Morari Bapu, the world renowned Hindu spiritual leader, held a 9 day religious discourse in London. In a Britain more divided than ever, Morari Bapu’s messages of integration, respect and unity feel timely and relevant.
The Ramayana, the ancient Hindu epic, forms the basis of Bapu’s recital, from which he draws examples, applying them to modern life encouraging his followers to be open in head and heart. Just as he refers to the Ramayana, Bapu draws on teachings and wisdom of other religious texts including those from Christianity, quoting Islamic poets, delving into the life of Buddha and quoting from Socrates, Plato and other great thinkers.
Morari Bapu also set up a relief fund during this Katha following the worst floods of a century in the Indian State of Gujarat. Many have lost their lives and the death toll is rising. In just a few days, £656,250 was raised and Ramesh Sachdev and Lord Dolar Popat flew to India immediately after the Katha to hand a large cheque for £500k to the Chief Minister of Gujarat with the rest being distributed to other Indian States of Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, Bihar, Assam, and the Indian Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
On August 15th, the Indian High Commissioner joined to celebrate the 70th anniversary of India’s Independence. Twenty years ago on the 50th anniversary of the Indian independence, Bapu hoisted the flag by the shores of Lake Mansarovar at the foot of Mount Kailash in the Himalayas, granted special permission to raise the Indian Tri-color on Chinese Soil alongside the Chinese Flag.Today he hoisted the Indian flag in London, especially significant because this year has been declared as the year of cultural exchange between India and England by the British Government.
