In a remarkable display of intercultural solidarity, the Indian Embassy in the UAE hosted a special gathering on January 29, 2024, at the 27-acre construction site of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.
The event, attended by representatives from 42 nations, aimed to deepen mutual understanding and respect among various cultures, highlighting the temple's role in promoting global tolerance and harmony, a press release from BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi said.
Senior diplomats and ambassadors from a diverse array of countries, including Argentina, Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Chad, Chile, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, the European Union, Fiji, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Moldova, Montenegro, Nepal, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Nigeria, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, the UAE, the UK, the US, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, were present at the visit to the Mandir site.
They esteemed visitors were received with traditional Indian hospitality, including garlands and the tying of sacred threads, symbolising the importance of their visit.
His Excellency (H.E.) Sunjay Sudhir, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, extended a warm welcome to the guests, expressing his delight at the nearing completion of the Mandir, which he described as a dream turned reality.
His Excellency Sunjay Sudhir, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, extended a warm welcome to the guests
During his keynote speech, Swami Brahmaviharidas, the leader of the BAPS Hindu Mandir project, concisely outlined the temple's historical importance, the intricacies of its construction, and its far-reaching global influence. He extended his thanks to the leadership of both the UAE and India, highlighting the temple's significant role in fostering interfaith and intercultural harmony.
Brahmvihari Swami addresses Ambassadors from over 40 countries
The event featured heartfelt accolades from various ambassadors. H.E. Tej Bahadur Chhetri of Nepal praised the Mandir as a "tirthbhumi" and a legacy of love, harmony, and tolerance.
H.E. Radha Krishna Panday of Canada remarked on the Mandir's dedication to quality and diversity, while H.E. Sorayut Chasombat of Thailand admired it as a lasting symbol of harmony that will stand the test of time for thousands of years into the future.
Jonathan Knight, Deputy Ambassador of the UK, envisioned the temple as a unifying space for different faiths, and H.E. Alexander Schoenfelder of Germany acknowledged the UAE's commitment to religious tolerance, echoed by H.E. Kamal R Vaswani of Singapore who lauded the Mandir as a marvel of leadership and a symbol of peaceful coexistence.
Each visiting dignitary received a unique, hand-painted stone from children, depicting the Mandir, as a memento of their visit.
The visit of the ambassadors marked an important milestone in advancing peace, encouraging cultural exchanges, and reinforcing diplomatic relations between the participating countries and the UAE.
The BAPS Hindu Mandir, once completed, is set to be inaugurated on February 14, 2024, by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, symbolising a new era of cultural and spiritual connectivity in the region.
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)