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International Conference of Religious Leaders, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

7 May 2024

International Conference of Religious Leaders

Swami Brahmaviharidas (Head of BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi), Swami Anantyogidas, Ashok Kotecha (Chairman of BAPS Hindu Mandir), Tushar Maniyar (Trustee of BAPS Singapore) at the conference

The International Conference Of Religious Leaders 2024 was held in the grand ball room of the Sunway Hotel and Resort, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Representatives of over 60 countries participated in the historic International Conference of Religious Leaders

Swami Brahmaviharidas arrives at the conference's inaugural session representing Hinduism and as the Head of BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi

Prominent leaders including His Excellency Dato Sri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, and His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars lead the gathering in the recital of the national anthem of Malaysia

About 2,000 religious and intellectual figures from 60 countries join in the recital of the national anthem of Malaysia

Swami Brahmaviharidas amongst a galaxy of religious leaders honoring the national anthem of Malaysia

PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, officiating the inaugural session of over 2000 religious leaders emphasizing the theme “Unity within Diversity”

PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stresses, “It is the duty of religious leaders to ensure that governance is guided by strong moral and ethical values”

The Honorable PM calls for religious leaders to come forward and play active and courageous role in bridging societal divides through universal values

HE Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa delivers an inspiring keynote speech describing the conference as “vital” in addressing the clash of cultures and civilizations

Respected leaders listen to HE Sheikh Dr Al-Issa's speech which highlighted the role of religion in guiding human civilization towards greater peace and understanding

HE Sheikh Dr Al-Issa emphasizes the need for religious leaders to have a “tangible impact” on promoting peace and harmony in our diverse world.

Swami Brahmaviharidas listens with admiration as HE Sheikh Dr Al-Issa delivers the keynote

On behalf of everyone present, the stage guests place their palms together on a dynamic cube to officiate the ideals of the conference of religious harmony and tolerance

Swami Brahmaviharidas is invited to address the inaugural gathering of over 2000 religious leaders and intellectuals

Swami Brahmaviharidas starts his address by reciting ancient Hindu Vedic Shanti Path

Swami Brahmaviharidas emphasizes the “sacred duty” of religious leaders to “bridge divides” and foster harmony among different religions and cultures

Swami Brahmaviharidas informs, “The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi is living proof of how unity and harmony happen, wherein experts of all major religions have contributed in charity to make it happen. True Harmony lies in cooperation and coexistence.”

Swami Brahmaviharidas outlines that religious leaders should reflect on whether their teachings align with their actions and the values they hold in their hearts, underscoring the necessity of “unity, harmony, and diversity”

Swami Brahmaviharidas also posed a thought-provoking question: “Can we not together as religious leaders, through our actions and attitude, create a little bit of heaven – the one that we promise up there – here on earth?”

Swami Brahmaviharidas takes notes as the session progresses with speeches from other leaders

Swami Brahmaviharidas attentively listens through a translation service in English, Arabic and Malay as insightful messages are delivered from prominent religious representatives

Religious leaders and intellectuals participate in the inaugural International Conference of Religious Leaders

The proceedings of the conference were conducted in three languages: English, Malay and Arabic

Mohammed Ibrahim Rizwe, Mufti of Ceylon Jamiyyalthul Ulama, from Sri Lanka congratulates Swami Brahmaviharidas, stating, “Your speech was mind-changing. I definitely want to visit the Abu Dhabi temple.”

Syaikh Abdul Quddoos greets Swami Brahmaviharidas with utmost reverence

Honorable PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim informs Swami Brahmaviharidas that he had watched the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi

Swami Brahmaviharidas commends both esteemed leaders for organizing such a conference

Swami Brahmaviharidas gracefully greets PM Dato Sri Anwar Ibrahim, and HE Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa

HE Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the MWL informs the Honorable PM of Malaysia, about the great work of harmony done by BAPS

HE Mr. B. Nagabhushana Reddy, High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, praises, “Your speech was very inspiring.”

Swami Brahmaviharidas shares words of courage and purpose with HE Mr. B. Nagabhushana Reddy

Bro Shah Kirit, President of Global UNITY Network, congratulates Swami Brahmaviharidas

The chief organizer of the conference, Malaysian Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, expresses, “The finest speech we have heard. We need leaders like you to spread more harmony, and congratulations to you for your new temple.”

Dr. Abu Rehab, Advisor for Muslim World League, conveys congratulations

HE Aboobacker Moulavi Alangapoyil, Grand Mufti of India, urges Swami Brahmaviharidas to continue to “spread the message of harmony across the world”

Philip Thomas Cor Episcopa from the Christian Federation of Malaysia on seeing Swamiji unexpectedly said, “I watched the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi live!”

Religious leader from Nigeria congratulates Swami Brahmaviharidas for his thought-provoking speech

Ven, Banagala Upatissa Nayake Thero President, Mahabodhi Society Of Sri Lanka, greets Swami Brahmaviharidas

Professor Dr. Abu Reza Muhammad Nezamuddin, Chairman Board of Trustees Bangladesh, expresses his wish to visit BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi

Mr. Ram Madhav expresses his appreciation for Swami Brahmaviharidas's speech, “So precise, so profound, and to the point.”

Bhai Satpal Satpal Singh Khalsa from the USA greets Swami Brahmaviharidas

Swamiji Brahmeshanand Acharya greets Swami Brahmaviharidas

Diverse religious and intellectual leaders appreciating Swami Brahmaviharidas's speech

Dr. Kittiphan Chaidee, Advisor Namdhari Sangat of Thailand Sikh Association, says, “I really loved your speech.”

Dr. G.D. Singh, Founder and Chairman of Asian and African Chamber of Commerce and Industries, congratulates Swami Brahmaviharidas

HE Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa invited Swami Brahmaviharidas and Chairman Ashok Kotecha for a special meeting of friendship and appreciation on 8 May 2024

HE Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa expressed his inner appreciation, “You and your organization are full of love, peace and harmony. The world needs more and more of such religious leaders and organizations.”

Swami Brahmaviharidas presents 'A Millennial Moment', a book on BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi, published by Penguin India, authored by Bikram Vohra, with a Foreword by Dr. S. Jaishankar, India's Minister for External Affairs

Swami Brahmavharidas conveys the innermost prayers of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj and thanks HE Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa for his efforts for global harmony