Canada PM Justin Trudeau meets Mahant Swami Maharaj in Toronto, expresses gratitude to BAPS community

New Delhi: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid a gracious visit to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto, where he met with His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj during his visit to Canada. The Prime Minister’s presence was warmly received by Pujya Gunsagardas Swami, Pujya Viratswarupdas Swami, and the BAPS board of directors at the entrance of the Mandir.

Inside the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Prime Minister Trudeau met with Mahant Swami Maharaj, who bestowed a garland as a mark of respect upon him. Symbolizing their shared values of unity and friendship, Mahant Swami Maharaj tied a sacred string called ‘nada chhadi’ around the Prime Minister’s wrist. He also received four more ‘nada chhadi,’ each carrying prayers for the happiness and welfare of his family.

Prior to their meeting, Mahant Swami Maharaj inscribed personal blessings within a copy of the revered Satsang Diksha scripture, presenting it as a heartfelt gift to the Canadian Prime Minister. Additionally, he was given a manuscript of the Satsang Diksha scripture, a handcrafted card, and a copy of the book, ‘In Love, At Ease,’ which encapsulates the teachings of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The exchange between the two leaders involved a harmonious sharing of thoughts and insights.

Prime Minister Trudeau also actively participated in the abhishek ritual of Shri Nilkanth Varni, offering prayers for the prosperity and well-being of all Canadians. Following the ritual, he addressed the gathering of devoted followers and well-wishers who had assembled to commemorate this auspicious occasion.

Expressing his gratitude, the Canadian Prime Minister said, “Thank you to the BAPS Mandir community for welcoming me here today. It’s an honour to meet His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj once again and for him to be here in Canada for the 50th anniversary of BAPS in Canada.  

For 50 years, this community has been an incredibly important part of the greater Toronto area and of the Canadian family. You are devoted to the ideas of peace, charity, prosperity. These are values that we all care for, and these are values that the government brings to work every single day.

I’m here to say thank you. Thank you to all of you for 50 years of extraordinary service. And when I say thank you, I don’t just say thank you to BAPS for having been such a source of resources, of community, and solace for the Hindu community. But I say thank you on behalf of 40 million Canadians, who have seen their lives deeply enriched not just by the hard work and prosperity built by this community but by the richness of culture, of history, of stories, of celebrations. In so many ways, this community contributes beyond its community to the everyday lives of Canadians. 

As I spoke with His Holiness earlier, he emphasized the heart of his teachings, the heart of this community’s teaching, which is around unity. We all know that unity, real unity, is easy when everyone looks the same and thinks the same, but it is so much more powerful and when are united across differences, aligned on building a stronger future for everyone, aligned in rolling up our sleeves and doing the hard work even when times are tough, especially when times are tough. 

Thank you for 50 years of commitment to this country and commitment to the values that drive us all forward.” 

Following the assembly, Prime Minister Trudeau engaged with other community leaders and BAPS volunteers, further reinforcing the bond between the Canadian government and the BAPS community.