Over 60,000 worshipers flocked to Watford’s Bhaktivedanta Manor over the weekend for their renowned Janmashtami celebrations.
Amongst the speakers at the Manor this weekend, was the Manor’s very own local Lord, Lord Andrew Feldman, the Chairman of the Conservative Party.
Lord Feldman - who became a Lord in 2010 - is one of Prime Minister David Cameron’s closest aides, having studied with him at University. He has been fundamental in helping revive the Conservative Party’s electoral fortunes. Earlier this year Lord Feldman was sworn into Her Majesty’s Privy Council and made the Rt Hon Lord Feldman of Elstree.
Speaking at the festival, Lord Feldman paid tribute to the diversity of the Manor, “the manor is not just restricted to Hindus or Gujaratis, but all ethnicities. The acceptance and inclusivity of people of all backgrounds is truly the hallmark of the Hindu faith.”
Lord Feldman also commented on his experiences of his childhood in North London, “growing up in North London meant I had a lot of Hindu friends and it always struck me how much we had in common. I am Jewish by background and it was noticeable from an early age how the values and priorities of our communities are so similar. We both care deeply about family, education, community and country.”
The festival was also a poignant opportunity for Lord Feldman to pay tribute to the tremendous contribution of the British Indian community and also on the Conservative Party’s journey in engaging with the Hindu community over the years.
“My good friend, Lord Dolar Popat, who many of you will know, has been instrumental with this cause and has spent nearly 40 years trying to strengthen the bridge between the British Indian community and the Conservative Party, and together we launched the Conservative Friends of India with the Prime Minister in 2012.
“So many British Indians share the same vision we in the Conservative Party have for this great country. Building a strong economy, making sure our children have a good education, supporting families and ensuring that our elderly citizens are looked after.
“These same values are what has underpinned the Jewish community for many years, as well as the Hindu and Sikh communities, and David Cameron’s Government works tireless to ensure they become a reality."
Lord Feldman’s speech echoes news after the election that the Conservative Party doubled their ethnic minority support at the General Election. But within those figures, an even more surprising statistic appeared: for the first time ever, more British Indians voted Conservative than Labour.
Other speakers at the Manor, included the hopeful Conservative Mayoral candidate for London Zac Goldsmith MP who said “The British Indian Diaspora are a great asset to our country and particularly to this great city of London; a community that works hard, has integrated brilliantly and prides itself on upholding British values and who love this country.”
