Formation and Evolution of the Band
In the early 1950s, during His frequent visits to East Africa, Gurudev Shree Muktajeevan
Swamibapa inspired disciples to form a Band through which they could nurture their musical
skills and participate in events that bring the diverse community together. Shree Muktajeevan
Swamibapa Pipe Band was formed in 1955 making it the first Indian-Scottish pipe band of its
kind anywhere in the world.
The Band initially comprised of a few members playing bugles, trumpets and drums, but has
since flourished, adopting new and high performance musical instruments. With the
encouragement and divine blessings of Acharya Swamishree Maharaj, the Band has evolved
into a traditional Scottish pipe band, with a traditional, military uniform to match.
At present, the musical instruments of the Band include Scottish bagpipes, snare drums, tenor
drums, bass drums and multi-tenor drums. The Band comprises of over fifty young disciples of
Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan, Shree Swaminarayan Siddhant Sajivan
Mandal – Nairobi.
Over the past 60 years, Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band, Nairobi has performed on
numerous occasions during religious and public functions in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, India
and the United Kingdom. In addition to performing at the Organisation’s religious and cultural
festivals, the Band also supports charitable causes, raising vital funds and creating awareness
of important issues. The public functions give an opportunity to interact with members from
different communities and build cohesive bonds of brotherhood.
Probably one of the most noteworthy public performances of Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa
Pipe Band, Nairobi include saluting President Uhuru Kenyatta at Kasarani Sports Complex
during the Presidential Swearing-in ceremony in April 2013.
Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band
A Worldwide Family of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan
Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band – Nairobi, Kenya is one of five pipe bands established around the world under the auspices of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan.
Together, Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band comprises of over 300 performers, all performing voluntarily in support of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan’s social and charitable endeavours.
Gurudev Jeevanpran Swamibapa liked to see strict discipline in His disciples. Such discipline is reflected in the Pipe Bands of the Organisation. Today, with the encouragement of Acharya Swamishree Maharaj, the young disciples living in Nairobi, London, Bolton, America and India have all formed military-style pipe bands. They live in those various countries, but remain proud of their Indian roots. They perform traditional Scottish and more popular folk music, combined with classical Indian and devotional music. Everyone is pleasantly surprised by the truly unexpected and delightful sight of the bands performing. Their rendition of devotional musicinvigorates the atmosphere, and their proud performances of India’s National Anthem stirs the hearts of the audience. Senior politicians and state officials often invite the Bands to perform at their important public functions. The guests became delighted at hearing the patriotic and popular Indian tunes of the Pipe Bands. They are further impressed to know that the inspiration behind the Bands is Gurudev Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa and His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree Maharaj.
Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band - London, UK was established in 1972, and has become renowned around the world as being a civilian band with military style and discipline. The Band has performed at numerous charitable functions and has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the needy. It has also performed at important national events including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilees. Demonstrating patriotism to the Motherland, the Band performed at Wembley Stadium to welcome Prime Minister Modi for the first time to London. The Band also has a special Cadets Corps where over eighty aspiring Band members learn the disciplines from the age of three.
Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band - Bolton, UK was established in 2002 and has become famous in the North of England as a unique fusion of cultures due to their performances of Indian and Western beats and music. The Band has performed at numerous charitable fundraising events, and has become a welcome sight at the Reebok Stadium during football matches of their local team, Bolton Wanderers.
Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band - New Jersey, USA was established with the blessings of Acharya Swamishree Maharaj in 2003. The Band has performed at key events all over the United States including the New York Independence Day celebrations, India Day Parade in New York City and the World Gujarati Conference.
The newest addition to the worldwide family of Pipe Bands is Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band - Maninagar, India. Established in 2013, the Band has become famous all over Gujarat and has attracted interest from police, military and government sectors to attend functions and perform patriotic melodies. The Band was present at Ahmedabad Airport to give the salute and welcome Honourable Shri Narendra Modi during his first return to Gujarat after his election as Prime Minister.
