After almost a decade, NHSF (UK), the largest Hindu student movement outside of Bharat, made its presence known in the halls of Parliament, marking our history in the distinguished company of Honourable Lords, Baronesses, Members of Parliament, Councillors, and the wider community. “Ours is a history steeped in success.” Echoed by the former NHSF (UK) National President, Pranav Bhanot (2011-2014) at the Palace of Westminster, these words commemorating our accomplishments resounded once again in 2022, in the very esteemed establishment they once found a voice.
The 30th-anniversary celebrations saw the presentation of the NHSF (UK) Exhibition, namely ‘The Hindu Journey in Britain: The Untold Story.’ Comprised of three sections, ‘The Hindu Journey in Britain’ is NHSF (UK)’s bold attempt to tell our tale. Aligning with our 30th-anniversary slogan, ‘Stand Up, Speak Up, Show Up,’ the NHSF (UK) Exhibition is the first work of its kind to showcase the story of Hindus in the UK - researched, written, and designed by students. The NHSF (UK) Exhibition has provided insights into the contributions of Hindus to British society, through the fields of politics and the public sector, economy and enterprise, sports and the sciences, the armed forces, and academia. There exists no space through which British Hindus have not aided the progress of our country. The Exhibition further features a timeline of the landmark moments of our collective history, noting our key achievements and campaigns, and depicting our successive waves of migration since the end of the Second World War. Chronicling the stories of the refugee communities of East Africa and Sri Lanka, to the skilled workers of the late 90s/early 2000s, the poignant anecdotes presented have tugged the heartstrings of many.
Compèred by the National PR Co-ordinator, Samyak Pandey, the afternoon opened with a welcome address by The Lord Gadhia, whose continued support for the students has provided the impetus for the successes of NHSF over the years.
A highlight of the event was a speech by Cambridge University Hindu Cultural Society President (2021/2022), Thomas Awad, who touched upon how his Hindu identity has forever been an integral “source of support”, and how in instances of animosity or isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic, it was the Hindu Society on campus that was an invaluable pillar of solace. “The sense of community and solidarity provided to us by the wider NHSF (UK) community made me realise that I was never alone and that I am indeed part of one big family. That there was a safe space for me on campus, where I could be my true, authentic self.”
Concluding the afternoon, were words from National President, Bhavya Shah (2021-), who said, “The last 30 years have seen our youth take lead in defining what it means to be a British Hindu. When a student graduates from NHSF (UK), they know they have a responsibility. To become a leader of tomorrow. To become the inspirations for the next generation, and to embody the values that our Dharma teaches us: respect, cohesion, and diversity. We assert our commitment to protect, preserve, practice, and promote Hindu Dharma, for a sustainable and secure Britain.”
Narrating the trials and triumphs of the Hindu community in these British Isles, ‘The Hindu Journey in Britain’ has immersed thousands in the stories that have defined the journey of British Hindus and highlighted how the Hindu community has helped to shape Britain.
As the event came to a close, National Committee members distributed out Prasad (offering), and tied Rakhis on each of the guests.
