News DeskAbu Dhabi, UAE – Representatives from 42 nations gathered at the expansive 27-acre construction site of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on January 29, 2024, responding to an invitation from the Indian Embassy in the UAE. The visit aimed to strengthen intercultural understanding and goodwill while providing an opportunity for diplomats to witness the progress of the Middle East’s first traditional Hindu temple. The temple, currently under construction, symbolizes universal principles of tolerance and harmony.
Distinguished guests, including ambassadors and senior diplomats from Argentina, Bahrain, Canada, Egypt, Fiji, Germany, Israel, Nepal, the UAE, the UK, the US, and many others, were welcomed by over 60 dignitaries with garlands and the traditional tying of a sacred thread, signifying the significance of their presence.
Indian Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Sunjay Sudhir, expressed gratitude for the attendees and excitement at the Mandir nearing completion, saying, “It seemed impossible, but the dream has truly become a reality.”
Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir project, delivered a keynote address, providing an overview of the Mandir’s historical significance, construction process, and global impact. He expressed gratitude to both the UAE and Indian leadership, emphasizing the Mandir’s role as a powerful agent of interfaith and intercultural harmony.
Ambassadors shared their perspectives on the Mandir’s significance. H.E. Tej Bahadur Chhetri, Ambassador of Nepal, called it a “tirthbhumi” (place of pilgrimage), emphasizing its role in teaching love, harmony, and tolerance.
H.E. Radha Krishna Panday, Ambassador of Canada, praised the dedication to quality and the artistry involved, while H.E. Sorayut Chasombat, Ambassador of Thailand, hailed it as a symbol of harmony that will endure for thousands of years.
Jonathan Knight, Deputy Ambassador of the United Kingdom, appreciated the collaboration of different faiths, expressing hope that the Mandir provides a “home away from home.”
H.E. Alexander Schoenfelder, Ambassador of Germany, noted that the Mandir complements the religious tolerance practiced in the UAE alongside the Grand Mosque and the Abrahamic Family Houses.
H.E. Kamal R Vaswani, Ambassador of Singapore, considered the Mandir a marvel of leadership and vision, symbolizing shared values among various religions.
As a commemoration of their visit, each diplomat received a beautiful stone hand-painted by children featuring an image of the Mandir.
The visit by international diplomats marks a significant step in promoting peace, fostering cultural interaction, and strengthening diplomatic ties between the participating countries and the United Arab Emirates.
The inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir is scheduled for February 14, 2024, with His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to officiate the ceremony as construction of the religious campus nears completion.
