India-origin investment banker quits job to serve at BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi

Vishal Patel was volunteering at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London in the early 2000s when a chance encounter led him to enter the investment banking industry. Decades later, Patel was volunteering at another BAPS temple, this one in the UAE, when his life took another turn. This time, he decided to trade his high-paying job to start volunteering at the newly-inagurated Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) temple in Abu Dhabi.

The temple, built on a 27-acre plot of land, is the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 14.

From construction of the temple to serving guests during the inauguration, 43-year-old Vishal Patel has been actively involved with the BAPS since he moved from the UK to the UAE. He is now the chief communication officer of the temple and handles several responsibilities, including media relations and strategic communications.

Vishal Patel, whose family hails from Gujarat, grew up in London. He moved to the UAE in 2016 and started working at the Dubai International Financial Centre. Before that, he worked at big investment banks and hedge funds.

“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,” Patel was quoted as saying by Khaleej Times.

However, his deep connection with the foundation, nurtured since childhood at the London BAPS Mandir, led him to prioritise his spiritual calling.

“Supporting the Abu Dhabi Mandir felt like a chance to significantly impact society,” Patel shared, reflecting on his decision to become a full-time volunteer. He actively participated in the temple’s construction, from initial stages involving setting up protective fences to later serving food to guests, reported The Khaleej Times.

“Many like me are willing to give up their careers to serve the Sanstha,” Patel said.

He recalls the chance encounter that led him to becoming an investment banker in the first place.

After graduating with a degree in economics from the University of London, Vishal Patel was struggling with finding employment. A breakthrough came while he was volunteering at the BAPS Mandir in London.

There, he met a senior director at Merrill Lynch, who offered him advice on entering the investment banking industry. This, in turn, inspired Patel and other young volunteers to organise career fairs at the temple to help students and jobseekers.

“The Mandir provided me and countless others with a strong foundation. This Abu Dhabi Mandir will undoubtedly offer similar support to the community here”, Patel stated.