Baps Swaminarayan Akshardham Robbinsville
Born and brought up in the United States, Canada and India, 30 youth began a life of selfless service to religion and humanity. On 2 October 2023, in a grand program organized at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, New Jersey, he took the initiation of Tyagashram from Mahant Swamiji Maharaj and dedicated his life to service-devotion-sacrifice and world welfare. This dedication symbolizes a firm commitment to the path guided by unwavering faith, unity and devotion.
The graduation day is a testament to the indomitable spirit of 30 young souls who pursued various fields of study and professions in world-renowned universities and companies. Among them there are some youth who are the only children of their parents. It shows that they and their families have made an incomparable sacrifice for the greater good of society and the world. The mother and father have done a great service to Sanatan Dharma by giving permission to these youth for initiation with a happy heart.
This sacred initiation leads to the life of a monk, a revered group dedicated to selfless service. It also highlights the values of humility, compassion and unwavering dedication for the upliftment of humanity. It underlines the deep belief that individual dedication can have a lasting, positive impact on society. In today’s ceremony, in the morning, His Holiness Mahantaswami Maharaj provided Vedic initiation mantra to all the youth.
The essence of Diksha Diwas lies in the eternal values of Sanatan Dharma.
The essence of Diksha Diwas lies in the eternal values of Sanatan Dharma which these youth have chosen today. This reflects his strong commitment to living a purposeful life, where service to others is given priority and the well-being of the community becomes his top priority. Speaking directly to the newly initiated saints and councilors, Mahantaswami Maharaj blessed them and said, ‘Serving God and society was firm in your mind, today is the beginning of a new life. There is still a lot of work to be done from here. May you all be successful on this spiritual path of attaining God through your service.
These youth carry Vedic teachings with them in their journey throughout life. Today, from this glorious complex of Akshardham Temple, he will spread the universal messages of love, selflessness and unity to the world. It is noteworthy that on the same day in the evening, Akshardham hosted a cultural program titled “Celebration of Values and Nonviolence” to celebrate the International Day of Nonviolence. Devotees and well-wishers from across North America gathered to discuss the core principles of Hinduism, including truth, non-violence and equality.
International Day of Non-Violence commemorates the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi. He was a leader who supported non-violent resistance for India’s independence. Since these eternal values of non-violence and peace are inherent in Hindu scriptures. The sacred texts of the Hindu faith still guide non-violent values. In his discourse, Pujya Swayam Prakashdas Swami (Doctor Swami) said, ‘On this day of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, let us take inspiration from his life – success is not achieved by words alone, but by our actions and purity of character.’ Akshardham serves as a symbol of spiritual devotion, cultural heritage and unity and shares the vibrant traditions and heritage of India for the welfare of the world.
