A memorandum for Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The Indian PM Narendra Modi is likely to come to Britain in the middle of November for his much awaited tete-a-tetewith the British PM and meet and greet the huge Indian diaspora residing in this country. 1.5mn people of Indian origin have made Great Britain their home. They choose to be British. They feel proud to be British. Such a large nd resourceful community is making enormous impact in education, professions, entrepreneurship and participating peacefully in all walks of life, excelling wherever they could. They are building a strong and multi-purpose bridge between the country of their origin and that of their adoption.
After almost 10 years an Indian Prime Minister is coming to Britain. PM David Cameron, his government and other political personalities as well as the champions of business and commerce along with the British Indians are excited about the manifold advantages of growing the Indo-British partnership, which has indescribable opportunities for both the countries.
PM Modi has travelled to many countries, established rapport with leaders he met and raised the profile of India along with energising the Indians settled in different lands.
Surely PM Modi would like to know how the British Indians expect his government to deliver on various subjects affecting them.
If you have any thoughts or suggestion on the under mentioned subjects, please write immediately to Rupanjana Dutta at [email protected] the earliest to help us to make the Memorandum more comprehensive, reflecting your expectations and views.
Let us make a point very clear. All of us who live in this country would not expect any help from the Indian Prime Minister vis-a-vis any concerns or complaints within this country. If we have any local problem, we know how to go about it.
It is also improper and out of protocol to expect a visiting PM to be involved in our 'internal matters'.
1. What are your views about the visa and OCI regime for travel to India?
2. How you perceive your connectivity with the Indian legations in London, Birmingham, Manchester or anywhere else in the UK?
3. Do you have any problems about security and safety of investments in India: bank deposits, property, land, equity and other investments in India?
4. How would you be a willing partner for a better India in tomorrow's world? Any offers and suggestions welcome.
5. Need for a direct flight between Ahmedabad and London.
Any other suggestions to help make India Great again.
The memorandum will be given final shape and to be forwarded to PM Modi by 5 September 2015. You are invited to send your response (if any) by 5pm on Monday 29th August 2015.
Festivals for life
According to Hindu calendar, VikramSamvat 2071 will end on Diwali day which falls on 11 November 2015. For Indic religions (Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism) the last 4 months of the year, are called 'Chaturmas' and are very auspicious with so many festivities.
Hindus have the month of Shravan, Raksha bandhan, Durga puja, Navrati, Paryushan for Jains, Sikhs have Gurunanak Jayanti. Buddhism also have several auspicious occasions. Diwali itself is a festival for all Indic religions.
The followers of above four religions are at least some 2 million, who have made Britain their home.
Indian students are performing better than other instead of several challenges. In the professions and entrepreneurship, arts and culture, British Indians are as good as others. The most important positive achievement of Indians are that they are peace loving and their loyalty us beyond doubt. How come such a unique distinction has been realised?
Last week the former Chief Rabbi wrote a very thought provoking article in The Times. He has argued very cogently that it us not the religion that divides or creates horrible situations.
Perhaps people of different background to coexist in peace and harmony, faith itself is of paramount advantage.
Indian faith traditions have got so many variations.
The abiding principle is there is one God, human beings call it by different names.
EKAM SAT VIPRAAH BAHUDHAA VADANTI.
एकं सत् विप्राः बहुधा वदन्ति
Truth is one, the wise explain it in many ways.
God is one, the wise define him in various ways.
The other message from our scripture is that world is one family.
VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBAKAM
वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्
The world is but one family
So many Temples, Gurdwaras, Derasars and Monastries, have been spreading their message to young and old and for all races.
I can mention few important celebrations in the month of August alone:
1. The Neasden Swaminarayan Hindu temple was called the 8th wonder of the world in the Readers Digest when it opened 20 years ago. BAPS is the leading Hindu mission in UK and overseas. There are several events planned to celebrate such a historic landmark. It is beautiful and the largest Hindu temple in Europe, constructed on the basis of Indian architecture.
2. In Preston with a Hindu community of 600 or so families, they are celebrating 40 years on 23 August when Radha Krishna Pran Pratishta was performed.
3. Oshwal Association with 25,000 members is celebrating 10th anniversary of the first Shikharbandh Jain temple in Europe at Potters Bar on 27 August.
4. Anoopam Mission, the first Shikharbandh temple at Denham, near Uxbridge, will be opened on 13 Aug.
I consider that the teachings of theses faiths through such eminent organisations have helped to sustain our culture and traditions which have helped us to be valuable members of British society. Long may it last.
- CB
