A historic foundation stone-laying ceremony of a new Hindu temple being constructed by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha – an international socio-spiritual organisation affiliated to the UN -- was held in Bussy-Saint-Georges near Paris, France, on September 3 and 4.
Yann Dubosc, mayor of Bussy-Saint-Georges; His Excellency (HE) Jawed Ashraf, ambassador of India to the Republic of France and Principality of Monaco; Ylias Akbaraly, chairman and CEO of the Groupe Sipromad and president of the Board of Thomson were present on the occasion besides hundreds of guests from various parts of France and other European countries, and India.
His Excellency Jawed Ashraf, ambassador of India to the Republic of France and Principality of Monaco, speaks at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of a new Hindu temple being constructed by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in Paris. France. (Picture: (BAPS UK)
Europe’s first traditional purpose-built temple is being constructed at the Esplanade des religions et des cultures – the multi-faith and multicultural heartland of Paris. It will promote culture, integrity, and harmony.
Paris is home to some of the world’s most iconic monuments and beautiful buildings.
The new temple, described as an “architectural masterpiece”, will supplement the rich array of architectural beauty and artistic expression, and become an ambassador of Indian culture and wisdom, bringing the ancient art and science of traditional Indian architecture to the country.
The ancient Vedic ceremony signified the start of the temple’s construction. It was accompanied with a vibrant cultural programme of dance, videos, and presentations delivered in French and Hindi which explained the positive and uplifting contribution that the temple will make to France.
HE Ashraf said while addressing the assembly, “This magnificent temple makes Paris part of the global network of cities that can boast of a BAPS Swaminarayan temple. The temple will not only serve as a place of worship but will be a living centre of learning, humanity, culture, and a centre that provides refuge to all who feel a sense of despair and despondency. The temple will shape a future of peace, harmony, co-existence – not just of tolerance but the embrace of diversity and pluralism that makes this world so beautiful.”
Dubosc said, “There are projects that mark a life. This mandir is one such project. In my time on earth as mayor, I will be able to tell my daughter that I have participated in the building of a remarkable place of worship! Prior to this, I did not know anything about Hinduism, but with you, I have discovered this light that enlightens humanity. There is nothing more essential in our time. May the Bussy Mandir help to enlighten humanity and reveal the best in each of us.”
Akbaraly offered his gratitude to the French administration for supporting the temple and said that he felt “happiness and peace in his heart on this special day in France”.
He also spoke of the noble values of peace, respect, love, and humility that the temple will inspire and how its activities such as education and de-addiction will inspire noble and purposeful lives.
Sanjay Kara, project lead for the temple’s construction, added, “Temples in India have sustained and nurtured noble values for millennia. We are honoured for the opportunity to continue that legacy in the beautiful city of Paris and fulfil this vision of intercultural respect, community service and global harmony – ideals propagated by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS.”
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)