Prime Minister Harper attends opening of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple

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Thank you, Nilesh, for that kind introduction.

Your Excellency High Commissioner Narayan,

Premier McGuinty,

Mayor Miller,

Ministers Oda and Kenney,

Members of Parliament Deepak Obhrai, Wajid Khan, and Bruce Stanton, 

Colleagues from the Provincial Parliament,

Swamis and BAPS officials,

Ladies and gentlemen. 

Your Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

Jai Swaminarayan.

Swagatum.

Namaskar.

Today we celebrate one of our country’s greatest strengths – its commitment to pluralism.

A country of freedom and democracy, a land of hope and opportunity, Canada has drawn immigrants from all corners of the earth.

Our national makeup may be as diverse as six continents, but it is a country united in purpose – because regardless of our surname, the language spoken by our ancestors, or our religious affiliation, we are a people bound together by a common goal - to build a peaceful, prosperous nation rooted in equality of opportunity.

And, my friends, it’s this pursuit that makes us Canadian.

Canada’s accommodation of diversity is, however, not without precedent.

There have been forerunners, and of these perhaps none is as noteworthy as India.

Tracing its beginnings to prehistoric times, the country has amassed a millennia-old history of linguistic, ethnic, and spiritual pluralism.

Such diversity has, at times, posed significant challenges for India.

But the country is making a determined effort to alleviate tensions and reconcile interests through its democratic institutions.

Where far too many other countries have failed, India is succeeding.

Speaking of the connection between his country’s success and its commitment to pluralism, Prime Minister Singh said these sage words: 

"If India succeeds, we will have lessons for the rest of the world.  After all, we are one-sixth of humanity and if one-sixth humanity makes up its mind, our influence is going to be felt more and more in the comity of the nations."

Well friends, while our country is a far less populous than India, I believe the world has much to learn from the peaceful, prosperous, pluralistic society we have fostered.

In Canada we embrace the cultural contributions and differences of our ancestors, while eschewing the age-old conflicts that detract from them, and seeking a common future for the generations yet to come.

Today’s event marks another step forward in our national quest. 

Located in the country’s most ethnically diverse city, the BAPS Swaminarayan complex stands as a testament to Canada’s and India’s proud traditions of pluralism.

Through its museum, the facility will inspire visitors to appreciate how the spiritually diverse, multi-ethnic heritage of Indo-Canadians has contributed to the fields of arts, architecture, science, democracy, education, and pluralism, while its mandir will provide an additional place of worship for Hindus in the GTA.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, therefore, it gives me great pleasure to declare the BAPS Swaminarayan complex officially open.

In closing, I’d like to thank His Divine Holiness and BAPS Canada for seeing this ambitious project through to fruition.  This awe-inspiring work of architectural brilliance will serve as a source of pride for not just Indo-Canadians, but indeed all Canadians. 

I’d also like to commend this organization for the role you’ve played over the years in fostering peaceful coexistence among all communities through heightened understanding and cooperation, while preserving heritage and faith.

Namaskar.

Thank you.

And God bless Canada.

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