Page 16 - The Indian EYE 092223

SPECIAL FEATURE SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 | The Indian Eye 16

TOWARDS BETTER LIVING

BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi:

Reflections from Around the World

ucked within the frenetic pulse
of New Delhi stands the tran-
Tquil BAPS Swaminarayan Ak-
shardham. More than a temple, it’s
an orchestration of history, architec-
ture, and spiritual values. Its splendor
speaks of India’s rich tapestry, and its
calm ambiance resonates universally.
But it’s not the structure alone that
makes this place remarkable; it’s the
myriad reflections of those who’ve
visited.

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, India’s
11th President, spoke of it as a
confluence of art, faith, and hu-
man celebration. He marveled

at how Akshardham marries
tradition with modernity and
inspires confidence in India’s
bright future.

Dr. Manmohan Singh, the 14th
Prime Minister of India, envisions
Akshardham becoming one of Del-
hi’s foremost landmarks. He believes
it will uplift visitors morally and men-
tally.
Esteemed photojournalist, Ra-
ghu Rai, praised the temple’s unpar-
alleled scale and detail, something he tion were echoed by many global dig- ham’s embodiment of love, justice, Jeeyar Swamiji expressed that every
hadn’t observed in any temple built in nitaries. Kurt Fearnley, a Para-Sport and passion. HRH Prince Charles, visit provided new spiritual insights
the past millennium. Meanwhile, cel- sportsperson from Australia, felt a the Prince of Wales, commended the and lessons.
ebrated cartoonist R. K. Laxman re- profound impact from the dedication temple for preserving an ancient tra- Eminent Indians like Vinod Rai,
marked that his global travels hadn’t of the temple’s volunteers. Ms Callis- dition in architecture and craftsman- the 11th Comptroller & Auditor
offered an experience akin to what he ta Mutharika, the First Lady of Mala- ship, calling it unmatched globally. General of India, felt it was a privi-
felt here. wi, deemed her visit as life-changing, Asian leaders had their share of lege to visit, while Taarak Mehta, a
Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al and Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, admiration. Akihiro Ota, a Japanese renowned humorist, found his joy
Missned, the Queen of Qatar, was Kenya’s 11th Vice President, ad- Minister, appreciated the temple’s inexpressible.
captivated by the temple’s construc- mired the spirit of sacrifice evident in contribution to global peace, while Summarizing, Prof. Kostadin
tion philosophy which beautifully Akshardham. HRH Ashi Kesang Choden Wang- Kostadinov, Deputy Minister for Ed-
encapsulates cultural and religious Chandrika Kumaratunga, Sri chuck, Princess of Bhutan, hailed it ucation & Science, simply stated, “In-
unity. Lanka’s 5th President, described her as the most magnificent temple she’d credible! We are very, very excited!”
Across continents, Ms. Tarja Ha- visit as an awe-inspiring experience, ever seen. BAPS Swaminarayan Akshard-
lonen, President of Finland, appreci- emphasizing the marvels faith can Not just politicians and royals, ham isn’t just about majestic archi-
ated the insights into Indian history create. Philemon Yang, Prime Min- spiritual leaders too were moved by tecture. It’s a living testament to the
and culture. Megawati Sukarnoputri, ister of Cameroon, was so enchanted Akshardham. HH Swami Vimala- confluence of cultures, values, and
the former President of Indonesia, that he pledged a return visit soon. nandaji Maharaj was profoundly human spirit. The reflections of glob-
was so inspired she expressed a de- European leaders also shared impressed by the Sahaj Anand wa- al visitors, from different walks of
sire to create something similar in her their reflections. Zlatko Lagumdzija, ter show, emphasizing its message life, stand as a testament to its uni-
homeland. the Deputy Prime Minister of Bosnia on overcoming ego. HH Sri Tridandi versal appeal and the timeless values
Expressions of awe and admira- & Herzegovina, cherished Akshard- Srimannarayana Ramanuja Chinna it represents.

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