British PM pays respects to Pramukh Swami Maharaj

UK Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday expressed condolences to the British Hindu community over the death of Swaminarayan sect's spiritual head Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

"I would like to pay my condolences to British Hindus, especially the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, on the passing away of Pramukh Swami Maharaj," May said.

"Pramukh Swami Maharaj inspired millions with his powerful motto in the good of others lies our own. This legacy of selfless service will continue to benefit humanity for a long time to come," she said.

Swami Maharaj, the president of Bochasanvasi Akshar Purushottam Sansthan (BAPS) Swaminarayan Sanstha, an international Hindu organisation, and founder of London's famous Neasden temple died aged 95 on Saturday in Sarangpur in Gujarat.

"I remember fondly my visit to Neasden Mandir in March 2013, as Home Secretary, to speak at an inspiring conference for International Women's Day organised by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha," May said in a statement.

"I also had the opportunity to see the fantastic work that BAPS does across the world to improve the lives of others, and people giving up their time generously to do it. Pramukh Swami Maharaj exemplified the values of British Hindus whose contribution helps make the United Kingdom one of the world's most successful multi-cultural, multi-faith democracies," she added.

Earlier, the President Pranab Mukherjee and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of the spiritual guru.