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- Published: June 11, 2025 18:53
Abu Dhabi – The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi was honored to welcome Shri Vikram Misri, the Foreign Secretary of India, during his official visit to the UAE. This significant visit highlighted the deepening bond between India and the UAE, built upon shared values of peace, coexistence, and cultural collaboration.
Shri Misri was accompanied by Shri Aseem Raja Mahajan, Joint Secretary for Gulf Affairs, Ambassador Sanjay Sudhir, and senior members of his delegation. At the Harmony Wall, he was warmly received by Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, Head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, and adorned with a sanctified garland in traditional welcome.
During his visit, Shri Misri was mesmerized by ‘The Fairy Tale’, an immersive audio-visual experience at the Mandir, portraying timeless values of harmony, mutual respect, and unity. Reflecting on the narrative, he echoed the sentiment of Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, remarking that “The tale of the Mandir is indeed a fairy tale.”
As he explored the serene temple grounds, he observed the symbolic Tolerance Trees – an embodiment of the UAE’s principle of unity in diversity – and admired the architectural, spiritual, and artistic elements of the mandir. He was particularly moved by the Harmony Dome, whose intricate design and profound symbolism were explained by Pujya Brahmavihari Swami as representing harmony between the Divine and Humanity.
Inside the sanctum, Shri Misri offered heartfelt prayers at the seven inner shrines and paid homage to His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose spiritual vision led to the creation of this iconic mandir – a timeless tribute to global harmony and cultural understanding.
Visibly touched and emotionally overwhelmed, Shri Misri shared,
“I have had a thousand blessings today. This is not just a building; it is an expression of faith, beliefs, and ideas that are transcendental. The Mandir unites not just different streams of faith but the entire humanity. It is miraculous… my mind and heart are overflowing. This is a mandir deserving of the highest accolades and will be spoken about for generations to come. People may think it is for religion, but it is something far greater — for the world, for humanity, for our universal existence. It is a mandir every Indian must visit.”
He praised the mandir’s architectural brilliance, engineering excellence, and the universal values it embodies, calling it a “global symbol of interfaith harmony and cultural dialogue.”
The Foreign Secretary also offered special prayers for the continued prosperity and enduring friendship between India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. He expressed deep gratitude to His Highness for his unwavering support in bringing the Mandir to life — a magnificent monument that bridges hearts, nations, and civilizations.