Dressed in a pale pink kurta, Modi presided over the consecration ceremony of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) temple, participated in rituals that were replicated in around 1,200 shrines built by the organisation worldwide, and met workers who helped build the temple in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
He also hailed the role played by UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed AI Nahyan, recalled the fervour over the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya last month, referred to himself as the biggest pujari (priest) of "Maa Bharati", and said the current period was not only the Amrit Kaal - a reference to the years leading up to the centenary of India's independence for the country but also for its faith and culture.
"The temple is an example of global unity and communal harmony...it reflects the depth of ties between India and the UAE," he said on the second of his two-day trip to the country. "It is a symbol of the shared love between the people of India and the Arab world."
The temple that is spread across 27 acres was built for an estimated ₹700 crore.
Around 1.8 million bricks were used for the temple, which features seven main spires each representing an emirate in the country.
Modi spent a chunk of his speech talking about India-UAE ties, saying that the world saw the relationship as an example of mutual trust and cooperation. He said in recent years, the bilateral ties scaled new heights, but added that India didn't see the relationship only in contemporary circumstances.
"The roots of these relations are thousands of years old, the Arab world played the role of a the bridge for trade between India and Europe in ancient times... In Gujarat, where I come from, the Arab world was a leading business centre for traders. New possibilities are born from the confluence of civilisations, and new streams of art, culture, and literature spout forth," he said, speaking in Hindi.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Backing queer love stories in cinema is liberating: Onir
Filmmaker Onir's latest project, We Are Faheem and Karun, is a queer love story set against the backdrop of Gurez, Jammu and Kashmir.
Terence Lewis reveals why Saroj Khan, Farah Khan were 'more aggressive' than male choreographers
When it comes to the field of choreography in Bollywood, there have been only a handful of women choreographers. Two names that instantly come to mind are the late choreographer Saroj Khan and choreographer-filmmaker Farah Khan.
Lucknow kids' reimagine Sabya's bridal collection; earn cheers from B'wood
Underprivileged kids from Lucknow reimagine Sabyasachi's bridal designs
Zendaya and Anne Hathaway join Christopher Nolan's next
Hollywood actors Zendaya and Oscar winner Anne Hathaway are the latest additions to the cast of director Christopher Nolan's upcoming feature film.
'Comedy is enjoyable but not easy to do'
Actor Aftab Shivdasani has had a good run in comedy films, with notable performances in Hungama (2003), Masti (2004) and Deewane Huye Paagal (2005). So, it's no surprise that he is excited to return to the genre with Welcome To The Jungle.
ARMAAN MALIK ON HIS THIRD EMA NOD: IT FEELS SURREAL
Singer-songwriter Armaan Malik is ecstatic that he has received a nomination at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA) for his song Always with British singer Calum Scott in the Best India Act category.
'A crossover between The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives and Real Housewives of NY is in the works'
Reality TV star Jessel Taank, the first Indian to feature in The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY), was in Mumbai recently. Talking about her weeklong visit, she shares, \"India's so exciting-economically and culturally - it's imploding. What drew me to India is the fact that I am labelled as the first Indian on RHONY and that's a big compliment. Yet, I feel a disconnect.\"
Ricky Kej beams with joy after fourth Grammy nomination
Musician Ricky Kej is thrilled to receive his fourth Grammy nomination. Having won the prestigious award in 2015, 2022 and 2023, his excitement remains as palpable as his first nomination.
A new innings begins for Athiya and Rahul
Actor Athiya Shetty and cricketer KL Rahul are set to embrace parenthood in 2025, as they joyfully announced their pregnancy on Friday.
Sonu Sood is the Brand Ambassador and Tourism Advisor for Thailand
Sonu Sood, already celebrated as both an actor and philanthropist, has added another prestigious title to his name: Brand Ambassador and Honorary Tourism Advisor for Thailand.
