In a rare gesture, the Gujarat Assembly today passed a condolence motion over the death of the spiritual head of BAPS Swaminarayan sect, Pramukh Swami.
Swami passed away on August 13 at Sarangpur in Botad district at the age of 95.
Though he was never a member of the Assembly, all the MLAs agreed to pass condolence motion as a mark of respect.
"He was truly a great saint, who was loved by all. His contribution to the humanity is invaluable. His death has left all of us in deep pain. It is impossible to fill the void created by his death," said Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, speaking on the motion.
Leader of Opposition Shankersinh Vaghela termed Swami a progressive saint.
"He had a progressive mindset. He encouraged highly qualified people like doctors and engineers to become sadhu, which enabled him to bring religion and science together. He used this scientific approach in building hundreds of temples," said Vaghela.
Senior Congress MLA Shaktisinh Gohil said Swami touched the lives of millions of people across the globe.
"Due to his enormous contribution to the society, this House has made an exception to mourn his death, despite the fact that he was never a member of the Assembly," said Gohil.
Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel remembered Swami's as well as BAPS' contribution in rebuilding Bhuj and surrounding areas of Kutch after the devastating earthquake of 2001.
"When the earthquake struck in 2001, I held the Road and Building portfolio in the Keshubhai Patel's government. Swami called me and expressed his desire to visit Bhuj and work for the locals. He reached there next day by a helicopter. Such was his determination to work for the people," said Patel.
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