On Saturday 21st May, I accepted the kind invitation to attend the celebrations for His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s centennial celebration in Barnet.
The BAPS Neasden Temple was inaugurated by His Holiness in August 1995. It was the first stone temple to be built outside of India, and now sits as a wonderful landmark in our capital city.
Through the inspiration of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, B.A.P.S has been active in the Borough of Barnet for over 30 years, starting through humble beginnings its weekly spiritual assemblies in the 1980s. Over the last 30 years, B.A.P.S has played, quietly and in the background, an important role in upholding values, preserving values, and strengthening harmony in the local community.
His Holiness has inspired BAPS activities in Barnet, and this occasion was a perfect chance to celebrate the work that the local volunteer force has done. During the Covid lockdowns they were delivering hot meals daily to those shielding or isolating, while helping to pick up medical prescriptions and delivering medicine to people isolating and in need. Further, they would help people by doing their shopping, while delivering hot meals and snacks to those on our front-line services.
It was an honour to be invited to give a speech and celebrate such an occasion, and I look forward to hearing about more of their excellent work in the future.