San Jose, CA (August 22, 2016) —
The Silicon Valley Interreligious Council mourns the August 13th passing of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, one of the world’s most prominent and respected Hindu leaders and the spiritual head of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who lived until 95 years of age, dedicated his life to humanitarian service and spiritual upliftment of millions around the world by carrying forward the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, an 18th century luminary figure who sought to rid society of vice and superstition. Globally, Pramukh Swami Maharaj inaugurated an astonishing 1100 temples, nearly 100 of which are in the United States including the BAPS Temples in Milpitas and San Francisco. SiVIC Board Member Mihir Meghani said, “Pramukh Swami lived during a time of tremendous change, conflict and opportunity. He observed wars, famine, and discrimination, but he never wavered in his message of peace, his faith in God, and in the power of values and community. He lives the utmost spiritual life but was able to guide millions of people in the modern age. His spiritual wisdom, leadership, and vision in guiding BAPS not just as an organization, but as a movement of the most dedicated and compassionate devotees is his greatest gift to humanity. We all seek to imbibe the values he promoted throughout his life.”