- Thursday, February 27, 2025
The BAPS volunteers also explained to the Indian PM how the temple complex will serve needs of the current and future generations.
By: Shubham Ghosh
LEADERS of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha recently met Indian prime minister Narendra Modi in Paris when the latter visited France to be the chief guest at the Bastille Day celebrations and apprised him of the progress of the new Hindu temple which is being constructed by the organisation in the French capital.
They presented a 3D model of the temple before the visiting prime minister besides its architectural planning.
Modi was told how the temple, which is coming up at the Esplanade des Religions et des Cultures — the multifaith and multicultural heartland of Paris — will emerge as mainland Europe’s first-ever traditional purpose-built temple and promote culture, integrity and harmony.
The Indian prime minister, who was conferred Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian and military honour, by president Emmanuel Macron during his two-day visit, was delighted about the construction of the BAPS temple and how France is embracing the architectural beauty of India.
The foundation-laying ceremony of the temple was held in September last year.
BAPS volunteers also explained to Modi how the temple complex will serve needs of the current and future generations and that it will become a beacon of inspiration, service and harmony to people of all faiths and backgrounds within the Indo-French community.
The prime minister also met members of the temple’s project team and architects Arte Charpentier besides managing director and principal Andrew Hobson and project director Nahla Jojo-Legrand.
While Hobson told Modi that the temple is the most significant cultural project in France which will bring the people of India and France closer, Nahla Jojo-Legrand said they felt privileged and honoured to work on the project and become a part of history.
Deep Patel, coordinator for the construction of the project, said they were honoured to meet Modi and discuss with him the upcoming temple.
“The prime minister was very pleased to learn about this momentous project, representing the blossoming friendship between France and India. BAPS thanks the leaders of both France and India for their continuing support and for bringing the vision of our spiritual leader His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj to fruition.”
