BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute launches in Australia

Representatives from leading spiritual organisations, government and academics gathered under one roof on the 31^st of July, 2022 in Melbourne for the historic launch of the BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute in Australia in the presence of Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami. This was one of the few large scale events in the recent times when leaders from 45 Indian temples and organisations sent about 85 leaders to inaugurate a new initiative for the wider Victorian community to promote education, unity and harmony.

Visiting BAPS sadhu, Bhadreshdas Swami is the author of the internationally acclaimed Swaminarayan Bhashyam and Swaminarayan Siddhanta Sudha.

He is the first author in 1,200 years to write a traditional Sanskrit commentary (“bhashya”) on all texts of the Prasthanatrayi – three foundational and leading scriptures of the Hindu faith comprising the Upanishads, Brahmasutras and the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.

Bhadreshdas Swami said the launch of the BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute in Australia brings to life the vision of Yogiji Maharaj

– BAPS’ fourth spiritual leader – to teach children and youths to read, write and deliver discourses in Sanskrit.

“It is critical to give a platform to our kids so they can learn about their cultural heritage and Indian languages. Various Indian temples and organisations have been doing tremendous work in Victoria for decades. It’s time to unite our efforts and take it to the next stage and support each other’s efforts.” Bhadresh Swami said.

The BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute was launched in Australia with the blessings of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj and is a part of the centennial celebrations of BAPS’ fifth spiritual successor, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

Hundreds of people gathered at BAPS Swaminarayan Temple at Mill Park, for the institute’s launch.

They were given a glimpse of research institute’s activities when children and youth did Sanskrit Shloka Gaan from over 1,000 shlokas they have memorised in the last few months.  This institute will nurture future generations to learn Sanskrit, Vedic philosophy and Hindu culture.

On the occasion the event hosted a few prominent guests as well. Hon. Lily D’ambrosio, Minister for Energy, Minister for Environment and Climate Action & Minister for Solar Homes, Mr Makarand Bhagwat – Director for Hindu Council of Australia’s Victoria Chapter, Mr Deepak Vasa – Secretariat for HOTA Forum Victoria & Mr Craig Ondarchie – Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship applauded the efforts of these many organisations coming together to support the research institute.

“The Hindu community in Austalia has been such an incredible blessing to our country and especially in Victoria. I’m very proud that the Mill Park based BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute – a learning and research centre of Indian language and Hindu scriptures in the Swaminarayan tradition is the first such centre to open in Australia.” – Hon. Lily D’ambrosio passed her message to the congregations.

Hindu Council of Australia Director of Victoria Chapter Mr Makrand Bhagwat said the launch of BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute in Australia comes at a critical time for the Hindu community in the country.

“As the community continues to grow it is our collective responsibility to ensure that our heritage, our culture, our languages and our values which are derived from Hindu Sanskriti,” said Mr Bhagwat.

“The Inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute is an example of the Victorian Hindus reaching out to the broader community to enhance cultural understanding, increase harmony, integration, and cohesion. We at the HOTA Forum support this wonderful initiative, we also encourage Hindu community organisations to make this initiative a success for the benefit of our entire community” Mr Deepak Vasa HOTA Forum Victoria Secretariat addressed in his speech.

“The inauguration of this BAPS research institute combines the foundational thought of Vedic Hindu philosophy of Vasudeva Kutumbakam that the world is one family and this research institute will create the ability to support each other to unite and ensure that our rich Vedic philosophy is nurtured.”

Over 85 community leaders joined the inauguration ceremony representing different faiths, spiritual institutions, language schools, and media organisations. They also welcomed Bhadreshdas Swami on stage and shared their views to recognise the immense contribution of Bhadreshdas Swami

They commended the work being undertaken with BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute in Australia and look towards supporting this important initiative for the growing Hindu community in Australia.

The BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute will commit to the teaching of Sanskrit, classical Vedic literature and Hindu beliefs, values, affiliated languages, and practices. It will nurture interfaith dialogue, public engagement, and academic discourse as it generates opportunities for the highest level of value-based education, innovative research, and creative expression.

The courses through the BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute will be delivered virtually by esteemed and learned BAPS sadhus worldwide.

For more information, visit research.baps.org & www.baps.org