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WHEREAS, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a worldwide Hindu denomination dedicated to fostering faith, inspiring service, and promoting better living; and
WHEREAS, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016), established the first BAPS Hindu mandir in the United States of America on August 4, 1974 in New York City and the year 2024 marks fifty years of service and faith in the United States for BAPS; and
WHEREAS, over the last fifty years, BAPS has grown to over 100 mandirs across the United States. These mandirs offer a welcoming and spiritual space for thousands of families, as well as worship, fellowship, communal meals, education, and activities for young and old, creating a true home for the faithful; and
WHEREAS, BAPS mandirs offer youth activities that encourage and mold young people to live lives of integrity and character that reflect our highest ideals; and
WHEREAS, following in the example of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the volunteers of BAPS have answered the call to serve through support for those in need, a variety of community efforts such as health fairs, food drives, or disaster relief work, and have done so humbly, selflessly, and inspirationally; and
WHEREAS, BAPS mandirs have a storied history of helping immigrants to the United States retain their connection to their faith but fully embrace and join in American civic life. They have added to the rich tapestry of diversity that makes the City of Pittsburgh and America a beautiful place to call home; and
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha on the organization's commitment over the last fifty years to selfless service in communities across the United States, including the City of Pittsburgh, and extend to BAPS volunteers a sincere appreciation for their meaningful contributions to others; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare, Tuesda...
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