50 years of BAPS in North America
By Raj Shah
It was my pleasure to attend this year’s Diwali celebrations at BAPS Mandir in Boynton Beach. The celebration marked an extraordinary milestone: 50 years of BAPS in North America. The celebrations included special exhibitions in the mandirs, each designed around five significant themes—service, Indian culture and traditions, faith, values, and inspiration. These themes encapsulated the essence of BAPS’s journey and contributions over the past five decades in North America.
The exhibitions provided a window into the remarkable efforts and achievements of BAPS. However, their uniqueness stemmed from the fact that young BAPS members, both boys and girls, curated and presented each aspect of the exhibition. It was an inspiring sight to see the youth so actively engaged, showcasing the organization’s rich history and values. This emphasis on youth involvement is a hallmark of BAPS, visible not only in such exhibitions but in all aspects of their community service. Young members are consistently at the forefront, from serving prasad after the weekly Sunday sabha to attending public events and reciting Hindu prayers with clear, precise Sanskrit pronunciation.
In an interview with one of the BAPS volunteers, I expressed my admiration for this aspect of the organization. BAPS’s dedication to service and youth engagement never fails to impress and amaze.
His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj inaugurated the first BAPS mandir in North America in New York City on August 3, 1974. From that first establishment, BAPS has flourished, now with over 117 mandirs across the United States and Canada. This growth symbolizes not just expansion in numbers but an increase in impact, as the organization has become a spiritual and cultural pillar for the Hindu community in North America.
BAPS, also known as Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, is a Hindu socio-spiritual organization that prioritizes personal growth, community service, and cultural preservation. Through its work, BAPS fosters a spirit of unity, spirituality, and selfless service, making a positive difference not only in the lives of its followers but also in the communities it touches worldwide.
