Abu Dhabi's BAPS Hindu Mandir
Gathering over 200 leaders and community members from diverse faiths and backgrounds during the holy month of Ramadan, the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi recently hosted an interfaith cultural evening named ‘Omsiyyat’. Against the backdrop of the newly inaugurated Hindu temple, the event served as a platform for faith, culture, and dialogue to converge. Among the distinguished guests were Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, along with other notable figures. Notable attendees also included leaders from various local religious communities such as Rabbi Jeff Berger of the Abrahamic Family House, Rabbi Levi Duchmann, Father Lalji of the Church of South India Parish, and leaders from the Bahá’í community. The event, held on April 2nd, emphasized unity and understanding among different faiths.
“Unity in diversity is not just a principle; it’s a practice, vividly demonstrated here tonight. This event symbolises our shared journey towards understanding and respect,” shared Rabbi Jeff Berger from the Abrahamic Family House on his feelings towards the event, an official press release read.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Nahayan emphasised the tremendous impact of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, stating, “In these troubled times that are threatened by separatism, distrust, intolerance, and conflicts, [the BAPS Hindu Mandir] brings hope to the world… I commend the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi for organising this interfaith meeting… You share a respect for beliefs and an admiration for each other’s good-hearted intentions. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to promoting the values of peace, harmony, fraternity, and coexistence, Your strong resolve to work together across cultural and spiritual lines for the good of all humankind is truly noble.”
Adding to the richness of the evening were the insightful words of Swami Brahmaviharidas, Head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi. Emphasizing the temple’s core values of love, peace, and harmony, as conveyed by Mahant Swami Maharaj, Swami Brahmaviharidas extended heartfelt appreciation to Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, the UAE leadership, and all attendees for their unwavering support and generosity.
As per the press release, he recounted the emotions of a former space scientist, Swami, who stated, “That if ever there are aliens, and if aliens come to this earth, I would rather have the aliens judge our planet by this place of harmony than all the conflicts, wars and monuments of hate in this world. I’d rather have aliens judge the world by what’s happening in Abu Dhabi. So be proud that Abu Dhabi is the new capital of harmony in the world!”
The evening concluded with a vegetarian ‘suhoor’, featuring a blend of Arabic and Indian cuisine prepared by volunteers from the temple. Sheikh Nahyan, along with other guests, savored the meal and cherished the opportunity to come together as a community. The impact of ‘Omsiyyat’: An Interfaith Cultural Evening extended beyond its attendees, resonating with the UAE community and beyond, demonstrating that while achieving interfaith harmony remains an ongoing endeavor, moments of unity are indeed attainable.
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