Grand Opening Ceremony
of Swaminarayan Akshardham
6 November 2005, New Delhi
As the sun downed on the west and
the birds flocked back to their nest, Swaminarayan Akshardham,
an amazing and imposing cultural mandir, was consecrated
by HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj and ceremoniously dedicated to
the nation by H.E. President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh. Shri L.K. Advani, leader of the opposition
and Lt. Governor of Delhi Mr. B.L. Joshi were also present.
Thereafter children danced
to form a tricolour and welcomed the guests and the gathering
of 20,000 devotees.
Then nine colourful floats
on the stage signified the premier contribution of ancient India
in the fields of agriculture, democracy, space science, mathematics
and decimal system, the great epics of Ramayan and Mahabharat,
health, education, yoga and unity in mankind.
In his inaugural speech, the
Prime Minister said that Akshardham would prove to be a leading
mandir of New Delhi. He appreciated that the enchanting mandir
was raised with the donation and faith of the devotees. He added
that the focal point of Indian culture is oneness in diversity.
It does not teach separation. That is why Gandhiji strived to
remove untouchability. It also teaches us religious tolerance.
The Prime Minister hoped that
Akshardham would have a pride of place and people from all over
India and go back with peace and an edifying message.
H.E. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam,
the President of India, penned a poem especially for Akshardham
capturing the feelings of non-resident Indians at the time of
leaving India after visiting Akshardham. The President recollected
the contribution of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai who founded the Indian
Space Research Organisation (ISRO) which promotes space research
for the good of society.
The President added with gusto,
“Swaminarayan Akshardham has ancient heritage and modern
technology under one roof. It is both for experience and enlightenment.
It has the best of modern media, the power of knowledge and
lively images.
“The completion of Swaminarayan
Akshardham in five years convinces me that India can become
a developed country by 2020 with the help of many ignited minds,”
the President further noted.
The President administered
five oaths to the gathering on the occasion which included:
- When I see Akshardham I feel proud.
- I will apply the lessons learnt from the
journey of Akshardham.
- I will strive for nation building by spiritual
awakening and economic development.
- My mission in the next five years would
be to raise 1,000 Akshardhams by way of enriching the rural
areas.
- I will strive to build a knowledge society
with value system and prosperity in the next 10 years.
Speaking on this occasion,
His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, an octogenarian leader of
the sect, stressed the need of mandirs for retreat for both
the young and the old alike. He said, “Akshardham is not
raised out of any rivalry and that the spirit behind is to inspire
people for betterment of lives and serve the mankind.”
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