Opening Ceremony of Sat-Chit-Anand Water Show, Swaminarayan Akshardham

The inaugural assembly of the Sat-Chit-Anand Water Show at Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, commenced at 6.30 p.m. with Vedic singing by children. The assembly was presided over by HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Narendrabhai Modi, Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Shri R. Chidambaram and Creative Designer of the Water Show Mr. Yves Pépin. More than 1500 dignitaries attended the function.

In his address, Ishwarcharan Swami, the coordinator of the project, gave details and objectives of the Water Show. Mr. Yves Pépin expressed his sentiments in his speech, “Till now my projects were all about entertainment and thrill. But this one is different. There is a spiritual message that follows the Indian tradition of the Upanishads. I have enjoyed working with BAPS. It was like a family experience. Pramukh Swami is a simple, selfless person. His inspiration can make the impossible, possible.”

Shri R. Chidambaram spoke about developing a scientific mindset in our young generation. “Nachiketa had an enquiring mind,” he added. “He was of a scientific bent because he persisted in asking the secret of life after death. If we want to become the best nation then we must have an amalgamation of science and spirituality.”

The Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi praised the show and added, “The message of India’s spirituality presented here will provide entertainment and inspiration to the new generation. I believe that management case studies should be done on Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s work. From it one will learn the highest lessons in management and the use of human talent and resources. He has made optimum use of youth energy for such service to society.”

Finally, Pramukh Swami Maharaj blessed the function. He explained the story of Nachiketa and the three boons he asked of Lord Yama. He emphasized, “We need to tell our children stories each day from the Ramayan, Mahabharat and our shastras. Through this we will be able to empower our children with values and faith of our culture and religion. The essence of Nachiketa’s story is brahmavidya, which can be realized through one who is absorbed in the bliss of God. Our guru Yogiji Maharaj was such a sadhu. He was always spiritually happy amidst the dualities of joy and pain, and honor and insult. I pray that may joy and peace prevail in India and the world.”

A brief inaugural Vedic ritual of pujan of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj and tying of nadachhadi (sacred thread) on the wrists of the chief guests followed. In conclusion, a short cultural performance by children depicted the five elements as part of the inaugural ritual.

Finally, the 45-minute Water Show was shown to the invitees and guests.