Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, became the stage for a remarkable celebration as BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha marked the Golden Anniversary of its volunteerism, known as the Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav, held on December 9-10, 2024. The event was attended by over 100,000 volunteers, with millions watching online, and served as a tribute to the dedicated service and contributions of BAPS volunteers globally.
The event highlighted selfless service (seva) and its positive impact on individuals and communities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a heartfelt video message praising the tireless work of over 100,000 volunteers, noting their pivotal role in humanitarian efforts like the Gujarat Earthquake relief, Uttarakhand landslides, and COVID-19 aid. He also emphasized how BAPS volunteers’ efforts during the Ukraine evacuation demonstrated India’s strength and commitment to helping people in need across the world.
The celebrations also featured the grand arrival of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj in a floral chariot, greeted with applause by thousands of volunteers. The program was divided into three segments: Seed, Tree, and Fruit, symbolizing the evolution of volunteerism in BAPS over the past 50 years. The Seed segment celebrated the initiation of service by BAPS’s founders, including Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj, and Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s efforts in organizing the platform for volunteerism. The Tree segment showcased the blossoming of these efforts into a global network, with special recognition of women volunteers. The Fruit segment celebrated the tangible, transformative outcomes of volunteer service, including global humanitarian efforts.
The entire event was marked by mesmerizing performances by 2,000 artists and stunning visual projections across a 160×140-meter screen. The show also incorporated 100,000 pre-programmed wristbands lighting up in unison, adding to the grandeur of the celebration. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel joined the event, reflecting on the legacy of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the global influence of BAPS’s values of service and spirituality.
The evening concluded with a Maha Arti performed by 100,000 volunteers and a fireworks display that illuminated the Ahmedabad skyline, leaving everyone inspired to continue their work of selfless service. Mahant Swami Maharaj closed the event by emphasizing the importance of seva in creating a harmonious and prosperous world.
