During the overseas spiritual tour of 1977, Pramukh Swami Maharaj had gone to Tanzania, a country in East Africa. Julius Nyarere, the President of Tanzania, met Swamishri for the first time.

President Nyarere was impressed by Swamishri’s simplicity and humility. After the meeting, he requested Swamishri, “My mother has turned 90 years old. She is in the room next door. Please come and kindly bless her.”

Swamishri immediately told the devotees who were with him,”Tell President Nyarere that our niyams (vows) for sadhus prohibit us from seeing or talking to women.”

The devotees were in a dilemma. They did not want to displease the President, yet they were aware of Swamishri’s niyams. Seeing the devotees hesitate Swamishri firmly said, “Just tell the President what I told you. Why are you afraid to tell him? Tell him that Swamishri is giving his blessings from here. .”

Swamishri was as firm as a rock in his decision. He did not offer the option or let anyone think about the option of giving darshan from even behind a curtain.

When President Nyarere was informed about Swamishri’s niyams, he accepted it and felt satisfied by the fact that Swamishri had conveyed blessings to his mother.

Our guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj neither compromises on nor breaks the niyams given by Bhagwan Swaminarayan.