His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj has offered His prayers and condolences on behalf of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha to the families of the innocent people that have been killed and injured in the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India.
There was a huge Prayer assembly held in the presence of His Holiness in Tithal (Gujarat, India). BAPS was to celebrate the 88th Birthday Celebrations of His holiness in Mumbai coming Dec 6, 2008 which was canceled as Mumbai suffered a tragic and devastating terrorist attack.
His Holiness appealed: "We continue to pray for the victims and their loved ones at all of our centers across the world. Terrorism shakes the very root of stability in our world. We pray that no country, people or community ever have to deal with such a horrific attack again. It is imperative that we stay strong and have faith. We strongly feel that violence is not the answer to terrorism. We encourage people around the world and especially in Mumbai to stay calm and at peace. The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha will continue to offer its support in this time of tragedy.Once again, we offer our condolences to the families of the victims, and we pray for a rapid end to the tragic situation in Mumbai, India"
Following this national tragedy, programs to celebrate Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s birthday at all BAPS centers have been cancelled. Instead, all centers had held Prayer Assemblies for the victims of this tragedy.