Page 79 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 6 | August - September 2024

A big discussion among religious
communities worldwide is
the growing disinterest of the
younger generation in religion
as an institution. Why do you
think that is, and does the
Mandir plan to put in place any
initiatives to engage and inspire
the youth to connect with their
cultural and religious roots?

We believe, as do many similar
organisations, that the youth
are the future of our society. If
young people are raised in an
environment rich in spiritual,
moral, and cultural values, the
future will be bright. Our spiritual
leader, His Holiness Mahant
Swami Maharaj, has carefully
nurtured the foundations of our
youth, guiding them to become
well-rounded, morally upright,
spiritually motivated, and law-
abiding citizens.

This new mandir will play a key
role in fostering the growth of
young men and women who
will not only contribute to the
wellbeing of society, but also
inspire others to become responsible and
Tell us about how you’ve raised and put virtuous individuals. We will offer special
together the funds for the Mandir. programs, leadership seminars, conferences,
The growth and success of the BAPS and weekly group discussions on topics such
Swaminarayan Sanstha are rooted in the as, “In the Joy of Others,” “Towards Better
What inspired you to establish the Baps
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bangkok, dedication and devotion of its followers, Living,” “Drug-Free Society,” “Beautiful
and how do you envision its role and who consistently contribute funds to the Borderless World,” “Inter-Faith Harmony,”
impact within the Thai-Indian community? organisation. These contributions support and “Health Awareness.” Local youth

a wide range of initiatives, including relief
will be encouraged to participate in these
Our Guruji, His Holiness Pramukh Swamiji efforts, as well as educational, medical, events, where experienced monks and
Maharaj, first visited Bangkok in 1984 to ecological, environmental, cultural, spiritual, expert speakers will share their knowledge
nurture the spiritual and cultural values of a and social causes. The mandir in Bangkok and wisdom. We will also hold weekly Bal
few families who had settled here for business. has been primarily funded by devotees and & Balika Sabha to educate the younger
However, since then, many more families well-wishers who have generously given their children about our cultural heritage.
of Indian origin had made Bangkok their time, money, and volunteer services over the
home. It felt natural to create a place of past few years. The Mandir is described as a place that
worship where these families and the broader “sustains the higher values of culture.”
community could come together in a spirit Can you share some historical background Could you elaborate on the specific values
of faith, service, and global harmony. This on why you chose this location for the you hope to impart to visitors, and how
vision led to the conception of our mandir in Mandir? these are incorporated into daily activities?

Bangkok more than 40 years ago, following Most of our devotees live in this area, so it By “sustaining the higher values of culture”
numerous visits by our spiritual leaders and made sense to establish a mandir within easy we mean human values of tolerance,
the holy monks of BAPS Swaminarayan reach for both the young and old. Located harmony, integrity, family unity, global
Sanstha. Continuing this legacy, the current just a short walk for many of our followers, peace, humility, faith and service to
spiritual leader of BAPS, His Holiness this mandir allows them to visit every humanity. We will hold regular assemblies
Mahant Swami Maharaj, has inspired the morning and evening, enjoying the peace and seminars for all age groups to help
creation of this mandir for the betterment of and purity it offers while participating in the inculcate these values in everyday lives
individuals, families, and communities, and rituals. Our goal was to ensure the temple is through daily prayers, spiritual rituals,
to educate the next generation about our rich easily accessible, enabling families to come weekly assemblies, religious festivals and
culture, religion, and heritage. together to pray frequently and gain wisdom. annual programs.

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