Under the auspices of the Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Celebrations, Birsa Munda Tribal University, Rajpipla, in association with AARSH Research Institute, Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar, organized a seminar on the topic ‘Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Contributions in the Field of Tribal Uplift’ at the Town Hall, Rajpipla.

The seminar was chaired by the Vice Chancellor of the Birsa Munda Tribal University Dr. Madhukar S. Padvi.

Following initial prayers and the traditional lighting of the lamp, a video highlighting Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s exemplary planning, decision-making and foresight was shown.

In his speech, Gnannayandas Swami of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Sarangpur, highlighted that under the guidance of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha has addressed the needs of hundreds of remote and impoverished villages. Mindful of tribal cultures and practices, BAPS has worked to bring education and health care services to remote regions. These underprivileged tribal communities have suffered from poverty, addictions, superstitions, crime and illiteracy. In 1977–78, Pramukh Swami Maharaj visited around 90 villages in a short span of 17 days in these areas. He toured the hinterlands of India and encouraged them to live an addiction-free life. His visits inspired many to undertake personal reform.

The BAPS Sanstha also runs a Vocational Training Centre at Dharampur, Vansda, which provides free facilities to tribal students. This has led to educational awareness, value-education for children and women empowerment amongst these communities. Mass wedding ceremonies are also held for them. The Sanstha also provides spiritual guidance to them to bring an end to theft, gambling and violent crimes, and thereby alleviate community discord. Today, many individuals from these communities have progressed in education and become doctors, engineers, professors and professionals in a variety of fields. Around 20 tribal youths have also become sadhus in the BAPS Sanstha.

Among the other dignitaries present at the seminar were Registrar of the Birsa Munda Tribal University Dr. Vijaysinh R. Vala and the Campus Co-coordinator of the Birsa Munda Tribal University Dr. Manish Chaudhary.