BAPS Broadcast

BAPS’ ‘Eiffelgate’ episode underscores the challenge of cultural translation https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/baps-eiffelgate-episode-underscores-the-challenge-of-cultural-translation-14048435.html

After 10 years of working with BAPS on the Esplanade of Religions and Cultures, the Mayor of Bussy-Saint-Georges – Yann Dubosc – commends the community’s calm, dignity, and service. 📲 X • Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=29304745045781325 Mayor of the area near Paris where there is a BAPS temple praises BAPS Ten years of partnership built on transparency. BAPS joined Bussy-Saint-Georges' Esplanade of Religions and Cultures a decade ago, alongside two pagodas, a synagogue and a mosque — with everything done openly in the press and on social media, and no objections raised in all that time. A trusted and active member of the interfaith community. BAPS earned its place on the esplanade, presided over it in 2023, and continues to participate actively, with warm praise from the current president, Jean-Charles Renachmidt of the Protestant community. No local complaints, and a rumour firmly denied. No other Hindu group has objected or sought a rival temple, and the mayor states plainly that BAPS monks never asked for female staff to be removed during their 2023 town hall visit — a request he would never have accepted. Dignity under media pressure. Amid the Eiffel Tower controversy and the inquiries it prompted, the mayor criticises the commentators who became "overnight BAPS experts" after years of silence, and holds up the community's calm, composed response as an example to all. A festival that put the town on the map. The Mandir celebrations drew tens of thousands of visitors from 41 countries, with the mayor thanking volunteers from BAPS like Sanjay from England, Jainish, Deep, Amit, the teams and thousands of volunteers — and crediting Hinduism's spirit of forgiveness and mutual help.