Source

KAMPALA, UGANDA, September 30, 2004: The leader of the BAPS denomination of the Swaminarayan branch of Hinduism, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, yesterday jetted into the country for his fifth visit, to a rapturous welcome. Shortly after his arrival, the clergyman, wearing Hindu religious garb, praised the Government, at their temple on Nakivubo Place, for allowing freedom of worship and prayed for peace in the country. The 84-year-old celibate is on a six-day visit, to pray for and inspire the country. Swami arrived at Entebbe International Airport aboard an East African Airways flight at about 11:00am. On hand to welcome him were hundreds of the faithful, mainly Indians. Many fell on their knees and touched their leader’s feet as he passed by. He was also welcomed by Uganda’s deputy High Commissioner to India, Danny Ssozi. Ssozi spoke of the cordial relationship between the two countries and wished Ugandans would emulate Indians, in whom, he said, religion had inculcated discipline. “I wish just like the Indians, Ugandans would have discipline instilled in them by religion,” Ssozi said. Swami, led his believers in a spiritual recital at the temple, before delivering his sermon that largely dwelt on peace. He was entertained by the Sanyu African Music and Dramatic Society (SAMADS), led by its pot- bellied chairman Moses Kawooya. The group, clad in the national colors of yellow, red and black, put on a performance of Buganda cultural dances, which won the heart of the leader. He later joined in playing the xylophone to a thunderous applause from his believers.

Post Views: 618