The pursuit of peace remains an elusive dream in the entire world as the nations are fraught with religious intolerance and sectarian violence. A glimmer of hope shines forth from the sands of the United Arab Emirates as Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi prepares to inaugurate the BAPS Hindu Mandir at Abu Dhabi . The establishment of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in a predominantly Muslim country like the United Arab Emirates represents a bold step towards promoting religious harmony. It is a remarkable achievement that demonstrates the success of the peace process and religious harmony between India and the UAE. It is also a significant achievement for global peace, as it shows that different faiths can live in harmony and respect with each other, and that they can collaborate for the benefit of humankind and nature.
This development sends a strong message to entire world that global harmony can be achieved through interfaith dialogue and cooperation and the true peace can only flourish when we embrace diversity of religions and respect the beliefs of others.
By providing a sacred space for Hindus to practice their faith in a Muslim-majority nation, the temple not only promotes religious freedom but also paves the way for interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
At a time when divisions based on faith threaten to tear societies apart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emerges as a hope who promotes peace through the pursuit of religious hormony abroad and in a country like India, which is a country of diverse religions that span across Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and more. It is a land where mosques, temples, churches, gurdwaras, and synagogues stand side by side. In this diversity of faiths, Muslims, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, Christians, and Hindus coexist peacefully, their beliefs and practices interwoven into the fabric of daily life. The Prime Minister of this country has been a champion of religious harmony and tolerance, and has taken several initiatives to promote interfaith dialogue and cooperation, both within India and abroad.
He has also hosted and attended several interfaith events, such as the Global Conference on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi, where he met Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and the World Sufi Forum in New Delhi, where he praised the message of love and tolerance of Sufism. He has said that “peace, unity and harmony are at the core of various philosophies in the country” and that “equal respect for all religions must be in the DNA of every Indian”. Modi has also been praised by many religious leaders, such as the Dalai Lama, who called his nation India as a model for religious harmony, and the Chief Imam of All India Imam Organization, who said that “we support the governance of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and that together we strive to take our country to the goal of ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’”. His efforts to promote peace and harmony among religions have been recognized and appreciated by the international community, and have contributed to the image of India as a diverse and tolerant nations.
So, It is imperative for nations to recognize and respect the diversity of religious beliefs within their borders and across the globe. Tolerance towards other religions is not only a fundamental human right but also a cornerstone of peaceful coexistence and societal harmony. Embracing religious diversity fosters an environment where individuals are free to practice their faith without fear of discrimination or persecution. Moreover, promoting tolerance towards other religions strengthens social cohesion, fosters interfaith dialogue, and contributes to the overall well-being of societies. By upholding the principles of tolerance and respect for religious diversity, nations can cultivate a culture of inclusivity and understanding, paving the way for a more peaceful and prosperous future for all.
The inauguration of the BAPS Hindu temple is a historic and landmark event which showcases the strong and growing ties between India and the UAE, two countries that share a long-standing friendship and a strategic partnership. The UAE is home to over 3.5 million Indians, who form the largest expatriate community in the country and contribute to its development and prosperity. The UAE has also been a key partner for India in various fields, such as trade, investment, energy, security, and counter-terrorism. The bilateral trade between the two countries was about US$ 85 billion in 2022-23, which makes the UAE India’s third-largest trading partner. The UAE is also among the top four investors in India, with a cumulative FDI of US$ 16.8 billion from April 2000 to September 2023.
The BAPS temple project is a shining example of the mutual respect and appreciation that the two countries have for each other’s culture and values. The temple, which is inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj and blessed by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leaders of BAPS, will be hand-carved by artisans in India and assembled in the UAE.
Prime Minister Modi’s support for the Indian diaspora abroad has paved the way for projects like the BAPS Hindu Temple. With over 3.5 million Indians residing in the UAE, their contributions to the country's development and prosperity have earned them respect and recognition. Modi's advocacy for the rights and welfare of the Indian community abroad has bolstered their standing and facilitated partnerships with local authorities for projects of cultural significance.
However, the world seeks to bring an end to conflicts and foster lasting peace, it must look to India's example of religious harmony and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His commitment to promoting religious tolerance and understanding has been evident throughout his tenure, as he has consistently emphasized the importance of unity in diversity and respect for all religions. By championing interfaith dialogue and cooperation, Narendra Modi has sought to bridge divides and build a society where individuals can live and worship freely, regardless of their religious beliefs. As the world grapples with religious conflicts and sectarian violence, India's model of religious harmony offers a roadmap towards building a more peaceful and inclusive global community.

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