Team Blitz India
The inauguration of the Swaminarayan temple of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, on February 14 will be a monumental day for India-UAE relations.
It is going to be a special occasion to celebrate tolerance, acceptance, and to further strengthen this relationship. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the temple.
In December last year, Swami Ishwarcharandas and Swami Brahmaviharidas extended the invitation on behalf of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir, and it has been accepted by PM Modi. A grand diaspora gathering is scheduled at the Sheikh Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi on February 13. The event is titled ‘Ahlan Modi,’ which translates to ‘Hello Modi’.
According to the UN’s International Migration 2020 report, the UAE has the largest Indian diaspora population at 3.5 million, surpassing the United States of America (2.7 million) and Saudi Arabia (2.5 million).
Diplomats from more than 30 countries who had visited the under-construction BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi in May were amazed to see the captivating design and splendid craftwork at the handcarved temple.
Ambassador of Japan Akio Isomata was overwhelmed with the Indian craftsmanship. He saw a philosophy of tolerance in the carvings. Whereas the ambassador of New Zealand to the UAE Dr Richard Kay had to say that the temple, a cultural asset, would be a fantastic addition to the skyline of the UAE.
The Ambassador of Israel to the UAE had noted that the temple will be a source of attraction for visitors from all over the world. He opined that the monument was being constructed in a country built on tolerance and would most certainly contribute to harmony in the region and the world.