Page 80 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 6 | August - September 2024

How can individuals from the Thai-Indian community support
In what ways does the Mandir teach respect and promote harmony or get involved with the Mandir’s activities and initiatives?
among its visitors and within the Thai-Indian community, which
has diverse needs and preferences, and encompasses a range of People of all faiths are welcome at the mandir, but the local
religions and cultures? Thai-Indian community can specifically support it by engaging in

daily rituals, prayers, and ceremonies, as well as participating in
The Mandir will aim to promote respect and harmony among its religious festivals. They can also involve their children and youth
visitors and within the Thai-Indian community through inter-faith in various activities, assist with social causes during times of need,
and inter-religious dialogue. Our ancient scriptures teach us that and encourage others to join in community events like our health
“the world is one family.” The Mandir will, therefore, promote fairs, charity ‘walkathons,’ family gatherings, and volunteer efforts.
a sense of global peace through teachings, exhibitions, rituals, We would like to invite you all to come and see our temple for
ceremonies, festivities and events for all groups.
yourselves.
In particular, festivals such as Shivratri, Ramnavmi and Janmasthami
will highlight the significance and teachings of Shiv Bhagwan,Ram
Bhagwan and Krishna Bhagwan. Moreover, Diwali, the festival of
lights, will welcome everyone to learn about the universal Hindu
values of truth, harmony, and goodness. Children will learn about
India’s traditions and timeless spiritual messages through exciting
and educational events such as children’s camps, participation in
dramatic productions, folk dances, cultural classes and music classes.

What are your long-term goals for the Mandir, and how do you
plan to evolve over the years to meet the changing needs and
preferences of the community?
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha aims to serve communities, families
and individuals by caring for their spiritual, cultural, social, physical,
emotional and educational needs. It also inspires a pure and
peaceful way of life. Furthermore, the Mandir will aim to sustain
the universal values of Hindu culture and foster faith and devotion
in God. Our aim is to nurture future generations.

However, we understand the diverse needs and preferences of all,
and therefore, we will strive to address the present situation, while
adhering to timeless principles of Hindu cultural and spiritual
teachings. Our preachers can speak in English but in the future,
they will also address guests in Thai for the benefit of the local
community. That way, we will bridge the gap between communities
and spread a message of love, peace, service, and universal harmony.

Can you share a personal learning that highlights the significance
of having a mandir that brings together the community?

The Mandir is a place of love, peace and harmony. It teaches us
that “the whole world is one nest.” A vivid feeling of universal
brotherhood is reflected in that teaching – we are offspring of the
same nest. We may belong to different countries and cultures, races
and religions; yet we all dwell in the same house. We must learn
to live happily together. The ancient Hindu texts teach, “Let us
share and enjoy together.”

I often ask people:
What nationality is the sun? Russian? Indian? American?
What colour is the air? Brown? White? Black?
What is the religion of water? Christianity? Islam? Hinduism?
What class does the Earth belong to? Middle class? Working class?
Upper class?
Which race does space belong to? The human race?

All the five elements of nature are universal and owned by nobody,
enjoyed by everybody. Nature is God’s gift to humanity. If there’s
something that I’d hope that the community can learn, it’s to share
and enjoy nature together. Let us preserve and protect it together.
We may wear different skins, we may speak different tongues, VIEW VIDEO:
we may think in different shades, yet we are linked and locked
together. We are born on the same planet, standing on the same
earth, covered by the same skies, gazing at the same stars, and living
for the same purpose; we are one family. Our earth is our home.

80 | MASALA MAGAZINE AUG-SEP 2024