OPINIONS

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
11th President of India (2002 – 2007)
I feel I am in a different world.
It has become a place of education, experience and enlightenment. It creatively blends the tradition of stone art and architecture, Indian culture and civilization, ancient values and wisdom and the best of modern media and technology.
What has happened today at Akshardham inspires me and gives me the confidence that ‘we can do it.’ The realization of a developed India is certainly possible before 2020 with millions of ignited minds like you. (6 Nov. 2005)

Akshardham is a unique creation. It is a creation of art, creation of faith, creation of civilization, celebration of culture, celebration of human life. So we are all proud of that creation. (17 Dec. 2007)

November 6, 2005
Dr. Manmohan Singh
14th Prime Minister of India (2004 – 2014)

In the days to come, this wonderful Mandir and its complex will be counted as one of the principal buildings of Delhi.
Akshardham Mandir will become a worth-visiting place in Delhi, where hundreds of thousands of people will come to see this from all corners of our country. After being impressed by the attractive murtis here and the peaceful, devotional atmosphere they will definitely leave morally and mentally elevated.

November 6, 2005
Raghu Rai
Padma Shri, Photographer & Photojournalist

I have travelled all over India but I have not seen a temple of this scale or detail built anywhere in the last one thousand years.

November 9, 2005
R. K. Laxman
Padma Vibhushan, Ramon Magsaysay Award, Renowned Indian Cartoonist
I have gone around the world seeing many things, but nothing like the experience I have had here.
November 12, 2005
Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned
The Queen of Qatar

Have enjoyed the visit of Delhi Akshardham Temple and was astonished by the greatness of the constructionand philosophy behind it, which speaks about the culture and history of the temple and the unity of allreligions together.

February 7, 2006
Ms. Tarja Halonen
President of Finland

Many thanks for your excellent introduction to the history and the culture of India. I believe that your wisdom will help all of us to make a better and more sustainable world.

January 21, 2007
Megawati Sukarnoputri
5th Presidentof Indonesia (2001 – 2004) and 8th Vice President of Indonesia (1999 – 2001)

So beautiful and very encouraging!
I would like to build something like Akshardham in Indonesia.
I walked through Akshardham complex in socks and there is not a single dot or speck of dust on my socks. That is the cleanliness of Akshardham!

February 4, 2007
HH Catholicos Karekin II
Head of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church

We are greatly impressed by this complex and extend our best wishes to you and your faithful. May God grant brotherhood to all nations and men for the peace of the world and consolation of all people.

February 24, 2007
Sayyid Mohammad Khatami
5th President of Iran (1997-2005)

The Swaminarayan Akshardham represents the art, beauty and spirituality of the magnificent India. It is indeed the symbol of great endeavour of the ones who built it. Whoever visits would surely be impressed. It is indeed a great memory for me.

March 23, 2007
Xiao Yang
10th & 11th President (Chief Justice), Supreme People’s Court of China

India is a great ancient civilized nation. May Sino-Indian friendship last forever.

April 1, 2007
Rev. Jesse Jackson
Civil Rights Activist

We are sustained by our faith-substance of things hoped for – by our love! Keep hope alive. The human race is made better, more secure because of you.
November 18, 2007
Khalifa Bin Ahmad Al-Thahrani
Speaker of the House Council of Representatives

This beautiful shrine is so great in its meanings, objectives and aspirations seeking road for happiness, the path of hope and unity of destiny and future.

November 28, 2007
Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama
Prime Minister and Head of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces

To have peace hope is not a method. One must take charge and take action. It is a place which brings about peace and tranquillity. Like life should be! Most impressive.

February 15, 2008
Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma
4th President of Sierra Leone

This is a great discovery. Impressive not only in imparting wisdom and understanding, it has opened newhorizon inmy faith, knowledge of theworld and values mankind should nurture. The history of India told in the boat ride needs to be known to rectify the perception wenow have.

March 8, 2009
Olabiyi Yai
Ambassador of Benin to UNESCO, Chairman, Executive Board of UNESCO

I was highly impressed by this noble place of Indian spirituality, more simply, this noble place of universal spirituality. What has been done and is being done here gives evidence that hope of a reconciliation of Man with himself, with nature, with his ancestors and Gods is not lost. I wish that this work and the spirit that lives here are known better and may become more widespread.

November 15, 2009
Stephen Harper
22nd Prime Minister of Canada

This is an extraordinary place. It is just overwhelming. I cannot express it with words.

November 18, 2009
Sir Anerood Jugnauth
4th President of Mauritius (2003 – 2012) and Prime Minister of Mauritius (6 Terms)

It has been a great pleasure to visit this very interesting Temple, which has a very rich history and honours the universal teachings of Swaminarayan. The values he preached and taught are being followed by millions of people, have changed their lives. With God's blessings, may this very important mission continue forever.

November 29, 2009
Dr. Ram BaranYadav
1st President of Nepal

The messages of both Bharat (India) and Nepal's culture and traditions have been given through the architecture itself and the documentary. From the bottom of my heart, I praise the manner in which this history has been presented (to the world). I pray that this work continues to deepen the relationship and culture between Bharat (India) and Nepal.

February 18, 2010
Kurt Fearnley
Para-Sport Sportsperson – Men’s Wheelchair Racer

The experiences I have had from the volunteers here will become one of the highlights of my visit here. It has affected my life and my stay in India in a very positive way.

October 12, 2010
Ms Callista Mutharika
First Lady Spouse of President BinguwaMutharika of Malawi

It’s been an experience difficult to describe. This has changed my life. It has been the best part of my visit here in India.

November 3, 2010
Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka
11th Vice President of Kenya

The spirit of selflessness and sacrifice is evident in this place as exemplified by the many volunteers and devotees. A visit to this place is a must for all the workers for peace and international understanding.
May 1, 2011
Chandrika Kumaratunga
5th President of Sri Lanka (1994 – 2005) and 15th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (1994 – 1994)

A very impressive and awesome experience. What marvels are created by faith!

August 27, 2011
HRH Princess Adela bint Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud
Chairperson, Advisory Board of the National Museum

I very much enjoyed visiting the temple and learned about the values of social improvements that it brought to the people.
I liked the architecture, indeed it is great. But what I really liked is your emphasis on values. Generally, religious places teach you how to pray etc. But nobody teaches values. What I liked here is the emphasis to impart values and also the method you have used to do that, the use of technology to impart these universal values which are so very essential for our youth today. I will come again with my family.

September 20, 2012
Philemon Yang
Prime Minister of Cameroon

This is an impressive place. I love it. I had a wonderful visit. I plan to come back soon.

March 19, 2013
Zlatko Lagumdzija
Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Foreign Affairs, 12th Prime Minister of Bosnia & Herzegovina (2001-2002)

Thank you heartily for showing and proving, making us feel it, that man can do so much if driven by love, justice and passion with a vision of a better life for mankind.

Going back to my Sarajevo, taking Akshardham in my soul.

March 27, 2013
Hansanul Haq Inu
Minister for Information, Bangladesh

It is an excellent work of devotees. All praise to the Honourable SWAMINARAYAN.

April 11, 2013
HRH Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck
Princess of Bhutan & Sister of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

The most wonderful temple we have ever seen.

September 10, 2013
HRH Prince Charles
The Prince of Wales, UK

I am amazed at your outstanding achievement. I don’t remember seeing anything like this in the world! I promote revival of art and heritage and this (Swaminarayan Akshardham) is perhaps the most exceptional example.
It was wonderful to see how you have celebrated and maintained an ancient, living tradition in the form of architecture and craftsmanship and I found it truly inspiring and moving.

November 8, 2013
Akihiro Ota
Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Government of Japan

For this country of humanity, this place will do much for people’s peace.

September 23, 2014