Philanthropist~

The Webster’s Dictionary defines philanthropy as an act or gift done or made for humanitarian purposes. This week, my mother and I had the privilege of attending The Festival of Inspirations at the BAPS Robbinsville Akshardham campus, and from the moment we arrived, we knew we were in for a truly unforgettable experience.

The festival marks both a culmination and a new beginning for the devotees and the community at large. What began in mid-July with the unveiling of the Akshardham Mandir will culminate in the inauguration of the Mandir. The three-month celebration is a beautiful reflection of dedication, community, and faith.

While the celebration will last for three months, the development of the BAPS Robbinsville Mandir has been years in the making, with plans dating back to the late 1990s, thanks to the vision of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. This festival is a testament to the hundreds of volunteers who have generously given their time, talent, and resources to promote Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s message of love and service.

My family and I have had the honor of visiting the Robbinsville center multiple times over the past five years. From the International Women’s Day conference to Better Living Sabhas, we have been deeply moved by the stories of how Pramukh Swami Maharaj encouraged devotees of all ages and backgrounds to serve and support one another, regardless of socio-economic status or life circumstances.

What continues to draw me back to the Robbinsville center is the unwavering devotion (Bhakti) of the volunteers. Many have sacrificed semesters of college, transitioned to remote work, and others who may not be physically able to serve have found ways to contribute by fundraising or even stepping away from social media to bring Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s vision to life.

During our visit this week, we were warmly welcomed and hosted by volunteers from New Jersey, Alabama, and North Carolina—some offering their service for just one week, others for an entire semester—each inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s profound message of love and selfless service.

This post is just the beginning of a series I will be sharing about the Festival of Inspirations, where giving back is truly at the heart of every devotee’s experience. There was so much to take in, and one post cannot fully capture the heartwarming experience we had.

For now, I want to offer my heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS and a big THANK YOU to all the devotees who have, and continue to, offer “seva” at the Robbinsville Akshardham campus. Your dedication and love are truly inspiring.