State Legislature passes resolutions commemorating the landmark 50th anniversary of the Flushing BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Our Bureau
Albany, NY
State Senator John Liu and Assembly Member Nily Rozic passed Resolutions J2225, K2400, commemorating the landmark 50th anniversary of the Flushing BAPS Shri Swaminarayan mandir (temple) – the first BAPS temple in North America. In honor of the occasion, BAPS members from around New York traveled to the State Capitol to receive the resolution and to perform the invocation in the Senate and Assembly chambers.
Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a worldwide Hindu denomination dedicated to fostering faith, inspiring service and promoting better living. The first BAPS mandir in North America was built by the Pramukh Swami Maharaj on Flushing’s historic Bowne Street in 1974. Since then, six traditional stone Hindu mandirs and 108 hari mandirs have been built in the United States and Canada.
State Senator John Liu stated, “This year marks the 50th anniversary of the BAPS mandir in Flushing, a historic milestone for the mandir and our community. The BAPS mandir has been a cornerstone of the Hindu community, serving the spiritual, social and community needs of so many, and we are proud to commemorate their tremendous commitments to serving the needs of others.”
State Assembly Member Nily Rozic stated, “It’s an honor to recognize the BAPS Mandir on its 50th anniversary. For 50 years, the Mandir has been a central center for worship, cultural heritage, and community service. Its contributions to the lives of its members and the community have been profound and far-reaching. I am grateful to celebrate their dedication to promoting unity, service, and spirituality with my fellow leaders in government.”
Dr. Vipul Patel, BAPS Outreach and Public Affairs, stated, “BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is an integral part of the social and cultural fabric of Flushing and we are proud to celebrate our 50th anniversary. BAPS is a well-established community institution and serves as a spiritual and cultural hub for thousands of Queens residents, all while remaining consistent with its founding mission of outreach and service.”
Shyam Patel, BAPS Pujari and Mandir Coordinator, stated, “We are excited to celebrate our 50th anniversary and honored to accept these New York State Senate and Assembly resolutions. BAPS Swaminarayan mandirs teach the arts, language, music and philosophy that are the roots of Hindu heritage. BAPS mandirs host various charitable efforts for local communities throughout the year such as walkathons, health fairs, blood drives, and more.”
The invocation on the floor of the Senate and Assembly chambers was performed by Pujari (Priest) Shyam Patel. Also Attending session were Dr. Vipul Patel, Outreach and Public Affairs Admin and Shyam Patel, Pujari (Priest) and Mandir Coordinator from the BAPS Flushing Temple, Approva Khatri from the BAPS Melville Temple, Praduman Kansara, Outreach Admin, Hardi Patel, Outreach Admin, BAPS, Vidhi Patel, and Anuj Patel from BAPS Albany Temple.
