Raj Sadosh/Abohar.
Her Excellency, Honourable Sam Mostyn, Governor-General of Australia, accompanied by her husband Simeon Beckett, visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Canberra. They were traditionally welcomed with garlands as well as a salute by the cadets of Canberra Mandir.
Youth volunteers conveyed to Her Excellency insights into the philosophical significance of the murtis in the central shrine and the Abhishek Mandap, and informed her that the Abhishek Mandap had been funded entirely by Canberra’s youth. She performed abhishek of the murti of Shri Nilkanth Varni.
Her Excellency described the Mandir as a transformative experience, stating, "I feel I have a clear head, a whole heart, a pure heart that has been driven by your welcome and the sacrifices and the ways in which you prepare us for the world that is complex and difficult. What strikes me about today is I have heard those words over and over and over. Care, kindness, respect, with the additional words of compassion, love, care for one another.”
There were musical performances and Sanskrit recitation of Satsang Diksha shlokas by children.
Her Excellency described the Mandir as a transformative experience, stating, "I feel I have a clear head, a whole heart, a pure heart that has been driven by your welcome and the sacrifices and the ways in which you prepare us for the world that is complex and difficult. What strikes me about today is I have heard those words over and over and over. Care, kindness, respect, with the additional words of compassion, love, care for one another.”
Mostyn appreciated the remarkable generosity displayed by the community’s youths, emphasizing their selfless contributions, “I was so moved about the sacrifices of time and resources that brought this Mandir to life. Sacrificing birthday presents – that says so much about giving at a young age. Your selfless service, your compassionate view of the world, and your love have been deeply felt by us today.”