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23rd October 2001

Respecting the wishes of the Punjab State Governor and Chief Minister Shree Prakash Singh Badal, His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree and a vast mandal of Sants and haribhakto visited the India-Pakistan border military camp at Vagha.

A special VIP envoy of seven military tanks escorted Acharya Swamishree to the barracks where the Chief Commander Shree Balbir Singh, Shree SK Vaghra, Commandant Shree Ranjit Singh, Deputy Commander Dr D P Singh, The Chief Medical Officer amongst others were present to welcome His Holiness. The Border Security Force (BSF) officers gave a ceremonial guard of honour salute to Acharya Swamishree.

His Holiness Acharya Swamishree was keen to personally meet the young soldiers who were putting their own lives at risk for the protection of their Motherland. The Chief commander said that this was the first time in history that such an eminent religious leader had visited them, blessed them. He said that Acharya Swamishree's presence had managed to re-kindle their ailing spirits.

The very same manner of honour and welcome given to world state leaders was given to Acharya Swamishree. The military personnel gave a gun salute and their band filed past to give their salute. A large crowd had gathered to watch this spectacle. The special salutation show lasted 20 minutes during which repeatedly acclaims of Bharat Mata ki Jay and Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan ki Jay were made.

Seeing such an event the Pakistan soldiers too became overwhelmed and grasped the opportunity to attain the darshan and blessings of Acharya Swamishree. They opened the border gates and saluted Acharya Swamishree from their side of the border.

Acharya Swamishree blessed all the soldiers and distributed prasad to all. On behalf of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan, Acharya Swamishree donated the equipment to provide cold drinking water to the troops.

Acharya Swamishree was requested to grace the commander's personal offices. Chief Commandant Shree Balbir Singh explained the history and purpose of this border camp and thanked Swamishree for fulfilling their wishes and visiting them. He said that Acharya Swamishree was the first spiritual leader to have ever visited them or who had shown a genuine concern for their welfare. He told Acharya Swamishree that His presence has given a deep spiritual enlightenment to all the troops.

On the other side of the border, the Pakistan soldiers too were eager for Acharya Swamishree's darshan. His Holiness Acharya Swamishree fulfilled their wishes and went to the gate once again to give darshan.