Over the decades, Yogiji Maharaj, Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj have personally guided and inspired the karyakars to progress, both in their personal spirituality and in rendering community services.

In Surat, on 28 January 2024, Mahant Swami Maharaj inaugurated the year-long Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav celebrations, which will conclude with the grand finale celebration assembly on
7 December 2024 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Volunteers from various parts of India and across the world, including the UK, Europe, the USA, Australia, and the Middle East, will come together to attend this historic event.

The Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav reflects the journey of BAPS volunteers through the symbolic stages of Seed, Tree, and Fruits, capturing their sacrifices and the profound impact of their services.

The Seed represents the foundation of service, marking the humble beginnings of the volunteers, nurtured by the teachings of their gurus. Just as a seed requires care and dedication to sprout, the volunteers began their journey with discipline, humility, and faith. This stage reflects the early sacrifices made to lay the groundwork for a greater cause, instilling values of selflessness and devotion that inspire a lifetime of service.

The Tree signifies growth and expansion, as the seed of service flourishes into a strong and nurturing presence. The dedication of the volunteers, guided by the blessings of the gurus, has allowed their efforts to touch countless lives across the globe. This phase highlights resilience, teamwork, and collective spirit as volunteers work tirelessly toward social, spiritual, and cultural betterment. The tree stands as a symbol of how service grows to provide support and sustenance for humanity, spreading its branches far and wide.

The Fruits represent the outcomes of tireless dedication, manifesting as peace, harmony, and love that uplift individuals and communities. Volunteers’ selfless efforts have brought spiritual awareness, societal unity, and global compassion, leaving an enduring legacy of altruism. Through education, healthcare, disaster relief, and spiritual guidance, countless lives have been transformed, showcasing the impact of their unwavering commitment.

This theme ties together the progression from personal commitment to global benefit, celebrating the volunteers’ journey from planting seeds of service to nurturing a tree of unity and finally sharing its fruits for the betterment of all.

For the first time in history, this remarkable celebration will honour over 100,000 volunteers from India and abroad through captivating performances, narrations and throwback videos that will feature their extraordinary contributions and sacrifices for the welfare of countless individuals. The blessings of senior swamis and Mahant Swami Maharaj, and speeches by stage guests will further enlighten and inspire all.

This Suvarna Mahotsav embodies the enduring legacy of service inspired by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and nurtured by the love and guidance of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj. 

Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) tests were performed on hundreds of kilograms of beef-stuffed samosas seized during the raid. The police acted on information provided by local animal activist Neha Patel, who informed them about the shop’s popularity and its alleged sale of beef-filled samosas. Patel’s tip-off prompted the police raid.

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• Vadodara based famous ‘Huseni Samosa’ used to actually sell beef-stuffed samosa

DCP Panna Momaya stated that the FSL tests confirmed the presence of beef in the samosa filling, leading to the booking and arrest of six individuals, including the shop owners and employees. The accused were identified as Yusuf and Naeem Sheikh, along with Hanif Bhathiyara, Dilawar Pathan, Moin Habdal, and Mobin Sheikh. Authorities believe that many residents of the city consumed these beef samosas.

DCP Momaya explained that the shop owners prepared the uncooked samosas in large quantities daily and supplied them to various shops across the city for frying and sale. The accused operated from a five-story facility, with one room converted into a deep freezer for storing beef and other meats. Yusuf Sheikh informed the police that he joined his father’s samosa business, but investigations revealed that they did not have a license for their operation.

The police are now investigating how long Huseni Samosa has been selling beef-filled samosas. The six accused were remanded into one-day police custody by the court.

This incident is reminiscent of a similar case reported in Gujarat the previous year. In May 2023, Surat Police booked Ismail Yusuf and another individual for selling beef-stuffed samosas and cow slaughter. Yusuf operated a snack shop in Kosadi village and was found selling beef samosas to unsuspecting customers. The police seized 2 kg of beef samosas from a suspicious auto rickshaw and arrested Ismail Yusuf.

Yusuf confessed to purchasing beef and using it to stuff the samosas he sold. The FSL certificate confirmed the presence of cow meat in the seized samosas, leading to the registration of an FIR against the accused by the Gujarat police.

During a small gathering in Rajkot on March 22, Parshottam Rupala made remarks about the historical interactions of ‘maharajas’ with foreign rulers and the British. These comments were perceived as insulting by members of the Rajput community, leading to protests and calls for the BJP to withdraw Rupala’s candidature.

Despite the tension, experts believe that this issue is not indicative of a larger conflict between Patidars and Rajputs. The Rajput leaders are specifically against Parshottam Rupala, and there is no widespread animosity towards the Patidar community as a whole. They note that in the past, the two communities had been rivals, but under BJP rule, these rivalries have largely dissipated.

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• BAPS workers’ golden jubilee will be celebrated at Ahmedabad Narendra Modi Stadium
• American Terrorist Pannun has again threatened to bomb Air India
• US Dismisses Russian Warships in Cuba as Non-threatening
• Vadodara based famous ‘Huseni Samosa’ used to actually sell beef-stuffed samosa

Analysts suggest that the impact of the Rajput community’s stance on the elections may be minimal, considering the urban makeup of the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat and the lack of a strong Congress candidate. They point out that the unity of the Hindu vote bank, which has been strengthened under BJP rule, is likely to outweigh any caste-based issues in this election.

Parshottam Rupala has since apologized twice for his remarks, seeking forgiveness from the Rajput community. Some Rajput leaders have accepted his apology, while others continue to demand his replacement. However, experts believe that this incident is unlikely to revive the old caste fault lines between Patidars and Rajputs, which had caused significant tensions in the past.

However, Rajkot BJP leaders have dismissed these claims, stating that they are mere rumors. Raju Dhruv, spokesperson of the Rajkot BJP, firmly denied any speculation regarding Kundariya potentially replacing Rupala on the Rajkot seat, emphasizing that Rupala is actively engaging with BJP leaders in Rajkot. Another BJP leader, Ram Mokaria, supported Dhruv’s stance, reiterating that the circulating rumors lack substance.

The controversy surrounding Rupala escalated after his attempt to offer a public apology in the presence of Kshatriya leaders under the leadership of Rajendrasinh Jadeja. However, the Karni Sena criticized Rupala’s apology for not including all factions of the Kshatriya community. The uncertainty surrounding Rupala’s candidature reflects the growing discontent within the Kshatriya community and the potential repercussions it may have on the upcoming elections. As Rupala navigates through the challenges posed by internal dissent, the political landscape in Rajkot remains dynamic.

The speculation regarding Kundariya’s potential candidacy adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding political drama. With his credentials as a former Union MoS for Agriculture and a seasoned politician with local roots, Kundariya emerges as a viable alternative amidst the uncertainty surrounding Rupala’s candidacy. As the BJP grapples with internal tensions and strives to maintain unity ahead of the elections, the fate of the Rajkot Lok Sabha seat hangs in the balance. Whether Rupala retains his candidacy or if Kundariya emerges as the frontrunner, the ensuing developments are poised to shape the political trajectory of Rajkot in the coming days.