Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a global socio-spiritual organization, will arrive in the United States in Chicago on June 10. This year marks the BAPS centenary; 100 years of dedicated service to individuals, families and society through programs and projects spanning fields such as disaster relief, humanitarian aid, medical care, education, environment, livelihood development and cultural awareness.

"In the good of others lies our own", is the inspirational call of Pramukh Swami Maharaj that reflects his life and work, and drives the spirit of service throughout BAPS. Even at the age of 85, he tirelessly strives to reach out to individuals of all ages. His inspiring wisdom, compassion for humanity and moving humility have touched and won the admiration of countless.

He has personally counseled and comforted over 600,000 people, and written more than 700,000 letters of comfort and guidance.Cities across North America will be host to a variety of rich and colorful BAPS events to celebrate the centenary in the presence of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The events will reflect on Indian Culture, Child and Youth Development, Family Unity, Relief Activities, Spiritual Guidance, and Coexistence and Harmony.

"The events will showcase the diverse cultural, social and spiritual activities of BAPS in North America that have flourished under the leadership of Pramukh Swami Maharaj" said BAPS spokesperson Harish Patel. "These events will be entertaining, informative and inspirational and will have something for everyone. Skits, devotional music, traditional dances, exhibitions and speeches" This year Pramukh Swami Maharaj will also inaugurate two traditional marble temples in North America.

One in Atlanta and the other in Toronto. The temples have been constructed using traditions that date back thousands of years, and are built to survive for the next 1,000 years. The temples include a prayer hall, cultural arena and exhibits on the contributions of Indian civilization to the world in areas such as science, mathematics, medicine, art and language. It is designed to showcase and preserve the heritage of over two million Canadians and Americans who trace their roots to the Indian sub-continent.BAPS is renowned for its youth activities, and since its establishment in North America over 30 years ago, these activities have thrived. In over 50 North American locations, youth activities include weekly faith enrichment meetings, community service, parent awareness forums, academic tutoring, career fairs and the arts. Special BAPS youth events will also take place in the towns and cities that Pramukh Swami will be visiting. "Pramukh Swami Maharaj stresses upon the vital need for youth development" said Rakesh Patel.

"As a testament to how far youth activities have come in North America, they are now planning out the various event activities in preparation for Pramukh Swami Maharaj's visit, from creating speeches, rehearsing skits, practicing dances, honing up their musical skills to planning out the logistics of their complete event".

The Vicharan Program: rival Day Departure DayChicago, IL (June 10 -June 23); Houston, TX (June 23 - July 4); Toronto, Canada (July 15 - July 27); Edison, NJ (July 27 - August 16); Atlanta, GA (August 16- 30); Dallas, TX (August 30 - September 4); San Jose, CA (September 4- 9); Los Angeles, CA (September 9 - 20); New York, NY (September 23 -28)

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