Diplomats from 42 nations gather at BAPS Hindu Mandir construction site in Abu Dhabi

Representatives from 42 nations convened at the expansive 27-acre construction site of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on Monday, January 29, 2024. The visit aimed to foster intercultural understanding, goodwill, and respect, providing an opportunity for distinguished guests to witness the progress of the Middle East’s inaugural traditional Hindu temple.*

Diplomatic Gathering

Ambassadors and senior diplomats from 42 nations, including Argentina, Canada, Germany, Israel, the UAE, and the US, visited the Mandir site. Over 60 dignitaries were welcomed with garlands and a traditional tying of a sacred thread, symbolizing the significance of their presence.

Indian Ambassador's Welcome

His Excellency Sunjay Sudhir, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, expressed gratitude to the guests and shared excitement about the Mandir nearing completion, saying, “It seemed impossible, but the dream has truly become a reality.”

Keynote Address by Swami Brahmaviharidas

Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir project, provided an overview of the Mandir’s historical significance, construction process, and global impact. He thanked the UAE and Indian leadership, emphasizing the Mandir’s role as a powerful agent of interfaith and intercultural harmony.

International Dignitaries' Impressions

Ambassador Tej Bahadur Chhetri of Nepal called the Mandir a "tirthbhumi (place of pilgrimage)" and emphasized its inspirational teachings about love, harmony, and tolerance. Ambassadors from Canada, Thailand, the UK, Germany, and Singapore also shared positive remarks about the Mandir's quality, artistry, and symbolism of harmony.

Symbol of Religious Tolerance

The Deputy Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Jonathan Knight, expressed joy in seeing a place contributed by different faiths coming together. Ambassador Alexander Schoenfelder of Germany highlighted the religious tolerance lived in the UAE, comparing the Mandir to other religious structures in the country.

Ambassador Kamal R Vaswani of Singapore hailed the Mandir as a marvel of leadership and vision, symbolizing unity among different religions, cultures, and faiths. Each guest was presented with a hand-painted stone by children featuring an image of the Mandir to commemorate their visit.

Diplomatic Step Towards Peace

The ambassadors’ visit is seen as a significant step in promoting peace, fostering cultural interaction, and strengthening diplomatic ties between the participating countries and the United Arab Emirates. As construction nears completion, the Mandir is set to be inaugurated on February 14, 2024, by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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