio-spiritual organisation, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, also called the act a "hate crime" and reaffirmed the community's commitment to stand united against anti-religious bigotry. US Congressman Nick LaLota also condemned the act, stating, "Religiously motivated crimes like these must be condemned and those who commit them must be held accountable. Live and let live!" in a post on X. "For the 4th time in less than a year, one of our Mandirs has been desecrated by a hateful act. The anti-Hindu hate crime against the BAPS Mandir in Greenwood, IN has only strengthened our community's resolve, and we remain united in our stand against anti-religious behaviour," it stated in a post on X. This was reportedly the fourth time in less than a year that a BAPS temple has been targeted. It came just days away from Krishna Janmashtami, which falls on August 16. In March, the BAPS Hindu temple in California was desecrated by an unknown person in another such incident in the US. At the time, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed the act "despicable" and urged US law enforcement agencies to take stringent action against those responsible.
Hans India
29-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
Transforming young lives through eternal culture: BAPS begins Sanskrit learning initiative
New Delhi: In a world filled with distractions and entertainment overload, inculcating cultural values in children is both a challenge and necessity. The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha has started a one-of-its-kind initiative for the holistic development of children. Guided by the divine vision of Mahant Swami Maharaj, the BAPS has been steadfastly nurturing moral, spiritual, and intellectual growth in children and adults. Under the guidance of Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS has launched a large-scale Sanskrit learning initiative aimed at preserving our eternal values and language. This initiative has received an overwhelming response from across the world. Over 37,000 children have registered, with a targeted milestone of enabling 10,000 children to begin learning Sanskrit by this Diwali. In Mumbai alone, 1,000 children have already embarked on their Sanskrit learning journey, and 400 of them have completed their course. The remaining are on track to complete it by the next Diwali. Children ranging from three to 14 years of age are actively involved in memorising and reciting these Sanskrit verses. This Sanskrit Shloka Mukhapath Abhiyan focused on memorising 315 verses from the 'Satsang Diksha' granth, a sacred scripture written by Mahant Swami Maharaj himself. In such a fast-paced and material-driven era, it is truly inspiring to witness thousands of children embracing Sanskrit, our ancient and divine language, as a medium to connect with their roots. This remarkable movement is not only about language, but about cultivating discipline, devotion, memory, and inner strength. Child psychiatrist Shreyasetu Swami stated that such achievements are the result of the collective dedication of hundreds of saints, volunteers, and carefully crafted educational programmes initiated by BAPS. "This initiative is not merely an educational campaign; it is a cultural revolution. By embracing Sanskrit, children are not only preserving language but building character, memory, and focus," he added
RNZ News
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Indian community celebrates Rath Yatra with colour and devotion
A cultural parade organised by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha New Zealand in Avondale. Photo: Supplied Hundreds of members of the Indian community marked Rath Yatra with vibrant celebrations in cities and towns across New Zealand. The annual Hindu festival, which originated in the coastal city of Puri in Odisha State, celebrates the journey of deities Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra. Also known as the Festival of Chariots, it traditionally features a decorated chariot pulled by devotees in a symbolic procession of unity and blessings. In Auckland, celebrations were led by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha New Zealand and the New Zealand Odia Society. The annual Hindu festival, which originated in the coastal city of Puri in Odisha State, celebrates the journey of deities Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra. Photo: Supplied The largest gathering took place at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Avondale, where more than 500 people took part in the chariot procession and cultural parade. "The weather was not on our side this year, but hundreds still turned up," said Sidd Doshi, one of the organisers. "Our tradition is to take the deities out among the people," Doshi said. "On this special day, instead of remaining in the temple, they are placed on chariots and taken through the streets to bless the community." BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha also held celebrations in Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Rotorua, with smaller events in Whangarei, Napier, Nelson and Dunedin. The New Zealand Odia Society hosted events in both Wellington and Auckland. In Wellington, celebrations took place at Redwood School on 29 June and featured Odissi dance performances and other cultural programmes. Rath Yatra celebrations in Henderson, Auckland, organised by the New Zealand Odia Society. Photo: Supplied In Auckland, the event was held at Sriram Mandir in Henderson and began with a puja of a handcrafted chariot, built by members of the organisation. The highlight of the day was a musical drama adaptation of Patent Medicine, an iconic play by renowned Odia writer Fakir Mohan Senapati. "This year, the Ratha was adorned with the sacred Patitapaban Bana flag, sourced directly from Puri," the NZ Odia Society said in a statement. "The programme included Odissi dances, a soulful chorus by adults, group performances and an instrumental ensemble performed entirely by children," the statement said. "The music was choreographed by Basant Madhur, founder of the Sargam School of Music."
Hans India
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Arun Yogiraj hails BAPS Mandir in Abu Dhabi as global tribute to Indian culture
Abu Dhabi (UAE), May 17 (IANS) Arun Yogiraj, the acclaimed sculptor of the divine Shri Ram Lalla idol at the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya, recently visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. His visit was marked by reverence and deep spiritual emotion. Overwhelmed by the temple's architectural grandeur and sanctity, Yogiraj said, 'I am speechless. This is not just a temple, but a divine sculpture -- carved with devotion, envisioned with faith, and brought to life with love. To witness such exquisite artistry and devotion in a foreign land is profoundly moving.' Reflecting on his lifelong commitment to preserving India's sculptural traditions, he added, 'Seeing this magnificent mandir in Abu Dhabi fills me with pride and gratitude. It will inspire generations -- not just as a place of worship, but as a symbol of global harmony and unity.' The BAPS Hindu Mandir stands as a landmark of faith and culture -- the first traditional stone temple in the Middle East, dedicated to values of tolerance, peace, and interfaith harmony. Crafted by over 2,000 skilled Indian artisans following the ancient Hindu shilp-shastras, the temple was built without the use of steel or concrete. The land was graciously donated by the UAE government, reflecting the strong and enduring ties between India and the UAE. Constructed under the spiritual guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the temple features seven intricately carved sanctums that vividly portray timeless Hindu scriptures and legends. The sprawling campus also includes a cultural centre, library, vegetarian food court, auditorium, and an immersive exhibition hall. Inaugurated in February 2024 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior UAE dignitaries, the BAPS Mandir now stands as a global beacon of peace, spirituality, and Indian heritage. Arun Yogiraj's heartfelt reflections on the temple underscore its artistic and cultural significance. The tribute -- coming from one of India's foremost sculptors -- highlights the BAPS Hindu Mandir's growing stature as a global symbol of devotion and craftsmanship. --IANS skp/
