Hundreds Gather to Celebrate YDS Chicago’s Guru Purnima
By Jatinder Singh Bedi
CHICAGO – Chicago based Yogi Divine Society (YDS Chicago) celebrated Guru Purnima that was attended by over 900 devotees and community prominents. The celebrations took place at the Jain Temple Auditorium in Bartlett on 23 July 2022. Mr Jayesh Patel was the Master of the Ceremony.
Yogi Divine Society is the Chicago based unit of ‘Shri Akshar Puroshotam Swami Narayan Hari Dham Sokhda (SAP HS),’ a Swaminarayan Sect headquartered in Sokhda in Gujarat. Currently, the YDS Chicago is engaged in construing a temple for the Sect in Schaumburg. It is located at 540 Martingale Road, Schaumburg, Illinois.
Prominent community leader and Trustee of the FIA Chicago (Estd 1980) Mr Kanti N Patel was instrumental in inviting and confirming the presence of over 18 social organizations, 9 religious organizations, and over 7 prominent VIPs from the community. Kanti N Patel is the PRO Chair of the YDS Chicago. US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorty also attended.
Secretary of the YDS Chicago Mr Chirantan Nanavati started the program welcoming by the saints from "Haridham" Sokhda Shri Anandswarup Swami, Shri Gunagarahkaswami, and Shri Dinkar Uncle. Frequently referring to His Holiness Hariprasadaswami, Mr Chirantan Nanavati described how Holiness Hariprasadaswami created the society with love and warmth from a scratch. He announced the arrival two saints from India, Anandswaroop Swami and Gunagrahakaswamy Swami.
Later the both the saints narrated the philosophy of Guruhari Bramswaroop Hariprasad Swamiji Hariprasadswamy and explained his worldly reincarnation and manifestation in Premaswarup Swami. Mr Nanvati called upon the devotees to have faith and trust in Swami Premaswarupa Ji.
Speaking at the occasion, New Jersey based, youthful Bhavbhuti bhai, narrated the importance of a Guru in life. He said that, Hariprasad Swami spoke about the order given to him to hold the hand of Pragat Guruhari Premaswamiji.
A video presentation showing the life of His Holiness Hariprasad Swamiji was shown. The video showed the His Holiness Hariprasadswami showing the qualities of Swami Premaswamiji. He was shown explaining that when he (Hariprasadswamiji) will not be on this earth, then he will hand over this organization to Swami Premaswamiji.
After the presentation, Mr Jayeshbhai Patel introduced the guest dignitaries present at the celebrations.
The intorduction was followed by Hariprasadswamiji and Premaswamiji's idol being honored with flowers by the invited dignitaries.
The guests included Congressman Congressman Raja Krishnamurty; Entrepreneur Mr. Mafatbhai Patel of Patel Brothers; Mayor of Lincolnwood Mr. Jasal Patel; CEO of Millennium Bank Mr Moti Aggarwal; VHPA President Mr Harendra Mangrola; Regional Director of Vishwa Umiya Foundation and President of Umiya Mataji Mandir West Chicago Mr. J.P. Patel; Chairman of Sri Jalaram Temple Mr. Chirayu Parikh; Chairman of Trustees of Jain Metropolitan Society Mr. Chicago Mr. Tejash Shah; President of Jain Metropolitan Society of Chicago Mr. Piyush Gandhi; Representative of Sri Swaminarayan Mandir Wheeling (Vadtal Dham) Mr. Kirit Patel; Mr. Hemant Bhrambhat, Publisher of Hi India, Secretary of the FIA Chicago (Estd 1980) Mr. Jatinder Singh Bedi, who also is the Founder and Publisher of the Hello NRI; and Mr. Suresh Bodiwala, Publisher of Asian Media USA; Mr. Babubhai Patel, Chairman of the NFIA; Mr. Suryakant Patel of Gujarat Samaj; Founder and Ex-President of AASARP, Mr. Pradeep Shukla; Secretary of Overseas Friends of BJP Mr. Amar Upadhyay; President FIA Chicago Mr. Rakesh Malhotra; Former President FIA Chicago Mr. Rajesh Patel; FIA’s Vice President Mr. Hemant Patel; President of 42 Village Patidar Samaj Mr. Dashrath Patel; United Senior Family President Mr. Rameshbhai Patel; Chicago Hindu Mahotsav Group President Mr. Shailesh Rajput, etc.
On conclusion, the guests and devotees were served with traditional Gujarati delicacies.