<BillNo> <Sponsor>
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 442
By Pody
SJR0442
007322
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A RESOLUTION to honor and welcome Swami Brahmaviharidas,
learned swami of the BAPS Swaminarayan
Sanstha.
WHEREAS, we are pleased to specially recognize those eminent spiritual leaders who
travel to our great State to foster goodwill and develop common bonds of fellowship; and
WHEREAS, Swami Brahmaviharidas is one such estimable person, who evinces the
greatest integrity and probity in all his chosen endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Swami Brahmaviharidas is respected globally as a learned swami of the
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha; he grew up and was educated in the United Kingdom and was
initiated as a Swami by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 1981; and
WHEREAS, Swami Brahmaviharidas is known across the world as an inspiring leader, a
creative thinker, a motivational speaker, and a relentless champion of humanitarian causes. He
is a thought leader and part of the creative team for numerous projects of international repute,
such as the Swaminarayan Akshardham, Neasden Mandir, international festivals such as the
Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centennial Celebrations, and at present the BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu
Dhabi, Dubai, UAE; and
WHEREAS, through the generosity of the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin
Zayed Al Nahyan, and the long-standing relationship with the Prime Minister of India, Shri
Narendra Modi, Swami Brahmaviharidas has led the creation of the recently inaugurated first
traditional stone Hindu Mandir in the Middle East in Abu Dhabi; and
WHEREAS, Swami Brahmaviharidas oversees the global outreach work of BAPS and in
that capacity has created and nurtured relationships with various Heads of State and prominent
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leaders from around the world, sharing with them the traditions and ancient architecture of India
and promoting the Hindu spiritual messages of faith, devotion, and harmony; and
WHEREAS, through witnessing his guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj's genuine respect for
all religions, Swami Brahmaviharidas has furthered BAPS's intra and interfaith work. He strives
to foster meaningful relationships with various Hindu swamis and gurus to nurture greater unity
across the constellation of Hindu traditions; and
WHEREAS, he is regularly invited to represent Hinduism and speak at global interfaith
conferences around the world, such as the Global Interfaith Summit at Dubai EXPO 2020, the
European Union-Bahrain Conference on Freedom of Religion and Belief, the Historic First
Interfaith Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the recent International Religious Leaders
Conference held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and
WHEREAS, his deep intent for cross-cultural harmony, knowledge of Hindu scriptures,
saintliness, and logic have enabled him to meaningfully discuss current affairs and global
challenges faced by different faiths to ultimately focus upon peaceful coexistence; and
WHEREAS, Swami Brahmaviharidas has inspired leaders, medical professionals,
journalists, politicians, and students through his insightful and relatable talks infused by his deep
study of global cultures, histories, and philosophies. He has also personally counseled and
guided many around the world, and his advice, wisdom, and genuine care have helped
thousands; for his many achievements and spiritual and social service, he has been awarded an
honorary PhD from Gujarat University; and
WHEREAS, during the devastating Gujarat earthquake in 2001, he coordinated a team
of 6,500 volunteers in BAPS's rescue, relief, and rehabilitation effort where millions were fed,
fifteen villages were reconstructed, and 4,500 homes were rebuilt; following the devastating
tsunami in December 2004, he coordinated the BAPS relief effort alongside 2000 volunteers;
and
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WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he was called upon by the government of
India to help with the relief operations. This included sourcing and transporting over 50,000
cylinders of medical oxygen to India from Abu Dhabi during the devastating second wave; and
WHEREAS, during the ongoing Russia and Ukraine war, the Prime Minister of India,
Shri Narendra Modi, called upon Swami Brahmaviharidas to deploy BAPS volunteers to set up a
camp on the Polish/Ukraine border for the safe evacuation of Indian nationals, students, and
citizens from Ukraine; and
WHEREAS, under the guidance of Mahant Swami Maharaj and Senior Sadhus, he helps
oversee devotional, cultural, humanitarian, and spiritual activities of BAPS; and
WHEREAS, this inspirational, international leader is most worthy of our approbation and
recognition on this special occasion; now, therefore;
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, that we extend our most cordial welcome to Swami
Brahmaviharidas and offer him our best wishes for an enjoyable, fruitful, and rewarding visit to
the State of Tennessee.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared
for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy and upon proper request made to
the appropriate clerk, the language appearing immediately following the State seal appear
without House or Senate designation.