UAE grants land in Dubai for hospital serving Indian workers, says PM Modi

| Updated: 15 February, 2024 3:45 pm IST

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi as he invoked ‘Maa Bharti’ and announced that the UAE Vice-President has given a piece of land in Dubai for the construction of a hospital for Indian workers.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the PM’s heartfelt commitment to the service of the motherland, as he expressed, “I worship Maa Bharti, “Parmatma ne mujhe jitna samay dia hai uska har pal Maa Bharti kay liye hai. “The time that the Almighty has given me, every moment of it is for Mother India.”

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the BAPS Hindu Temple, Modi emphasised the deep spiritual connection he holds with India, where he sees each moment as an opportunity to contribute to the nation’s progress.

“UAE, which till now was known for Burj Khalifa, Future Museum, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, and other hi-tech buildings, has now added another cultural chapter to its identity. I am confident that a large number of devotees will come here in the coming times,” he said.

“This will also increase the number of people coming to the UAE and people-to-people connections will also increase. On behalf of the entire India and millions of Indians living around the world, I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE government,” he added.

The Prime Minister further underscored the cultural and diplomatic importance of the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.

“This temple will be a symbol of unity & harmony. The role of the UAE government in the construction of the temple is commendable,” he also said.

He highlighted the UAE’s role in supporting the construction of the temple and expressed confidence that the cultural ties fostered by such endeavours would strengthen the bond between the two nations.

“UAE has written a golden chapter. The inauguration of the temple has been years of hard work and dreams of many are connected with the temple. Swaminarayan’s blessings are also connected,” the PM said.

Modi arrived in the UAE on Tuesday on a two-day visit and talked about the BAPS temple at the ‘Ahlan Modi’ event held on Wednesday.

He thanked the UAE President for giving approval for the BAPS Hindu Mandir, saying that it reflects his love and respect for India and couldn’t have been possible without his love and support.

PM Modi’s visit to UAE also marks his third visit to the Gulf country in the past eight months.