One World: One Family
In a world increasingly troubled by war, division and uncertainty, the ancient ideal of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, One World, One Family’ feels more relevant than ever before. At a time when humanity is often fragmented by borders, beliefs and conflicts, the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi stands as a living embodiment of this timeless vision. Through its message and service, the mandir quietly reminds the world that humanity flourishes not through division, but through unity
On the evening of April 2, 2024, as the golden lights of Abu Dhabi slowly merged into the serenity of the Ramadan twilight, an extraordinary scene unfolded within the sacred stone corridors of the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi. Bathed in radiant illumination and adorned with elegant decorations along every pathway, the mandir blossomed into a special celebration. On this special evening, the mandir opened its doors for ‘Omsiyyat’, an Arabic word evoking an intimate gathering of heartfelt conversation, reflection and companionship.
What followed was far more than a ceremonial gathering. Within the serene mandir complex, alive with the spirit of timeless Indian culture and spirituality, more than 200 distinguished guests from different faiths and nationalities gathered shoulder to shoulder. Hindu swamis, Muslim scholars, Christian priests, Jewish rabbis, Bahá’í representatives, diplomats, ministers and community leaders sat together not as representatives of separate religions, but as members of one human family.
Among them were His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi; and His Excellency Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, leaders whose presence itself reflected the UAE’s larger vision of harmony. Rabbi Jeff Berger of the Abrahamic Family House captured the spirit of the evening beautifully when he observed that “unity in diversity is not merely a principle, but a practice”. And on that evening, the practice became visible.
Then came perhaps the most moving moment of all. As the Ramadan fast concluded, leaders of different religions gathered to share suhoor together in the mandir complex. Volunteers lovingly served pure vegetarian Indian and Arabic delicacies, simple meals transformed into symbols of coexistence. Around the dining tables, differences of race, language, nationality and belief quietly dissolved into conversation, laughter and mutual respect. It was diplomacy without negotiations, peace without slogans and spirituality without barriers.
Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan spoke with rare conviction. At a time when the world is threatened by “separatism, distrust, intolerance and conflicts”, he said, the mandir brings “hope to the world”. His words carried the weight of a deeper truth that humanity survives not through power alone, but through coexistence.
Swami Brahmaviharidas (Head, BAPS Mandir Abu Dhabi), speaking on behalf of the mandir and inspired by the guidance of Guru Mahant Swami Maharaj, expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE leadership for nurturing such a vision of harmony. Reflecting on the atmosphere of the evening, he shared a striking thought once voiced by a scientist: that if humanity were ever judged by visitors from another world, he would rather they judge Earth by what was happening in Abu Dhabi that evening than by the wars and monuments of hatred scattered across the globe.
And perhaps that was the true significance of Omsiyyat. It was not merely an interfaith programme. It was a quiet yet powerful declaration that the ancient Indian ideal of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, The World Is One Family”, is not an unreachable philosophy.
That same spirit continued to reveal itself even during recent wartime anxieties across the Gulf. On the soil of the UAE, the leadership of the nation and the swamis of the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi came together in a shared effort of care, prayer and humanitarian support for stranded and distressed families, a living reflection that, in moments of fear and uncertainty, One World, One Family is not merely spoken, but lived.
Reinforcing the UAE’s enduring commitment to coexistence and human unity, Swami Brahmaviharidas was recently received by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Nahyan, Adviser to the President of the UAE and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports. In a warm and meaningful exchange, Swami Brahmaviharidas expressed gratitude for the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in nurturing an environment of stability, security, equality and mutual respect for people of all faiths and nationalities across the UAE. His Highness, in turn, appreciated the mandir’s growing role as a beacon of peace, harmony and shared humanity, advancing values that continue to unite hearts beyond cultural and religious boundaries.
Yet, beyond official meetings and ceremonial exchanges, something far deeper has quietly taken root. The mandir has now become a sacred thread of relationship between the UAE leadership and the Hindu swamis. Their bond, built upon mutual respect, trust, care and shared ideals, has evolved into a living expression of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, One World, One Family”, a rare and inspiring symbol of harmony between two nations, two cultures and two faith traditions.
Within the serene Mandir complex, alive with the spirit of timeless Indian culture and spirituality, more than 200 distinguished guests from different faiths and nationalities gathered shoulder to shoulder
The writer Dr Swami Gyanananddas, is a dedicated follower of the Swaminarayan tradition and has earned a PhD from MS University; Views presented are personal.
