During his upcoming visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) next month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the Indian diaspora at a community reception titled ‘Ahlan Modi’ on February 13. The event, which translates to ‘Hello Modi,’ will take place at the Sheikh Zayed Sports Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Organizers anticipate filling the stadium to its maximum capacity and have established various volunteer committees for meticulous planning and seamless execution of this historic gathering. Over 350 Indian community leaders from different regions and communities, who gathered at the India Club in Dubai on January 3 for a pre-event briefing, expressed great enthusiasm upon learning about ‘Ahlan Modi.’
Prime Minister Modi’s visit in February will mark his seventh to the UAE since becoming the first Indian PM to visit the country in 2015 after a gap of 34 years. Each visit has contributed to the enhancement of Indo-UAE relations, reaching unprecedented levels of mutual understanding and friendship, as stated in the release.
The UAE has shown an “unprecedented euphoria” for the event, with almost 12,000 registrations received within 24 hours of its announcement, according to the release. Additionally, PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on February 14, accepting an invitation from Swami Ishwarcharandas and Swami Brahmaviharidas, along with the board of directors of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
Swami Ishwarcharandas honored PM Modi at his official residence, acknowledging his significant contributions to the nation and the world, particularly in the renovation and development of pilgrimage sites across India. Discussions during the meeting focused on the global significance of the Abu Dhabi temple for harmony, as well as Modi’s vision for India’s spiritual leadership on the global stage.
Swami Brahmaviharidas presented the latest update on the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing its intricate carvings and all-encompassing grandeur, calling the inauguration ceremony a momentous celebration for years to come. PM Modi noted that it would reflect the ideal of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – “an ideal spiritual space, symbolizing the path forward through the essence of spiritual harmony, not merely rooted in beliefs and traditions but a confluence of diverse cultures and civilizations,” as per the release.