BAPS marks 25th Year in Jackson, celebrates community service

Special to The Canton News 

The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Temple celebrated its 25th anniversary in Jackson on Saturday, November 22, marking a quarter-century of spiritual guidance and community outreach.

The celebration was inspired by the current BAPS spiritual leader, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, and featured a range of distinguished guests, including Mississippi State Auditor Shad White, former Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson and Canton Police Chief Otha Brown.

The Mandir’s presence in Jackson embodies the philosophy of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj: “In the joy of others lies our own.” Temple activities extend beyond worship to include community efforts such as health fairs, blood donation drives, food drives and disaster relief work. The temple serves as a spiritual home for hundreds of families, offering fellowship, education, communal meals and youth activities designed to foster integrity and character.

Canton Police Chief Otha Brown attended the event on behalf of Canton Mayor Timothy C. Taylor. Mayor Taylor has previously recognized the importance of cultural diversity, religious freedom and interfaith understanding as fundamental values that enrich society.

Temple Coordinator Rakesh Patel and outreach coordinators Nayan Mehta and Jignesh Patel expressed gratitude to Mayor Taylor, Chief Brown and the City of Canton for their support.