New Delhi, September 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the newly inaugurated BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Temple in Paris as an important symbol of the growing cultural relationship between India and France.
Addressing the inauguration programme through video conference, Modi said the temple would contribute to France’s multicultural character and provide fresh momentum to people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
The Prime Minister said the temple reflects the Indian philosophy of universal brotherhood and the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or the belief that the world is one family.Modi paid tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj and acknowledged the efforts of BAPS spiritual leaders, devotees and volunteers in taking Indian cultural and spiritual traditions to different parts of the world.
He also referred to the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, inaugurated in 2024, while highlighting the organisation’s international outreach.The Prime Minister linked the cultural development with the wider India-France strategic partnership.
He noted that the two countries are cooperating in areas including defence, space, artificial intelligence, climate action and innovation.Referring to the historical connections between the two nations, Modi highlighted the contribution of Indian soldiers in France, French scholarship on Sanskrit and the influence of intellectual and spiritual exchanges involving figures such as Romain Rolland and Srila Prabhupada.
He also highlighted the temple’s architectural character, pointing to the combination of traditional Indian stone craftsmanship and modern French engineering. The project, he said, demonstrates how the two countries can work together to create lasting cultural institutions.
Modi expressed confidence that the temple would serve not only as a centre of spiritual activity but also as a platform for social service and humanitarian initiatives.
He said its influence could extend beyond Paris and help introduce Indian cultural values to people across Europe.The Prime Minister congratulated the BAPS organisation, devotees and the Indian diaspora associated with the project and said he hoped to visit the temple in person in the future.
