As the world gathers in Dubai for Expo 2020, people are discovering the story of harmony behind the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. As a part of their official trip to the Expo, organized by Shri S.J.Haider, IAS, and led by Ms. Mamta Verma, IAS, a delegation of 35 people, including Mr. Hareet Shukla, IAS, Mr. Rahul Gupta, IAS, and Ms. Neelam Rani, IFS, from the Government of Gujarat, visited the construction site of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi. They witnessed the ongoing construction of the mandir as well as the installation of a marble pillar central to the final mandir design. The delegates also viewed the on site ‘Rivers of Harmony’ exhibit, which presents the harmonious purpose, history and construction of the BAPS Hindu Mandir.
During the visit, Ms. Verma said, “Stepping on this land makes me feel at home. I come from a humble background and feel connected to the Earth. The earth on this land feels different to me. It has a special energy I cannot describe. I hope I can serve as a part of this project. I am glad we visited this site, otherwise, our trip would have been incomplete.”
Mr. Satyarth Srivastava felt the mandir is “a historical landmark in the making… a true example of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam’.”
Advocate Khushbu Agrawal noted, “The extraordinary and excellent part of the trip is to witness the journey of ideation to implementation virtually and on the ground.”