A historic moment of cultural significance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first-ever BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Abu Dhabi, marking a monumental chapter in the diplomatic and cultural ties between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The inauguration ceremony witnessed an outpouring of enthusiasm from devotees and dignitaries, further strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two nations.
Lights of Faith:
The BAPS Hindu temple inauguration ceremony, held at Abu Dhabi, saw a sea of devotees converging to witness the auspicious event. The grandeur of the occasion was accentuated by the radiant lights adorning the temple, symbolizing the spirit of unity and shared cultural values.
Scientific Marvel Amidst Spirituality:
Beyond its religious significance, the BAPS temple stands as a scientific marvel, boasting 300 sensors strategically placed within its premises. The intricate construction involved 1,800,000 bricks, 6,89,512 man-hours, and the opulence of 40,000 cubic feet of marble and 1,80,000 cubic feet of sandstone, making it a blend of spiritual sanctity and architectural brilliance.
Global Celebrities Attend:
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, adding a touch of glamour to the spiritual affair. The actor arrived at the BAPS Hindu Temple ahead of the inauguration, reflecting the global attention and significance of the event.
Sheikh Hamdan Extends Warm Welcome:
The iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai lit up with the words ‘Guest of Honor – Republic of India’ ahead of PM Modi’s address at the World Government Summit. Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum extended a warm welcome to PM Modi, emphasizing the robust ties between the two nations.
Symbolic Elements of Unity:
The BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi carries symbolic elements of the UAE, with seven spires representing the seven emirates, carvings of camels, and the national bird falcon. Built at a cost of approximately ₹700 crore, the temple stands as a testament to the flourishing partnership between India and the UAE.
Diplomatic Triumphs:
PM Modi’s visit to the UAE has not only been marked by the inauguration of the BAPS temple but also by significant diplomatic achievements. The signing of 10 pacts for collaboration, including an investment treaty, demonstrates the commitment to fostering economic and strategic ties between the two nations.
Prime Minister’s Address at World Governments Summit:
Prior to the temple inauguration, PM Modi addressed the World Governments Summit in Dubai, emphasizing the need for inclusive governance and the creation of global prototypes for emerging challenges like AI, cryptocurrency, and cybercrime.
UAE-India Collaboration:
The strategic collaboration between India and the UAE was further solidified with the signing of agreements in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, investments, and the management of archives. The bilateral investment treaty signed is poised to boost economic cooperation between the two nations.
Conclusion:
As Prime Minister Modi basks in the success of inaugurating the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, the event not only marks a milestone in religious history but also underscores the flourishing partnership and shared values between India and the UAE on the global stage.
