Opinion | Ahlan Modi: An Enchanting Enigma of Bharat

Civilisational Reclamation

Bharat has embarked on a sojourn to revive its civilisation, culture and character while exuding a deep commitment and pledge towards ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – a hope and dream that brings the world together as one. Our civilisational reclamation goes beyond the boundaries of Bharat and across oceans as we rekindle our global friendships and attempt to foster a “One World” philosophy, in resolve and actions. The pride and innate humility with which our Pradhan Sewak, Narendra Modi carries Bharat to the world, is inspiring and invigorating and promotes a deeper people-to-people connect.

As Prime Minister Modi attended the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Abu Dhabi, UAE on February 14, 2024, and recounted the journey from conceptualisation to the inauguration of this mandir, he not only mentioned his spiritual connection with Pramukh Swami Maharaj but also intricately alluded to the positive roleplay of government and people of the United Arab Emirates.

Swaminarayan Mandir: Beyond Religion and Ingrained with Fond Diplomacy

The Swaminarayan Mandir is an apostle of peace and harmony, as it stands proudly in UAE; signifying religious harmony and multiculturalism. While the mandir will provide strength and hope to devotees, it will also act as a harbinger for a deeper connect of Bharat with the Middle East, a gateway to Europe. The significance of the mandir can be construed as a brighter future for Bharat and the world as per the following parameters:

1. The mandir will be a source of connection with Bharat for NRIs in the Middle East, accounting for nearly 66 per cent and totalling around 88.8 lakh. This will generate much commonality of purpose and connect with Bharat.
2. Revenues generated from the donations to the mandir will also help all equally in the UAE and projects sponsored by the UAE for the world, highlighting the “equality of humanity”.
3. It showcases the deepening of good relations between Bharat, UAE and countries of the Middle East and in future will benefit us all, as the legitimacy of relations with Bharat will be enhanced. The ‘spiritual reach’ of Bharat will soar and shine ahead.
4. It will bring together people of all communities and religions as many would be involved in the functioning of the mandir and the adage of “Vividhita Mein Ekta” will be taken to an inspirational level and co-existence will emanate as the bold message too.
5. The under-ocean railway connect, as planned for the future, will benefit many people from Bharat to travel to UAE and pay respects at the mandir, a parallel that will soon be drawn to Haj Yatra, reigniting Hinduism as a global ‘way of life’.
6. Epitome of bilateral relations where a friendly country, with many immigrants from another, understands the need and accepts a diverse faith to be promoted within as own. Such a synergy can only get strengthened and emboldened, paving the way for greater mutual roleplay in global affairs as well.
7. Little after the Swaminarayan Akshardham consecration at Robbinsville, USA, the largest Hindu Temple in the US on October 8, 2023, and soon after Ram Mandir consecration at Ayodhya, the Swaminarayan Mandir at Abu Dhabi is a befitting “hattrick of mandirs” which showcases peace and harmony enshrined in Hinduism. These temples also highlight the growing closeness of both the US and UAE to Bharat and vice-versa and have the potential to redefine the new world order.

Internal Impact: Demons on Crutches and Democracy on Rise

The Ram Mandir consecration on January 22, 2024, at Ayodhya, has reignited Sanatana Dharma and espoused the people of Bharat to reconnect with their civilisational roots and eternal faith. The inauguration of the Swaminarayan Mandir brings much joy to both the diaspora and the citizens of Bharat, invoking caged passion about our nationhood, our culture and the promotion of peace through Hinduism. The new level of confidence enthused in the people of Bharat is noticeable and the world acknowledges it with admiration.

While the positives in geopolitics and the growth of Bharat as ‘Vishwaguru’ are a given, the inauguration of the Swaminarayan Mandir has subtle ramifications within Bharat as envisaged:

• Figuratively, while the ‘Temple Run’ from Robbinsville through Ayodhya to Abu Dhabi promises much for Bharat, it also implies emboldening of ‘Brand Modi’ who is truly committed to civilisational reclamation and ‘One World’ philosophy within Bharat and with NRIs across the globe.
• Evoking a civilisational reconnect, ‘Brand Modi’ now exalts more people to connect with the past and usher into a brighter future. This hope promotes an exponential increase in membership of the BJP and NDA and this in turn will positively accrue a higher vote share in the forthcoming 2024 general elections.
• Business houses and promoters, duly inspired and enthused, are likely to support the government in its endeavours and will commit more for the good of Bharat. This could also see a surge in funding for the BJP and larger investments in Bharat by foreign financial institutions, project developers etc., as they observe rising stability amidst our industries too.
• The endeavour of civilisational reclamation through these temples also evokes many thoughts on the people of Bharat correcting their history textbooks and bringing traditional methods of education, culture and more into the syllabus for GenNext.
• The acknowledgement of Hinduism by the world will lead to the furtherance of belief in it internally and the will of the masses to revive lost, forgotten and destroyed heritage will surface stronger. This will lead to the reclamation of many temples, connect societies better and eventually lead to economic prosperity through incomes, jobs and more.
• Dominance of Hinduism is near guaranteed, should the tide to do more by citizens and diaspora of Bharat prevail in future. This will usher in better societal construct, reduce the caste divide, promote traditional methods, enrich lives and create ‘microcosms of enriched confident societies’.
• Legal immunity granted by the UAE to Swaminarayan Mandir that it cannot be destroyed in future, subtly acknowledges that temples have been destroyed across the world and in Bharat, and that makes a good case for destroyed Hindu temples to be rebuilt in Bharat and paves way for due legislation to safeguard them in future, enabling a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ with empathy for all.

Future Thrives on Hope and Positivity

Bharat has been able to showcase its deeper commitment towards ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ during the G20 Presidency and summit in 2023 and the world believes in our commitment and shared prosperous future too. The day when one can travel to any part of the world and be oneself and also be able to practice one’s faith will be a truism of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and as visa norms get relaxed with deepened relations, faith will add a positive flavour to bilateralism, regionalism and multilateralism.

While the ‘Temple Run’ is on, we await the Ram Mandir in Perth, Australia, where we have many devotees and many Australians who believe in the ‘way of life’ showcased by and enshrined in Hinduism. Mandirs will inspire peace, prosperity and harmony in the world and the world believes in that too, as it believes in Team Bharat.

Colonel Rohit Dev, a 2nd Generation Army Officer, is an Adjunct Professor at the Rashtriya Raksha University, a Geo-political Analyst and a Primetime TV personality. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.