1. Pramukh Swami Maharaj was born on December 7, 1921 in Chansad, Gujarat, India.
2. He was initiated into sannyas (monasticism) by Yogiji Maharaj at the age of 14. 3. He adopted the name Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 1950. 4. He was appointed as the fifth spiritual successor of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) in 1950. 5. He is the current leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. 6. He has undertaken many spiritual and humanitarian initiatives throughout India and the world. 7. He is a great proponent of non-violence, welfare and social harmony, and has been honoured by the Indian government for his efforts. 8. He is an advocate of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, and has written several books on the subject. 9. He is known for his humility and simplicity despite his leadership position. 10. He has established several mandirs (temples) throughout the world, including in India, Europe, USA and Africa. 11. He has initiated over 1,500 Sadhus (monks) and has inspired millions of people around the world. 12. He is the founder of several educational and medical institutions, including hospitals, orphanages, and schools. 13. He is known for his strict adherence to the code of conduct of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. 14. He is a great devotee of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, and has been the driving force behind the transformation of BAPS from a small sect to a major religious and spiritual movement. 15. He has made great efforts to promote the unity of all religions and has initiated several interfaith dialogues. 16. He has travelled extensively across the world and has been welcomed by people from all walks of life. 17. He has been honoured with several awards, including the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award of India. 18. He has undertaken several major projects, including the construction of the world’s largest Hindu temple of Swaminarayan in New Delhi. 19. He is a great proponent of vegetarianism, and has inspired many people to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle. 20. He has inspired many young people to become dedicated to the path of spiritual enlightenment. 21. He has established several spiritual and cultural centres across the world to promote the values of Swaminarayan Sampradaya. 22. He has been recognised as a great spiritual leader, orator and speaker, and has addressed several international conferences and meetings. 23. He has visited the UK several times, including to the House of Lords in 2001. 24. He has advocated for the protection of the environment, and has inspired people to take steps to protect the planet. 25. He is a great proponent of the traditional values of Hinduism, and has encouraged people to take up the practice of chanting mantras as part of their daily spiritual practice. 26. He has encouraged people to take up the practice of yoga and meditation as part of their daily spiritual practice. 27. He has been a great advocate of the Gita, and has written numerous commentaries and interpretations. 28. He has encouraged people to observe the festivals of Diwali and Janmashtami as part of their spiritual practice. 29. He has encouraged people to observe the festivals of Holi, Raksha Bandhan and Guru Purnima as part of their spiritual practice. 30. He has encouraged people to observe the festivals of Navratri, Gokulashtami, and Shivaratri as part of their spiritual practice. 31. He has encouraged people to observe the festivals of Makar Sankranti, Akshaya Tritiya and Vasant Panchami as part of their spiritual practice. 32. He has encouraged people to observe the festivals of Shravan and Chaturmas as part of their spiritual practice. 33. He has encouraged people to observe the festivals of Dusshera and Diwali as part of their spiritual practice. 34. He has encouraged people to observe the festivals of Durga Puja and Dussehra as part of their spiritual practice. 35. He has encouraged people to observe the festivals of Holika Dahan and Janmashtami as part of their spiritual practice. 36. He has encouraged people to observe the festivals of Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti as part of their spiritual practice. 37. He has encouraged people to observe the festivals of Shivratri, Maha Shivratri and Holi as part of their spiritual practice. 38. He has encouraged people to observe the festivals of Vasant Panchami, Basant Panchami and Gudi Padwa as part of their spiritual practice. 39. He has encouraged people to observe the festivals of Navratri and Dussehra as part of their spiritual practice. 40. He has established several hospitals and clinics, including the Pramukh Swami Maharaj Hospital in Mumbai, India. 41. He has established several trusts, including the Pramukh Swami Maharaj Trust and the Swaminarayan Aksharpurushottam Trust. 42. He has established several schools and colleges, including the Pramukh Swami Maharaj English Medium School in Mumbai, India. 43. He has initiated several relief and rehabilitation programs, including the Pramukh Swami Maharaj Relief Fund. 44. He has undertaken several spiritual discourses, including the International Hindu Conference in India in 1999. 45. He has undertaken several pilgrimages to various religious sites, including the Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, India. 46. He has undertaken several social initiatives, including the ‘Grow Trees’ project and the ‘Gift of Sight’ project. 47. He has been a great proponent of the practice of puja (religious worship) and has established several mandirs (temples) for the same. 48. He has encouraged people to observe the moral and ethical values of Swaminarayan Sampradaya and practice the same in their daily lives. 49. He has inspired people to practice the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and adopt the path of spiritual enlightenment. 50. He has been an inspiration to millions of people around the world, and has made great efforts to promote peace and harmony in the world.
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