"Do not hesitate when the opportunity arises to perform an act of service. If you see a person in distress, you must rush to them without delay. That is the true essence of humanitarianism." 

-  Acharya Shree Purushottampriyadasji Swamishree Maharaj

The Hindu community of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan Bolton, in the North West of England, are leading efforts to gather donations of essential items to support the people of Ukraine, who are most in need. 

Assemblies have been held in all the temples of this worldwide organisation to pray for peace, and to give support to those in Ukraine and the surrounding regions. Additionally, this humanitarian crisis has prompted the community to gather quilts, pillows, clothes, footwear, medicines, and other essential items such as food, nappies, baby essentials, and children’s toys to the largest refugee aid point in Warsaw Poland, which currently provides housing for over 10,000 refugees from Ukraine. The shipments of donations, valued in excess of £50,000 are being supported by Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bolton, in Greater Manchester, and Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury, in London. Furthermore, a group of volunteers from this organisation travelled to Warsaw, to ensure the charitable donations reach those who are most in need.

In a special message conveyed to multi-faith prayer assembly, held in Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Bolton, worldwide spiritual leader of the organisation from India, Acharya Shree Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj said, “We pray for restoration of peace in the country of Ukraine, and peace for the souls who have sadly departed from this mortal world as a result of this conflict. Peace is not merely the paucity of violence, but it is a positive nature that needs to be cultivated inside of us all. As faith representatives and leaders of society, we all have a key role in instilling such sentiments within our spheres of influence. Be personal in your quest for peace.”