Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s opening of “BAPS Mandir,” the first Hindu temple, on February 14, preparations are well underway in Abu Dhabi.
The temple volunteers have been ecstatic, calling it a “dream” come true for “everyone in the Indian community.”
Vishal Patel, a volunteer said, “I have been living in the UAE for over eight years, and I am a lead volunteer here at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. We are incredibly excited. This Mandir is a dream come true for everyone in the Indian community, living here in the Middle East…”
“And now we are so pleased and excited to see the honourable PM of India Narendra Modi coming on February 14,” he said. “We are so so grateful to the leadership of UAE,” Patel said.
Situated on 27 acres of land kindly donated by the UAE leadership, The Madir is the first traditional Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates.
Another volunteer, Umesh Raja, claimed that the community receives a “message of love, peace, and harmony” as a result of the UAE rulers giving land as a gift.
“I have been volunteering here for the past 12 months, donating my services. I adore this location because of the monarchs’ kindness in giving us this land, and it returns that message of love, peace, and harmony to the community,” he said.
The significance of this cultural milestone lies not only in its architectural grandeur but also in the message it conveys–a testament to the harmonious relationship between Bharat and the Gulf region.
Prime Minister Modi’s personal involvement since 2015 reflects the shared commitment to cultural understanding and mutual respect between the two nations.
During his February 13-14 visit to the UAE, PM Modi will inaugurate the BAPS Hindu Temple.
Meanwhile, preparations at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi where PM Modi will address the Indian diaspora at ‘Ahlan Modi’ on February 13, are progressing at a rapid pace.
The first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East is expected to be the BAPS Hindu Mandir. This magnificent building, which is located in the Abu Mureikhah neighborhood, is a symbol of the long-lasting relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates. It also reflects the spirit of cultural harmony and cooperation.
In 2015, 13.5 acres of land were donated for the construction of the mandir by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
