Raj Sadosh

Abohar: Members from BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) in London joined thousands of runners at the inaugural London Interfaith Fun Run held at the StoneX Stadium in Barnet.

The event brought together many different faith groups to send a global message of unity and friendship between people from diverse backgrounds.

34 charities participated in the event to raise funds for their respective good causes. Some organisations also joined this event virtually by running in their own geographical areas from as far away as Hyderabad in India.

A number of activities were also organised at the venue, including an international food court, prayer and reflection areas, and Interfaith and Cloud Nine inflatable Zones. Runners and spectators enjoyed a diverse range of music, dance and storytelling performances.

Nitin Palan, BAPS lead for interfaith relations, added, “It is a great way to bring people of different faiths together. We learn and make friends from many faith groups. Visiting the faith stalls gives us a good idea of the commendable work all faith groups are doing in the community. We at BAPS were delighted to take part in such an enriching and rewarding event and look forward to continuing our support and engagement with similar events in the future.”

BAPS further contributed to the occasion by sharing informative posters and messages from PP Pramukh Swami Maharaj who lived by his ethos: “In the joy of others lies our own.” BAPS also offered food to over 200 participants in appreciation of their efforts.

Nita Oza, a BAPS volunteer, said, “It was thoroughly enjoyable meeting people from so many faith groups and sharing ideas and experiences. These interactions help to strengthen relations and it is wonderful to see how faith in the community is bringing people together.”

Nitin Palan, BAPS lead for interfaith relations, added, “It is a great way to bring people of different faiths together. We learn and make friends from many faith groups. Visiting the faith stalls gives us a good idea of the commendable work all faith groups are doing in the community. We at BAPS were delighted to take part in such an enriching and rewarding event and look forward to continuing our support and engagement with similar events in the future.”