Tuesday, 18 March 2025

 Gary MAAS (Narre Warren South) (13:03): I recently joined BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir to honour the visit of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj to Melbourne as part of the Celebrate Peace festival. Alongside hundreds of BAPS volunteers and devotees, south-east MPs and the Deputy Prime Minister, we were all privileged to welcome His Holiness and BAPS swamis at Cranbourne Racecourse, which was transformed into a beautiful mandir. I know this visit was special for so many, and I thank the many volunteers who worked hard to put together the Celebrate Peace festival. The event captured the spirit of unity, selflessness and service, which reflect the core ideals of Hinduism. BAPS are an excellent organisation, and they support our Victorian Indian community and the wider community by fostering faith, history, tradition and cultural exchange. For those who may have migrated from another country, the organisation fosters connections within our community, to culture as well, and empowers celebration of the heritage and traditions that form their identity.

The Allan Labor government has always supported our diverse communities. Our diversity is our strength in our state of Victoria. I know many from the Indian community in my electorate of Narre Warren South and the wider south-east area cherish BAPS’s commitment and services in our area. I especially thank Ruchir Patel from the local BAPS mandir in Cranbourne South and all the attendees for welcoming me.