A guru who transcended boundaries

Pramukh swami drew millions from across world
AHMEDABAD: India's former President and prominent scientist, late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, was inspired to write about his association with Pramukh Swami, the fifth leader of the over century-old BAPS sect of Swaminarayan Sampradaya.
In his book, 'Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji', Kalam says that he felt peace in Swamiji's presence.
“He truly loves people unconditionally. That is why he is able to counsel and take part in their difficulties and problems. Their problems become his problems. I can see it in him,” the former President wrote.
It was this quality that made Pramukh Swami a guru who transcended religious boundaries. He was fondly called Bapa by devotees and followers. A BAPS official and close associate of Pramukh Swami said that he was a true institution builder.
“He had worked tirelessly for over seven decades and had visited 17,000 towns and villages in India and abroad, touching millions of lives,” the official said. “Right from conceptualizing mega cultural projects such as Akshardham temples that showcased Indian heritage, to personal contact with many people, he had a touch of divinity. He might have passed away in mortal form but, as a guru, he would always be a guiding light,” said the BAPS official.
According to the BAPS website, the global network of the sect consists of more than 1100 temples and 3850 centers, including 84 temples in the US alone, one of the highest number for any Hindu sect.
Aksharvatsal Swami of BAPS told TOI that over 1,000 youths had taken diksha from Pramukh Swami, including doctors, chartered accountants, engineers, pilots and NRGs.
“He had written thousands of letters in his lifetime, guiding youths and devotees and answering their questions,” he said.