The Hindu Forum of Britain [HFB] celebrated its 16th Diwali event at the House of Commons on 18th October 2016 transforming the Terrace Pavilion into a vibrant and colourful space, full of light and laughter, a wonderful manifestation of the spirit of Diwali.
Every year the HFB brings Diwali to the heart of the UK democratic system bringing together on one platform Ministers, Peers and MPs from all parties and dignitaries and leaders from many different sections of society, including interfaith and business leaders, Hindu community leaders and representatives of many temples in the UK. This is really the spirit of Hinduism which acknowledges the unity and connection, at one level or another, of every human being. This year’s Parliamentary hosts were Bob Blackman MP, Lord Dholakia, Virendra Sharma MP and Caroline Lucas MP .
Following on from the opening prayers by the priest of Shri Jalaram MandirGreenford and spiritual commissioner of HFB, H H Gauri Das (ISKCON UK), a minute’s silence was observed for the fallen. The President of HFB, Mrs Trupti Patel, in her opening address to the gathering warmly welcomed everyone and spoke about the importance and significance of Diwali to the Hindu Community and how the profound principles that reflect this important festival can be imbibed by individuals to create a harmonious and integrated society.
Rt Hon Priti Patel Secretary of State, International Development, spoke on Diwali and highlighted the importance of Hindu upbringing where the parents and family elders encouraged children and youth to live according to the Hindu values. She added that Hindus are very much visible in all professional sector in the UK, and that the community was going from strength to strength wherever they were and in all sectors of society.
Bob Blackman, MP Harrow East, who was the main sponsor of the event, wished everyone a happy Diwali and spoke about his positive association with Hindu community where he has been transformed from Bob to Bobbhai . He also talked about the integration of the Hindu Community within the British society.
Home Secretary Rt Hon. Amber Rudd MP said that Diwali has brought home the celebration, the triumph, the colourful nature of the festival of lights, and around the world Diwali is being celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs to mark different historical events . In all the faiths, Diwali signifies the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance. The Home Secretary went on to highlight how the festival means family values to Hindus; charity, sacrifice, responsibility, hope, optimism and forgiveness. It teaches about importance of building strong families and communities, turning away from wrong-doing and evil, whilst also being responsible, united and tolerant. It gives us the opportunity to reflect on the immense contribution of Hindus in the UK, for which we are all very grateful. Whether it is teaching in our schools, building our businesses or helping to run our NHS , this is a community which has given so much to Britain. We all want to say thank you to what you do in your communities and wish you all happy Diwali.
High Commissioner of India to the UK, H.E. Y K Sinha in his speech said that the 16th occasion that HFB is celebrating Diwali in Parliament is indeed something to be happy and proud about. It is wonderful the way Diwali in the UK is being celebrated not just by Hindus but different communities. He said that he was very happy that the importance of Diwali and the spirit of Diwali is recognised and celebrated, not just in India but outside India.
Among other prominent speakers, Rt Hon Damian Green MP, First Secretary of State and Minister for the Cabinet Office said that at the time of Diwali celebrations , we must recognise the contributions of British Hindus and British Indian community. He praised how in every sphere those present had , excelled at bringing our countries and closer today.
Rt. Hon Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government stated very clearly; ‘Now as Communities Secretaries, I will continue to do everything I can. You as a community are a model of integration, you have embraced British values, you love this country, but you are fiercely proud of your culture, your religion, and everything you bought to this country. I wish you joy, happiness and prosperity and a happy Diwali”.
Lord Gadhia spoke about the significance and importance of Diwali celebrations and praised the HFB for mobilising the Hindu community in responding to the divisive and unjustified caste legislation in a systematic and assertive manner. He recited the prayer ‘Asato ma sadgamaya ‘ linking it to the current scenario, to Grenfell Tower and terror victims, a prayer to bring light into the hearts and lives of all. As Hindu community let us pray for the peace of the entire world, he concluded.
Emphasising on the importance of the festival, Shailesh Vara, MP for North West Cambridgeshire said that In present time, there is great need in the world for light of wisdom and forgiveness, to counter misunderstanding, mistrust and hatred for fellow human beings. It is therefore important that the message of Diwali goes out to all corners of the country and the rest of the world.
Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet said that Diwali is a big celebration throughout the United Kingdom, a great occasion to reflect on the values of unity. The lessons of Diwali resonate in every part of our diverse community in the UK.
Paul Scully, MP for Sutton and Cheam , while referring to his Indian heritage as his grandmother who was born in Kolkatta, applauded the fantastic British Indian success story and said “I am looking forward to celebrations in Sutton with my whole family.”
Shri Tapan Ghosh, founder & Chief Patron of Hindu Samhati of Bengal , India, was a prominent dignitary who thanked the HFB for organising such a wonderful event at the Parliament which brought the spirit of Hinduism and Diwali across borders.
The HFB patron Shree CB Patel gave his blessings to all the volunteers of the HFB and Shree Rashami Chatwani trustee of Shree Jalaram mandir was pleased that in presence of Respected Saint Jalabapa Diwali is celebrated here in the parliament.
Interspersed with all the gaiety of speeches and lighting of lamps , Arunima Kumar and her group, and Neha Patel presented stunning classical Indian dance performances while students of Sai School of Harrow presented various Hindu chants; all three wonderful renderings being appreciated by all the guests.
Mr Kamal Pankhania from ‘V Foundation’ of Westcombe Group was the main sponsor of the celebrations along with Shree Rami Ranger of Sun Mark Limited and Mr Shashi Vekaria of Vascroft being the main donors for the HFB Charity. For 16th time , Mr Nilesh Solanki and Mrs Heena Solanki of Event Gurus volunteered to provide the stage, decorations and also conducted proceedings as Masters of Ceremonies. Shree Jalaram Mandir hosted the wonderful Annakoot, and volunteers from the temple offered the traditional Tilak to the guests.
Finally a vote of Thanks was rendered by Mr Velji Vekaria, the Chair for this year’s Diwali Committee of HFB.
Diwali has become a time when the world is reminded that we as human beings, in our lives, must find the light of wisdom that will sustain us and the generations to come into the future, the light that will counter the forces of negativity and darkness. The eternal message and the spirit of Diwali has stood the test of time and is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago.
