The 52nd Pramukh Varni Din, a turning event in the history of BAPS, was celebrated with kirtans and prasangs about Pramukh Swamishri's charismatic personality. Everyone felt that Swamishri's divinity and 'sadhuta' has a profound impact on people from all walks of life. The video presentation comprised of sadguru saints narrating personal experiences with Swamishri and how those experiences inspire them to this day. The video presentation also provided a brief picture os Swamishri's 'Gurubhakti'. 'Pramukh Varni Din' reminded the audience that Swamishri was merely 28 years old when bestowed upon with the enormous responsibility of being a 'Pramukh' of such a versatile organization and how Swamishri has successfully led the worldwide BAPS organization into the 21st century....

Charlotte Kishori and Balika mandals took advantage of Mother’s Day to appreciate the hard work of all mothers in BAPS Mandir. They planned a surprise picnic for mothers, which included: fun, food and entertainment. It was planned carefully to ensure that each and every person was included. The entertainment part included playing Antakshari, Musical Chairs and Ubhi Kho. And it was even topped off with Ravi Sabha at the end. Balika and Kishoris did all cooking and cleaning on this day.

To pay tribute and to enhance bonding with their mothers, Balika-Kishori Mandals celebrated Mother’s Day by cooking for them and playing with them. The event started with prarthna, and stuti. Then they played Antakasari and gave token gifts to their mothers. The fun part was playing games like Limbu Chamchi and Musical Chairs. Many mothers came from all over the metro area to enjoy this day with their kids.

BAPS Medical Services organized a Medical Consultation Camp at the BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Whittier, CA on Sunday May 6th for the entire Hindu community. People took advantage of this FREE event, which was first of its kind in southern California. Many Physicians, Chiropractors, Podiatrists, Pharmacists, Dentists, Nurses, Pharmacists, Social Workers and other health personnel volunteered their services for the entire day.
During panel discussions health related questions from the general audience were answered. Individual consultation was provided to many elderly who had gathered here to seek help for their health related issues. People took advantage of the pharmacy booths for their prescription needs and many families received valuable information, and applications, on how to obtain low cost health coverage, including government backed programs for children at no cost. Additional services were also provided for onsite blood glucose, and urine analysis.
BAPS Medical Services is proud to announce that their next Medical Consultation Camp will be specializing on the topic of Osteoporosis and will be held on Sunday, June 3rd, 2001.

In the BAPS tradition to uphold Hindu festivals and rituals, hundreds celebrated the joyous occasion of Maha Shivratri with great fervor on February 25th. A special cultural program in lieu of the auspicious holiday was held from 4:00 to 7:00 pm extolling the greatness of Lord Shiva. Bhajans were sung a speech was presented that discussed the meaning and relevance of Maha Shivratri. Magnificent decorations were adorned in the Haveli to depict the story of Maha Shivratri. The decors illustrated the meditative-postured murti of Lord Shiva placed amidst a fascinating display of the forest and the mountains A special puja with milk abhishek was also performed by the devotees.
In addition, an appeal for earthquake relief was made by Pujya Vivekmurti Swami to launch the Sponsor-A-Scheme for the rehabilitation of the victims. A special video presentation updated everyone about the BAPS relief efforts in India.

The year 2000 stunned the world with vivid stories of violence, hate, and grief. A society full of crime, hate, drugs, and violence. The sad part is more and more kids and youths are doing all this at even younger age. Researchers proclaim one of the major reasons for such rampant behavior is that the family is falling apart. If family bonds are strengthened and values are instilled then kids will feel more secure and loved.

In efforts to alleviate this, BAPS members of Los Angeles chapter proudly held their 3rd Annual Family Health and Harmony Walkathon on Sunday, January 21, 2001 at Cerritos Regional Park, Cerritos. In the inspiring presence of saints, parents and children walked around 10 Km. raising awareness for the importance of "Family Values" and its vital role in daily life. The Walkathon promoted family values in the areas of improving communication, developing unity, maintaining respect and cooperation amongst each other. It also raised awareness amongst families to address the important issues of teenage violence, drug and alcohol abuse in the family. Immigration Attorney Mr. Leslie Franks, sponsored this event for the 3rd consecutive year.

Mayor George A. Spadaro, the Edison Township Council and the Edison Municipal Alliance were proud to announce that BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, Edison receives the award for Exemplary Commitment to the Community in the Prevention of Substance Abuse and Violence. The presentation took place at the Fifth Volunteer Award Night held on January 8th 2001 at the Pines Manor, Edison. The BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir of Edison, a Hindu Temple, has been an active part of the Edison Municipal Alliance Since its inception, having participated for many years at Family Day. The BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir contributes to the community by gathering materials for victims of natural disasters and by conducting free medical camps in which tests of various sorts are administered. They are also adamant in developing constructive and creative youth and children’s activities to channel their energy by promoting education and social services. From campaigning against harmful addictions to organizing annual walks for family values, they believe that social change can come only if people join in and contribute voluntary effort towards removing society’s ills. Readily eager to donate their time to the community, the volunteer services are performed in the credo, of their inspirer Pramukh Swami Maharaj “In the Joy of Others, Lies our Own.”