The Ministry of External Affairs has formally addressed the growing debate surrounding a recent event organized by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Responding to queries regarding the reported restrictions on female attendees, the MEA emphasized that the government does not interfere in the private arrangements of religious or cultural organizations. The official spokesperson indicated that the specific logistics and entry protocols were a matter “between the entities concerned,” effectively distancing the Government of India from the administrative decisions made during the gathering in France on September 8, 2026.
The controversy erupted after social media reports and eyewitness accounts suggested that women were either restricted or subjected to specific seating arrangements that some deemed discriminatory. This led to a sharp backlash from various quarters, including political figures in India. Critics argued that such practices, when performed at iconic international landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, project a regressive image of Indian culture to the global community. The event, which saw a massive turnout of the Indian diaspora, was intended to be a celebration of spiritual values but quickly became a focal point for discussions on gender equality.
- MEA official statement issued — The government clarified that the event was a private initiative and not a state-sponsored diplomatic function.
- Priyanka Chaturvedi raises concerns — The Shiv Sena (UBT) MP criticized the alleged exclusion of women, calling it unconstitutional and outdated.
- BAPS global event in Paris — The organization held a large-scale cultural gathering at the Champ de Mars, drawing thousands of devotees.
Priyanka Chaturvedi, a prominent member of the Shiv Sena (UBT), was among the first high-profile leaders to speak out against the incident. In a strongly worded statement, she remarked, “This is not how India thinks.” She further elaborated that while religious traditions are respected, they should not violate the fundamental principle of gender equality, especially when representing Indian heritage on a global stage. Her comments sparked a wider conversation about the intersection of religious orthodoxy and modern diplomatic optics, putting pressure on the Ministry of External Affairs to clarify its position.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is known for its massive network of temples and its ability to organize large-scale international events. From the Akshardham temples in Delhi and New Jersey to various centers across Europe, the organization has a significant following. However, its traditional practices regarding gender separation have occasionally been a point of discussion. In the Paris instance, the scale of the event at such a public and secular monument intensified the scrutiny from both the Indian public and international observers.
Diplomatic experts suggest that the MEA’s decision to remain neutral is consistent with its policy of not micro-managing the activities of private Indian diaspora groups. While the Government of India often supports cultural exchange programs, the specific rules of a religious sect are generally viewed as internal matters. Nonetheless, the visibility of the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop meant that the event was seen through a lens of national representation, regardless of its private status. This has led to calls for better guidelines for organizations hosting events at sensitive international locations.
The incident has also highlighted the complexities of managing India’s soft power. As the Indian diaspora grows and becomes more influential in countries like France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the cultural footprints they leave are subject to local laws and international standards of human rights. The Paris local administration has not yet issued a formal statement regarding whether the event violated any municipal codes concerning public gatherings and non-discrimination, but the internal debate within the Indian community remains heated.
In the aftermath of the reports, supporters of the BAPS organization have defended the event, stating that it was conducted according to long-standing traditions that the devotees willingly follow. They argue that the focus should remain on the message of peace and spiritual harmony that the gathering aimed to promote. However, the viral nature of the controversy ensures that the debate over religious tradition versus modern equality will continue to be a sensitive topic for the MEA and Indian representatives abroad as they navigate the nuances of cultural diplomacy.
