Abu Dhabi: Dharmendra Pradhan, India's minister of education, visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, where he was traditionally welcomed with a garland. Reflecting on his visit, he shared: “Today, it is my good fortune that I have come to the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Abu Dhabi - an iconic creation that embodies India’s culture, spirituality, and consciousness. My bond with this Mandir runs deep. For many years I have walked alongside the Swaminarayan fellowship, bound by its spirit of seva, community, strength, and dedication.” The minister recalled how the idea of a Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi was not merely a thought but a vision foreseen by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and was brought to life by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj with the wholehearted support of Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi and remarkable generosity of the UAE’s rulers.
Calling the mandir both an impossible miracle and a civilizational achievement, he expressed his respects for the selfless seva of the swamis of BAPS. Sharing his sentiments, he said, “I am deeply fortunate to have had darshan at this Mandir and of all the deities within. My heart overflows with gratitude. India has not only proclaimed ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ - the world is one family - it has lived it.” He said the Mandir is more than a place of worship: “It is a spiritual anchor and a civilizational landmark - a radiant creation of India’s timeless heritage that will inspire humanity for thousands of years to come.”