Mr George Fernandes with Swamishri and Thakorji in Sarangpur
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Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj engaged in a dialogue with the Hon. George
Fernandes, Defence Minister of India
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Swamishri explains the glory of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj to the
Defence Minister
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The Defence Minister in the precincts of
Swaminarayan Mandir, Sarangpur
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Swamishri explains, "Our Guru Yogiji
Maharaj always preached the principles of unity, brotherhood and peace..."
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The Defence Minister, Mr.George Fernandes, met Pramukh Swami Maharaj
in Sarangpur at 8.15 a.m. and stayed till 9.45 a.m.
Mr. Fernandes was received solemnly
amidst the chanting of Vedic mantras for Peace by the sadhus. Prior
to meeting Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Mr.Fernandes had darshan of the Yagnapurush
Smruti Mandir and the Swaminarayan Mandir complex.
The Union Defence Minister, during
his 45 minutes meeting with Pramukh Swami Maharaj said, "I have
heard a great deal about you both in our country and abroad, and I have
been wanting to meet you for a long time. As I am in Gujarat, I thought
I should take this opportunity to meet you. I have seen the impressive
mandir you have built in London and the other mandirs of the Sanstha
abroad. I have also seen the fund of tremendous goodwill that people
have for you throughout the world. Today I have come here with faith
that peace in Gujarat and India can be reinstated through the blessings
of holy saints like you."
Then Pramukh Swami Maharaj
gave an overview of the peaceful nature of the people of Gujarat. To
this, Mr.George Fernandes said, "I have travelled in Gujarat and
found the atmosphere to be peaceful and good. The last time I came here
to deploy the army, and this time I have come to take the army away.
The people of Gujarat must understand that the progress of our society
lies in forgetting the past, living the present constructively and thinking
about a better future. I have faith in you and that is why I have come
here today to seek your blessings."
Pujya Pramukh Swami agreed and added, "Our Guru Yogiji Maharaj
always preached the principles of unity, brotherhood and peace. Religion
leads all people to this noble path. I often say that true religion
is that which spreads mutual love."
With reference to prevailing issue in Gujarat, Swamishri said that people
should not be misled by others and should help in restoring normality.
He added further, "The people of Gujarat are peaceful in nature.
Peace will reign if the citizens of Gujarat are not instigated. Political
leaders, parties, leaders working in different fields and the media
should exercise restraint; for the people of Gujarat desire peace and
harmony."
Mr. Fernandes said, "There are some forces not only in Gujarat
but in other parts of the country which are working to spread unrest
and instability. Efforts by hostile elements are being made that India
does not reach the top. I have come to seek your blessings for the progress
of our country and its security."
In reply, Swamishri assured the Minister, "Bharat is a country
that deserves to be at the top. But for that it is necessary that we
all be united in our efforts. And with our united efforts God will help
us and bless us with peace and amity."
Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj honoured the Defence Minister with a garland
and a shawl and blessed him for success in his duties.
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