BRUSSELS: The Hindu Forum of Europe and Golden Tours Foundation celebrated Diwali in a colourful and historic event at the European Parliament last week. Hosted by MEP Geoffery Van Orden and co-hosted by the Indian Embassy, the celebration saw several MEPs in attendance, including Neena Gill, Jo Leinen, Neiuwenhuizen, Igor Soltes, Jacob Von Weiscaker, Rapert Mathews, James Carver, Jonathan Bullock, Inese Vaidere, Usa Dondelek, David Martin, Jhon Stuart Agnew and Bill Etheridge. Also present was Gaitri Kumar, Ambassador of India.
The programme began with a traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by prayers recited by Krishna Kirpa Das, Hindu Federation of Spain. It was followed by a speeches, messages and classical Indian Bharatanatyam dance performance by artists of the Arunima Dance Company UK and Santoor Recital by Padmashri Satish Vyas. Gaitri Kumar congratulated the Hindu Forum of Europe saying, “It is heartening to see a full house and overwhelming response to this programme. It demonstrates the love for India and Indian Disapora globally. There is a great friendship between the European Union and India which needs to be strengthened further.”
Attendees also included community leaders represented by temples and 35 organisations from the UK and Europe including the Swaminarayan temple, ISCKON, Brahmakumaris, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Metropolitan Police Hindu Association, National Council of Hindu Temples, Hindu Forum of Britain, Jain community from Antwerp and others.
