This year Diwali arrived early at the Parliament as the Hindu Forum of Britain organised the Annual Diwali celebrations at the House of Commons at the beautiful Terrace Pavilion, Wednesday 4th November. “Proud to be British, Proud to be a Hindu”, the slogan coined by Lord Popat of Harrow at the time of Hindu Forum of Britain’s inception has been carried forward with responsibility and enthusiasm for a sense of shared cultural identity. The event was co-sponsored by the Conservative MP Bob Blackman who is also the Chair of All Party Parliamentary Group for British Hindus and Labour MP, Rt Hon Keith Vaz, Chair of the Home Affairs Committee.
The event was very well attended and saw participation of members of the Hindu community across diverse backgrounds, members and officers of the Armed forces, various temples, community leaders and activists, councillors and parliamentarians from across parties. There were also dance and music presentations from artistes from up and down the country outlaying a beautiful cultural ambience in the already beautiful venue overlooking the River Thames.
Over 80 parliamentarians participated in this unique celebration. The guests were warmly welcomed with a ‘tilak’ and ‘offering of prasad’ by the volunteers of Swaminarayan temple in Kenton, who also put together the ceremonial ‘Anna Koot’ meaning ‘Mountain of Food’.
Welcoming everyone at the Diwali celebrations, President of HFB, Trupti Patel said, “The 14th Diwali celebrations at the Palace of Westminster is a unique partnership between Parliamentarians and members of community represented by the Hindu Forum of Britain. We are proud to demonstrate the shared value of Vasudhev Kutumbakam meaning one world, one family. It is a matter of great pride that Parliamentarians across parties have come forward to celebrate this special festival with us.”
The High Commissioner of India, His Excellency Mr. Ranjan Mathai lit the inaugural lamp along with the Prime Minister’s UK India Diaspora Champion and Minister of State for Employment, Rt Hon Priti Patel. Welcoming the guests, Priti Patel said, “I would like to wish the Hindu Forum of Britain a very happy Diwali. As the Prime Minister’s Indian Diaspora Champion, I extend my best wishes to everyone in the Indian community here in the UK, and worldwide, as we enter into the bright lights of the Hindu New Year. I am continually inspired by the talent, ingenuity, and community spirit of the UK’s Indian diaspora, and by how active they are in helping further develop the already strong UK India relationship.”
Energising everyone with the patriotic slogan, Bharat Mata ki Jai, Bob Blackman MP got the patriotic spirit out in the room full of guests. He said, “I stand shoulder to shoulder with the many peaceful and hardworking British Hindus in this country and I will continue to raise your issues and concerns at all levels. As the Chair of APPG for British Hindus, I invite you to proactively lobby your members of parliament. I urge you all to stand by each other in times of difficulty and to present a united front in order to properly highlight the issues faced by members of the Hindu community, locally, nationally and internationally.”
Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP, who was a co-sponsor of the event said, “Britain’s Diwali celebrations are the largest in the world outside India and we can rightly be proud of them. The celebrations held in the historic building, provide us with the opportunity to celebrate one of the most important festivals in the religious calendar and to allow MPs and Peers to share Diwali greetings with their constituents from all over the United Kingdom. Britain is a Nation of many faiths and cultures.”
There was also a special guest to grace the occasion, Rev Jesse Jackson all the way from Washington joined in the celebrations at the British Parliament. He gave a moving speech and highlighted the value of life and its preservation. He made everyone join in a pledge to protect, love and nurture all humanity.
The Prime Minister of UK, Rt Hon David Cameron sent a message of good wishes even though he was unable to make it to the programme in person: “The Hindu Forum of Britain is just one example of the great contribution British Hindus make to our country. Whether it’s in business, medicine, the voluntary sector, the police, the armed services, law or journalism, the contribution is huge – and greatly appreciated by the wider British public. I am delighted to wish you all a very peaceful and happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year”.
A fantastic celebration of harmony, hope and community cohesion was held with much grandeur and everyone is already looking forward to the next year’s celebrations.
