Shristy Kamal, Pune
A significant milestone that strengthens Taiwan’s cultural ties to India is the opening of the “Sabka Mandir” temple, a Hindu temple. It represents a significant turning point in the relationship between the two sides. Andy Singh Arya, a two-decade-long Indian expatriate and proprietor of a well-known Indian restaurant in Taiwan, has been credited with helping to achieve this extraordinary accomplishment.
“In Taiwan, 23 years ago, I was searching for a Hindu temple on dark, lonely nights when I had no hope. I had no idea that Bhagwan would pick me to serve as a sevak at Sabka Mandir, the first Hindu temple to open in Taiwan. A notable year for Taiwan’s first Indian temple was 2023. Arya wrote on Facebook, “Sevak Andy simply brought the stairs, but the wall is the community that encouraged this to happen.
A Shivlingam, a Vaishno Devi statue, a Bhagwan Shri Ram and Mata Sita statue, and a statue of his Brother Lakshman ji can all be found inside the temple. Indian and Taiwanese people danced and partied together in photos and videos from the inaugural ceremony. Bhajans and aartis were sung at the ritual, and devotees blew the Holy Conch Shell.
The Indian community in Taiwan and at home has enthusiastically welcomed the development. “The establishment of this temple underscores Taiwan’s deep commitment to fostering a harmonious relationship with the Indian community in India,” said Sana Hashmi, an Indian living in Taiwan. The temple’s construction is a significant turning point in the cultural history of relations between India and Taiwan. The developer of IIT-Indians in Taiwan, Dr. Priya Lalwani Purswaney, emphasized the resonance of this development by pointing out that Taiwanese residents who understand the necessity for such a venue find it to be resonant as well.
The temple’s opening takes place against the backdrop of growing diplomatic efforts. Taiwan recently announced plans to build the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center, a hub for boosting cooperation and exchanges, in Mumbai. This diplomatic effort highlights the growing ties and shared goals of greater collaboration. A migration and mobility pact, expected to be signed in October, will likely bolster people-to-people engagement and facilitate smoother migration from India to Taiwan.