"In the Joy of Others," was theme chosen for the solemn centenary celebrations of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan (BAPS), held at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Saturday, August 4, 2007. Attended and blessed by the Spiritual Leader and Guru, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the concluding centenary celebrations of BAPS in North America chronicled BAPS' history of working towards spiritual guidance, social service and cultural preservation.

The three-hour cultural extravaganza was a creative mix of ancient Hindu values presented in a modern context through multimedia presentations, dances, Indian classical music, plays and speeches. The theatrical performances emphasized BAPS' message of social service, community sacrifice and providing joy to others. Thousands of people from across North America filled the Continental Airlines Arena to the capacity and created a sea of waving BAPS Centenary flags in unison with the youths enthusiastically waving larger flags in the aisles.

In his address, Pramukh Swami Maharaj said: "We have all technically advanced in the world but forgot the main point that god is the all-doer." He exhorted people to turn to God to lead a pious life without any vices or addictions. "God gives us life and we should use it for good purposes to serve our community, family, or whoever one believes in helping," he added.
 
John Corzine, Governor of New Jersey, said: "I am proud that BAPS and Pramukh Swami speak what all public servants should remember: 'In the joy of others we should find our own joy'.'" Robert Menendez, a US Senator from New Jersey, said: "New Jersey has the third largest Indian-American community in the US. Your children give us hope for our future. Indian-Americans are a central part of the American community and India a central international force." He presented a US Senate Commemoration about the centenary event to Pramukh Swami. Ronen Sen, India's ambassador to the US, said: "BAPS continues spreading the Indian message of love, oneness of humankind, and universal brotherhood. Thank you for making me and all my fellow Indians proud to be Indian."
 
Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha was established in 1907 in Bochasan, Gujarat, a state in India,  by the Shastriji Maharaj, based on the teachings of Lord Swaminarayan (1781-1830). The sect, having a large following in India and abroad, especially among people from Gujarat, is holding centenary celebrations around the world.

According to the organization, BAPS has more than 3,300 centers worldwide. In North America, the group has clinics in some of its temples offering free health care, holds an annual walkathon for family values, college and career fairs for youth, and offers language and music classes at most of its temples across North America. The group also has a separate arm that focuses solely on charitable causes and offers disaster relief.
Swami Pramukh Swami Maharaj is revered by his followers. The swami -- known affectionately to BAPS members as Swamishri -- arrived in Edison on July 26 and will leave on Aug. 16 for Atlanta to inaugurate a new BAPS Temple..

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