Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended the 10th anniversary of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto, and hailed the temple as an architectural masterpiece and a place for communal harmony.
Looking dapper in a traditional blue Indian kurta and pajama, complete with a flower garland around his neck, the Prime Minister immersed himself in the rituals and celebrations.
The celebrations were also attended by former ministry of external affairs (MEA) spokesperson and current Indian ambassador to Canada, Vikas Swarup.
Mahant Swami Maharaj received a key to the city of Toronto from mayor John Tory during the event on Saturday evening.
“I am honoured to recognise his Holiness’ global and Toronto-based humanitarian, charitable, and community-building efforts through BAPS Charities Canada. His Holiness’ great contributions have enriched Toronto,” Tory said in a statement.
{{/usCountry}}“I am honoured to recognise his Holiness’ global and Toronto-based humanitarian, charitable, and community-building efforts through BAPS Charities Canada. His Holiness’ great contributions have enriched Toronto,” Tory said in a statement.
{{/usCountry}}Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a socio-spiritual Hindu organisation with its roots in the Vedas.
According to its website, its universal work through a worldwide network of over 3,850 centers has received many national and international awards and affiliation with the United Nations.