Indian community holds prayers for world peace

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Hundreds of members of the Indian community from across East Africa gathered at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Kampala on Sunday, May 24, 2026, for a special prayer ceremony dedicated to world peace, unity and harmony amid growing global conflicts and social tensions.

The event, organised by BAPS Charities Uganda, brought together religious leaders, political leaders, cultural representatives and members of different faiths for the Vishwashanti Satsang Diksha Homatmak Yagna, a sacred Hindu prayer ceremony aimed at promoting peace and universal well-being.

Speaking during the prayers, Ajay Kailash Singh, the country coordinator of BAPS Charities Uganda, described the yajna as a historic occasion for both the organisation and the East African region.

“We have gathered here to perform this Yagna. This ceremony is taking place in the history of the BAPS charity in the whole East African community. This is the first time we are having this yagna to perform, to prevail, to have peace in the world,” Singh said.

He explained that the event, also referred to as World Peace Prayer Day, focused on prayers for peace at all levels of society, from families to nations.

“This is known as the World Peace Prayer Day. The young children, as you can see, are performing the prayers to have peace in the world, in our nation, in the society, in our family and in our individual life,” he said.

The colourful ceremony featured traditional Hindu rituals, prayers and offerings led by children and spiritual leaders, while worshippers chanted hymns calling for peace and harmony across the world.

Singh noted that although the ceremony was being held in East Africa for the first time, similar prayers were taking place simultaneously at BAPS centres around the globe.

“Some places have been done, some other places it is going to take place. So it is going to happen in the entire world, where the BAPS charities and BAPS centres are there,” he said.

The event was attended by senior government officials, including the director of health services, Dr Charles Olaro, Kampala Central mayor Salim Uhuru and Maj. Gen. Apollo Kasiita Gowa, among others.

The charity also announced a tree-planting initiative aimed at addressing environmental-related challenges.

Singh said the prayers were particularly important at a time when the world was experiencing wars, political instability and violent conflicts in different regions.

He emphasised that prayer and dialogue were essential tools in resolving conflicts and building peaceful societies.

“Fighting is not the solution. But when we have a dialogue, by sitting together, by praying to Almighty God, and get together to have a dialogue, then the solutions come,” Singh added.

The coordinator of the BAPS community in Uganda, Naresh Patel, explained that the Vishwashanti Satsang Diksha Homatmak Yagna is rooted in ancient Hindu traditions and spiritual teachings.

He said the ceremony is organised by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and its affiliates worldwide, including BAPS Charities Uganda, with blessings from Mahant Swami Maharaj.

“The term ‘Vishwashanti’ means ‘world peace,’ while ‘Yagna’ refers to a traditional Vedic fire ritual in which prayers and offerings are made to seek divine blessings. ‘Satsang Diksha’ is linked to the spiritual teachings and values upheld within the BAPS Swaminarayan tradition,” Patel explained.

He said the ceremony brings together people from different communities, cultures and religions to pray for peace, unity and spiritual growth.

Patel added that the ceremony reflects teachings rooted in Sanatan Dharma, the ancient Hindu spiritual tradition in which yajnas have historically been performed to seek peace, prosperity and divine blessings for society.

Kampala Central mayor Salim Uhuru praised the Indian community for organising the event and promoting peace and environmental conservation.

“I want to thank the Indian community for coming out on this special day, World Peace Day. You very well know if the world is not peaceful, nothing can happen, nothing can prosper,” Uhuru said.

He commended the Indian community for consistently participating in charitable and development initiatives in Uganda.

“They have been coming out always, helping out the community. This time they have come to celebrate World Peace Day. And as the mayor of Kampala Central, I had to join them to make sure all of us need peace as Ugandans,” he said.

Uhuru also applauded participants for taking part in tree-planting activities organised alongside the prayers, saying environmental protection was critical for human survival.

“They were able to have a productive time planting trees. You know, without trees we cannot survive also. Because oxygen, the purification is all done by nature,” he said.

The mayor also acknowledged the Indian community’s contribution to Uganda’s economy through investment, trade and tax revenue.

“Business-wise, you know, they are number one in the world. Not even in Uganda, but in the world, the Indian community is number one,” he said.

Olaro commended the community for praying for peace while also urging members of the public to remain vigilant against Ebola.

“I implore you to adhere to the precautions against Ebola so that you remain healthy. Good health is part of the peace we are praying for today,” Olaro said.