India and UAE weave universalism and harmony in Abu Dhabi Hindu temple

The BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, which was inaugurated recently by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is not only an architectural marvel but an artistic statement that symbolises universalism and harmony. It is the largest Hindu temple in the Middle East and the speed and scale at which it was constructed speak volumes of the determination of both India and the UAE to take cultural diplomacy to the next level. The UAE donated about 27 acres of land for the temple and facilitated the grand construction in several ways. The proposal for the temple was put in during Modi’s visit to UAE in 2015; its foundation stone was laid in 2019, and despite disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic, it was ready for inauguration in February 2024. The architecture of the temple complex reflects the beauty of cultural and civilisational harmony and common human heritage. Various representations of the UAE like camel, horse and the national bird falcon have been etched in the carvings of the temple along with figures from Indian mythology. The seven spires (shikharas) that enshrine different deities worshipped in various parts of India also represent the seven emirates forming the UAE. Besides, the Indian tales, stories from different civilisations, including Arabic, African, Chinese, Egyptian and European, are engraved. Other noteworthy architectural constituents are the two domes — Dome of Peace and the Dome of Harmony. A Wall of Harmony, showcasing the various milestones in the temple construction is one of the largest 3D-printed walls in the emirate. The architectural elements exude harmony and the word ‘harmony’ is inscribed in about 30 ancient and modern languages. The architecture and the ambience of the temple with a towering height of 108 feet easily relate to and establish an emotional and philosophical connection with the entire humanity. This has been easily felt and readily expressed by diplomats and visitors from more than 40 countries as they visited the temple complex. It is reported that the temple’s lead architect is a Catholic Christian, the foundational designer a Buddhist, the project manager a Sikh, the construction company from a Parsi group, and a director from Jain tradition. Thus, the spectacular construction of the temple in Abu Dhabi relates not only to the Hindus but all humanity and different civilisations. To fortify the sentiment of universalism that the temple evokes, pink marble construction inscribes ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which was also the theme of India’s G20 presidency in 2023 and meant ‘One Earth One Family One Future’. With this temple that imbibes universalism, both India and the UAE have taken cultural diplomacy to the next level, which in the past was more about showcasing one’s cultural distinctiveness and attractions. In the past, there have been constant references to the civilisation links in bilateral relations, but realms of foreign policy have only touched limited stakeholders. Indian merchants and traders had settled in the UAE since the middle of the nineteenth century, mostly involved in the pearl trade that was the backbone of the pre-oil Gulf economy. Indian merchants had a monopoly in the Gulf credit market, linking them to the Indian financial centres and the bulk of the trade was with India. The Indian influence was visible in the architecture and Indian spices, rice and clothing were integral aspects of the people living in the coast of eastern Arabia and southern Iran. In contemporary times, the UAE became the second largest trading partner 2003-04 and has continued to be among the top three trading partners since then. It was the largest trading partner in 2008-11. The World Bank in 2008 identified the India-UAE migration corridor as among the largest in the world. However, the UAE continued to be neglected in India’s foreign policy spectrum for more than three decades until Prime Minister Modi’s visit in 2015. Since then, he has visited the Emirates seven times and each time imparted vibrancy and warmth through personal gestures and commitments. By integrating and operationalising civilisational ethos in foreign policy articulations, leaders of India and the UAE have made forays into the hearts and minds of people residing in both the countries and onlookers around the world. Using his political capital, Prime Minister Modi has got the UAE leadership to support the construction of the temple, denoting their acknowledgement and respect for the contribution of millions of Indians in the progress of the UAE. Such gestures embrace about 3.5 million who work and live in the UAE making them feel more at home. In Arab culture, friendship and generosity are deeply rooted in their history, tradition and identity. The UAE made a grand display of its generosity and friendship with India by donating land for the temple. It donated an additional 13.5 acres of land to the temple as they celebrated the ‘Year of Tolerance’ in 2019. It not only donated land as an act of pluralism but its continued facilitation and its representation in the architecture of the temple is also a statement of pride in its friendship with India. Since the last decade, the Emirates has been keen to showcase its cosmopolitan ecosystem which is a melting pot of diverse cultures. It is also making a strong commercial sense out of its multicultural ethos, hosting events and monuments that are global tourist attractions. The BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi would be a major tourist attraction in a place that was just a desert. The complex is reported to have a visitors’ centre, prayer halls, library, classrooms, shops, garden playground etc. A whole range of commercial activities would come up to cater to the tourism in the vicinity. By collaborating and cooperating in cultural assets, both India and the UAE have taken diplomacy to realms of cultural and creative industries, which have immense employment potential deeply impacting emotions and livelihood. By upholding the spirit of universalism and harmony epitomised by the BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi, India and UAE have made great strides towards peace and progress in today’s turbulent world. The author teaches at Centre for West Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .