[Eastern Eyes]Ambassadors and diplomats from 42 countries visit Abu Dhabi’s BAPS Hindu Mandir

On January 29, 2024, ambassadors and diplomats from 42 nations visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi¹. The visit was organized by the Indian Embassy in the UAE and aimed to foster intercultural understanding, goodwill, and respect¹. The diplomats were welcomed with traditional garlands and the tying of a sacred thread¹.

The diplomats, including representatives from Argentina, Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Chad, Chile, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, the European Union, Fiji, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Moldova, Montenegro, Nepal, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Nigeria, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, the UAE, the UK, the US, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, were impressed by the ongoing progress of the Middle East’s inaugural traditional Hindu temple¹.

Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir project, delivered a keynote address highlighting the Mandir’s historical significance, construction process, and global impact¹. He also expressed gratitude to both the UAE and Indian leadership, emphasizing the Mandir’s role as a powerful agent of interfaith and intercultural harmony¹.

The diplomats praised the Mandir’s intricate craftsmanship and its symbolization of universal principles of tolerance and harmony¹. They described the Mandir as an inspiring building that teaches about love, harmony, and tolerance¹.

Source: Conversation with Bing
Ambassadors & Diplomats from 42 Nations Visit BAPS Hindu Mandir. https://www.baps.org/News/2024/Ambassadors–Diplomats-from-42-Nations-Visit-BAPS-Hindu-Mandir-25327.aspx.