PM Modi Hails BAPS Temple in Paris as Milestone in India-France Cultural Ties

NEW DELHI, Sep 6 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir at Bussy-Saint-Georges, near Paris, describing it as a significant milestone in the cultural ties between India and France.

Addressing the gathering virtually during the inauguration ceremony, Mr Modi said the temple symbolised the shared values of spirituality, service and human harmony and would give fresh impetus to the longstanding people-to-people relationship between the two countries.

"It is a matter of great joy that BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir is being inaugurated in Paris," the Prime Minister said, adding that the occasion reflected the message of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', or the world as one family.

Mr Modi paid tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj for his efforts to revive and spread India's ancient cultural and spiritual heritage across the world. He also expressed gratitude to Mahant Swami Maharaj and congratulated the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and devotees on the completion of the temple.

Referring to the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, inaugurated in 2024, Mr Modi said the Paris temple represented another important chapter in the global spread of India's spiritual and cultural traditions.

He said BAPS temples across the world represent not only religious traditions but also India's ancient values of service, harmony and human unity. Quoting the Sanskrit expression "Samanam Manah Sah Chittamesham", he emphasised the importance of united minds and connected hearts.

The Prime Minister said the new temple would enrich France's cultural diversity and further strengthen India-France cultural relations. He placed the inauguration in the wider context of the expanding strategic partnership between the two nations.

"From technology, AI and defence to space and climate action, we are moving forward together with new speed and new energy," Mr Modi said, noting that India and France are observing 2026 as the India-France Year of Innovation.

Highlighting the deep historical and cultural links between the two countries, he recalled the contribution and sacrifices of Indian soldiers in France, as well as the work of French scholars in promoting interest in Sanskrit and Indian philosophy.

Mr Modi also referred to French intellectual Romain Rolland's writings on Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Swami Vivekananda, the spiritual journey of Mirra Alfassa, popularly known as "The Mother", between Paris and Puducherry, and the visit of Srila Prabhupada Swami to France.

He said yoga had emerged as another important medium of people-to-people contact between India and France, pointing to the growing popularity of International Yoga Day celebrations in the country.

Describing the construction of the temple as an example of India-France cooperation, Mr Modi said it was "Made in India" and "Built in France". Several stones were carved in India and transported to France, where they were assembled using modern engineering techniques.

"India's ancient craftsmanship has come together here in France with modern engineering," he said.

The Prime Minister expressed hope that the temple would stand for centuries as a symbol of faith, cooperation, partnership and the possibilities offered by closer India-France ties.

He also said the temple would serve as a centre for service initiatives and expressed confidence that its cultural and spiritual message would reach people across Europe.

Mr Modi said he would endeavour to visit the temple personally whenever an opportunity arose in the future.

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister extended his greetings to devotees, guests, families and members of the Indian diaspora who participated in the inauguration and wished the temple success in its spiritual and social mission.

He ended his address with "Merci beaucoup" and "Jai Swaminarayan."