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Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Vances' date with Akshardham Temple, emporium at Janpath
US Vice-President J D Vance, his Indian-origin wife Usha and their three children began their India trip on Monday with a visit to the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple near the banks of the Yamuna. The children — all three dressed in Indian attire — were the cynosure of many an eye. While eight-year-old Ewan and five-year-old Vivek wore yellow and grey kurtas with white pyjamas, Vance's three-year-old daughter Mirabel was dressed in a teal green anarkali suit and a jacket. '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,' Vance wrote in the temple guest book. After they visited the temple, the family posed for camera crews outside. 'They were given a traditional welcome after which they had darshan. A carved wooden elephant, a model of the Akshardham Temple and children's books were gifted to the family,' a priest at the temple told PTI. Temple volunteer Meera Sondagar also told PTI that Vance was captivated by the intricately sculpted Gajendra Peeth, a plinth adorned with carvings of elephants that symbolises strength and wisdom. They later met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence (ANI) 'The Vance family explored the mandir's majestic art and architecture, experiencing India's heritage and cultural depth and they appreciated the messages of harmony, family values, and timeless wisdom embodied in the Akshardham campus,' the temple posted on social media. Inaugurated in 2005, the temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, who established the Swaminarayan faith. Next in the family's tour of the Capital was the Central Cottage Industries Emporium at Janpath. 'The family, along with members of their security team, bought a lot of items. The Vances picked up tea, honey, paper mache toys and coaster sets, wooden peacock, model of Ashoka Pillar and a brass bowl, among others,' said Vinay Aggarwal (55), the manager at the emporium. 'They were here for around 45 minutes and bought items worth around Rs 50,000. The Vance family alone made purchases worth Rs 20,000,' he added. Established in 1952, the Central Cottage Industries Emporium was envisioned as a platform to revive India's craft heritage, impacted by industrialisation in the post-colonial era. Meanwhile, due to VIP movement in the Capital, the city saw traffic jam in areas like Mathura Road, Kalindi Kunj-Sarita Vihar road, Dilshad Garden roundabout and Ghazipur road. In the afternoon, people also faced difficulty commuting in Mahipalpur, Delhi Cantonment, area around Supreme Court, and Dhaula Kuan, said traffic police.


The Hindu
21-04-2025
- The Hindu
First stop Akshardham Temple for Vances, U.S. VP says his 'kids, in particular, loved it'
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, his Indian-origin wife Usha and their three children began their India trip on Monday (April 21, 2025) with a visit to the sprawling Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple near the banks of the Yamuna. The Vances, who are here for a four-day visit during which they are also scheduled to travel to Jaipur and Agra, were at the temple complex for about an hour. The children— Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel, all three dressed in Indian attire—- were the cynosure of many an eye. "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," the Vice President wrote in the temple guest book. Once done, the family posed for camera crews outside the imposing facade of the temple. "They were given a traditional welcome after which they had 'darshan'. A carved wooden elephant, a model of the Delhi Akshardham Temple and children's books were gifted to the family," a priest at the temple told PTI. Temple volunteer Meera Sondagar added that the Vice President was especially captivated by the intricately sculpted Gajendra Peeth, a plinth adorned with carvings of elephants that symbolises strength and wisdom. "He was shown the entire Akshardham complex and was deeply moved by the experience. He said he felt a sense of peace here," she said. The temple also put out a post on X about the visit. "The U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance and their children visited Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi 'their first stop in India' experiencing its majestic art, architecture and timeless values of faith, family and harmony." "The Vance family explored the mandir's majestic art and architecture, experiencing India's heritage and cultural depth and they appreciated the messages of harmony, family values, and timeless wisdom embodied in the Akshardham campus," it added. Inaugurated in 2005, the temple dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan is a must see for most visitors to the capital. Swaminarayan, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, established the Swaminarayan faith and renewed the ideals of Hinduism in 18th century India. He established a spiritual way of life and code of conduct to be followed, according to the website of BAPS Swaminarayan. Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty visited the temple during their India tour last year. The Vance family arrived in Delhi to a warm reception earlier in the day and was received at the airport by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
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Business Standard
21-04-2025
- Business Standard
First stop Akshardham Temple; US V-P Vance says his kids 'loved it'
US Vice President JD Vance, his Indian-origin wife Usha and their three children began their India trip on Monday with a visit to the sprawling Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple near the banks of the Yamuna. The Vances, who are here for a four-day visit during which they are also scheduled to travel to Jaipur and Agra, were at the temple complex for about an hour. The children -- Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel, all three dressed in Indian attire -- were the cynosure of many an eye. "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," the vice president wrote in the temple guest book. Once done, the family posed for camera crews outside the imposing facade of the temple. "They were given a traditional welcome after which they had 'darshan'. A carved wooden elephant, a model of the Delhi Akshardham Temple and children's books were gifted to the family," a priest at the temple told PTI. Temple volunteer Meera Sondagar added that the vice president was especially captivated by the intricately sculpted Gajendra Peeth, a plinth adorned with carvings of elephants that symbolises strength and wisdom. "He was shown the entire Akshardham complex and was deeply moved by the experience. He said he felt a sense of peace here," she said. The temple also put out a post on X about the visit. "The US Vice President JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance and their children visited Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi 'their first stop in India' experiencing its majestic art, architecture and timeless values of faith, family and harmony." "The Vance family explored the mandir's majestic art and architecture, experiencing India's heritage and cultural depth and they appreciated the messages of harmony, family values, and timeless wisdom embodied in the Akshardham campus," it added. Inaugurated in 2005, the temple dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan is a must see for most visitors to the capital. Swaminarayan, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, established the Swaminarayan faith and renewed the ideals of Hinduism in 18th century India. He established a spiritual way of life and code of conduct to be followed, according to the website of BAPS Swaminarayan. Former British prime minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty visited the temple during their India tour last year. The Vance family arrived in Delhi to a warm reception earlier in the day and was received at the airport by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Later in the evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to host a private dinner for the Vances following bilateral talks. Vance's first visit to India comes weeks after US President Donald Trump imposed and then paused a sweeping tariff regime against around 60 countries, including India. The two sides are currently working to seal a bilateral trade pact focused on tariff relief and enhanced market access.


Time of India
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Our kids loved it': US VP JD Vance writes in Akshardham's guest book
JD Vance with wife Usha Vance and kids at Akshardham Temple in Delhi. US vice president J D Vance, accompanied by his Indian-origin wife Usha and their three children, commenced their four-day India visit on Monday at the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple situated near the Yamuna riverbank. Their itinerary includes visits to Jaipur and Agra, with the family spending approximately an hour at the temple complex. Their children - Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel - wore traditional Indian clothing . "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," wrote the vice president in the temple's guest book. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invest $200 in Amazon without buying stocks to earn a second salary Marketsall Sign Up Undo The temple shared information about the visit on X. "The US Vice President JD Vance , Second Lady Usha Vance and their children visited Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi 'their first stop in India' experiencing its majestic art, architecture and timeless values of faith, family and harmony." "The Vance family explored the mandir's majestic art and architecture, experiencing India's heritage and cultural depth and they appreciated the messages of harmony, family values, and timeless wisdom embodied in the Akshardham campus," it continued. The family participated in a photo session with media crews outside the temple's grand entrance. A temple priest informed PTI, "They were given a traditional welcome after which they had 'darshan'. A carved wooden elephant, a model of the Delhi Akshardham Temple and children's books were gifted to the family." Temple volunteer Meera Sondagar noted that the vice president showed particular interest in the Gajendra Peeth, an elaborately carved elephant plinth representing strength and wisdom. "He was shown the entire Akshardham complex and was deeply moved by the experience. He said he felt a sense of peace here," she stated. The temple, inaugurated in 2005 and dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, is a prominent tourist destination in the capital. Swaminarayan, considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, established the Swaminarayan faith and revitalised Hindu ideals in 18th century India, establishing spiritual guidelines and conduct codes according to BAPS Swaminarayan's website. Former British prime minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty visited during their India tour last year. The Vances received a warm welcome upon arrival in Delhi, with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw greeting them at the airport. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to host a private dinner for the Vances following bilateral discussions later in the evening. This inaugural India visit by Vance follows US President Donald Trump's recent implementation and subsequent suspension of extensive tariffs affecting approximately 60 countries, including India. Both nations are currently negotiating a bilateral trade agreement focusing on tariff relief and enhanced market access.


NDTV
21-04-2025
- NDTV
"Our Kids Loved It": JD Vance Visits Akshardham Temple With Family
New Delhi: US Vice President J D Vance, his Indian-origin wife Usha and their three children began their India trip on Monday with a visit to the sprawling Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple near the banks of the Yamuna. The Vances, who are here for a four-day visit during which they are also scheduled to travel to Jaipur and Agra, were at the temple complex for about an hour. The children -- Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel, all three dressed in Indian attire -- were the cynosure of many an eye. "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," the vice president wrote in the temple guest book. Once done, the family posed for camera crews outside the imposing facade of the temple. "They were given a traditional welcome after which they had 'darshan'. A carved wooden elephant, a model of the Delhi Akshardham Temple and children's books were gifted to the family," a priest at the temple told PTI. Temple volunteer Meera Sondagar added that the vice president was especially captivated by the intricately sculpted Gajendra Peeth, a plinth adorned with carvings of elephants that symbolises strength and wisdom. "He was shown the entire Akshardham complex and was deeply moved by the experience. He said he felt a sense of peace here," she said. The temple also put out a post on X about the visit. "The US Vice President JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance and their children visited Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi 'their first stop in India' experiencing its majestic art, architecture and timeless values of faith, family and harmony." "The Vance family explored the mandir's majestic art and architecture, experiencing India's heritage and cultural depth and they appreciated the messages of harmony, family values, and timeless wisdom embodied in the Akshardham campus," it added. Inaugurated in 2005, the temple dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan is a must see for most visitors to the capital. Swaminarayan, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, established the Swaminarayan faith and renewed the ideals of Hinduism in 18th century India. He established a spiritual way of life and code of conduct to be followed, according to the website of BAPS Swaminarayan. Former British prime minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty visited the temple during their India tour last year. The Vance family arrived in Delhi to a warm reception earlier in the day and was received at the airport by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Later in the evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to host a private dinner for the Vances following bilateral talks. Vance's first visit to India comes weeks after US President Donald Trump imposed and then paused a sweeping tariff regime against around 60 countries, including India. The two sides are currently working to seal a bilateral trade pact focused on tariff relief and enhanced market access.