On Saturday, September 26, 2015, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lowell, MA honored the legacy of the late former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam with the launch of his final book and gift to mankind, Transcendence. Transcendence documents a 14-year journey between Dr. Kalam and His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, who carries forward a legacy of enlightened gurus that goes back to the early nineteenth century.
The event was a tribute to Dr. Kalam’s lifetime of dedicated public service and varied contributions to India’s development as a country.  After graduating from the Madras Institute of Technology, Dr. Kalam joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).  While serving as a project director at ISRO, he helped launch into orbit the Rohini satellite, India’s first satellite vehicle.  In 1997 he received the Bharat Ratna award, which serves as the highest civilian honor. Widespread recognition coupled with his extensive national service positioned Dr. Kalam as a natural choice for high office.  In 2002 he became the eleventh president of India, having formerly served the nation as a world-renowned missile scientist.  In his tenure, and long after leaving office, he was affectionately known as the 'people's president' due to his ability to bridge the gap between India’s people and their government.
Throughout his remarkable career, Dr. Kalam wrote over 30 books and is considered to be one of India’s most widely read and best-selling authors. In Transcendence, Dr. Kalam’s writings focus on the philosophical and spiritual guidance from Pramukh Swami Maharaj that shaped his purpose and direction in serving India.
Most astonishing about their profound friendship is that Dr. Kalam was not conversant in Gujarati, Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s native language, and Pramukh Swami does not speak English. Despite the language barrier, they were able to transcend communication challenges. The resulting bond, built on selfless service and sustained through common interest, was life changing for Dr. Kalam and is thoughtfully articulated in his writing.  
Dr. Kalam’s Transcendence explores one man’s journey to discover universal truths, unlock the science behind progress, and understand the critical role of spirituality in leading India forward. He narrates his visits to historic sites worldwide, religious and secular, while reflecting on the various moments of divinity he experiences along the way. But, as he writes, it is in the presence of Pramukh Swami Maharaj that his spirituality truly flourishes. Dr. Kalam describes Pramukh Swami Maharaj as “my ultimate teacher”. He wrote, “Pramukh Swamiji shared with me many times his wish for peace, development, security and prosperity in the world. He feels that Indian people’s kindness, openness, tolerance and willingness to engage in dialogue is inbuilt in our civilizational heritage. He firmly believes in the potential of the Indian people to co-build a harmonious world where there is permanent peace, shared prosperity, cooperation and a ‘win-win’ with all other countries.”
Commemorating the unique friendship and mentorship between Dr. Kalam and Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the event highlighted Dr. Kalam’s final contribution to his country: His vision for a brighter India through Transcendence.


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About BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide socio-spiritual organization in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, is dedicated to community service, peace and harmony.  Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families and individuals. Through a number of social and spiritual activities, BAPS endeavors to produce better citizens of tomorrow who have a high esteem for their roots - their rich Hindu culture.  Its 3,300 international centers support these activities of character-building. Under the guidance and leadership of His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is morally, ethically and spiritually pure, and free of addictions.

About Pramukh Swami Maharaj
His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, has inspired millions of people across the world to lead a God-centered, morally pure life.  As the present leader of BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj travels from village to village, continent to continent, emphasizing the importance of family harmony, community service and spiritual progress. He embodies the essence of Hindu life.  His compassion for humanity, universal wisdom and striking simplicity have touched many world religious and national leaders.
For more details visit www.baps.org

For further information Contact:
BAPS North American Headquarters
Tel: 732-777-1414 ex 140
e-mail : media@na.baps.org
SOURCE: BAPS

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