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BAPS sets world record for recital by over 12K kids

The event was attended by the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, and the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, as special guests.

Children assembled for BAPS' world record attempt / BAPS

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha set a new Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous Hindu text recital by children, as part of the Mahant Swami Maharaj's birthday celebrations, on Feb. 2.

A total of 15,666 children between the ages of 3 and 13 memorized Satsang Diksha within one year. Out of these, 12,723 children participated in the live recitation at Vadodara, fulfilling the criteria set by Guinness World Records.

The Satsang Diksha consists of 315 Sanskrit shlokas and offers practical guidance for spiritual growth, moral conduct, social harmony, and disciplined living.

Children participating in the record included hundreds from the United States and Canada, reflecting the global reach of BAPS and the growing interest among Indian American families in traditional learning.

The event was attended by the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, and the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, as special guests. A letter of greetings from the Honorable Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah, was also read out on the occasion.

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Param Patel, a participant from Edison, New Jersey, shared that the preparation took months of consistent practice. “At first I thought it was too hard,” he said. “But once I finished, I felt more confident. It showed me I can stick with something.”

Six-year-old Anadi Tailor from Atlanta said memorizing the verses helped her apply values in everyday life. “I remember the words when I am at school,” she said. “They help me make good choices.”

Another participant, Vani Patel from Los Angeles, described the emotional impact of reciting with thousands of children. “It felt powerful to say the words together,” she said.

The celebration, beyond its record-setting highlight, featured stunning cultural performances by hundreds of artists, immersive videos, and inspiring addresses, creating a deeply memorable experience.

Mahant Swami Maharaj inaugurated BAPS’ Mobile School initiative for tribal areas under the theme “Har Ghar Shiksha Ki Jyot Jale,” reaffirming the organization’s long-standing commitment to education and social upliftment.

At the conclusion of the celebration, Mahant Swami Maharaj addressed the gathering with heartfelt words. Reflecting on the legacy of the BAPS gurus, he said, “The honor received from Guinness World Records today is the result of the children’s sincere and tireless efforts, and it is dedicated to all the gurus. 

He added, "The sadhus, volunteers, and parents have worked with great dedication—this recognition belongs to them.”

Discover more at New India Abroad.

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