This Dubai banker quit his high-paying job to volunteer at Abu Dhabi BAPS Hindu mandir

As the Middle East’s first traditional Hindu temple took shape in the UAE Capital, Vishal Patel, a Dubai-based investment banker, started volunteering at the BAPS Hindu Mandir. And last year, the 43-year-old family man quit his high-paying job at the Dubai International Financial Centre to serve full-time at the Abu Dhabi temple.

Born and raised in the UK, Vishal has been closely associated with the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha since childhood. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, has been a guiding light in his life. He moved base to Dubai, coinciding with the Sanstha being chosen to construct and administer the Abu Dhabi temple project.

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“Since 2016, my family and I have lived in the UAE. Before this, my career was always my primary focus as I held positions at prominent investment banks and hedge funds. However, in the UAE, supporting this Mandir allowed me to make a meaningful impact on society and engage in endeavours that contribute to the greater good. This opportunity was too significant to pass up,” said Vishal, a former executive director at a leading investment research firm where he worked till last year.

Worked at construction site

Vishal has been actively involved with the Mandir since he settled in the UAE. Participating in the construction process, he worked on the building site, from placing protective fences when the land was nothing but sand to heaping concrete. He has also been involved in serving food to guests and visitors. Now, as the chief communications officer in a voluntary capacity for the Mandir, Vishal oversees various responsibilities, including media relations and strategic communications.

Vishal provided a fascinating insight into why thousands of volunteers like him are willing to give up their jobs and dedicate their time and energy to the Sanstha.

“Our spiritual leaders, Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj, have left a lasting impact on young minds and inspired many to devote their time and efforts from all corners of the world,” he told Khaleej Times.

Vishal emphasised that Mahant Swami Maharaj consistently reminded them of the importance of serving and living by the principles of “samp, suhradbhav, and ekta”, i.e. unity, fraternity, and solidarity.

He recollected how Pramukh Swami Maharaj ensured a playing area during the construction of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, in 1995. Then the spiritual head, overseeing the project, suggested reducing the size of the Haveli cultural centre to accommodate a gym in the complex – a facility that would eventually draw children like Vishal to the temple.

“I used to play football and cricket inside the London Mandir’s gym. That’s how I began my association with the Mandir. Later, I became involved with volunteering activities, and my understanding of how BAPS served society deepened. This is how the foresight of a spiritual guru like Pramukh Swami Maharaj positively impacted children like me.”

Volunteerism helped his career

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