One of Britain’s most highly respected Hindu community ambassadors has marked his 70th birthday.
Madhubhai Soni, who has been a beacon of light in his home city of Leicester for almost five decades, was joined by scores of well-wishers of all ages from all over England and far beyond for a special spiritual event at the Hindu Temple in Leicester last weekend.
The event also marked the birth anniversary of Tulsidas, the Hindu Saint.
In a speech, Mahesh Karia praised Mr Soni for his tireless efforts serving the community and for inspiring all, particularly youth. Bhajans, or devotional hymns in Gujarati, were performed by members of one of Leicester’s oldest bhajan groups, Bajrang Mandal. A spectacular performance by a group of young girls from the local branch of BAPS, Swaminarayan Sanstha, won rapturous applause. Others included Jaysukhbhai Ladva, Mukeshbhai Vara, Rambhai Odedra, Jayantibhai Mistry as well as youth, Pratik Soni, Kishan Wadhia, Hiten Jethwa, Dhrupti Vaja, Ravi Vegad, Mitesh Pankhania and Gautam Arya. Food and drink was served throughout.
One of Mr Soni’s best friends, Pujya Ram Bapa, aka Maganbhai Bhimjiani, now in his 90’s, was unable make this event due to poor health. Glowing tributes were also paid to another of his close friends, the Late Pragjibhai Jina Ladva, who passed away in January this year. Mr Soni has a son, Saket, daughter, Darshna, and two grandchildren, Abhuram and Nandini.
Mr Soni, who is known in particular for his close connection with Sant Shri Morari Bapu, one of India’s most revered spiritual teachers whose popular discourses “katha” are sought after by his fans globally, thanked everyone for their support, good wishes and for gracing this memorable occasion. Morari Bapu’s katha is to take place at the SSE Arena in London between 12th and 20th August. Photo: Chandrakant Mandalia drapes a shawl over Mr Soni as a mark of respect and recognition.
