Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, well known as Mahatma Gandhi, was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, India, on October 2, 1869. Because of his crucial contribution to the nation’s campaign for independence from British control, he is revered throughout India as the Father of the Nation. Gandhi’s ideas of truth (satya) and non-violence (ahimsa) are revered all throughout the world, and movements for freedom and civil rights continue to be influenced by them. Some key points about Gandhi: Philosophy of Non-violence and Truth: Gandhi believed in ‘Satyagraha’, which translates to ‘insistence on truth’. This was non-violent resistance to combat injustice and oppression. Role…
Author: Staff Reporter
Mahatma Gandhi, fondly known as the Father of the Nation in India, has numerous memorials and sites dedicated to his life and teachings, not just in India but around the world. On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, which marks his birth anniversary on October 2, visiting these memorials can be a meaningful way to pay homage to his legacy. Here’s a list of must-visit Mahatma Gandhi memorials around the world: Gandhi Smriti, New Delhi, India: Formerly known as Birla House, this is where Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and was assassinated. It’s now a museum dedicated…
Today, October 2, 2023, we commemorate the 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation of India. Gandhi was a pioneer of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience, and his teachings and methods have inspired movements for civil rights and social change around the world. Gandhi was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, India, in 1869. He studied law in London and then practiced law in South Africa. There, he experienced firsthand the discrimination and racism faced by people of Indian descent. This experience had a profound impact on him, and he began to develop his philosophy of satyagraha, or…
Mahatma Gandhi, fondly known as Bapu, is a globally recognized figure as the Father of the Indian Nation. Renowned for his leadership in non-violent resistance against British rule, he is the pioneer of Satyagraha. Beyond his political and social influence, he initiated several reforms in Indian society, spanning self-reliance, Swadeshi (domestic production), and caste reforms, working alongside prominent figures like BR Ambedkar. Yet, lesser-known is his pursuit of discovering the ideal diet for human health, especially for the Indian population. In his publication “Young India” from 1929, Gandhi expressed, “As a searcher for truth, I deem it necessary to find…
By Raj Shah Mahatma Gandhi once said, “My life is my message.” This powerful statement encapsulates Gandhi’s philosophy and the way he lived his life. Instead of preaching his beliefs through mere words, Gandhi emphasized the importance of living by example. It is a reminder that our actions speak louder than our words and that the best way to inspire others is to lead by example. Let’s delve a bit deeper into the meaning and significance of this quote: Walk the Talk: Gandhi believed in the idea of leading by example. He felt that the most convincing way to convince…
Two potential contenders for the 2024 US Presidential elections, Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley, both of Indian American descent, have garnered significant attention. However, their campaigns have sparked division among Indian American voters. Indian Americans constitute approximately 2.1 million individuals, accounting for roughly 16 percent of the 13.4 million Asian Americans eligible to vote. They rank as the third-largest Asian-origin group in the United States, following Chinese and Filipino Americans, according to a report by The New York Times. Historically, Pew Research data has shown that Indian Americans have leaned more towards Democratic affiliations compared to other Asian American subgroups.…
In an ever-changing world, the values we foster within our families stand as our enduring legacy. At the “From House to Home: Inspiring Family Values” program during the Festival of Inspirations in Robbinsville, New Jersey, the focus was on how family values transform mere houses into cherished homes. This was a highlight in the three-month celebration leading up to the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, a landmark dedicated to inspiring and upholding esteemed Hindu traditions. The program featured speeches and dramas, emphasizing the importance of family values in child-rearing. It was organized into two assemblies, with the first being…
Strengthening bonds is a means to deeply know a person. At the two-part program, “Swami Malvathi – A Journey of Smrutis” on August 19, 2023, North American youth shared heartfelt reflections on how every gesture, blessing, and memory of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj forged their firm bond with their beloved guru. A relationship with a guru is among the most transformative relationships in life. A guru serves as a friend, a mentor, and most importantly, a guide through life’s ups and downs. Part 1 of the program began in the afternoon with a special set of perspectives from women.…
On August 25, 2023, North American devotees reminisced and celebrated the cherished memories and teachings of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Robbinsville, NJ in a special assembly titled ‘Guruji Nahi Bhulu Tamne.’ The assembly was part of the Festival of Inspirations, a three-month-long celebration commemorating the inauguration of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Jersey. The program took place in the presence of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, who personally recalled memorable moments from the life of Guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s divine qualities of humility, selflessness, and unconditional love were illuminated through inspiring recollections that highlighted his…
On August 30, 2023, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville, NJ, marked its 9th anniversary. This special occasion, coinciding with the auspicious day of Rakshabandhan, was graced by the divine presence of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj. The Pãtotsav is a traditional sacred ceremony celebrating the anniversaries of murti consecration (pran pratishtha) in mandirs. The term “Pãtotsav” is a combination of “paat” and “utsav,” where “utsav” means festival. “Paat” originates from “patti,” referring to a strip of garment tied on a murti’s head, from which the term “paat” evolved. The patotsav ceremony, which began at 6:30 am, celebrated the moment…
