As the sun downed on the west and the birds flocked back to their nest, Swaminarayan Akshardham, an amazing and imposing cultural monument, was ceremonially inaugurated and dedicated to the nation by H.E. President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the presence of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Shri L.K. Advani, leader of the opposition and Lt. Governor of Delhi Mr. B.L. Joshi were also present.

Thereafter children danced to form a tricolor and welcomed the guests and the gathering of 20,000 devotees.

Then nine colorful floats on the stage signified the premier contribution of ancient India in the fields of agriculture, democracy, space science, mathematics and decimal system, the great epics of Ramayan and Mahabharat, health, education, yoga and unity in mankind.

In his inaugural speech, the Prime Minister said that Akshardham would prove to be a leading monument of New Delhi. He appreciated that the enchanting monument was raised with the donation and faith of the devotees. He added that the focal point of Indian culture is oneness in diversity. It does not teach separation. That is why Gandhiji strived to remove untouchability. It also teaches us religious tolerance.

The Prime Minister hoped that Akshardham would have a place of pride and people from all over India and go back with peace and an edifying message.

H.E. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the President of India, penned a poem especially for Akshardham capturing the feelings of non-resident Indians at the time of leaving India after visiting Akshardham. The President recollected the contribution of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai who founded the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) which promotes space research for the good of society.

The President added with gusto, “Swaminarayan Akshardham has ancient heritage and modern technology under one roof. It is both for experience and enlightenment. It has the best of modern media, the power of knowledge and lively images.

“The completion of Swaminarayan Akshardham in five years convinces me that India can become a developed country by 2020 with the help of many ignited minds,” the President further noted.
The President administered five oaths to the gathering on the occasion, which included:
1. When I see Akshardham I feel proud. 
2. I will apply the lessons learnt from the journey of Akshardham. 
3. I will strive for nation building by spiritual awakening and economic development. 
4. My mission in the next five years would be to raise 1,000 Akshardhams by way of enriching the rural areas. 
5. I will strive to build a knowledge society with value system and prosperity in the next 10 years. 

Speaking on this occasion, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, an octogenarian leader of the sect, stressed the need of mandirs for retreat for both the young and the old alike. He said, “Akshardham is not raised out of any rivalry and that the spirit behind is to inspire people for betterment of lives and serve the mankind.”