Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)

About Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)

• BAPS is a socio-spiritual Hindu faith with its roots in the Vedas.
• It is based on the Vedic teachings propagated by Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830 CE).
• It was formally established in 1907 CE by Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj. 
• Founded on the pillars of practical spirituality, the BAPS reaches out far and wide to address spiritual, moral and social challenges and issues.
• No Alcohol, No Addictions, No Adultery, No Meat, No Impurity of body and mind are the five lifetime vows of BAPS followers.
• Its global network of mandirs and centres hosts many moral, social, cultural, and spiritual activities.
• Education and women development are other focus areas, with many schools, hostels, and community development activities targeted at women being managed by BAPS. 
• It is also engaged in a variety of humanitarian activities that include services in times of natural calamities, primary schools, students’ hostels, hospitals, diagnostic camps, anti-addiction drives, environment-awareness programs, tribal uplift, and literacy campaigns.
• BAPS is an NGO with a Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. 

Q1) What is the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations?

It is one of the six principal organs of the UN, which was established by the UN Charter (1945). It is responsible for the direction and coordination of the economic, social, humanitarian, and cultural activities carried out by the UN. Decisions are taken by a simple majority vote. The presidency of ECOSOC changes annually.

Source: PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi during his two-day visit starting Feb 13