Maninagar Gadi Sansthan’s inter-faith concert in UK

The Maninagar-Gadi San-sthan runs the Swaminarayan temple in Golders Green area of London, which is known for mixing religious events with social services. They organised a unique inter-faith blood donation and concert to mark the first ever celebration of National Seva Day (NSD) to precede the grand celebrations of Janmashtami, Lord Krishna's birth day.

"The National Seva Day of the Indian organisations in England, which is the equivalent of Jewish Mitzvah Day, falls on November 21 and is celebrated in a big way to harness resources and talent in local communities for the benefit of the poor and deprived of society. Since our Gadi Sansthan spiritual head Acharya Purushottampriyadasji Maharaj was touring London for religious and social activities, it was decided to mark the day in advance with participation of Jewish Synagogue and Christian Church and Hindu organisations on September 1 night," Mahant Bhagwatpriyasji, second in command at the Gadi Sansthan who accompanied Acharya Swami told DNA on their return from London on Saturday.

 Meanwhile, giving details of the observance of NSD, London-based spokesperson of the temple and agro scientist, Praful Patel stated that, the guests included British members of the parliament and heads of social and religious organisations to support the temple's pro-poor initiative.

He said Acharya Swa-mishree handed over cheques of over 25,000 pounds to representatives of Phab Kids and Sport Relief, a London based NGO working for the poor. He further added that, MPs, Mike Freer and Mathew Offord praised the initiative of the temple and promised their support for this humanitarian activity of the temple. As a token of love, the MPs presented Acharya swami with a special shield. 

Arup Ganguly, chairman of the National Seva Day Committee said that, "The celebration of the day would surely result in a habit formation for the participants and send out a message to other 60 million people in the UK to join the noble cause of serving the poor by such initiatives."

The celebrations ended with a concert wherein, members of Shri Muktajeevan Arts and Cultural Academy and Shri Muktajeevan Pipe Bank presented an Irish step dance, Scottish pipe music and played traditional Indian percussion instruments such as Dhol. Those who had excelled in educational and professional qualifications and sported events were given special awards in recognition of their achievement as part of the celebration of the tenth anniversary of installation of idols of the Lord in the London temple.

Patel said that, "The uniqueness of their Golders Green temple was that it was in the midst of London's Jewish community and was surrounded by several active churches. This special environment helped the Hindu temples to join hands with the Jewish and Christian communities for promotion of cohesive interfaith in its true spirit."