High Comm. Kamlesh Prakash confers Fiji’s 50th Anniversary of Independence Commemorative Medal to Swami Sanyuktanand

New Delhi 09 Nov 2021– Kamlesh Prakash, High Commissioner of the Republic of Fiji in India today officiated at the Investiture Ceremony and conferred Swami Sanyuktanand Fiji’s 50^th Anniversary of Independence Commemorative Medal for his eminent contributions to Fijis religious and humanitarian services in the past 50 years.

The solemn ceremony started with the Fiji National Anthem followed by a prayer by Poojaniye Swami Atma Gyananand Maharaj to bless the occasion.

High Commissioner Prakash in conferring the 50^th Anniversary of Independence Commemorative Medal on behalf of the President of the Republic of Fiji highlighted that Bharat Sevashram Sangha is no stranger to charitable and humanitarian work and for working to promote tribal welfare, providing education, health services, relief work and sewa to the poor, downtrodden and needy in India for over a 100 years ago.

He added that Bharat Sevashram Sangha was established by the Prophet of the Age, Swami Pranavananda in 1917 to fulfil his mission and they now have about 15 offices world over, including one in Fiji since 2000 and Swami-ji has been associated with the Fiji Shaka for some 20 years now. Under his guidance another centre was opened in Lautoka and four camps are held throughout Fiji each year through Fiji Seva Sanga and its volunteers have unfailingly provided dedicated services especially during times of flooding, cyclones and other natural disasters – not only in Central division but Fiji wide.

In addition, the Fiji Seva Sangha has made devoted services to the community through religious services and advancing spiritual and religious harmony in the country. Under Swamiji’s leadership, they have helped spread and promote religious education (gyan) in Fiji and have had special programs for the children and youth, and have involved all in the community, men and women, rich and poor in observing all festivities and pooja, especially during Shiv raatri, Ganesh utsov, Raksha bandhan to Rangoli competitions and Deepawali. The educational and cultural programs for the youth have not only prevented them from straying into the social ills but have helped promote intercultural cooperation between and amongst the communities and between India and Fiji.

It was these self-less services to the communities in Fiji that the President of Fiji had recognized Swami-ji for his eminent contributions to Fijis religious and humanitarian services in the past 50 years.

High Commissioner Prakash concluded that it was his pleasure and an honor to confer Fiji’s 50th Anniversary of Independence Commemorative Medal on behalf of the President of the Republic of Fiji.

Swami Sanyuktanand Ji in accepting the Medal thanked the President of the Republic of Fiji of recognizing his work whilst serving in Fiji. He also paid tribute to the Prime Minister of Fiji for acknowledging the work that is undertaken by the Fiji Sevashram Sangha in supporting Fijians during the difficult circumstances they face during major hurricanes and their support for to the general community in times of needs. Swami Ji also commented the Prime Minister for paying homage to the work of the Fiji Sevashram Sangha by launching four commemorative stamps in Suva during the celebration of the 125th Birthday of their founder, Swami Pranavananda Maharaj and 20 years of service to the Fijian people.