Abu Dhabi, UAE: Brahmaviharidas Swami of BAPS Abu Dhabi affirmed that Indiaspora’s vision of “doing good” aligns with the temple’s mission from its inception.

“I wanted to say that just as you mentioned about doing good, the entire story of this temple begins with that,” Swami said while addressing Indiaspora’s delegates during their visit to the temple on February 23, 2025, in Abu Dhabi.

Recognizing the deep connection the delegates share with India, Swami added, “Those who hold India close to their heart mean much to me. So, you are perhaps the most privileged visitors that we have had, and I feel privileged by your presence.”

The visit was part of the Indiaspora Forum for Good (IFG) 2025, a three-day global conference held from February 23-25, bringing together 700 prominent Indian diaspora leaders from over 30 countries.

During his remarks, Swami encouraged delegates to focus on perseverance, saying, “During the conference, there will be some No’s, but listen to the single Yes, and the conference will be ‘super successful.’”

Reflecting on the challenges of building the temple in Abu Dhabi, Swami recalled, “A thousand people told me that building a temple here was impossible given history and hard facts.” He recounted how Pramukh Swami Maharaj had once envisioned a temple in Abu Dhabi even before such a possibility seemed conceivable.

“It will bring countries, cultures and religions closer together,” Maharaj said according to Swami. “When we were not even thinking that we would be allowed to come to Abu Dhabi in orange and saffron clothes, Maharaj mentioned there will be a temple in Abu Dhabi,” Swami said.

Swami expressed gratitude to the UAE government for generously providing land for its construction.

“There were 1,000 No’s and only one Yes. And I chose to listen to the single Yes, and the No’s became a Yes now,” Swami said, highlighting the power of faith and persistence.

He also shared the difficulties faced during the temple’s construction amid the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing that despite the global shutdown, the temple was completed.

In a profound moment, Swami reflected on the significance of his saffron attire. Someone once asked him why his clothes are orange, he said.

“We are Hindus. When we are not buried, we are cremated, and the color of the fire that burns our body is either yellow, orange, or red,” he explained. “This is a reminder that I am dying every day, every hour, every minute, every second. So do as much good as you can, in as many ways as you can, to as many people as you can.”

He urged delegates to recognize their unique role in giving back. “If anybody tells you that you are specially gifted, talented, and that God has given you more than the average, and you want to give back to society – that’s what makes you special,” he said.

Indiaspora’s Founder and Chairman, MR Rangaswami, reinforced this message. “We’re doing our conference here this week for the next two days. We’re bringing about 700 people, including 500 from all over the world. These are diaspora leaders from 35 countries, who are here for the Forum for Good. That embodies the spirit of doing good and giving back,” he said.

Highlighting Indiaspora’s mission, Rangaswami added, “That’s what our organization, Indiaspora, is all about—to serve humanity, to do good things.” He noted that the forum was an opportunity for diaspora leaders to discuss pressing global issues, including artificial intelligence, climate change, and healthcare.

Executive Director of Indiaspora, Sanjeev Joshipura, described the entire experience in Abu Dhabi as a “miracle,” crediting the temple’s support and the dedication of volunteers for making it possible. 

In addition to their engagements at the temple, delegates also had the opportunity to tour the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center.

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