Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Indian delegation led by Lok Sabha speaker visits BAPS in Abu Dhabi

Indian delegation led by Lok Sabha speaker visits BAPS in Abu Dhabi

AN INDIAN delegation of 17 people led by Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday (23).

The delegation was accompanied by UAE Federal National Council Member Ayesha Mohammed Al Mulla.


“The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi is an ideal example of global harmony. It is more than a temple, it is truly an oasis of spirituality, beauty and universality.

"For hundreds of years the magnanimity and the integrity of the rulers of UAE and the leaders of India shall be celebrated by generations to come. I congratulate Pramukh Swami, BAPS saints, volunteers and workers involved in this selfless saga of harmony. It is a matter of great pride for India and Indians all over the world,” Birla said.

The delegation was greeted by Pujya Brahmavihari Swami and was given an overview of the construction work. Also, as part of the visit, they observed the “Rivers of Harmony exhibit” that was organised at the site.

IMG 20220223 WA0014 The Indian delegation being given a tour of the BAPS site in Abu Dhabi.

The exhibit presents the harmonious purpose, history, and construction of the BAPS Hindu Mandir as well as the critical community work carried out, including the covid relief provided.

Bihar BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi, who was part of the delegation, said: "Amongst all the temples across the globe this temple is iconic and historic and marks its position in a different league.

"During our meeting with HE Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, he expressed his joy and happiness for the harmony that the upcoming BAPS Hindu Mandir and all the Indian businessman and workers are contributing to this great nation."

"The purpose of this traditional temple is unification of minds and hearts. It has brought not just India and the UAE closer together but brought countries, cultures, communities, and religions closer together. We thank the leaders of both the UAE and India for their support and encouragement in creating this spiritual oasis for global harmony,” Brahmavihari Swami said.

The delegation was able to participate in prayers and were invited to place a brick within the construction site to mark their visit.

More For You

UK riots
Anti-migration protesters attempt to enter the Holiday Inn Express Hotel which is housing asylum seekers on August 4 in Rotherham. (Photo credit: Getty Images)
Getty Images

Anti-Muslim hate reports in UK reach record high in 2024, charity says

A UK group that tracks anti-Muslim hate said on Wednesday that it received the highest number of reports in 2024, attributing the rise to online platforms and artificial intelligence.

Tell MAMA’s director, Iman Atta, described the increase as "unacceptable" and "deeply concerning for the future."

Keep ReadingShow less
Anas-Sarwar-Getty

Anas Sarwar dismissed claims that the SNP’s polling lead reflected broader public support, citing Labour’s success in winning 19 of 34 council by-elections since last July. (Photo: Getty Images)

Scottish Labour faces challenges ahead of 2026 election, says Sarwar

SCOTTISH Labour leader Anas Sarwar has acknowledged that the party faces a significant challenge in winning the next Holyrood elections in May 2026.

His comments come as recent polling shows Labour’s support has declined, while the Scottish National Party (SNP) maintains a lead.

Keep ReadingShow less
Leicester’s 'unhealthy' fast food outlets sparks obesity concerns

A Leicester City council spokesman said the authority was “aware of the increasing number of takeaways in the city”

Getty Images

Leicester’s 'unhealthy' fast food outlets spark obesity concerns

Hannah Richardson

LEICESTER ranks among the top 20 areas of England with the most fast food joints compared to its population. The city came in 17th of 152 local authority areas for the number of unhealthy eateries, with 153.5 for every 100,000 residents.

The figures, published by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, show an increase in such outlets, up from 137.1 per 100,000 in 2017.

Keep ReadingShow less
Stricter knife laws will save lives, says Ronan Kanda’s sister

The new measures, known as Ronan’s Law, are named after 16-year-old Ronan Kanda, who was fatally stabbed near his home in June 2022 in a case of mistaken identity. (Photo: Instagram/justiceforronankanda)

Stricter knife laws will save lives, says Ronan Kanda’s sister

THE SISTER of a teenager killed with a ninja sword said stricter online knife sales rules and tougher penalties for violations will have an impact.

The new measures, known as Ronan’s Law, are named after 16-year-old Ronan Kanda, who was fatally stabbed near his home in June 2022 in a case of mistaken identity.

Keep ReadingShow less
UN finds Bangladesh's Hasina regime led
‘calculated’ killings and abuses

Volker Turk has highlighted the need for a comprehensive process to address Bangladesh’s legacy of human rights abuses

UN finds Bangladesh's Hasina regime led ‘calculated’ killings and abuses

BANGLADESH’S former government was behind systematic attacks and killings of protesters as it tried to hold onto power last year, the UN said last Wednesday (12), warning that the abuses could amount to “crimes against humanity”.

Before prime minister Sheikh Hasina was toppled in a student-led revolution last August, her government cracked down on protesters and others, including by “hundreds of extrajudicial killings”, the United Nations said.

Keep ReadingShow less