The Day of Civilizations evening assembly, based on the theme ‘One World, One Culture, One Story at a Time’, celebrated cultural diversity. The event highlighted the beauty and significance of each culture’s unique contribution to the shared story of humanity.
The event brought together individuals from over 30 countries to appreciate and explore the different values depicted along the exterior walls of the BAPS Hindu Mandir through intricately carved stories in stone from diverse civilizations, including African, Arabian, Aztec, Egyptian, Eskimo, Indian, Mayan, Mesopotamian and Native American. The stories from these civilizations, permanently embedded in the mandir, help to preserve and promote the values that bind humanity together.
Brief animated versions of some of these civilizational stories were shown to introduce the topic of the speakers. The topics included: Friendship and Love, Service, Purity, Choice, Forgiveness and positivity, and Harmony and Unity.
The event was graced by Swami Shri Govind Dev Giri Ji Maharaj, Jagadguru Sri Dr Nirmalanandnatha Maha Swami Ji, Swami Paramatmanand Saraswati ji, Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami Ji, His Excellency Dr Abdulrahman Abdulla Buali and American author Dr David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri).
David Frawley expressed his delight at the mandir, emphasizing its role in bringing civilizations together. He stated, “It’s a great experience to see this mandir. This mandir is bringing together these two civilizations and 15 ancient civilizations. This mandir is honouring the unity of all. This mandir gives us a vision of the future.”
Chinna Jeeyar Swami also acknowledged the fulfillment of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s wish by Mahant Swami Maharaj, highlighting the significance of unity and service, “All those who have offered their service in this mandir have served not just the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, but the entire Sanatan Dharma and the country of India. We have heard of lotus flowers growing in lakes, but never before has a lotus bloomed in a desert. This is indeed remarkable and can only be done by Mahant Swami Maharaj. ‘Worship one but respect all.’ The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi is truly a living representation of this quote.”
Jagadguru Sri Dr Nirmalanandnatha Maha Swami Ji expressed, “Albert Einstein mentioned that we have been able to split an atom before getting the wisdom of being able to unite the hearts of humans. Millions of people will benefit from this mandir. May all hearts unite. This temple is not made out of metal, stone or soil; it is made out of devotion, love and service.”
Swami Paramatmanand Saraswati ji said, “This temple itself has created a new global civilization of love, harmony, trust and friendship.”
Swami Shri Govind Dev Giri Ji Maharaj said, “This temple is not just a temple, this is a lighthouse of humanity, peace and love.”