SR0635 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0635 LRB100 13227 MST 27654 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a spiritual, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to improving society through individual growth by fostering the Hindu ideals of faith, unity, and selfless service; and

WHEREAS, The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett was inaugurated by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 2004; the Mandir has served as a center for spirituality, harmony, and service for its members and the surrounding community within Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Over the past 13 years, The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir has been, for thousands of visitors from all across the United States of America, a center for learning and experiencing Indian culture, heritage, architecture, and Hindu religion and customs; and

WHEREAS, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj appointed His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj as his spiritual successor and the sixth Guru of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Santha; and

WHEREAS, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj will arrive in the United States of America for the first time as the leader and guru of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha; on Sunday July 9, 2017, he will celebrate the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett; and

WHEREAS, For millions of Hindus from around the world, Guru Purnima marks a day when they honor and express gratitude for their spiritual and academic teachers, as both pay a critical role in providing true knowledge; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare July 9, 2017 as "His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj Day" in honoring and welcoming His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj to the great State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj as a symbol of our respect and esteem.