At 8.46 a.m. on 26 January 2001 a devastating earthquake rattled Gujarat. The earthquake measured 7.6 on the Richter scale, demolishing buildings, infrastructure and killing thousands. While most people were still recovering from the initial shock of the earthquake, Pramukh Swami Maharaj had arranged warm meals for survivors by lunchtime. Swamishri mobilized the BAPS Sanstha’s sadhus and volunteers to begin emergency relief work. Swamishri was so involved with the relief efforts that he was on the phone the next morning even before taking a shower. For the next year, Swamishri coordinated the Sanstha’s earthquake relief work, often staying up till well past midnight to contact people in India and abroad to make necessary arrangements.

At the BAPS relief camps in and around Bhuj, the epicentre of the earthquake, more than 40,000 people were fed warm and nutritious meals daily. Drawing attention to the smallest of details, Swamishri called Vedagna Swami, the Kothari in Bochasan, regarding the grains being sent to Bhuj, “The grains that are being grinded for the relief kitchens have to be of the best quality. Make sure the grains are cleaned and sifted for small stones.”

Swamishri visited the kitchen in Atladra where food packets for distribution were being prepared. Upon inspection he suggested that two green chilies should be included in each packet, explaining, “People from the Kutch region enjoy spicy food. Also, they will taste good with the sweets.”

The survivors of the earthquake will probably never know the detail and care Swamishri took in organizing the relief efforts.

Swamishri personally walked through the rubbled streets of earthquake-devastated villages showering his grace and compassion, and absorbing the pain and sorrow of the injured and traumatized victims.