Others Jaishankar hails PSM’s service in Middle East

BAPS Gulf Countries Day was celebrated during Pramukh Swami Maharaj Shatabdi Mahotsav on Friday. Speakers recounted the deep cultural and spiritual ties between India and the Gulf countries. 
It was Pramukh Swami Maharaj, during his first UAE visit in 1997, who first floated the idea of building a temple there to nurture the spirituality of Hindus living in the UAE and promote interfaith harmony.
Speaking on the occasion, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, “The Abu Dhabi temple story is referred to as a miracle. It is also diplomacy and relationships, a story of hearts and minds, and a story of the generosity of kings. But ultimately, it is the result of divine Providence. Abu Dhabi’s temple is one miracle, and the second will happen in Bahrain, thanks to dream and prediction of PSM.” Syrian ambassador Dr Bassam Alkhatib said, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s relationship with God was most natural, but his relationship with people was supernatural, and he led them to God. This was reflected in his message after the Akshardham terrorist attack to leave no mark of the tragedy visible so that not a single visitor would remember the violent incident.”
Dr Aman Puri, Consul General of India, in Dubai, said, “The values of tolerance, peace, non-violence, harmony and selfless service are what Pramukh Swami Maharaj stood for.”
Thomas Perez, former US Secretary of Labour, said, “PSM stood for peace, hope, tolerance, and most importantly, selfless service regardless of colour, creed, and caste. His legacy reflects in every hospital that he built, in every village he served, in every heart he touched, and in every life he transformed.”