Preparations are in full swing ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The two-day visit - on February 13 and 14 - will also see the PM address the Indian diaspora at the 'Ahlan Modi' event on February 13 at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi and inaugurate the BAPS Abu Dhabi Hindu Temple on February 14.
Volunteers of the temple have expressed their enthusiasm and termed it a "dream" that has come true for "everyone in the Indian community."
Speaking to ANI, Vishal Patel, a volunteer said, "I have been living in the UAE for over eight years, and I am a lead volunteer here at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. We are incredibly excited. This Mandir is a dream come true for everyone in the Indian community, living here in the Middle East..."
"And now we are so pleased and excited to see the honourable PM of India Narendra Modi coming on February 14," he said. "We are so so grateful to the leadership of UAE," Patel said.
The Madir, the first traditional Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates, sits on 27 acres of land that was generously gifted by the UAE leadership.
Separately, another volunteer, Umesh Raja said that the gifting of land by the UAE rulers brings back to the community a "message of love, peace and harmony."
"For the last 12 months, I have been here as a volunteer offering my services. What I love about this place is the generosity of the rulers here, in acquiring this land for us..and what it brings back to the community is that message of love, peace and harmony," he told ANI.
The significance of this cultural milestone lies not only in its architectural grandeur but also in the message it conveys--a testament to the harmonious relationship between Bharat and the Gulf region.
Prime Minister Modi's personal involvement since 2015 reflects the shared commitment to cultural understanding and mutual respect between the two nations.
BAPS Hindu Mandir is set to become the Middle East's first traditional Hindu stone temple. Situated in the Abu Mureikhah area, this majestic structure embodies the spirit of cultural peace and collaboration and is a testament to the enduring friendship between India and the UAE.
(ANI)