Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, has been awarded the prestigious Achievement in Building Better Communities honor at the Forum on Faith 2025 held in New York City.
The global interfaith gathering recognized Mahant Swami Maharaj for his visionary leadership in mobilizing BAPS volunteers worldwide toward service initiatives that strengthen communities through health care, education, and disaster relief. The statement from BAPS emphasized that his teachings inspire compassion, unity, and commitment to selfless service.
A key aspect of his leadership, the Forum highlighted, is his dedication to youth empowerment. Mahant Swami Maharaj has consistently encouraged young people to take on leadership roles that combine empathy with responsibility, nurturing a generation committed to positive societal transformation.
The award, a crystal trophy engraved with the Forum on Faith insignia, was presented before an audience of faith leaders, diplomats, public officials, business executives, and global media representatives.
The organizers also acknowledged his promotion of mental well-being, family unity, and emotional resilience — values that lie at the heart of harmonious living. These initiatives, they noted, equip individuals and families to face modern challenges while preserving moral and cultural balance.
Under Mahant Swami Maharaj’s guidance, BAPS has extended its humanitarian reach significantly, now operating over 1,800 temples and cultural centers across five continents. These centers serve as hubs of cultural education, community service, and interfaith understanding.
The Forum on Faith 2025 brought together nearly 600 participants from diverse sectors such as religion, government, business, academia, and civic institutions. Prominent attendees included Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York; former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer; and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, underscoring the event’s global and inclusive spirit.
The recognition of Mahant Swami Maharaj reflects his enduring commitment to nurturing compassion, peace, and collective well-being — ideals that continue to resonate across borders and faiths.
