On the second anniversary of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, delivered the keynote address at a ceremony marking the occasion.

He said the occasion provided an opportunity to look to the future with optimism and confidence, expressing his belief that relations between India and the UAE would continue to grow strong. He described the Mandir as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations and a bridge that enhances mutual understanding and goodwill.

He also highlighted the coincidence of the celebration themed ‘Mandir: Our Family, Our Future’ with the nation’s Year of the Family, emphasizing the role played by religious institutions in supporting families and nurturing love and responsibility across generations.

Senior officials, ambassadors, and representatives of communities were present at the event, in addition to over 8,000 worshippers, and about 1,500 participants in the ‘Mandir Dialogues at Two’ forum. The ‘Mandir Dialogues’ programme featured several sessions highlighting the Mandir’s impact globally, and its vision for the future.

Al Nahyan described the Indian community in the UAE as a true partner in the nation’s journey of progress, advancement, and moral commitment, praising its contributions to the national economy, global engagement, and social fabric. He affirmed that those contributions were deeply valued and sincerely appreciated.

The minister said that for more than 54 years, the UAE had welcomed people of different faiths and traditions, finding common ground in shared humanity. He affirmed that the country had demonstrated that religious diversity could be a force for social cohesion, human fraternity and hope, stressing that the achievement was the result of principled leadership and a clear moral vision.

He added that the vision was reflected in the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who consistently championed peace, coexistence and human fraternity locally and internationally.

He added that a strong nation was built not only on economic and technological progress, but also on mutual respect, understanding and moral courage. He expressed pride in the leadership’s call for people of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds to look beyond differences. – editor@nrifocus.com