Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris as a landmark moment in India-France cultural relations.

He said the grand temple would enrich France’s cultural diversity while giving freshPrime Minister Narendra Modi described the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris as a landmark moment in India-France cultural relations.

He said the grand temple would enrich France’s cultural diversity while giving fresh momentum to bilateral ties. Addressing the gathering through video conference, he emphasised that the occasion represented a new milestone in the cultural relationship between India and France and reflected the civilisational values of India’s Sanatan tradition on a global platform.

In a post on X, he expressed joy at the inauguration, calling it a new milestone in cultural relations. He underlined that the event was more than a religious or architectural occasion, asserting that it embodied the spirit of universal brotherhood and the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. He described the stage as an awakened platform for this spirit.

PM Modi expressed gratitude for being associated with such a significant spiritual occasion, noting that he continued to receive opportunities to participate in milestones connected with India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Though addressing remotely, he said that in mind and spirit he felt present among the gathering.

He paid homage to Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Ji Maharaj, recalling his vision of reviving India’s ancient cultural and spiritual traditions globally. He said the movement had gathered momentum, with its message now reaching different parts of the world, including Europe.

He drew a connection with the BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi inaugurated earlier in 2024, noting that the Paris temple reflected the dedication and resolve of saints and spiritual leadership behind the global expansion of the tradition.

PM Modi expressed reverence for Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj and extended congratulations and gratitude to BAPS and its millions of followers for their work. He underlined that the establishment of temples overseas carried India’s philosophical message of human unity, stressing that minds should be united and hearts connected. He said India’s civilisational thought has universal appeal.

He added that the Paris temple would contribute to France’s multicultural landscape and strengthen people-to-people and cultural links between India and France. He placed the inauguration in the wider context of the rapidly expanding India-France partnership, noting that both countries were building a Special Global Strategic Partnership together. He recalled his cooperation with French President Emmanuel Macron.

The Prime Minister highlighted expanding areas of bilateral cooperation, including artificial intelligence, defence, space and climate action. He referred to the upcoming 2026 India-France Year of Innovation, saying both countries were moving ahead with renewed momentum in emerging areas of technology and cooperation. He emphasised that the contemporary strategic partnership derives strength from longstanding historical, cultural and political links.

Reflecting on history, he recalled the contribution of Indian soldiers who fought on French soil and highlighted the role of French scholars in bringing Indian knowledge traditions, particularly Sanskrit, to global attention.

He noted their important role in popularising Sanskrit. He also recalled intellectual and spiritual exchanges that connected India and France, mentioning French writer Romain Rolland’s writings on Indian mystics and The Mother’s transformative journey to Puducherry. He said such encounters inspired seekers in both countries.

He recalled the role of ISKCON founder Srila Prabhupada Swami in deepening spiritual links between India and France. He drew a parallel between the popularity of Yoga around French landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the inauguration of the Swaminarayan temple, saying such initiatives serve as bridges between people and cultures. He said a new chapter was being added to cultural relations through this grand temple.

PM Modi used an economic analogy to underline wider possibilities opened up by closer cultural engagement, saying the temple added a new dimension to joint ventures. He highlighted the temple’s distinctive architectural character, representing a synthesis of traditional Indian craftsmanship and contemporary French engineering.

He noted that stones were sent from India, shaped through painstaking craftsmanship, and integrated into the structure in France. He described the temple as truly “Made in India” and “Built in France.”

He said the temple could stand for generations as an enduring symbol of India-France cooperation, reflecting possibilities when traditional knowledge and modern capabilities come together. He added that it would remain a symbol of cooperation and possibilities for centuries.

Beyond cultural and architectural significance, he highlighted the social-service dimension of Swaminarayan temples, expressing confidence that the Paris centre would become a platform for humanitarian initiatives alongside spiritual activities.

He expressed hope that the centre would become a source of India’s cultural and spiritual message for people across Europe, extending its impact beyond Paris. He said the voices of Indian culture emerging from the temple would benefit people across Europe.

Concluding his address, he said he hoped to personally visit the temple in the future whenever circumstances permitted. He conveyed best wishes to devotees, members of the Indian diaspora, their families and all those associated with the inauguration, describing the occasion as one that would further strengthen cultural and people-to-people bonds underpinning the India-France relationship.

ANI