The centenary celebrations of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the esteemed spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sampradaya, have been turned into three case studies by the faculty at IIM Ahmedabad. These studies examine critical elements of the event, such as its vast scale, people management, leadership, and the execution of a mega project. The case studies were officially launched by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the current head of BAPS, in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
Held between December 2022 and January 2023 at a sprawling 600-acre site called the Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, the event attracted an astounding 1.2 crore visitors, according to BAPS officials. The preparation process spanned nine months, with thousands of volunteers from around the world participating in the efforts.
The IIM Ahmedabad faculty emphasized several standout aspects of the Pramukh Swami Maharaj Nagar, such as its enormous scale, outstanding people management, focus on service and strong leadership principles. They also highlighted the project’s innovative methods in infrastructure development, logistics, sustainability and the strategic use of technology to facilitate such a large-scale event. Manan Gandhi and Vishal Gupta wrote case study about “Event Scale” and “Service-Orientation, People Management and Leadership”. The case study about “Design of a Mega Project” was written by Chetan Soman, Saral Mukherjee, and Rashid Khandher.
BAPS officials likened the centenary celebration to a Harvard University study on Kumbh Mela management, highlighting the cost-effectiveness and sustainability as key lessons for large-scale projects. A BAPS representative stated, “We believe these case studies will offer invaluable insights to students, academics and industry professionals looking to excel in leadership and project management on a grand scale.” The case highlights the spirit of innovation and continuous learning that drives BAPS’s knowledge management practices, enabling them to improve event management with each successive celebration.
The nagar was transformed into a vibrant cultural destination, offering something for people of all ages, backgrounds, religions and social classes. Highlights included a 30-foot statue of PSM, a 67-foot replica of the BAPS Akshardham Temple from New Delhi, a glow garden, a children’s city (bal nagri), a large stage and open-air stadium for a light-and-sound show showcasing significant moments from PSM’s life, several exhibition halls featuring live plays and films on various themes, along with 240 toilet blocks, 30 food courts and around 20 shops selling BAPS merchandise.
Seven grand decorative gateways were constructed to welcome visitors and guide them to different zones within the campus. A prominent feature is the Maha-Murti of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, surrounded by displays illustrating his remarkable life and contributions. Five immersive shows—’Sahajanand’, ‘Muktanand’, ‘Nityanand’, ‘Bharatanand’ and ‘Paramanand’—comprising a mix of films and live performances were presented. These shows focused on themes central to Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s teachings, such as anti-addiction, family values, national pride, harmony and community service.
The construction of PSM Nagar was completed in just nine months, including the monsoon period in India (from mid-June to September). This remarkable feat was achieved through the dedication of nearly 80,000 volunteers who contributed on-site and off-site, managing logistics and supporting the event’s operations. Additionally, the land for the celebration was borrowed from approximately 350 families—farmers, builders, and private landowners—who owned various plots within the 600-acre site. Officials stated that the temporary structures were dismantled in an environmentally conscious manner, with many of the materials being repurposed for other projects.
The event was a collective effort, requiring significant hard work and commitment for successful execution. Mahant Swami Maharaj, the current head of BAPS, along with the senior saints’ committee, envisioned the centenary celebrations as a source of inspiration for both visitors and volunteers, encouraging them to lead purposeful lives, spread messages of unity and harmony, serve others and overcome personal challenges.
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