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India Gazette
an hour ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurates Shri Swaminarayan Gurukul, commences academic session in Dabhoi
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], June 9 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the newly constructed Swaminarayan Gurukul in Dabhoi, Vadodara district, and formally commenced the academic session. The event was graced by the presence of saints, spiritual leaders, and distinguished dignitaries, according to the release. He said that 'In the Indian education system along with knowledge, values are also essential.' He further explained that in the ancient Gurukul tradition, princes received education and initiation from revered sages. Lord Rama was educated by sages Vashishta and Vishwamitra, while Lord Shri Krishna acquired knowledge from Rishi Sandipani. This very Gurukul tradition is now being revitalised through modern methods, thereby honouring and preserving our ancient heritage. The Chief Minister stated that institutions like these are, in contemporary times, blending the Gurukul tradition with modern advancements to offer students not only academic knowledge but also value-based and culturally grounded training essential for holistic development. The establishment of a modern hostel alongside a technologically equipped school campus marks the beginning of a new era in education. He expressed firm belief that this Gurukul by the Swaminarayan institution will nurture a generation poised for a bright future founded on patriotism, values, and spirituality. He mentioned that under the New Education Policy, which advances the legacy of ancient universities like Nalanda and Takshashila, the Prime Minister has established sector-specific universities. For the first time, an education system rooted in Indian tradition and based on the mother tongue has been implemented. Under the Prime Minister's guidance, the state government is bringing quality improvements in schools through the Gunotsav campaign. CM Patel emphasised that special attention has been given to the education of girls through initiatives such as Kanya Kelavani and Shala Praveshotsav. Chief Minister stated that through the Namo Lakshmi and Namo Saraswati Yojana, students are being encouraged to opt for science streams. 'Within just one year, there has been a 27 percent increase in the number of students enrolling in the science stream. Through Mission School of Excellence and Vidya Samiksha Kendra, both standards and quality of education have progressed,' he said. The Prime Minister has resolved to establish India not just as a developing nation but as Viksit Bharat by 2047. Chief Minister urged that to realize this resolution, we must all contribute to shaping an 'Amrit Generation' that is educated, value-oriented, and determined. The CM mentioned that institutions like Shri Swaminarayan Gurukul play a vital role in supporting environmental initiatives led by the Prime Minister, including Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, Catch the Rain, and No Usage of Single Use Plastic. Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all the brave soldiers of the Indian Army who displayed exceptional valour in protecting Bharat Mata for the unforgettable success of Operation Sindoor, the Chief Minister said that this operation has given a new direction to India's fight against terrorism. The Prime Minister has set such an example of national defence that it will inspire future generations to serve the nation. MLA Shailesh Mehta stated that, considering the cultural ethos of Darbhavati Nagari, the establishment of a Gurukul imparting value-based education had become a vital necessity. Under the leadership of the institution's directors--K P Swami, Nautam Swami, and Bapu Swami--this Gurukul has not merely been inaugurated today, but has marked the beginning of a new chapter in shaping the future of Darbhavati Nagari. 'The Chief Minister has shown special affection for Darbhavati by providing unique grants and developmental schemes, and therefore, I proudly say today that the Chief Minister's contribution to Darbhavati's development is invaluable. I express my heartfelt gratitude to him for that,' Mehta said. Jitubhai Vaghani, MLA Bhavnagar, stated that generally, when any educational institution is managed by commercial entities, it often operates with a profit-oriented approach. However, when such institutions are managed by saints, they are guided by a spirit of service and are enriched with cultural and moral values -- a truth that society has experienced firsthand. Swaminarayan Gurukul is not just an educational institution; it is an abode of values. Such institutions, equipped with modern technology and rooted in values, contribute not only to teaching but also to showing students how to live. The real success of a Gurukul is when students feel drawn to attend, to study, and are shaped with Indianness, ethics, and patriotism alongside their education, the release said. Nautam Swami presented an outline of Swaminarayan Gurukul's activities. (ANI)
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Freeze-dried ice-creams & aam ras are Gujaratis' new travel essentials
Ahmedabad: Nothing says home like the taste of kulfi—even at 30,000 feet over Europe. This summer, Gujaratis are packing more than passports for their trips abroad—they're taking freeze-dried ice cream , basundi, and even aam ras along for the trend is taking off—literally and figuratively—as a thriving micro-industry in Gujarat. With international travel rising every year—be it tourists or parents visiting their kids—and many families adhering to strict vegetarian or Jain diets, freeze-dried Indian ice creams are now emerging as the new must-pack essentials. Industry insiders say that demand for freeze-dried ice cream alone soared to 400–500 kg a day, supplied by over 40 units across the state. "We handle mostly Jain and Swaminarayan travellers who strictly avoid foreign ice creams fearing they may contain eggs or other non-vegetarian ingredients," said Smita Modi, a travel agent. "Now, we provide freeze-dried ice cream with their travel packs. For a single tour, we send up to 100 kg! It's cost-effective and hassle-free."Harshil Patel, who runs a freeze-dried food facility, said, "In the past three years, ready-to-eat food exploded in popularity. This year, ice cream became a star. We flash-freeze it at -30°C, dry it slowly over 9 hours at 50°C, and end up with a crunchy, wafer-like cube which turns into fresh ice cream when mixed with water or milk and frozen." Patel's unit processes 650 kg of food daily, with about 15% now devoted to frozen desserts. Supermarkets, snack shops, and tour operators are snapping up supplies."People abroad can now enjoy home food without worrying about spoilage. Our biggest clients are travel agents and caterers," says Samir Avadiya, another Modi, who owns a popular food store in Ahmedabad, says it's not just tourists. "Parents come in with home-cooked food to get it dried before sending it to their kids overseas. Ice cream demand spiked, but we also do mango ras, gajar halwa—even handvo!"And it's not just food makers riding the wave. Machinery manufacturers are seeing booming orders too. "There are now more than 40 freeze-drying units in Gujarat—and growing," said Chandrakant Patel, who supplies equipment to the industry. For Gujaratis, wherever they go, the taste of home follows—crispy, cool, and ready to eat.
News18
22-04-2025
- General
- News18
Rooted In Sanatan Dharma, How Swaminarayan Akshardham Temples Are Bridging Modernity With Timeless Tradition
Last Updated: The Swaminarayan temples are widely recognised for seamlessly blending religious depth with modern sensibilities, while remaining rooted in Indian culture, traditions, and sculpture As US Vice-President JD Vance admired the intricate carvings on the stunning Gajendra Peeth—the lower plinth of elephants that forms the pradakshina at the base of the magnificent Swaminarayan Akshardham temple—temple officials explained to him that the structure symbolised strength and wisdom. It is this very architectural grandeur that continues to captivate visitors. The Swaminarayan temples are widely recognised for seamlessly blending religious depth with modern sensibilities, while remaining rooted in Indian culture, traditions, and sculpture. 'These mandirs provide an environment where people—young and old—feel rooted in tradition, uplifted in spirit, and engaged in the community across the world," said Pujya Swami Brahmavihari Das, internal spokesperson and senior sadhu at BAPS. 'The stone temples are purely traditional as per the ancient shilpa shastras, however, the facilities are modern to serve the need of today," he said. As part of their four-day visit to India, Vance, along with his Indian-origin wife Usha and their three children—Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel—made their first stop at the sprawling Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple located along the banks of the Yamuna. According to Akshardham officials, the Vance family explored the temple's majestic art and architecture, immersing themselves in India's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. They appreciated the messages of harmony, family values, and timeless wisdom that the Akshardham campus represents. Explaining the significance of the Swaminarayan temples, Swami Brahmavihari Das said the architecture tells stories from the scriptures, showcases saints and sages, and embodies sacred geometry. Though crafted in stone, these structures are designed to shape the spirit. The rituals, he explained, are rooted in the Vedas but carefully adapted for modern times—made accessible, clear, and meaningful for everyone. It is this blend of ancient tradition and thoughtful accessibility that, makes the mandirs widely cherished today. Swami Brahmavihari Das spoke of how the Swaminarayan temples that are present globally, from London to Los Angeles, Paris to Toronto, Sydney to Johannesburg and now in Abu Dhabi, have been welcomed wholeheartedly by the people of those nations. 'We genuinely serve the needs of the local people through universal Sanatan values like love, peace, tolerance and service. This growth is natural, born out of need, not expansionism and it is not about influence, but about inclusion—inviting people into a way of life that is meaningful, moral, and fulfilling with devotion. That's how we've built global relevance without losing local resonance," said Swami Brahmavihari Das. The Swaminarayan sect has set a new benchmark in temple architecture, notably with their iconic Shikhar Dhwaj temples, which feature towering spires or Shikhar Dhwajs. According to Bhavya Tripathi, a religious commentator, 'These temples are very large and are known as Shikhar Dhwaj temples. This style was historically adopted by Indian kings to build grand temples like the Jyotirlingas. The Swaminarayan sect drew from both Hindu and Jain traditions to create this form." Today, the Swaminarayan temple holds a unique and significant place in Indian culture and the temple-building movement, explains Tripathi. 'In 1900, when Shastriji Maharaj took the lead to establish BAPS in Bochasan and later constructed some temples, it laid the foundation for what became a global temple-building movement," Tripathi said. 'Then Yogiji Maharaj, and later Pramukh Swami, carried this forward and established more than 1,300 temples across the world," he said. In the early days, the Swaminarayan temples were not as massive. 'But as Gurus began travelling—first to Africa, then to Europe and America—they recognised the need to communicate on a larger scale," said Tripathi. The goal was to create spaces where 'God resides and the community gathers", as the growing Indian diaspora needed larger temples to cater to their spiritual needs. Today, more than 40 of these Shikhar Dhwaj temples exist across the globe, with the Akshardham Temple in Delhi standing as the most iconic example. Tripathi explains, 'These temples incorporate Indian motifs like camels, elephants, flowers, peacocks, petals, and symbolic trees like the Banyan. This reflects the aesthetic of Vedic temples, which are both grand and deeply symbolic." Authenticity in construction is paramount. 'They mostly use granite and brown stone," he adds. 'Cement is avoided. Instead, they use a mix of limestone and other traditional binding agents—just like in ancient Indian temples." This architectural vision has not only maintained its roots in tradition but has become a symbol of Indian culture globally. The Akshardham temple in Delhi, built on land provided by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is an enduring representation of this architectural grandeur. More recently, the Swaminarayan temple in Abu Dhabi has also gained international attention. 'There was already a temple in Dubai since the 1950s," said Tripathi. 'The UAE wanted a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, and that's how the Swaminarayan temple came up there." Despite being just over a century old, the Swaminarayan sect has consistently reflected Indian religious and cultural values. According to Tripathi, 'They achieve this through their temple design, the presence of Sanyasis, and their rituals." The sect's architectural achievements serve as a testament to how tradition and modernity can seamlessly coexist. The Sanyasis wear Gerua Vastra—saffron robes—and symbolise a modern expression of deeply traditional Hindu values. 'They adhere to the core principles of Sanyasa: not touching Lakshmi (money), and not speaking to women," he added. 'They represent the essence of Sanyasa," Tripathi said. 'Their global travels and engagement as a Hindu sect are rooted in core Indian values. They also continue the Guru-Shishya parampara, which is central to Hindu tradition." Inaugurated in 2005, the grand temple dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan has become a landmark for visitors to the Capital. Revered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Swaminarayan founded the Swaminarayan faith and revived Hindu ideals in 18th century India. He introduced a spiritual path and a structured code of conduct, as detailed by the BAPS Swaminarayan organisation. During their India visit last year, former British prime minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty also visited the Akshardham temple, highlighting its global significance as a spiritual and cultural icon. top videos View all Speaking to News18 about Vance's visit, Gnanmunidas Swami, head of Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, said: 'The visit of the vice-president and his family is a reflection of how these universal ideals resonate across cultures and nations. The visit symbolises the shared values of faith, peace, and unity that continue to strengthen ties between India and the United States." 'Swaminarayan Akshardham stands as a living expression of India's timeless values—faith, family, and harmony—brought to life through art and architecture. In a world searching for deeper meaning, Akshardham offers a space where tradition meets the spirit of modernity." News18 India delivers breaking news, top headlines, and live updates on politics, weather, elections, law and crime, much more. Stay informed with real-time coverage and in-depth analysis of current events across India. tags : abu dhabi baps Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) JD Vance Lord Vishnu Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: April 22, 2025, 09:26 IST News india Rooted In Sanatan Dharma, How Swaminarayan Akshardham Temples Are Bridging Modernity With Timeless Tradition
News18
22-04-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Temples Crafted In Stone, But They Sculpt The Soul': How Swaminarayan Temples Inspire Dharma
Last Updated: With the spotlight on US President JD Vance's visit to Akshardham, BAPS international spokesperson Swami Brahmavihari Das explains how the opulent architecture of Swaminarayan temples is one of the main reasons they are spread across the world The visit of US Vice-President JD Vance has again put the spotlight on the Akshardham temple. One of the major reasons for the Swaminarayan temples to spread across the world is its opulent architecture. More importantly, as BAPS international spokesperson Swami Brahmavihari Das told News18, the 'architecture tells stories from the scriptures, depicts saints and sages, and radiates sacred geometry". 'These temples are crafted in stone, but they sculpt the soul," he said. How have the Swaminarayan temples set a new standard and how are they built to encourage people to continue their dharma? Bhagwan Swaminarayan built five mandirs in his own lifetime and, from then on, the Swaminarayan Sampraday built mandirs as sanctuaries of spirit and service. They inspire dharma not only through rituals but value-based living and humanitarian service. Every detail, from intricate carvings to the warm welcome of volunteers, is designed to ignite a sense of belonging and devotion. These mandirs provide an environment where people – young and old – feel rooted in tradition, uplifted in spirit, and engaged in the community across the world. The stone temples are purely traditional as per ancient shilpa shastras; however, the facilities are modern to serve the needs of today. How do you view the visit of US Vice-President JD Vance and his family to the temple? It was a moment of mutual respect and heartfelt warmth. Vice President JD Vance arrived with his family after visiting the Vatican for Easter and joined us not only as a statesman, but as a spiritually active father alongside his family. He was delighted and his children were excited as they experienced a glimpse of India's timeless values – of peace, prayer, and pluralism. And for us, it was an opportunity to honour the spirit of friendship between cultures, faiths, and nations. When leaders of nations talk about more than just trade, technology, policies and politics, and they take time out to understand and exchange cultural and spiritual values, it is truly heartwarming and hope-building. How has the Swaminarayan sect managed to expand its influence globally while retaining its traditional roots? The BAPS fellowship, through the inspiration of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and now Mahant Swami Maharaj, has remained rooted in seva, sanskar, and spirituality. Our mandirs are found across the world – from London to Los Angeles, Paris to Toronto, Sydney to Johannesburg and now in Abu Dhabi. In each of these places, they are welcomed by people in their nations and communities because we genuinely serve the needs of the local residents through universal Sanatan values like love, peace, tolerance, and service. This growth is natural, born out of need, not expansionism and it is not about influence, but about inclusion – inviting people into a way of life that is meaningful, moral, and fulfilling with devotion. That's how we've built global relevance without losing local resonance. What sets the Swaminarayan temples apart in terms of architecture and rituals? We do not make an effort to stand apart – we feel it is an extension of a rich and relevant tradition of Sanatan Dharma. Our architecture tells stories from the scriptures, depicts saints and sages, and radiates sacred geometry. These temples are crafted in stone, but they sculpt the soul. And our rituals, though rooted in the Vedas, are fine-tuned for today – made accessible and understandable to all – performed with devotion, clarity, and purpose. It is this fusion of timeless tradition and compassionate accessibility that makes our mandirs beloved by all in today's times. Why is Akshardham in Delhi, and now the beautiful temple in Abu Dhabi, considered a symbol of the Swaminarayan sect's power and reach? I would humbly say they are not symbols of power, but of prayer. These mandirs represent the reach of love and bhakti and continued relevance of faith in the modern context. Akshardham Delhi stands as a cultural lighthouse in our nation's capital. The Abu Dhabi mandir, built with the grace of Bhagwan and the vision of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, is a bridge between civilisations. Both inspire awe, yes, but more importantly, they inspire harmony. In what ways does the Swaminarayan sect engage with modernity – technology, politics, global diaspora – without compromising on its core values? Following the principles of Sanatan Dharma – we do not see things in the world through the lenses of friends and foes or opportunities and threats. We see the whole world as the work and will of the divine and the events of the world as God's will. This allows us to engage with technological advances, societal changes, and people across the world constructively to further the universal values and increase the happiness that we all desire and cherish. Clarity and commitment to purity of vision and values will never allow modern tools and technology to hijack the heart of humanity. Why are Swaminarayan temples often built on such a grand scale, and what message does that grandeur aim to send? Not all Swaminarayan mandirs are grand, some are small and simple. They are built as per the need and resources available. All in all, mandirs are the home of the most glorious form of the almighty and so they express gratitude to God, reverence for tradition, and a desire to offer the best to the divine. In a world where people rightfully build glorious skyscrapers, museums, stadiums, iconic landmarks for commerce, comfort, and knowledge we build sanctuaries for the soul, abodes of art, culture and spirituality that inspire one and all for generations to come. How do the daily rituals and routines at a Swaminarayan temple differ from those at mainstream Hindu temples? Swaminarayan mandirs like all Hindu temples follow devotional rituals and ceremonies. Every murti is worshipped with devotion and personally cared for as a living deity – adorned every day with garlands and shringar, worshipped by aarti and served with bhog. As you witnessed, our mandirs are open to all people – regardless of caste, creed, or class, from all faiths or backgrounds and the rituals and routines, too, are experienced and respected by all. How is technology used in Swaminarayan temples to manage crowds, conduct rituals, and create immersive spiritual experiences? Technology is our invisible sevak. From crowd management to food preparation – all aspects of a mandir's operations are open to using the latest developments to make a better and safer experience for visitors. But, most importantly, we use it with sanskar. It enhances darshan, not replaces it. At BAPS, technology serves devotion – it doesn't distract from it. It makes spirituality scalable and sacredness seamless. That's the power of combining science with sanskriti. Hence, while the mandir has sacred places for meditation and contemplation where space is available, we create exhibitions and spiritual shows that help transmit values and inspirations. Lastly, in light of the recent announcements, I would also like to share our condolences with Vice-President JD Vance and all those of Catholic faith in India and around the world for the loss of His Holiness Pope Francis. His simplicity, faith and inclusivity were inspirational to many across the world. I personally was present when he signed the Human Fraternity Document on February 4, 2019, in Abu Dhabi. News18 India delivers breaking news, top headlines, and live updates on politics, weather, elections, law and crime, much more. Stay informed with real-time coverage and in-depth analysis of current events across India. tags : Akshardham baps JD Vance Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: April 22, 2025, 07:00 IST News india 'Temples Crafted In Stone, But They Sculpt The Soul': How Swaminarayan Temples Inspire Dharma | Exclusive
Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Vances' date with Akshardham Temple, emporium at Janpath
US Vice-President J D Vance, his Indian-origin wife Usha and their three children began their India trip on Monday with a visit to the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple near the banks of the Yamuna. The children — all three dressed in Indian attire — were the cynosure of many an eye. While eight-year-old Ewan and five-year-old Vivek wore yellow and grey kurtas with white pyjamas, Vance's three-year-old daughter Mirabel was dressed in a teal green anarkali suit and a jacket. 'Thank you all so much for your hospitality and kindness in welcoming me and my family to this beautiful place. It is a great credit to India that you built a beautiful temple with precision and care. Our kids, in particular, loved it. God bless,' Vance wrote in the temple guest book. After they visited the temple, the family posed for camera crews outside. 'They were given a traditional welcome after which they had darshan. A carved wooden elephant, a model of the Akshardham Temple and children's books were gifted to the family,' a priest at the temple told PTI. Temple volunteer Meera Sondagar also told PTI that Vance was captivated by the intricately sculpted Gajendra Peeth, a plinth adorned with carvings of elephants that symbolises strength and wisdom. They later met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence (ANI) 'The Vance family explored the mandir's majestic art and architecture, experiencing India's heritage and cultural depth and they appreciated the messages of harmony, family values, and timeless wisdom embodied in the Akshardham campus,' the temple posted on social media. Inaugurated in 2005, the temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, who established the Swaminarayan faith. Next in the family's tour of the Capital was the Central Cottage Industries Emporium at Janpath. 'The family, along with members of their security team, bought a lot of items. The Vances picked up tea, honey, paper mache toys and coaster sets, wooden peacock, model of Ashoka Pillar and a brass bowl, among others,' said Vinay Aggarwal (55), the manager at the emporium. 'They were here for around 45 minutes and bought items worth around Rs 50,000. The Vance family alone made purchases worth Rs 20,000,' he added. Established in 1952, the Central Cottage Industries Emporium was envisioned as a platform to revive India's craft heritage, impacted by industrialisation in the post-colonial era. Meanwhile, due to VIP movement in the Capital, the city saw traffic jam in areas like Mathura Road, Kalindi Kunj-Sarita Vihar road, Dilshad Garden roundabout and Ghazipur road. In the afternoon, people also faced difficulty commuting in Mahipalpur, Delhi Cantonment, area around Supreme Court, and Dhaula Kuan, said traffic police.
