Vice President JD Vance’s Spiritual Visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham
The Vice President of the United States, Mr. JD Vance, began his maiden official visit to India with a spiritually enriching experience at the majestic Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi. Accompanying him were his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, and their three children – Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel.
Upon their arrival, the Vance family received a warm and traditional Indian welcome, with flower garlands and friendship threads symbolising goodwill and unity. They were greeted by senior swamis of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, including Dharmavatsaldas Swami, Brahmaviharidas Swami, and Gnanmunidas Swami, who conveyed the blessings of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of the organisation.
The Vance family was then guided through the awe-inspiring Akshardham complex, where they were introduced to India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. The temple’s magnificent architecture and its exhibitions offered them a glimpse into the ideals of faith, peace, selfless service, and family unity, which are embodied in the complex.
During the visit, Vice President Vance was presented with a personal letter of blessings and prayers from His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. The letter expressed gratitude for the visit and offered prayers for the well-being of the Vice President and his family, as well as for the continued unity and progress of the United States.
As a token of friendship, the Vance family was gifted several commemorative items, including a model of the Akshardham Mandir, intricately carved wooden elephants, literature about the Swaminarayan Akshardham campuses in New Delhi and Robbinsville (USA), and beautifully illustrated value-based storybooks for their children. Additionally, a framed family photograph taken in front of the mandir was presented as a special memento.
Reflecting on the visit, Vice President JD Vance wrote in the guestbook:
“Thank you all so much for your hospitality and kindness in welcoming me and my family to this beautiful place. It is a great credit to India that you built a beautiful temple with precision and care. Our kids, in particular, loved it. God bless.”
This meaningful visit underscored the enduring friendship between India and the United States and highlighted the role of spiritual and cultural institutions in fostering respect, dialogue, and harmony between nations. It was a beautiful reminder of the shared values of unity, peace, and service that bring the two nations closer together.
- Religion World Bureau
