News of Akshardham, Baps - Bill Clinton Visits Akshardham

1.45pm on 5th April 2001, Bill Clinton, the former president of United States of America, arrived with his cavalcade of security and pilot cars to Akshardham in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. He was introduced to Ishwarcharan Swami, Viveksagar Swami and Brahmavihari Swami, who welcomed him. As he walked towards the main foyer Mr Clinton was honoured with a red carpet, welcomed by BAPS children showering flowers and auspicious traditional Indian music. On seeing Pramukh Swami Maharaj, leader of BAPS, Bill Clinton was filled with joy. Pramukh Swami Maharaj garlanded the former president and he responded with a warm handshake.
After the formal welcome rituals, the former president was impressed by the brief overview of the Akshardham complex in the model room. On seeing the impressive and towering Akshardham monument, Mr Clinton exclaimed, "It is beautiful. You have made something more beautiful than one can imagine. Extraordinarily beautiful! More overwhelming than can be seen in photographs."
On arriving by the main steps of the monument Mr Clinton and members of the American Indian Foundation (AIF) removed their shoes. When he reached the main podium of Akshardham Mr Clinton was simply flabbergasted. The inner sanctum of Akshardham with its grand pillars captivated him. "The earthquake has not damaged Akshardham?" he enquired. He was pleased to hear that it had remained sound.
Mr Clinton stood before the pacifying and beautiful 7 feet murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. When he was told that Prince Phillip, Lech Walesa and other dignitaries had offered prayers here, the former president responded, "I will also say my prayer." While Vedic peace prayers were being sung by sadhus, Pramukh Swami Maharaj tied a nada-chhadi (auspicious thread) on Mr Clinton's wrist. Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mr Clinton went up to the murti and offered the flower petals at the feet of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
After observing the intricate and aesthetic carvings on the pillars he also expressed wonder at the towering central dome and profusely carved ceilings. On being introduced to a couple of volunteers, he opined, "Your strongest force is dedication, love and volunteers. That's why perhaps your every work seems beautiful."
As he walked observing the monument, Mr Clinton expressed, "I know that Akshardham is not only a unique place in India but in the whole world. It is even more beautiful than what I had imagined. Taj Mahal is definitely beautiful, but this place, along with beauty, has a beautiful message!"
While descending the steps Mr Clinton revealed his experience of Pramukh Swami Maharaj - the inspirer of Akshardham, "You know something, ever since I met him in Miami, I was moved. When I look into his eyes, they are filled with integrity." Mr Clinton continued to chime the glory of Pramukh Swami, "See, there are too many leaders, religious groups and people in this world who believe that by pulling others down, you can bring yourself up. And by discounting others, isolating or segregating them... but (pointing to Swamishri) he is different! Swamiji connects. He connects with others and everyone around him. He works through connectivity. That is why he has been able to bring peace and harmony and so many people together." The former president added further, "The first time Pramukh Swami met me in Miami, I saw in his eyes that he is a man who has not come ahead by eclipsing others. He has come forward by always placing others before him. And that is why I had a deep desire to meet him again."
The former president then advanced towards the exhibition halls.
On seeing the statue of a man sculpting itself, Bill Clinton was amazed. He said, "Amazing, incredible idea... so powerful. If you make models of this, you can start an international business of inspiration... Individuals all over the world will be inspired!"
On seeing the caves that depicted Nilkanth Varni's travels and His austerities at Mansarovar the former president expressed, "Because your religion has the virtue of renunciation you are able to work with so much power and energy."
On seeing the presentation showing hands uplifting the downtrodden people by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and His paramhansas he commented, "The reason why your organisation is at the top is because you are lifting the smallest segment of society."
On glimpsing the multimedia show the former president was impressed and said, "This is a place where there is a synthesis of science, technology and religion."
In the visitors' book Mr Clinton wrote:
April 5, 2001
Thank you -
for welcoming me.
for making me feel at home.
for reaching out to all God's children.
for helping the people hurt by the earthquake.
for working for peace and reconciliation.
- Bill Clinton
Instead of the scheduled 15 minutes Bill Clinton spent nearly an hour at Akshardham.