A senior delegation of Indian parliamentarians, led by the Hon. Speaker of India’s Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla, visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir site. Among the 20 delegates were members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and representatives from the UAE. Shri Om Birla was accompanied by UAE Federal National Council Member Ayesha Mohammed Al Mulla, Mr. & Mrs. Sushil Kumar Modi, Mr. Ramkumar Verma, Mr. M.K. Vishnu Prasad, Mr. Shankar Lalwani, Dr. Sujay Radhakrishna Vikhepatil, Mr. P. Ravindhranath, Smt. Fauzia Tahseen Ahmed Khan and Mr. Utpal Kumar Singh.
The delegation was traditionally greeted by Brahmavihari Swami, who tied a nadachhadi around the right wrist of Shri Om Birla and applied a sandalwood paste chandlo on his forehead. All members of the delegation were also similarly welcomed.
The delegation was given an overview of HH Pramukh Swami’s and HH Mahant Swami’s vision behind the mandir, and an update of the construction work to date.
The delegation then observed the ‘Rivers of Harmony’ exhibit, which presents the harmonious purpose, history, and construction of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, as well as the critical community work carried out, including the COVID-19 relief provided.
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 has 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.”
Speaker Shri 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 for Indians all over the world.”
Senior parliamentarian Mr. 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 Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince, 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 businessmen and workers are contributing to this great nation.”
The delegation also participated in prayers and placed bricks within the construction site to mark their visit and positive sentiments. All members of the delegation appreciated the work being done for global harmony by BAPS, its sadhus and devotees.