Abu Dhabi: The ties between the UAE and India have always been strong, however, the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has cemented the bond and unity that exists between the two nations. Though the economic benefits that shall rise due this new trade agreement has been a focus, a deep-rooted emphasis on the unity and cultural values the two nations share, has never lapsed. Ever since the announcement and unveiling of the BAPS Hindu Temple by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in February 2018, The BAPS Hindu Temple has become a symbol of world harmony and a hallmark of friendship between the UAE and India.

Subsequently, there has been no shortage of senior officials visiting the BAPS Hindu Temple site, with the latest visit of Om Birla, the Hon’ble speaker of the Lok Sabha with an Indian delegation of 17 people including the members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.Om Birla was also accompanied by UAE Federal National Council Member Ayesha Mohammed Al Mulla,Sushil Kumar Modi,Ramkumar Verma,M.K. Vishnu Prasad,Shankar Lalwani, Dr. Sujay Radhakrishna Vikhepatil,P.Ravindhranath,Fauzia Tahseen Ahmed Khan and Utpal Kumar Singh.

The delegation was greeted by Pujya Brahmavihari Swami who tied a Nada-Chhadi (red and yellow cotton string) around the right wrist of Om Birla and applied a Sandalwood chandlo in the form a traditional greeting.

The delegation was given an overview of the construction work that has been completed to date and a vision of what visitors can expect once the Temple is completed.
Also, as part of the visit, delegation observed the “Rivers of Harmony exhibit” that had been organized at the site. The exhibit presents the harmonious purpose, history, and construction of the BAPS Hindu Mandir as well as the critical community work carried out, including the covid relief provided.

Pujya Brahmavihari Swami explained, “The Purpose of this traditional temple is unification of minds and hearts. It has brought not just India and the UAE closer together but brought countries, cultures, communities, and religions closer together. We thank the leaders of both the UAE and India for their support and encouragement in creating this spiritual oasis for global harmony”.

Om Birla remarked, “The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi is an ideal example of global harmony. It is more than a temple, it is truly an Oasis of Spirituality, Beauty and Universality. For hundreds of years the magnanimity and the integrity of the rulers of UAE and the leaders
 
of India shall be celebrated by generations to come. I congratulate Pramukh Swami, BAPS Saints, volunteers and workers involved in this selfless saga of harmony. It is a matter of great pride for India and Indians all over the world.”

Sushil Kumar Modi stated, “Amongst all the temples across the globe this temple is Iconic and historic and marks its position in a different league.This morning during our meeting with H.E Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, he expressed his joy and happiness for the harmony that the upcoming BAPS Hindu Mandir and all the Indian businessman and workers are contributing to this great nation.”Soon after the tour was completed, the delegation was able to participate in prayers and were invited to place a brick within the construction site to mark their visit and positive sentiments.

As the Mandir makes huge strides towards completion, the BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi committee have taken the step to curate an on-site exhibition for all visitors every Sunday. Guests will be able to immerse themselves in various themes of harmony through the exhibition depicting how this Mandir will aim to create, promote, and sustain harmony in line with the UAE’s vision of tolerance.

All visitors will also have the opportunity to take part in creating history by sponsoring a brick. Each donor’s receipt can be used to visit the site and physically place a brick on the mandir during its construction.More details can be found on the link below.
https://www.mandir.ae/bricks/