Robbinsville, NJ, (BAPS)— The Honorable Bhupendrabhai Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, India, visited BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, on Saturday, August 22, 2026. During his visit, he expressed deep appreciation for Akshardham’s inspiring presentation of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage, its commitment to community service, and the extraordinary dedication of its volunteers.

Upon his arrival, Chief Minister Patel was warmly welcomed and garlanded by Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami and Pujya Nilkanthsevadas Swami. He was accompanied by a delegation of senior Gujarat government officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department; Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister; and Vikrant Pandey, Secretary to the Chief Minister.

Already familiar with BAPS and its deep roots in Gujarat, the Chief Minister reflected on how Akshardham carries India’s timeless values of service, spirituality, and excellence to communities around the world. He emphasized the importance of preserving cultural values among the Indian diaspora and expressed his appreciation for the way Akshardham nurtures and celebrates India’s cultural heritage in the United States.

Chief Minister Patel also received a special tour of the Akshardham Museum, currently under construction, and will be one of the first Hindu American museums dedicated to showcasing India’s rich heritage and culture. The museum will feature 12 architectural replicas, 40 multimedia shows, 85 immersive dioramas, and 200 lifelike statues. He described the museum as a landmark in itself, offering visitors of every age and background an opportunity to connect with universal ideals of faith, harmony, compassion, family values, and selfless service. He noted that these enduring principles continue to guide Gujarat’s progress and strengthen India’s cultural identity while remaining relevant to people and cultures around the world.

“It was a privilege to have Gujarat’s Honorable Chief Minister, Bhupendrabhai Patel, visit BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville today,” said Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami, a senior swami of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. “Not only was he overwhelmed and fascinated by the beautiful carvings

and the sheer size and scale of the Mandir, but he was deeply touched by its serene and spiritual environment. While touring the museum, the Chief Minister remarked, ‘You brought India’s ancient culture back to life.”

A highlight of the visit was Chief Minister Patel’s interaction with the volunteers who serve throughout Akshardham. He commended their discipline, humility, hospitality, and spirit of seva (selfless service), recognizing how their collective contributions help create a welcoming and meaningful experience for

visitors from around the world.

“From my heart, I thank all the BAPS volunteers for their contributions to the construction of Akshardham, which will inspire many generations to come,” Chief Minister Patel said. “Everyone who comes here from across the world will find peace, wherever he or she is from.”

Chief Minister Patel is visiting the United States in connection with the Vibrant Gujarat initiative, marking the first visit by a Chief Minister of Gujarat to the United States in nearly 30 years. Reflecting on his experience at Akshardham, he noted that while his visit focused on Vibrant Gujarat, he remarked that India's culture is vibrant at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham. More than a place of worship, he observed, Akshardham is a celebration of culture, art, spirituality, and enduring values.

Delegates and community leaders from across the United States gathered to welcome the Chief Minister and mark the occasion. The visit further highlighted the important role BAPS has played in preserving and sharing India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage around the world. Through mandirs, educational programs, humanitarian relief initiatives, healthcare services, environmental awareness, youth development, and cultural activities, BAPS has contributed significantly to the well-being of communities in Gujarat, throughout India, and across the globe.