Page 61 - NIS English 1-15 Oct, 2026

A Temple in Paris | NATION

TEMPLE TO EMERGE AS A A New Chapter in the Cultural Ties
SYMBOL OF COOPERATION Between the Two Nations
AND POSSIBILITIES
Decades ago, Srila Prabhupada Swami also visited France.
Discussions regarding the potential Through ISKCON, he initiated a new chapter of spiritual
for India-France joint ventures are fre- connections between India and France. Today, Yoga has also
quent these days. The Swaminarayan become a medium for fostering people-to-people ties between
Mandir has added a new dimension the two nations. Visuals from the Eiffel Tower on ‘International
to this potential; it is ‘Made in India’ Day of Yoga’ bear witness to the popularity of Yoga in France.
and ‘Built in France.’ Many of its stones Now, with this magnificent BAPS temple, a new chapter is
were carved in India. India’s ancient being added to the cultural relations between the two countries.
craftsmanship converged with modern
French engineering to give shape to this
magnificent temple in Paris. During his
address, PM Modi expressed hope that
this temple would emerge as a symbol
of the cooperation and possibilities This temple will not only
shared between India and France. enrich France’s diversity but
also invigorate the cultural
INDIA AND FRANCE FORGING
A SPECIAL GLOBAL STRATEGIC ties between India and
PARTNERSHIP France.
India and France are forging a special
global strategic partnership. They are - Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
moving forward with renewed momen-
tum and energy across diverse sectors—
ranging from technology, AI, and defence
to space exploration and climate action.
Both nations are also celebrating the
year 2026 as the ‘India-France Year of
Innovation.’ This strategic partnership is
particularly significant because it rests
on the solid foundation of long-standing
cultural and political ties. History bears
witness to the fact that the sacrifices
made by Indian soldiers in France remain
deeply cherished in our hearts and
minds. Those interested in linguistics
are also aware of the pivotal role French
scholars have played in popularizing
Sanskrit. Romain Rolland’s writings on
Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Swami
Vivekananda brought the two societies
closer together. Furthermore, the spiritu-
al journey of The Mother’s transformative
journey to Puducherry inspired countless

seekers from both India and France. n