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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline SEPTEMBER 04, 2026 | The Indian Eye 18

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai

Patel Visits BAPS Swaminarayan

Akshardham During US Visit

OUR BUREAU
Robbinsville, NJ
he Honorable Bhupendrabhai
Patel, Chief Minister of Gu-
Tjarat, India, visited BAPS
Swaminarayan Akshardham in Rob-
binsville, New Jersey, on Saturday,
August 22, 2026. During his visit, he
expressed deep appreciation for Ak-
shardham’s inspiring presentation
of India’s spiritual and cultural her-
itage, its commitment to community
service, and the extraordinary dedi-
cation of its volunteers.
Upon his arrival, Chief Minis-
ter Patel was warmly welcomed and
garlanded by Pujya Brahmaviharidas
Swami and Pujya Nilkanthsevadas
Swami. He was accompanied by a
delegation of senior Gujarat govern-
ment officials, including the Addi-
tional Chief Secretary of the Finance
Department; Dr. Sanjeev Kumar,
Principal Secretary to the Chief Min-
ister; and Vikrant Pandey, Secretary
to the Chief Minister.
Already familiar with BAPS and
its deep roots in Gujarat, the Chief
Minister reflected on how Akshard-
ham carries India’s timeless values of
service, spirituality, and excellence
to communities around the world.
He emphasized the importance of
preserving cultural values among
the Indian diaspora and expressed
his appreciation for the way Ak-
shardham nurtures and celebrates
India’s cultural heritage in the Unit-
ed States.
Chief Minister Patel also re-
ceived a special tour of the Ak-
shardham Museum, currently under
construction, and will be one of the
first Hindu American museums ded-
icated to showcasing India’s rich her-
itage and culture. The museum will
feature 12 architectural replicas, 40
multimedia shows, 85 immersive di- these enduring principles contin- Swaminarayan Akshardham in Rob- by its serene and spiritual environ-
oramas, and 200 lifelike statues. He ue to guide Gujarat’s progress and binsville today,” said Pujya Brah- ment. While touring the museum,
described the museum as a landmark strengthen India’s cultural identity maviharidas Swami, a senior of the the Chief Minister remarked, ‘You
in itself, offering visitors of every age while remaining relevant to people BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. “Not brought India’s ancient culture back
and background an opportunity to and cultures around the world. only was he overwhelmed and fas- to life.”
connect with universal ideals of faith, “It was a privilege to have Gu- cinated by the beautiful carvings A highlight of the visit was Chief
harmony, compassion, family values, jarat’s Honorable Chief Minister, and the sheer size and scale of the Minister Patel’s interaction with the
and selfless service. He noted that Bhupendrabhai Patel, visit BAPS Mandir, but he was deeply touched Continued on next page... >>

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