An enlightening one-day shibir for mahilas was organised on Tuesday 21 April 2015 in Paris, France.
Themed ‘Bhagwan Bhaji Leva’, the shibir provided more than 120 participants with an opportunity to develop their understanding of spiritual devotion through an informative programme of powerful speeches, insightful dramas and group discussions.
The day was organised into three distinct sessions, each incorporating interactive exercises to help the participants learn about the fundamental concepts of devotion. Creative video presentations were also used to explore these concepts in greater detail and provide a deeper understanding of the subject.
One of the highlights of the event was a vibrant cultural programme held in the presence of Harikrishna Maharaj. The programme provided the mahilas with a practical and creative medium through which they could express their devotion.
The evening also included devout celebrations marking the birth of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Shri Ramachandraji. Video blessings from Pramukh Swami Maharaj brought the enlightening day to a fitting conclusion.
Religious leaders, scholars, academics and representatives of Europe’s Dharmic faith communities gathered in Rome on 23 and 24 June 2026 for an international interfaith conference exploring how dialogue and collaboration can strengthen fraternity and contribute to more peaceful and cohesive societies.
Titled ‘Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains and Sikhs in Europe: Building Fraternity through Dialogue and Collaboration’, the two-day conference was held at the Angelicum – Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas in Rome. It was convened by the Catholic Church’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue in partnership with a wide coalition of organisations representing different faith traditions and communities.
More than 150 religious leaders, scholars, academics and faith representatives from across Europe participated in the conference, together with senior officials of the Holy See.
The programme featured keynote addresses, panel discussions and interreligious dialogue sessions. Academics explored the opportunities and challenges of religious pluralism in contemporary Europe, while faith leaders shared practical experiences of fostering dialogue, mutual understanding and collaboration within their communities.
Opening the conference, Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, emphasised that fraternity remains a concrete and lived reality even amid the wars, divisions and hatred affecting the world today.
Throughout the conference, participants reaffirmed that genuine dialogue requires people to remain firmly rooted in their own faith traditions while engaging openly and respectfully with others. They also emphasised the importance of translating dialogue into practical collaboration that promotes peace, harmony and the common good.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, was represented by a delegation of eight members, including two swamis. The delegation joined fellow participants in exploring ways that people of different faiths can strengthen mutual understanding, respect and cooperation.
During the opening session, Paramtattvadas Swami was invited to honour Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad by presenting him with a traditional shawl.
On 24 June, the conference concluded with all participants joining His Holiness Pope Leo XIV’s traditional Wednesday General Audience in St Peter’s Square. Within this setting, BAPS representatives were received for a special audience with His Holiness.
During the audience, the BAPS representatives recalled the historic meeting between His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and His Holiness Pope John Paul II at the Vatican on 7 April 1984. A photograph commemorating that landmark meeting was presented to Pope Leo XIV, highlighting more than four decades of dialogue and mutual respect between BAPS and the Catholic Church.
The representatives also presented a recent photograph of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, together with two gifts and a message of love, peace, harmony and respect.
The first gift was a mala, or Hindu rosary, symbolising the belief that although people of different faiths may pray in different ways, they are united by one Divine thread. The gift also echoed Pope Leo XIV’s episcopal motto, ‘In illo Uno unum’ – ‘In the One, we are one’ – reflecting humanity’s shared search for God, peace and the common good.
The second gift was a traditional diya, or sacred lamp. It represented the Hindu belief that the light of love, peace and harmony triumphs over the darkness of hatred, violence and discord.
Reflecting on the conference and the audience with Pope Leo XIV, Paramtattvadas Swami said, “These two days have reminded us that dialogue is not simply about listening to one another; it is about walking together in friendship and serving society together. We were deeply honoured to convey the blessings and heartfelt message of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.”
The exchange of the gifts expressed a shared aspiration that faith should always be a source of peace, compassion and harmony.
The BAPS delegation’s participation in the conference and audience with Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed BAPS’s longstanding commitment to working alongside people of all faiths to promote peace, harmony, mutual respect and selfless service.
Across Australia and New Zealand, BAPS Balika Mandals organised ‘Matru Devo Bhava: A Friendship of a Lifetime’ celebrations for women during May 2026.
Held across 16 centres, the celebrations brought women and girls together to honour the special relationship between mothers and daughters and to reflect on the values of love, respect, gratitude and companionship that strengthen this lifelong bond.
The programmes were proudly organised by Balika Mandal, giving young girls an opportunity to take the lead in creating and presenting an event for women of all ages. Through their involvement, the balikas demonstrated creativity, teamwork, responsibility and a spirit of seva while celebrating the women who have inspired and supported them.
The theme ‘Matru Devo Bhava’ reflects the timeless Hindu teaching that regards the mother with the highest respect and reverence. The celebrations provided an opportunity for daughters to express their appreciation for the sacrifices, guidance and unconditional love of their mothers, while also recognising the friendship that can develop between mothers and daughters over the course of their lives.
The events brought together multiple generations of women in an atmosphere of warmth, devotion and celebration. Through cultural presentations, thoughtful activities and shared experiences, participants reflected on the importance of family relationships and the values passed from one generation to the next.
The celebrations were held across BAPS centres in Adelaide, Auckland, Atwell, Ballarat, Brisbane North, Canberra, Geelong, Griffith, Melbourne, Melbourne East, Melbourne South, Melbourne West, Perth, Shepparton, Sydney and Wellington between 3 and 23 May 2026.
By placing young girls at the centre of the organisation and presentation of the programmes, ‘Matru Devo Bhava’ provided a meaningful platform for the next generation of women to appreciate their mothers while developing their own confidence, leadership and seva skills.
The initiative celebrated not only motherhood, but also the enduring friendship, mutual respect and shared values that connect women across generations.
Tanzania’s President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, accompanied by First Lady Salma Kikwete and a 50-member Tanzanian delegation, visited Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi to experience India’s ageless beauty, borderless culture and timeless values.
The delegation was traditionally welcomed on behalf of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Senior sadhus welcomed President Kikwete with a garland of flowers, a chandlo and the tying of a sacred kalva. First Lady Salma Kikwete and the members of the Tanzanian delegation were also traditionally welcomed by trustees of Swaminarayan Akshardham and BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
After admiring the Mayur Dwar, the delegation proceeded to the Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir, where they viewed its architecture and experienced the atmosphere of the sacred complex.
The delegation then visited the Gajendra Pithika, featuring 148 life-sized carved stone elephants conveying messages of social harmony, peace and spirituality.
President Jakaya Kikwete and First Lady Salma Kikwete offered prayers for world peace and harmony by performing abhishek, the ceremonial pouring of sanctified water from 151 holy rivers, lakes and ponds across India, on the sacred image of Neelkanth Varni.
The visitors also experienced the educational exhibitions at Akshardham. These included Neelkanth Darshan, a giant-screen film depicting Neelkanth Varni’s epic journey throughout India, and Sanskruti Darshan, a boat ride showcasing 10,000 years of India’s heritage and its contributions to humanity.
Sharing his experience of the visit, President Jakaya Kikwete expressed his admiration for the sacred complex and the work involved in creating it.
First Lady Salma Kikwete also expressed her appreciation for the warm reception and the opportunity to learn about Swaminarayan Akshardham. She praised the preservation of India’s history and culture and its importance as a heritage passed from one generation to the next.
The annual BAPS Women’s Conference was organized from 14 to 21 March 2015 at 11 locations across North America by the Women’s wing of BAPS.
The theme of the conference was ‘Moving Forward’, bringing women together as a community of change makers to celebrate their achievements while reflecting on the opportunities and challenges ahead.
The conference featured inspiring speakers, interactive learning sessions and purposeful networking designed to help women advance in their personal and professional lives and take meaningful steps forward.
Participants openly explored challenges associated with pursuing their ambitions and were encouraged to introspect on how they could become more effective and efficient leaders.
The speakers shared personal experiences and stories of leadership while exploring important qualities such as compassion, forgiveness and perseverance. These discussions encouraged participants to reflect on the importance of building a culture of compassion in their families, workplaces and communities, following the example demonstrated by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
The presentations and discussions challenged women and young ladies from diverse backgrounds to broaden their perspectives and recognize their potential to serve as catalysts for positive change.
The conference was held across Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Edison, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Robbinsville, San Jose, Toronto and Washington DC, providing women across North America with an opportunity to connect, learn from one another and move forward together.
Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Luton on Sunday 15 February 2015, joining the BAPS Women’s Forum of Luton for a cultural celebration entitled ‘Mandir: A Home of Culture, Values and Inspiration’.
The Lord-Lieutenant, who serves as an official representative of The Queen, was warmly welcomed by young girls who sang traditional Vedic prayers. She also participated in the tying of a sacred thread symbolising friendship and auspiciousness.
The celebration began with the traditional lighting of lamps, followed by the Lord-Lieutenant and other guests being garlanded by leaders of the BAPS Women’s Forum in Luton.
More than 100 women attended the gathering and witnessed a vibrant cultural dance performed by youth members of the Women’s Forum. The performance demonstrated the important role of the Mandir in preserving and passing on cultural traditions to younger generations.
A multimedia presentation highlighted the positive value the Mandir has brought to individuals and the wider community. Youth members recited Sanskrit verses describing the morals nurtured at the Mandir, followed by presentations by members of different generations sharing how the Mandir had personally influenced their lives for the better.
A heartfelt speech paid tribute to His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the inspirer of the Mandir and its activities.
The Lord-Lieutenant also officially launched that year’s BAPS Charities Annual 10K Challenge, which supported the British Heart Foundation and Rosa, the UK fund for girls and women.
In her keynote address, the Lord-Lieutenant expressed her appreciation for the Mandir and the work of the women and wider community, saying, “I have learnt so much about this wonderful mandir and I am just in awe with all of you. It is so important what you do here and I congratulate you.”
Before departing, she further praised the cultural work of the Mandir, stating, “Your culture is so rich and the Mandir nurtures this which is so important. Your Guru – what a wonderful person! It is no wonder that so many many people find him a true inspiration.”
On 7 February 2015, 159 youth leaders and 20 volunteers, along with three Pujya Swamis from Canada and the United States, gathered at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto for the 2015 BAPS Youth Leadership Conference, known as KarCon.
KarCon is a karyakar convention held at the local or national level every few years. It provides youth leaders with an opportunity to further develop the spiritual and practical tools needed to offer seva effectively. The conference also brings together bal, balika, kishore and kishori karyakars in the presence of Pujya Swamis, allowing them to share ideas and strategies for strengthening youth seva throughout the Canada region.
The participants represented a wide range of leadership responsibilities. Some volunteers worked directly with youths at BAPS mandirs, while others supported the activities through administrative and organisational roles.
The entire conference was planned and delivered by the youth leadership team. Youth volunteers served as group leaders, logistics coordinators and one-on-one coaches, helping each participant develop a personal roadmap for 2015.
“Shanti, I am a das”
The theme of the 2015 KarCon was “Shanti, I am a das”.
The theme guided the delegates through five powerful prasangs from the life of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. These prasangs highlighted challenging circumstances that Swamishri experienced while performing seva.
Pujya Swamis elaborated on important aspects of each prasang, demonstrating how Pramukh Swami Maharaj navigated difficult situations while maintaining a stable and inspiring level of shanti.
The lessons were then explored through breakout sessions, where karyakars considered how they could apply these principles in their own lives and improve the quality of their seva.
Interactive Leadership Development
To make the learning experience engaging, group leaders used a variety of creative approaches, including games, speeches, videos and focused group discussions.
These activities encouraged participants to think about leadership not simply as responsibility, but as an opportunity to serve others with stability, humility and purpose.
The conference provided participants with practical opportunities to consider their own roles within youth activities and how they could contribute to their continued development.
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
By the conclusion of the day-long conference, the volunteers had gained a better understanding of how they could help expand Canadian youth activities while simultaneously strengthening their own satsang.
Inspired by the life and example of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the delegates concluded the conference feeling empowered to become emotionally agile leaders — leaders capable of responding to challenges with stability, maintaining shanti and continuing to serve with a spirit of dedication.
The 2015 KarCon therefore served not only as a leadership conference, but also as an opportunity for young volunteers across Canada to come together, learn from one another and develop a clearer roadmap for their seva in the year ahead.
This year, at the 10th annual BAPS Women’s Conference, delegates walked away with a renewed approach to balancing three major aspects of their lives through the theme of “Life in Resonance”: cultural identity, work-life balance, and emotional health. In today’s world, everyone is constantly striving for balance, whether it be at school, work, or at […]
Celebrating International Women’s Day 2026, Helsinki, Finland
BAPS centers across North America hosted Impact of Women, a series of events celebrating the contributions and perspectives of women. The gatherings brought together attendees of all ages and backgrounds, including college students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. This year’s focus, “Rooted in Strength, Rising in Purpose,” highlighted the strength held in our shared values, which serve as the foundation that enables us to rise in our purpose—our duties, services, and responsibilities.
Through panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and hands-on demonstrations, attendees engaged in open dialogue about real-life challenges and experiences. Conversations often centered on managing work-life balance in today’s fast-paced world, finding time for self-care, and prioritizing spiritual well-being alongside professional and family responsibilities. Personal stories shared by women from all walks of life offered relatable examples of both struggles and successes, creating a supportive environment where attendees could reflect on their own journeys.
Beyond the practical takeaways, the events offered space to build genuine friendships, with many attendees sharing that connecting with women at different stages of life and professional paths gave them fresh perspectives and a strong sense of community. The events fostered both inspiration and understanding, allowing participants to walk away with meaningful connections as well as new tools for daily living.
Across North America, Impact of Women programs underscored how shared experiences, spiritual grounding, and service-minded living can enrich women’s lives. By combining thoughtful discussions with practical activities, Impact of Women highlighted the importance of balance and the strength found in community.
