BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) in the UK has launched a nationwide community care programme to support individuals and local communities in response to the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
These times of uncertainty have brought unprecedented challenge and unrest across the world. His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS, has issued a call for all volunteers to act upon their dharma (duty) in this time of need. BAPS has mobilised hundreds of volunteers in more than 30 areas around the UK to help support the elderly and needy 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 to support individuals as well as businesses
- A series of health awareness videos and presentationsin English and Gujarati to educate the public on its collective responsibility to help stem the rapid spread of this deadly virus
- Phone callsto over 6,000 families across the UK to enquire about their welfare and provide support and comfort
- Reaching out to over 1,500 elderly and vulnerablepeople in the community on a regular basis to collect shopping, medication and running essential errands, where required
- More than 1,500 letters posted to residents of local communitiesneighbouring all BAPS mandirs in the UK, offering support during this difficult period
- More than 400 ‘tiffins’delivered daily to the most needy in Harrow and Brent in London
- Supporting five hospitals in the UK, including the newly opened Nightingale Hospital, by providing food as well as letters of appreciation for their heroic staff
- Supporting charitable organisations by delivering more than 70 tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetablesas well as grocery bags to the needy in the local community
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, were illuminated in blue on 25 March 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, joined the nationwide‘Clap for Carers’ initiative at 8pm that evening for a collective applause to thank the NHS.
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.
Yogen Shah, 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 londonmandir.baps.org or the JustGiving website here.
