On Tuesday 2 November 1999, Rt. Hon. William Hague MP, Leader of the Conservative Party, visited Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in London. He was greeted in traditional style by Pujya Atmaswarup Swami, who, to the chanting of the chanting of Vedic hymns, applied a chandlo to his forehead and tied a nada chhadi on his wrist.
In his three-hour visit, Mr. Hague paid his respects to the murti of Lord Swaminarayan in the central shrine. He was overwhelmed by the architectural beauty of the mandir and praised the spirit of volunteerism inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Mr. Hague noted in the Opinion Book, "One of the most remarkable places I have ever visited in this country - a truly inspiring example of what can be achieved and the hope and faith that can be given to new generations."
Before departing, Mr. Hague also paid a visit to The Swaminarayan School, the first independent Hindu day school in Europe, where he was very impressed by the school's rapid progress.