The Armed Forces Hindu Network marked Diwali with a party bringing together key figures from the Hindu community, Government and Ministry of Defence.
Naval Reserve base HMS President was transformed into a Hindu delight, and the event was marked with prayers, the lighting of diyas and traditional Hindu dancers. The evening ended with a traditional communal meal.
Warrant Officer Class 1 Ashok Kumar Chauhan MBE, famous as one of the faces of the military’s civil engagement, generously welcomed the Asian Voice and gave us a glimpse of the breathtaking view straight out onto the Thames from the room where we would later eat.
The armed forces have always encouraged personnel to observe the customs of their faith. Spiritual advisors serve with most units, offering help and guidance to personnel at home and overseas. A Hindu chaplain was present to lead prayers rather movingly that Hindus in the audience joined in with. It was noticeable that the senior British naval officers and many others present closed their eyes and were highly respectful during the prayers in Hindi.
Speaking at the event, the Armed Forces Hindu Network Champion, Rear Admiral Graham McKay said: “I am delighted to be involved with the Armed Forces Hindu Network as their senior champion, and to support this flourishing partnership between the Armed Forces and the Hindu community. Our message is that the Armed Forces includes people from all faiths and backgrounds, and all make a vital contribution to protecting the UK’s security. As their champion, I am particularly proud of the Hindu sailors, soldiers, airmen who defend our nation's interests at home and abroad, especially those in more recent conflicts and who are on military Operations today, at sea, on the land or in the air - away from their families during this family festival.”
Surgeon Lieutenant Commander Manish Tayal, Chair of the Armed Forces Hindu Network, recalled his first experience of Diwali in the Royal Navy.
“During the first phase of training at BRNC Dartmouth, you're not allowed out of the College. Diwali fell during this period, and I'd never before been away from home on Diwali, so I asked if I could visit my family for the day to celebrate with them. I was (rightly) told no, I understood but was a bit upset about it, nothing more was said.
On Diwali day, we had our usual schedule of serials. Returning from one of our sessions, I went into my cabin (which I shared with 4 others) and found 24 trainees plus our 3 Assistant Divisional Officers in the cabin. The cabin was draped in orange, rows of tea lights, along with onion bhajis, samosas, Bombay mix, and drinks, and Indian music playing from a laptop.
“The group shouted "Happy Diwali" and explained they'd noticed how upset I was about not being able to celebrate, so arranged a surprise Diwali party for me. They'd looked on the internet and found that Diwali celebrations consisted of orange, lights, food and music/dance - our Assistant Divisional Officers bought the tea lights, food and drink from town, one of the group had lots of Indian music from a previous trip to India for a friend's wedding, and the orange was the plastic sheets we'd all been issued as part of our kit for training. So I explained the story of Diwali and its message to the group, and we had a great party.
“Today we are here at HMS President at a Tri Service Diwali Celebration organized and hosted by the Armed Forces Hindu Network.”
After the event, at an exclusive interview, Rear Admiral Graham McKay told Asian Voice, “The Hindu community and the armed forces are very similar. We look at courage, commitment, determination, respect, integrity and duty, which sit at the heart of the Hindu community in Britain. It is the same as the talent we look for in the armed services.”
When asked about how more Hindus can enter the armed services the Rear Admiral said, “We are very keen and we want to include Hindus. A society in which we serve the British Hindu community is important. We are keen on engineers and technically talented people from the Hindu community to come and join and have a wonderful time in the armed services.”
