04 Jun 2019
I was privileged to be invited to participate in the BAPS annual Walkathon at the Sydney International Regatta Centre (Penrith) on 26 May 2019 on behalf of Plumpton High School. Plumpton High School was a beneficiary along with Nepean Hospital to receive donation cheques during opening ceremony. On behalf of Plumpton High School and personally, I would like to express our sincere thanks for the generous donation of $2001 BAPS made to the school at the Walkathon and for their personal generosity and engagement with our school. The money will be used to continue the purchasing of resources that support excellence in teaching, learning and leadership.
Plumpton began a partnership with Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha (BAPS) in 2018. BAPS is a global non-governmental socio-spiritual organisation in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations Organisation, with representative centres in some of the major Australian cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne. BAPS is responsible for the creation of the Akshardham Cultural Complex in New Delhi, which has been visited by numerous international dignitaries including HRH the Prince of Wales, Rt Hon. Stephen Harper, the Prime Minister of Canada, Former NSW Premier Hon Mike Baird and others. BAPS utilise Plumpton High School a community language and cultural education centre on weekends.
Once again thank you to BAPS and Bhumip Patel for supporting Plumpton High School and building a collaborative partnership.
In March on behalf of Plumpton High School, I was honoured to be a guest and attended the Holi festival that marks the beginning of spring as per the Indian calendar. People celebrate this festival by spraying colourful water and powder on each other. This Festival of Colours celebrates the victory of good over evil. Devotees offer roasted grains to Agni Dev, the Goddess of Fire. The offering of newly harvested grains is known as Holi. While there are several scriptural references that explain the significance of Holi, the story of Prahlad is the most popular. In the Swaminarayan Sampraday, devotees also celebrate the birth of Brahmaswarup Bhagatji Maharaj.
Tim Lloyd, Principal
