At the invitation of MPHA, over 120 people including MPS SMT, MPHA members, Staff Association representatives and prominent community leaders gathered to celebrate Diwali at New Scotland Yard on 8 September.
AC Helen King - Opened the event by lighting a candle in memory of all the fallen officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice whilst protecting the safety of our communities.
Warrant Officer British Army Ashok Chauhan MBE lit a candle to mark the sacrifice of the WWI heroes who lost their lives during the war including 700,000 soldiers from India who fought alongside British troops.
Lord Paul lit a candle in memory of people who we have lost from our community including Mr Arjan Vekaria President of Hindu Forum of Britain.
Chief Guest Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe was welcomed with garland by Special PS Ketan Mandalia. The Commissioner said that he was attending the great Diwali event to show his support for the great Metropolitan Police Hindu Association who has been providing an excellent support for the Metropolitan Police Service, their members and the communities. He appreciated and complemented the MPHA for doing so much work in their own time. The Commissioner said that the MPHA shared common values of celebrating the triumph of Good over evil, Light over darkness.
Other speakers included AC Helen King, AC Martin Hewitt, Chris Porter Head of Forensics Quality and Capability, Borough Commander Sue Williams Redbridge, Superintendant Ian Larnder, DCI Jane Corrigan, Jay Lakhani Director of Hindu academy, Lord Paul, Rt Hon Keith Vaz, Shailesh Vara MP and Seema Malhotra MP
Arunima Kumar Dance Company artists who have performed on big stages in over 35 countries presented two dance items
Satya Minhas was presented with a token of appreciation on behalf of MPHA members by Sir Bernard for being the longest serving founder member, who has dealt with over 100 welfare cases. Satya thanked everyone for this honour and said that the MPHA is open to people from all faiths and any one could become our member. A pure vegetarian buffet was offered to guests.
