Diwali celebrations are not restricted to the home and temples, nor is it forbidden for people of other castes, religions and backgrounds to participate in the festivities. Britain, especially London, is by far the most recipient towards embracing multiculturalism into its society.
One which could be claimed as a landmark event is the first ever Diwali reception which was held at the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. The event was hosted by the Hindu Lawyers Association and supported by national law firm, Bevan Brittan LLP. This remarkable event was attended by prominent lawyers and judges from across the legal sector.
The theme of this event was 'The Laws of Leadership and The Winning Mindset', which had topical speeches by lawyer and Principal of Praefinium Partners Ltd, Alpesh Patel; and Vice President of the Law Society, Robert Bourns; as well as Minister Shailesh Vara. There was also an interval of live Indian classical music, provided by a number of internationally renowned musicians.
As well as celebrating the Hindu festival of lights and the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil; the reception also celebrated the diversity within the legal profession.
Pranav Bhanot, trainee solicitor at Bevan Brittan LLP, addressed the attendees and explained why Diwali is celebrated and how the principles are relevant in law. “The festival of Diwali marks the return of Lord Ram from his 14 years of exile, where lamps lit his way home. Today is a day of celebration, but it is also a day of reflection. If it wasn't for Lord Ram's leadership when facing adversity during his exile, perhaps the festival of Diwali would never have happened. Taking the lead and making sacrifices, demonstrating integrity, creating strategies and implementing tactics allowed Lord Ram to be victorious. Many of these qualities are of course necessary and routine in daily legal practice.”
MP Shailesh Vara, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Ministry of Justice is responsible for the courts and legal aid, and is also a qualified solicitor. He said, “I'll start off by thanking the sponsors Bevan Brittan, and also the Hindu Lawyers Association for organising tonight and getting such a wonderful group of people here. The beauty of this location... it overlooks Parliament Square, but also, it overlooks the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.”
Shailesh Vara further stated, “From a strictly legal point of view, I think it is fair to acknowledge that the leadership that Britain has provided for law means that we have the finest legal system in the world.”
Vice President of the Law Society, Robert Bourns said, “A celebration... light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil- a festival of light. An opportunity to reflect... on our roles and our responsibilities. The Law Society... is extremely proud of its membership... Within the membership, some 17,000 solicitors from BME backgrounds, approximately 15% of the solicitors' profession... We know that there are more that should and could be done.”
Former barrister and former visiting fellow in Business at the Crawford Christi College in Oxford, and the author of 18 books on investing, Alpesh Patel gave an inspirational speech to the lawyers and barristers present at the reception, telling them to always aim high. “A Hindu lawyer has a statue dedicated to him outside this Supreme Court and in front of the Parliament. YOU are Hindu lawyers. That is the heritage from which we come; that is the standard by which we should measure ourselves. That is the bar and that is the level of duties and obligations upon us.”
This remarkable, one if its kind landmark event, brought together people from different religions and castes under one room to celebrate the fundamental thought of unity and integrity, which, by far, the UK supercedes many nations. The first Diwali celebration at the Supreme Court had an immensely successful turnout, and hopefully such events will be held in the near future.
