Raj Sadosh/Abohar.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London (popularly known as ‘Neasden Temple’). He was welcomed by Yogvivek Swami, head swami for BAPS in the UK and Europe, and others.
He had a personal meeting with Mahant Swami Ji Maharaj. This exchange involved fruitful discussions during which the mayor thanked Swami ji for the contributions made by Neasden Temple and asked for his blessings.
The mayor said at the evening assembly, “I am here to show my respects to His Holiness, but to also ask for his blessings on the capital city of our great country. I earlier met Mahant Swami Maharaj and explained the massive contribution you [Neasden Temple and its congregation] make to our city. I also explained that the ripples of good you do are felt by everybody – Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jews, Christians, Buddhists, those members of an organised faith and those that aren’t.”
The mayor said at the evening assembly, “I am here to show my respects to His Holiness, but to also ask for his blessings on the capital city of our great country. I earlier met Mahant Swami Maharaj and explained the massive contribution you [Neasden Temple and its congregation] make to our city. I also explained that the ripples of good you do are felt by everybody – Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jews, Christians, Buddhists, those members of an organised faith and those that aren’t.”
“Please continue to be an example to the teachings of Mahant Swami Maharaj. Please continue to be a source of inspiration. We’ve had an awful two or three years because of the Covid-19 pandemic and during those dark times, you and your community were the light. Me and my family, you and your family, our city, our country needs the teachings and the blessings of Swami ji.”
Before departing, the mayor said, “I came here to ask for his (Mahant Swami Maharaj’s) blessings. I hope the next time he comes isn’t so far away and he comes again, and again and again – sooner rather than later.”
Dr. Mayank Shah, a trustee at the Mandir said, “We extend our gratitude to the mayor for his visit, his generous words and enriching exchange with Mahant Swami Maharaj.”