News Notes
On December 7, 2024, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Amdavad, 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 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.
The program began with a ceremonious welcome for His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, who arrived at the stadium in a beautifully crafted 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.
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.
The Seed segment showcased the nurturing of the selfless service tradition, initiated by Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj, and structured by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who established organized platforms for volunteers. The Tree segment illustrated how these seeds of service blossomed into a global volunteer force, with stories of resilience and unwavering dedication to initiatives such as education, family unity, and humanitarian efforts. Special tributes were paid to women volunteers for their steadfast contributions. The Fruit segment celebrated the transformative outcomes of volunteerism, highlighting the global reach of BAPS through humanitarian projects and the lives it has touched.
The event underscored the unity and dedication of volunteers, from large-scale festival management to individual acts of life-saving service, reflecting the boundless spirit of seva that continues to inspire millions worldwide. Each segment of the program was brought to life with mesmerizing performances by 2,000 artists, dazzling visual projections across a 160×140-meter screen, 70 projectors, and innovative uses of 100,000 pre-programmed wristbands that lit up in unison.
Key dignitaries, including Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi (via video message), Union Home Minister of India, Amit Shah, and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, shared their reflections on the volunteers’ contributions and the values they embody.
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. The Golden Anniversary Celebration was not only a tribute to the past but also a call to action for the future. As Mahant Swami Maharaj blessed the gathering, he reminded everyone of the importance of seva in creating a harmonious and prosperous world. The event left volunteers and attendees inspired to continue their efforts with renewed vigor.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “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. The volunteers of BAPS are highlighting India’s influence across the world. Recently, the temple constructed by BAPS in Abu Dhabi has showcased India’s spiritual strength to the world. We must further promote initiatives like the ‘Ghar Sabha’ campaign for family harmony introduced by Pramukh Swami Maharaj.”
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj said, “Since morning, I have been remembering the volunteers, performing their pujan, and prostrating to them. You are my hands and feet, tirelessly serving, and I offer my respects to all volunteers.”
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a volunteer-driven spiritual organization committed to fostering individual growth through Hindu values of faith, service, and harmony. It enriches society with the devoted efforts of tens of thousands of volunteers from diverse professional and social backgrounds, contributing millions of volunteer hours annually. Under the spiritual leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS nurtures Hindu traditions in over 100 North American and 3,500 communities worldwide. Through these communities, it champions holistic personal growth, promotes social progress, and encourages diversity by embracing all.
For more details, visit baps.org.
