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Tushar Patel, 22, was on a religious fast and extremely hungry at his desk at work. A co-worker asked him why he observed it and the young Indian-American launched into the explanation. He realized that in doing so, he shared not only the precepts of his religion but it helped overcome his hunger pangs and reawakened his pride in the Hindu religious teachings he was born and brought up in. The Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan, which his parents and grandparents followed, is named after a region in Gujarat, and led by the fourth generation spiritual heir of the founder of the modern Hindu sect which it is said, was established in the late 18th and early 19th century by Sahajanand Swami (1781-1830), ne Ghanshyam Pande.
Tushar, a Masters in chemical biology and aspiring physician, was just one of scores if not hundreds of youth of all ages who attended the first inaugural convention that brought the dozen or so North American chapters of the Maninagar sect to the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago Community Center in Streamwood, Illinois July 1to 4, to celebrate the expansion of this religion on this side of the globe. He is among thousands of Indian-American youth who follow different sects of Hinduism that have flourished in this fast-paced Western lifestyle, giving them coping skills which could possibly be the envy of other belief systems, including the dominant Judeo Christian ethic. It involves however, a total immersion in the beliefs in day-to-day activities as well as in prayer and rituals.
“It was the greatest week of my life,” says Devika Patel, 24, another of the 200 volunteers nationwide who helped organize the convention over the past year. A chemical engineer with a Fortune 500 company in Philadelphia, PA, Devika Patel like Tushar Patel, was brought up immersed in the religion and has lived by its teachings which she considers life-lessons for the modern world.
Close to 2,000 people attended the inaugural convention whose two main goals were to celebrate the 45 years of hard work and dedication of its leader, and to bring the various chapters to one meeting place. It was in October 1970 that the sect’s leader from India Swami Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa, visited the U.S. Led by “Acharya Swamishree Maharaj” as he is popularly addressed, the sect has grown into 12 chapters, Devika Patel says and the highlight was meeting and making lifelong friends from all the chapters for the first time. The New Jersey chapter is among the largest. According to its website, the sect has five principal temples, five Hari mandirs and thousands of disciples around North America.
More than 1,700 registrants and walk-in attendees came to listen to numerous gurus as well as imbibe skills to deal with life and how to live it, Hersh Patel, the media coordinator, said. The turnout was high considering it was the July 4 weekend. In fact, that day was dedicated to paying tribute to “the great country we call home” and celebrating Independence Day with commemorative programs, a release from the organization said. On July 4, the men all wore white kurtas and pajamas and the women wore different color saris denoting their different chapters. Acharya Swami Shree, as the leader is popularly called, led several interactive sessions with youth of different ages to ensure a one-on-one with each, Tushar Patel said. And that close connection is what has drawn young people whose parents and grandparents have been followers. “We go to the temple in Secaucus two or three times a week if not every day,” Tushar Patel said, and the guru personally advises them if they have any problems or need advice.
“The convention took place in the presence of our spiritual leader and guru, His Divine Holiness Acharya Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj, along with a Sant Mandal of 21 eminent sants,” Hersh Patel said. The theme was unity although breakout sessions covered many topics of the religion, and also featured many socially relevant topics such as health, financial management, and career/education workshops, he noted. There were also special sessions focusing on issues relevant particularly to women and men. “The main content of the entire convention was based on making the foundations of our religion relatable in the modern world,” Hersh Patel emphasized, dealing with developing key life-skills such as collaboration, empathy and trust, self-sufficiency, team work balanced with independence, problem solving, communication, and leadership, a release from the organization said.
“I was born and raised in this religion, but I was never forced to do anything because it is not about performing rituals alone, but rather how to do good, how to live life well,” Devika Patel told Desi Talk, patiently going on the explain the four pillars on which the belief system rests – Dharma (the religious decree which requires following 5 vartmaans- viz. vegetarianism, no alcohol, no adultery, no stealing, and not doing bad things or forcing others to do them); Gnan or spiritual knowledge which involves understanding the form of God and the form of one’s own soul; Vairagya or detachment from worldly desires; and finally Bhakti or devotion. For youth living in an environment where other religions are predominant, it is important to instil a sense of pride about this Hindu belief system, indicate Devika and Tushar Patel. “It’s about having confidence in your faith and knowing God is watching you and how you carry yourself,” Devika Patel adding that her parents taught her not to be uncomfortable about saying she is a vegetarian or a non-alcoholic in company. “I’m very open about my religion,” says Tushar Patel. The pride gets reinforced in sharing the beliefs that underlie it, he notes relating the story of his fasting at work and his co-worker’s curiosity.
“The hard work and effort from the past year has paid off tenfold throughout this past weekend. To see disciples from all over the country as well as parts of the world take part in this historic event was very pleasing” Kamlesh B. Patel, leader of the convention planning committee, is quoted saying in the release.
The convention kicked off with an opening ceremony at the Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Temple in Streamwood, Illinois where the Swamibapa Pipe Band, North America’s first Indian American Bag Pipe Band, also performed. Daily prayers and pooja were part of the proceedings. At a “workshop” Acharya Swamishree Maharaj and other gurus walked 250 youth through how to correctly perform their daily prayers. The breakout sessions covered aspects such as Niyam or rules, Ekta and Paksh, i.e. unity and loyalty, as well as Bhakti. Sessions on Gnana, Dharma, and even careers and education were held over the days. Speakers included Yogesh O. Khatri from New York Life who spoke on financial management and asset protection, among others.
Sports tournaments for cricket and volleyball, as well as team-building activities for the youth were held and cultural programs such as , dances, songs, skits – all relating to the principles of the faith, were performed.A “Sant Mandal” where gurus answered questions adults wanted clarification, was another highlight. For those who came, it was four days of total immersion in the faith.
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