The Hindu Forum of Britain [HFB] celebrated its 19th Diwali event at the House of Commons on the 11 November 2020. For the first time in history, because of the Covid-19 lockdown, the celebrations took place virtually with more than 94 celebrants in the webinar platform. Over 250 more watched the event on Facebook live turning it into a vibrant and colourful virtual space, full of light and colour, a wonderful manifestation of the spirit of Diwali. This year’s Parliamentary hosts were Rt Hon Bob Blackman MP and Lord Dholakia OBE.
Dr Ramesh Pattni OBE, Vice President London and South and Trustee of the Chinmaya Mission UK welcomed guests on this great occasion and invited the spiritual commissioners to light the lamps to begin the festival. Visakha Dasi ji, President of the Bhakti Vedanta Manor, ISKCON Temple, Swami Surya Prabha Didi, Head of Brahmrishi Mission and Brahmacharini Shripriya ji Chaitanya, Spiritual head of Chinmaya Mission UK lit the lamps and chanted prayers to welcome festival congregation.
The President of HFB and Trustee of the HFB Charity, Trupti Patel, in her opening address to virtual guests warmly welcomed everyone and spoke about the importance and significance of Diwali to the Hindu Community and how the profound principles that reflect this important festival was the basis on which the community responded to the Covid crisis in the UK, with a tremendous amount of sewa being given in all aspects of life in lockdown. She spoke about the formation of the Hindu Emergency, Response Action Team consisting of all the national organisations and temples in the UK coming together to deliver this service. The HFB Diwali at the HoC is one of the most important Interfaith events as participant from all faiths joined hands to dispel darkness and welcome light in their communities and beyond.
Bob Blackman, as the Chair of the British Hindus APPG, holder of Bharat Ratna, MP and Lord Navnit Dholakia, OBE DL also Patron of the HFB both wished everyone a safe, happy and Shubh Diwali. Bob Blackman conveyed the Diwali message from the Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson MP and also launched the official E-Diwali Brochure.
Rt Hon. Priti Patel, MP the first Hindu Home Secretary spoke on virtues of the Diwali and how we have exercised them in the current situation.
Rt Hon. Rishi Sunak, the first Hindu Chancellor of the Exchequer mentioned how challenging this year has been for all but it’s because of the love and support we have from all our families makes this a very special occasion and encouraged everyone to celebrate Diwali safely by using technology.
Rt Hon. Alok Sharma MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy was delighted to be on HFB virtual event and gave a clear message to all communities to keep on working closely with each other to stand tall.
The Rt Hon. Keir Starmer MP, Leader of the official opposition conveyed “Lighting a lamp on Diwali symbolises hope which dispels the darkness of despair.” He appreciated the ‘Sewa’ given by Hindu Communities.
Dr. Shashank Vikram, Consul General of India, Birmingham congratulated all for safely celebrating this Diwali and expressed his heartfelt tribute to all the frontline workers.
First Minister of Wales, Rt Hon. Mark Drakeford MS, and First Minister of Northern Ireland, Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill paid tribute to all those in Indian community across the world for their selfless contributions during this difficult times Covid-19 and congratulating HFB for the spectacular virtual event.
Lord Rami Ranger, Lord Jitesh Gadhia and Lord Dolar Popat applauded all volunteers and frontlines workers for their never-ending services during this crisis along with commendable work of temples and community organisations, who have taken a lead in supporting the elderly and vulnerable.
Rt Hon. Theresa Villiers MP, Vice Chair of the APPG British Hindus, thanked Hindu Forum of Britain for organising a tremendously inspiring, thought provoking and happy virtual Diwali event. There were congratulations and felicitations from many Parliamentarians and Political leaders.
Dr Tribhuvan Jotangia from Vishwa Hindu Parishad UK, Dhirajbhai Shah, HSS UK and Rajnish Kashyap, Hindu Council UK appreciated HFB for organising a lively and elegant virtual celebration.
Puneet Dwivedi, Vice President Scottish Chapter wished everyone Happy Diwali and invited Patrons of HFB, Shashi Vekaria, Rickie Sehgal and C B Patel to give their blessings.
A beautiful bhajan was presented by Jahanvi Harrison MPA, a mesmerising prayer dances were performed by artists from Abhinandana Dance Academy- Nrithya Ram Mohan and Janaki Mehta.
A vote of Thanks was rendered by Velji Vekaria, Chair for this year’s Diwali Committee of HFB and President of the SKLP. The Team HFB especially thanked Cllr Reena Ranger for conducting the event. Harsha Shukla MBE, Vice President North and President of Hindu Council of North recited a beautiful mantra from Upanishad and the evening concluded with a melodious Dhun by Yog Foundation.
