HH Mahant Swami Maharaj Offers Prayers

on the Passing of Community Leader Ramesh Patel

HH Mahant Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, has offered prayers after learning of the passing of community leader Ramesh Patel. Ramesh Patel was the chairman of FIA-NY, NJ, CT and organizer of the India Day Parade in Manhattan, NY.

Rameshbhai was a symbol of pride for Indian Americans, working diligently to connect celebrities, media members, community leaders and political figures from USA as well as India. He was a visionary community leader, who organized many conferences, seminars, exhibitions and parades to promote Indian culture.

Rameshbhai was a close friend and supporter of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj and BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. His deep respect and reverence for Pramukh Swami Maharaj was well-known, and he was very outspoken about his affinity to Swamishri and the work done by BAPS.

In his first meeting with Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Swamishri asked him about his native village in India. When Rameshbhai mentioned ‘Gaamdi’ and his uncle’s name ‘Jivabhai’, Pramukh Swami Maharaj immediately connected his whole family lineage and added that his uncle was a police officer in Gaamdi. Overwhelmed with Swamishri’s sharp memory, Rameshbhai was immediately attracted to Swamishri and felt a deep connection to him. From then on, Pramukh Swami Maharaj lovingly referred to him as ‘Ramesh Gaamdi’.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s care for Rameshbhai was so deep that once, when Swamishri learned of the passing of Rameshbhai’s mother, Swamishri immediately called him to offer condolences, blessings and prayers. It was Rameshbhai’s sincere dedication and devotion that helped strengthen his connection with BAPS. During the initial days of the India Day Parade, BAPS offered volunteers to help implement the event successfully. In 1994, Rameshbhai was also instrumental in organizing an FIA seminar in Edison, NJ to receive blessings from Pramukh Swami Maharaj (see photo).

Rameshbhai was a genuine humanitarian and philanthropist. In 1993, when an earthquake struck Latur in Maharashtra, Rameshbhai immediately mobilized the Indian American community to help the victims. He worked diligently to garner support for BAPS Charities relief work in the Latur area. He was so concerned that he visited Latur personally to see how he could help further.

Rameshbhai’s passing is a tremendous loss for the Indian American community, but his legacy will continue to live on. He will be remembered for his vision, dedication and commitment to the Indian American diaspora. HH Mahant Swami Maharaj, the current spiritual leader of BAPS, has offered deepest condolences and prayers for his family.

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About BAPS

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a worldwide spiritual and humanitarian organization that 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 various spiritual and humanitarian activities, BAPS endeavors to develop better citizens of tomorrow with high esteem for their roots and culture. Its 3,300 international centers support these character-building activities. Under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is free of addictions as well as morally, ethically and spiritually pure. For more details, please visit www.baps.org.

About Mahant Swami Maharaj

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth and current spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He was ordained a swami by Yogiji Maharaj in 1961 and named Sadhu Keshavjivandas. As he was appointed the head (Mahant) of the Mandir in Mumbai, he became known as Mahant Swami. His devout, humble and service-focused life earned him the innermost blessings of his gurus, His Holiness Yogiji Maharaj and His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Mahant Swami Maharaj travels throughout the world inspiring people through his insightful spiritual discourses and disciplined conduct. His virtuous lifestyle and profound devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and gurus are ideals toward which devotees strive. Mahant Swami Maharaj became the guru and President of BAPS in 2016 upon the passing of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor.

CONTACT: BAPS North American Headquarters

Phone: 732-777-1414

Email: media@na.baps.org

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