BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) in the UK and Europe has launched a nationwide community care programme to support individuals and local communities in response to the global coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS, has called for all volunteers to act upon their dharma (duty) at this time of need. BAPS has mobilised more than 700 volunteers in over 54 areas around the UK and Europe to help support the elderly and vulnerable in local communities. This ‘Connect and Care’ initiative is a holistic offering to the community to ensure they are informed, safe and supported. The multi-faceted initiative includes:
- Public announcements and publications, including summaries of government guidance, to provide important advice on remaining stable and healthy, and support individuals as well as businesses
- A series of health awareness videos and presentations in English and Gujarati to educate the public on its collective responsibility to help stem the rapid spread of this deadly virus
- More than 16,500 phone calls to over 10,300 families across the UK and Europe to enquire about their welfare and provide support and comfort
- Reaching out to over 3,800 elderly and vulnerable people in the community on a regular basis to collect shopping, medication and running essential errands, where required
- More than 1,600 letters posted to residents of local communities neighbouring all BAPS mandirs in the UK, offering support during this difficult period
- Over 700 ‘tiffins’ delivered daily to the most needy in London
- Supporting 34 hospitals, police stations, fire stations, food banks and other key organisations by providing food and letters of appreciation for their heroic staff
- Supporting charitable organisations by delivering more than 80 tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as grocery bags to the needy in the local community
- A parenting toolkit with resources and guidelines on keeping children of all ages active and engaged
BAPS has also participated in national initiatives related to the pandemic. A special Nilkanth Varni abhishek (ritual bathing) ceremony was performed by swamis at the Neasden Temple, and simultaneously by devotees in their homes, on 22 March as part of BAPS’s observance of UK’s National Day of Prayer and Action. Various mandirs in the UK, including the Neasden Temple, are illuminated in blue every Thursday as a mark of respect and gratitude for the tireless and selfless NHS workers. Swamis at the Mandir, as well as devotees in their respective homes, are joining in the weekly ‘Clap for Carers’ initiative to thank the NHS and all key workers.
BAPS continues to fulfil the spiritual needs of people in communities across the country through online worship, including webcasts of arti, abhishek, prayers, kirtan, religious assemblies and talks. This fusion of technology and devotion is bringing people together from around the world and providing a connection to spirituality during these times of isolation and social distancing.
Shaumit Saglani, a volunteer at the Mandir, said, “His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj has inspired and energised us to serve and support the people of this country and stand by them in their time of need. We’re praying together for this pandemic to subside and for God to provide strength to all.”
BAPS has set up a Coronavirus Relief Fund to allow others to support this timely cause. Those who wish to donate should visit neasdentemple.org or the JustGiving website here. or the JustGiving website here.
