New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi to embark on a two-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 13-14 during which he will inaugurate the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, BAPS Mandir, and will also address the Indian diaspora. The Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release that PM Modi will also hold a bilateral meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and will also participate in the World Government Summit 2024"Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 13 to 14 February 2024," the MEA statement read. This will be PM Modi's seventh visit to the UAE since 2015 and the third in the last eight months. During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral meetings with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders will discuss ways to further deepen, expand and strengthen the strategic partnership between the countries and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, the statement read. Prime Minister Modi will also meet with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Defence Minister of UAE. At his invitation, Prime Minister will participate in the World Government Summit 2024 to be held in Dubai as Guest of Honour and deliver a special keynote address at the Summit. PM Modi will inaugurate the BAPS Mandir, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. He will also be addressing the Indian community in the UAE at an event in Zayed Sports city in Abu Dhabi. According to the MEA, India and UAE enjoy warm, close and multi-faceted relations underpinned by strong political, cultural and economic linkages. "Following the landmark visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to UAE in August 2015, bilateral relations between the two countries been elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both countries signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in February 2022 and a Local Currency Settlement (LCS) System in July 2023 to promote the use of Indian Rupee and AED for cross-border transactions," the statement added. Notably, India and the UAE are among each other's top trading partners with a bilateral trade of about USD 85 billion in 2022-23. UAE is also among the top 4 investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments in 2022-23. Meanwhile, around 3.5 million strong and vibrant Indian community forms the largest expatriate group in UAE. Their positive and well-appreciated contribution in the development of their host country has been an important anchor of our excellent bilateral engagement with the UAE, the MEA further stated.
—ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to UAE includes inauguration of BAPS Mandir & bilateral meetings. Strengthening India-UAE ties at World Government Summit.

PM Modi's UAE visit on Feb 13-14; to inaugurate first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: Ahead of the "Ahlan Modi" event, the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi is all decked up for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the Indian diaspora on Tuesday. The Indian expatriate community of approximately 3.5 million is the largest ethnic community in the UAE, constituting roughly 35 per cent of the country's population. The event has witnessed an unprecedented response, with over 65,000 registrations received. Jitendra Vaidya, President of the Indian People Forum and leader of the 'Ahlan Modi' initiative said, "The registration for the event crossed 65,000 and it was closed on February 2." "It is a very unique type of event because there is no single organisation conducting this event; it is an entire community arranging it. As you may know, when PM Modi's name comes, people gather in large numbers. This is the love for PM Modi," Vaidya told ANI. The event, organised by the Indian community in Abu Dhabi, has garnered significant attention, showcasing the widespread admiration and support for Prime Minister Modi. Vaidya highlighted the community-driven nature of 'Ahlan Modi,' emphasising that it is not orchestrated by a single organisation but is a collective effort. The key highlights of the event include an exhibition by over 700 cultural artists, bringing to life the vast diversity of Indian arts, and ensuring an inclusive cultural soiree. Active participation from more than 150 Indian community groups in the event will showcase India's regional diversity and the integration of thousands of blue-collar workers from across the emirates, weaving a rich tapestry of diversity and unity into the fabric of the event. In a remarkable display of solidarity and anticipation, the 'Nari Shakti' of the Indian community has shown overwhelming support and enthusiasm. They have registered in significant numbers and are actively promoting the event, embodying the spirit of women's empowerment, communal harmony and participation, according to the organising committee. Following the 'Ahlan Modi; event, PM Modi will also inaugurate the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, on Wednesday. The BAPS Hindu Temple is all set with its magnificent visuals and spellbinding architecture. Yesterday, Sadhu Brahmaviharidas, who leads international relations for the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, expressed gratitude to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his unprecedented generosity and open-mindedness in facilitating the construction of this historic temple. He also expressed deep appreciation for the rulers and leaders of the UAE and the friendship between India's Prime Minister and the UAE rulers. Sadhu Brahmaviharidas also unveiled the rich symbolism embedded in temple's design. Adorned with seven spires, the Mandir symbolises gratitude towards the unity of the seven emirates, reflecting the harmonious relationship between India and the UAE. The seven spires also pay homage to seven important deities, underscoring the interconnectedness of cultures and religions. The incorporation of advanced technology, including 300 sensors, elevates the temple to the status of a scientific marvel. Even before its official inauguration, the Mandir has already become a symbol of global unity. Over 60,000 people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and nations have actively contributed to its construction. Recently, ambassadors from 40 nations gathered to celebrate the temple, emphasising its role as a unifying force on the global stage, the leader of international relations for the BAPS, Swaminarayan Sanstha, said.
—ANI

Ahead of the "Ahlan Modi" event, Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi gears up for PM Narendra Modi's address to the Indian diaspora. Over 65,000 registrations reflect the unprecedented response, showcasing the widespread admiration and support for the Prime Minister.

Ahead of "Ahlan Modi" event, Abu Dhabi stadium gears up to welcome PM Modi

Abu Dhabi: Holy water from Ganga and Yamuna, pink sandstone from Rajasthan, furniture made of wooden trunks used to transport stones from India - the first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi is an architectural marvel made with contributions from different parts of the country.
The temple is set to be inaugurated on Wednesday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who will lead a dedication ceremony.  On the two sides of the temple, holy water flows from Ganga and Yamuna, which was brought from India in huge containers.  According to temple authorities, an amphitheatre in the shape of a ghat has been built on the side where the water from Ganga flows.
"The idea was to make it resemble the ghat of Varanasi where the visitors can sit, meditate and get transported mentally to ghats back in India. When visitors walk in they will see two streams of water that symbolically represent the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in India. A beam of light to represent the river Saraswati will be directed from the temple structure to form 'Triveni' Sangam," said Vishal Patel, a lead volunteer at the iconic temple.  The temple has been built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha on a 27-acre site in Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway.  The temple’s facade features exquisite marble carvings set against a sandstone backdrop, crafted from more than 25,000 pieces of stone by skilled artisans from Rajasthan and Gujarat. A substantial number of pink sandstone were transported from northern Rajasthan to Abu Dhabi for the temple.  Vishal Brahmabhatt, who supervises procurement and logistics at the site, told PTI that more than two lakh cubic feet of 'sacred' stone has been transported in more than 700 containers for the temple’s construction.  "The pink sandstone was brought from India. The carving was done by sculptors there and the stones were retrofitted here. Then the artisans gave the final shape to the designs here," he said.  The wooden trunks and containers in which the stones were packed and transported to Abu Dhabi have been reused to make furniture at the temple.  Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of international relations for BAPS, "The entire furniture which has been placed at various places inside the temple including prayer halls, cafeteria, community centre etc has been made using the wood from the boxes and trunks which were used to transport the stones. There is a bit of India in every corner of the temple."  The temple complex is bordered by buildings that house prayer halls, a community centre to host cultural events, a library, a children’s park and an amphitheatre through which a stream cuts across.  The work for the structure has been going on since 2019. The land for the temple was donated by the UAE government.  The UAE has three other Hindu temples that are located in Dubai. The BAPS temple, spread over a large area with stone architecture, will be the largest of all in the Gulf region.  Prime Minister Modi will be in the UAE on a two-day visit beginning today. This is his seventh visit to the UAE since 2015 and his third in the last eight months.  During the visit, Modi will hold bilateral meetings with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders are expected to discuss ways to further deepen, expand and strengthen the strategic partnership between the countries and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.  The Prime Minister will later on Tuesday address the Indian diaspora at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi. The UAE has at least 3.5 million Indians who are part of the Indian workforce in the Gulf.
—PTI

Experience cultural fusion at Abu Dhabi's BAPS Hindu stone temple – holy water, pink sandstone, and reused wooden trunks create a unique architectural marvel. Inaugurated by PM Modi.

Holy water from Ganga and Yamuna, sandstone from Rajasthan for first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UAE on Tuesday on a two-day visit during which he will hold wide-ranging talks with the Gulf nation's top leaders to take forward the bilateral strategic partnership and inaugurate the first Hindu stone temple here.
This is the prime minister's seventh visit to the UAE since 2015.  He was given a guard of honour on his arrival in the country. In his statement before his departure, Modi said he is looking forward to further advancing India's comprehensive strategic partnership with the UAE.  "Over the last nine years, our cooperation with UAE in diverse sectors such as trade and investment, defence and security, food and energy security and education has grown manifold. Our cultural and people-to-people connect is stronger than ever," he said.  "I look forward to meeting Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, in Abu Dhabi and holding wide-ranging discussions on taking forward our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," Modi said.  Boosting cooperation in areas of energy, ports, fintech, digital infrastructure, railways and investment flows is set to be the focus of talks between the two leaders on Tuesday.  The two sides are likely to sign several agreements to shore up cooperation in several key areas.  In Abu Dhabi, Modi will also inaugurate the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, the first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday.
"I will also inaugurate the first Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. The BAPS temple will be an enduring tribute to the values of harmony, peace and tolerance, which both India and the UAE share," the prime minister said.  The BAPS Hindu Mandir, located in Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, has come up on around 27 acres of land in Abu Dhabi and the work for the structure has been going on since 2019.  The land for the temple was donated by the UAE government.  The UAE has three other Hindu temples that are located in Dubai. The BAPS temple, spread over a large area with stone architecture, will be the largest of all in the Gulf region.  He will also address the Indian community members on Tuesday evening called ‘Ahlan Modi’ (Hello Modi in Arabic) at the Zayed Sports City Stadium here.  "I will address the members of the Indian community from all the Emirates of the UAE at a special event in Abu Dhabi," he said.  "We are very proud of our diaspora and their efforts to deepen India’s engagement with the world. This evening, I look forward to being among UAE’s Indian diaspora at the #AhlanModi programme!" Modi posted on X.
<a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1757254631460090237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1757254631460090237%7Ctwgr%5E7c4b393cc3b816ed867f7f0070d515c14159175f%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deccanherald.com%2Findia%2Fpm-modi-lands-in-uae-ahead-of-temple-inauguration-talks-lined-up-to-boost-bilateral-ties-2892580" target="_self">https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1757254631460090237?</a>
Modi is also set to meet Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice president, prime minister and defence minister of the UAE.  "I will be addressing the gathering of world leaders at the World Government Summit in Dubai on February 14," Modi said.  My discussions with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on the margins of the summit will focus on strengthening our multi-faceted ties with Dubai, he added.  The UAE and India are among each other's top trading partners with a bilateral trade of about $85 billion in 2022-23, according to official data. The UAE is also among the top four investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments in 2022-23.  Modi is scheduled to travel to Doha on Wednesday afternoon after concluding his two-day visit to the UAE.
—PTI

Narendra Modi's UAE visit deepens India-UAE ties, inaugurates Hindu stone temple, and addresses Indian diaspora. Focus on trade, investment, and cultural bonds.

PM Modi lands in UAE ahead of temple opening; talks lined up to boost bilateral ties

Dubai [UAE]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday emphasised that his biggest principle has been "minimum government, maximum governance" and noted that it is the government's job to ensure minimal government interference in people's lives. Addressing the World Governments Summit 2024 in Dubai, PM Modi called for reform in the Global Governance Institutions and said there is a need to promote the concerns of the developing world and the participation of the Global South in global decision-making.
<div style="text-align:left;"><img src="https://thehawk.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/dubai.webp" alt="World Governments Summit 2024 in Dubai" style="height: auto;width: auto"/></div>
"My biggest principle has been 'Minimum government, maximum governance'. I have always emphasised creating an environment in which a sense of enterprise and energy in citizens grows. I believe that it is the job of the government to ensure that government interference in people's lives is minimal," he said. PM Modi also referred to challenges which were posed by COVID-19. "We have been hearing a lot from the experts that, after COVID, people have been not trusting governments. However, in India, we have seen the complete opposite. In the past years, it has been seen that people's trust has strengthened in the Indian government," he said. The Prime Minister said people have trust in his government's intent and commitment. "This happened because we have given priority to people's aspirations. We are sensitive to people's needs. We have focused on fulfilling people's needs and dreams. Along with the top-down and bottom-up approaches, we have also moved with the whole of society approach," he said. Noting that challenges of the previous century, including food, health, water and energy security, are increasing despite the progress in technology, he said that the world needs governments that are inclusive and take everyone along. PM Modi arrived in UAE on Tuesday on the first leg of his two-day visit. Later in the day, he will inaugurate the BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi.
—ANI

Explore PM Narendra Modi's address at World Governments Summit 2024, emphasizing "Minimum government, maximum governance" and advocating for global governance reforms. 

"My biggest principle has been minimum government, maximum governance": PM Modi at World Governments Summit

PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi. The temple has been built using ancient architectural methods clubbed with scientific techniques.
The temple, called BAPS Hindu Mandir, has been built with over 300 high-tech sensors to measure temperature and monitor seismic activity, no metal has been used in the construction of the temple and fly ash has been used to fill up the foundation.  The grand temple has been built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha on a 27-acre site in Abu Mreikhah, near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, at a cost of around Rs 700 crore.
—PTI

PM Modi inaugurates BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi's first Hindu stone temple, blending ancient architecture with modern technology.

PM Modi inaugurates first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: A pregnant techie living in Sydney, a couple from Boston and a school teacher from the UK were among several Indian expats across the world who headed to the UAE last year to offer seva at the under-construction first Hindu stone temple here.
Their joy knew no bounds on Wednesday when the temple was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.  Right from sorting stones to cooking meals, documenting the progress, outreach programmes to supervising the unloading of shipments, the volunteers took up different responsibilities.
34-year-old Sheena Patel, a software engineer in Sydney, wanted to do something meaningful during her pregnancy.  She moved to the UAE to volunteer at the under-construction temple.  “My family was very apprehensive...initially, I came here for four weeks and haven’t returned then. I delivered my son here only and my husband joined me in my eighth month, we will go back to our Sydney lives in March now,” Patel told PTI.  Aastha Thakker, who lives in Boston with her husband, spent last year working remotely for her employer in the US.  “I would manage time between the seva and my work. My husband is here too, when we heard about the temple, we knew we had to do it. It is our way of thanking God for the blessings,” she said.  A maths teacher from the UK is on a sabbatical and has been in Abu Dhabi for two years.
“Looks like there is no going back for me. It was a proud moment for us yesterday. I have seen the temple rise from scratch in the middle of a desert. My family used to be worried about finances when I decided to do so but once God chooses you for something like this, everything finds a way,” Umesh Raja said.  For Devansh Bhatt, a banker in Ahmedabad, the last one-and-a-half month has been divine.  “I couldn’t come earlier because of commitments back in India so I decided to be here on New Year and have been volunteering since. The temple was in the final stages of construction then,” he said.  The temple has been built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha on a 27-acre site in Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, at a cost of around Rs 700 crore.  Constructed with 18 lakh bricks and 1.8 lakh cubic metres of sandstone sourced directly from Rajasthan Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple has been made in the Nagara style of architecture, just like the recently inaugurated Ram Temple in Ayodhya.  The work for the structure has been going on since 2019. The land for the temple was donated by the UAE government The UAE has three other Hindu temples that are located in Dubai. The BAPS temple, spread over a large area with stone architecture, will be the largest in the Gulf region.  Prime Minister Modi was in the UAE on a two-day visit, his seventh visit to the country since 2015 and his third in the last eight months.
—PTI

Indian expats worldwide unite in UAE for historic Hindu temple inauguration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi presides over the joyous occasion. A global seva celebration.

Indian expats who moved to UAE from around the globe to volunteer at Abu Dhabi's Hindu temple

Dubai: Thousands of devotees took part in a grand procession of the Hindu community members at the newly-inaugurated BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi which is set to open its doors to the general public from March 1. Dressed in traditional Indian attire, singing and dancing to devotional songs, more than 1,100 people participated in the "Palkhi Yatra", which usually precedes or follows the opening of a new temple, Khaleej Times newspaper reported on Wednesday. Idols from the seven main shrines of the temple were placed on decorated palanquins and taken around the temple during the Sunday's procession, held as part of the 'Festival of Harmony' -- an event that marked the majestic temple's opening on February 14. This was followed by an address to the community by Brahmviharidas Swami, the project head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir. "I've never seen so much devotional joy and colour as we danced around the Mandir. We thank the BAPS Mandir for opening their hearts to all of us and making everyone feel welcome. We truly feel it is our Mandir. And all that is thanks to the guru, Mahant Swami Maharaj," Lina Barot, a community member, told Khaleej Times. The temple authorities announced on Tuesday that the Mandir will open its door to the public from March 1 from 9 am to 8 pm and it will remain closed to visitors every Monday. The temple was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the Gulf nation and was attended by over 5,000 invitees. Built at a cost of approximately Rs 700 crore, the temple is spread over a 27-acre plot in Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba, and is constructed using more than 1.8 million cubic meters of sandstone sourced from Rajasthan. —IANS

Thousands of devotees took part in a grand procession of the Hindu community members at the newly-inaugurated BAPS Hindu temple

Thousands Of Devotees Take Part In 'Palkhi Yatra' At BAPS UAE Temple

Ottawa [Canada]: In a staunch response to separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun's video demanding him and his Hindu-Canadian friends return to India, Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya said that Canada is their land and that they have enriched the multicultural fabric of the country. He emphasised that Hindus have come to Canada from all parts of the world and have significantly contributed to the socio-economic development of the nation. Sharing a post on X, the Canadian MP wrote, "In response to my condemnation of the vandalism of the Hindu temple BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton and other acts of hate and violence by Khalistan supporters in Canada, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice has released a video demanding me and my Hindu-Canadian friends to go back to India."
Watch: <a href="https://twitter.com/i/status/1816045238965645689" target="_self">https://twitter.com/i/status/1816045238965645689</a>&nbsp;
Arya further noted that Hindu-Canadians, with their long history of Hindu culture and heritage, have enriched the multicultural fabric of Canada. He did not shy away from holding the Khalistani extremists accountable for "polluting" Canada. "We Hindus have come to our wonderful country, Canada, from all parts of the world. From every country in South Asia, many countries in Africa and Caribbean, and many other parts of the world, we have come here and Canada, is our land," the Canadian MP wrote. "We have made and continue to make an immense positive and productive contribution to the socio-economic development of Canada. With our long history of Hindu culture and heritage, we have enriched the multicultural fabric of Canada. Our land is being polluted by Khalistani extremists abusing our freedoms guaranteed by our Canadian Charter of Rights," he further added. In a troubling recurrence of targeted attacks on Hindu places of worship, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton fell victim to vandalism again this week.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/18-people-killed-in-saurya-airline-crash-in-kathmandu-pilot-survives-crash" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/18-people-killed-in-saurya-airline-crash-in-kathmandu-pilot-survives-crash</a>&nbsp;

Member of Parliament for Nepean, Chandra Arya, voiced deep concern over the escalating incidents of hate-fueled violence directed at Hindu-Canadian communities. "The Hindu temple BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton is vandalised again. During the last few years, Hindu temples in the Greater Toronto Area, British Columbia, and other places in Canada are being vandalised with hateful graffiti," Arya said in a post on X on Tuesday, sharing the picture. The recent attack adds to a string of similar incidents documented in recent years, underscoring a distressing trend of religious intolerance. Last year, a Hindu temple in Windsor suffered defacement with anti-India graffiti, sparking widespread condemnation and calls for action from both Canadian and Indian officials. Earlier incidents in Mississauga and Brampton saw temples similarly targeted, drawing strong reactions from the Indian community in Canada. Arya, a Liberal member of Parliament known for his advocacy on multicultural issues, pointed to the impunity enjoyed by Khalistani extremists in Canada, citing instances where their rhetoric has openly incited hatred and violence. Canadian law enforcement agencies have been urged to take proactive measures to address these threats and ensure the safety and security of all religious communities in Canada. The incidents have prompted renewed discussions on bolstering security measures around Hindu temples and enhancing efforts to combat extremist propaganda.&nbsp;
—ANI

Canadian MP Chandra Arya condemns Gurpatwant Singh Pannun's demands, emphasizing Hindu-Canadian contributions and urging action against rising hate crimes in Canada.

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PM Modi's UAE visit on Feb 13-14; to inaugurate first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi

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PM Modi's UAE visit on Feb 13-14; to inaugurate first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi

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