Mayor John Tory Praises the Youth of BAPS for their Involvement in Humanitarian Activities

On Sunday May 17, devotees and well-wishers at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Toronto, celebrated the 123rd birth anniversary of Yogiji Maharaj, the fourth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and guru of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Yogiji Maharaj possessed a unique personality and was a great visionary. His ever-smiling and joyous face, devotion, love and tolerance attracted many young people. He initiated many young, learned swamis and started BAPS Youth and Children’s activities.

Chief Guest of the event was His Worship John Tory, Mayor of the city of Toronto. During his visit to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Mayor Tory met with the youth and children of BAPS. Mayor Tory also observed how he sees the values of Yogiji Maharaj such as his positive attitude, spirit of service and engaging the youths being passed on through Pramukh Swami Maharaj to the BAPS devotees and volunteers and also in the humanitarian activities being undertaken by BAPS today and was pleased to learn that the Mandir inspires many to raise funds and awareness for humanitarian and disaster relief activities.

The Mayor praised the volunteers of BAPS Charities for their efforts to help the victims of the recent Nepal earthquake and said, “Thank you very much for setting an example for all the people who live in Toronto of how we can care for each other here but also care for people around the world.”

The mayor also appreciated the volunteers of BAPS Charities for their past involvement to raise funds and awareness during the Haiti Earthquake and Japan Earthquake.

Mayor Tory concluded his visit to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir by saying, “I come here often because this place inspires me.”

Many dignitaries, community and business leaders were also present during the celebrations.