BAPS holds Special Prayer Assembly
for Mumbai Terror Attack
Victims
By Mahadev Desai
Hundreds of Indian-American community attended the Special
Prayer Assembly to offer their prayers for the innocent victims
and their loved ones in the recent Mumbai terrorist attack. The
Assembly held at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Lilburn on
Sunday November 30, was graced by the presence of Consul General
of Great Britain to Atlanta Martin Rickerd, Consul General of
Israel to the Southeastern United States Reda Mansour and
honorary Consul General of India to the United States in Georgia
Kenneth Cutshaw and family members..
The dignified assembly commenced with the uplifting Vedic
prayers seeking global peace and was followed by bhajans (Vaishanava
Janato), traditional dhun by BAPS Yuvaks and Kishores.
Pankaj Patel and Yogi Patel who emceed the event, and Pujya
Shantmurti Swami spoke briefly on the importance of faith, hope,
peace, equanimity and unity in these turbulent times. Yogi Patel
conveyed the message of condolence and sympathy and appeal for
peace and calm, from Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Swamiji had also
emphasized that violence is not the answer to terrorism and had
assured his full support to all enduring the aftermath of this
horrific attack. He went on to introduce the distinguished
guests.
“We are here today, first and foremost, to pray for the
victims,” said Consul General Rickerd.”Whoever they are and
wherever they come from, their loss is incalculable to the
family and friends they leave behind Mumbai is one of the most
diverse and vibrant cities. This callous, inhuman and
indiscriminate attack on it is an attack on all of us. The
British Prime Minister, Rt.Hon.Gordon Brown has sent his
sympathy and support to the Indian Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan
Singh and people of India. More than 200 including 20 foreigners
have lost their lives. But no victim’s life is worth more than
any other. International community must work together to end
this. We should not let this specter of violence threaten the
values of civilized community" he declared.
“It is sad that while many pray to God, some continue to kill in
the name of God,” said Mr.Reda Mansour, “Mumbai is heart of
India -a city that symbolizes democracy, freedom, enterprise,
pluralism and open society. We take this tragic loss in a
personal way not because of the loss of Israelis but because we
live in a globalized world. We must come together to find a
peaceful way and resolve not to bow down to the terrorists”
“It is a very challenging task for the leadership of India to
seek answers, to seek peaceful resolution," said Mr. Kenneth
Cutshaw. “On behalf of the Indian Government, I thank you for
being here and offer my heartfelt prayers for families who have
lost their loved ones. Let these prayers have purpose and
meaning as we go on with our lives’ he concluded.
PR Chair of BAPS, Ritesh Desai invited the distinguished guests
together with media representatives Ravi Ponangi and Mahadev
Desai and Pujya Munitilak Swami on stage to light the
Peace(Shraddhanjali) Lamps-to rekindle hope, courage, and
leadership and provide stability. After lighting the lamps, they
performed the arti.
Two minutes silence was observed, followed with Shanti-path by
Shantmurti Swami. The Assembly concluded with the playing of
national anthems of India and the United States.
This type of prayer assembly has been organized at over 650 BAPS
Mandirs worldwide, where followers have come together to pray
for peace, strength and stability.
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Martin Rickerd,
Consul General of Great Britain to Atlanta |
Reda Mansour, Consul General of Israel to the
Southeastern United States |
Kenneth Cutshaw, Honorary Consul General of India to
Georgia |
BAPS PR team of Ritesh Desai, Mitesh Patel, Jayantibhai Patel,
and Sheetal Desai, to name a few, together with highly
disciplined and dedicated volunteers deserve special plaudits
for their warm hospitality and courteousness, and for organizing
a very impressive and befitting Prayer Assembly.
About BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha: The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
(BAPS), a worldwide socio-spiritual organization in Consultative
Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United
Nations, is dedicated to community service, peace and harmony.
Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the
world by caring for societies, families and individuals. Through
a number of social and spiritual activities, BAPS endeavors to
produce better citizens of tomorrow who have a high esteem for
their roots - their rich Hindu culture. Its 9,000 international
centers, including more than 5,000 youth centers, support these
activities of character-building. Under the guidance and
leadership of His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS
aspires to build a community that is morally, ethically and
spiritually pure, and free of addictions. About Pramukh Swami
Maharaj His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth
spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, has inspired
millions of people across the world to lead a God-centered,
morally pure life. As the present leader of BAPS, Pramukh Swami
Maharaj emphasizes the importance of family harmony, community
service and spiritual progress. He embodies the essence of Hindu
life. His compassion for humanity, universal wisdom and striking
simplicity has touched many world religious and national
leaders. For more details visit www.baps.org
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