The Vice President of the United States, Mr. JD Vance, began his maiden official visit to India with a spiritually enriching visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi. He was joined by his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, and their three children – Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel.
Upon arrival, the Vance family received a traditional Indian welcome with flower garlands and friendship threads, symbolizing goodwill and unity. On behalf of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, senior swamis Dharmavatsaldas Swami, Brahmaviharidas Swami, and Gnanmunidas Swami warmly greeted the Vice President.
The family was guided through the Akshardham complex, gaining insights into India’s ancient cultural and spiritual heritage of faith, peace, selfless service, and family unity, which the complex embodies through its architecture and exhibitions.
Vice President Vance was presented a personal letter of blessings and prayers from His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. The letter expressed heartfelt gratitude for the visit and special prayers for the well-being of the Vice President and his family, as well as for the continued unity and progress of the United States of America.
As a gesture of friendship, the Vance family was presented with several commemorative gifts, including a model of the Swaminarayan Akshardham mandir, intricately carved wooden elephants, literature about the Swaminarayan Akshardham campuses in New Delhi and Robbinsville (USA), and value-based illustrated storybooks for their children. A framed family photograph taken in front of the mandir was also presented as a special memento.
Reflecting on the experience, Vice President JD Vance wrote in the guest book:
“Thank you all so much for your hospitality and kindness in welcoming me and my family to this beautiful place. It is a great credit to India that you built a beautiful temple with precision and care. Our kids, in particular, loved it. God bless.”
The special visit reflected the deep-rooted friendship and shared ideals between India and the United States. It also underscored the vital role of spiritual and cultural institutions in fostering and promoting dialogue, respect, and harmony between nations and traditions.