NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Vadodara, India, February 4, 2026: Thousands of children gathered in Vadodara on February 2 to help the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) set a Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous Hindu text recital by children during celebrations marking the birthday of its spiritual leader, Mahant Swami Maharaj.
According to organizers, 12,723 children recited the Satsang Diksha, a Sanskrit scripture authored by Mahant Swami Maharaj, at the same time. The achievement was officially certified by Guinness World Records, whose officials traveled from England to verify the recital on site. A certificate recognizing the record was presented to Mahant Swami Maharaj during the event, which drew more than 200,000 devotees from around the world.
In all, 15,666 children between the ages of 3 and 13 completed memorization of the Satsang Diksha within a year. Of those, 12,723 met the Guinness criteria and took part in the live recitation in Vadodara. The text contains 315 Sanskrit verses focused on spiritual growth, moral conduct, social harmony and disciplined living.
Children from several countries participated, including hundreds from the United States and Canada, reflecting the global reach of BAPS and the growing interest among Indian American families in traditional learning. Parents described the effort as a meaningful counterbalance to screen-heavy routines, requiring months of focus, practice and perseverance.
Param Patel, a participant from Edison, New Jersey, said the preparation helped build confidence. “At first I thought it was too hard,” he said. “But once I finished, I felt more confident. It showed me I can stick with something.”
Six-year-old Anadi Tailor from Atlanta said memorizing the verses helped her make better choices at school. “I remember the words when I am at school,” she said. Another participant, Vani Patel from Los Angeles, described the experience of reciting with thousands of children as “powerful.”
Organizers said participants were carefully selected based on accuracy, commitment and sincerity to maintain the quality of the recital. Educators and psychologists have long noted that structured, goal-oriented activities can strengthen memory, focus and collaboration in children, skills the program aimed to encourage beyond the record itself.
The celebration also featured large-scale cultural performances, video presentations and speeches. During the event, Mahant Swami Maharaj inaugurated a mobile school initiative for tribal regions under the theme “Har Ghar Shiksha Ki Jyot Jale,” underscoring BAPS’ focus on education and social upliftment.
Addressing the gathering, Mahant Swami Maharaj credited the children and the wider community for the achievement. “The honor received from Guinness World Records today is the result of the children’s sincere and tireless efforts,” he said, dedicating the recognition to the organization’s gurus, volunteers and parents.
The event was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. A letter of greetings from Union Home Minister Amit Shah was also read at the program.
Organizers said the record-setting recital highlighted unity, discipline and values-based learning, while showcasing BAPS’ efforts to pass on Hindu teachings to the next generation through structured children’s activities guided by Mahant Swami Maharaj.
