In the sacred presence of HH Mahant Swami Maharaj, an inspiring event was held at the iconic Neasden Temple on 19 May 2023. The event provided a unique opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage and valuable achievements of Hindu communities around the UK along with vibrant live performances and insightful presentations by esteemed speakers. It was a wonderful way to connect, collaborate and celebrate as one community. This brought together over 40 diverse Hindu communities from around the UK to celebrate the wide array of contributions from British Hindus.
The event was organised to collectively celebrate the unifying principles of Santana Hindu Dharma and was inspired by Mahant Swami Maharaj’s vision, “In the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, let’s reach out and expand the circle of global harmony.” In keeping with this noble vision, the programme of insightful presentations from esteemed speakers, devotional singing and live cultural performances were delivered by representatives of numerous different Hindu organisations, including Chinmay Mission, ISKCON and the Telugu Association of London. More than 1,600 guests attended the event in person, many more watched the live stream online.
The contributions were themed around five defining areas: 1) Charity & Social Work; 2) Children & Youth Development; 3) Public Service; 4) Faith & Worship; and 5) Arts & Culture. These were portrayed through pictorial highlights and addresses from distinguished members of the Hindu community. In his address, Mahant Swami Maharaj encouraged the congregation to elevate peace and unity. He also drew upon the life motto of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj – “In the joy of others lies our own” – as a guiding force to contribute not only to this country but across the world.
In his keynote address, the High Commissioner of India to the UK His Excellency Vikram Doraiswami shared, “Today, in the presence of Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj, we are commemorating the role and services of the British Hindu community among a number of community leaders across various parts of our faith groups here in the United Kingdom – I think that in itself is a remarkable contribution that BAPS has provided.
“Let us find our inner unity – that golden thread – that connects each and every one of us. If we celebrate that and get that right, we serve the larger purpose of our civilization and all of humankind. In that lies our true essence of what we can provide the world.”
Lord Jitesh Gadhia said, “Looking around the Haveli, this evening’s gathering has turned into nothing short of a dharmik sammelan. This is a welcome show of unity and inclusiveness. When the former Prime Minister David Cameron spoke from this very podium during his visits to the Neasden Mandir, he always made a point of highlighting ‘inspirational Hindu values and our role as model citizens. By bringing us all together today, and for his visionary pursuit of the mission to expand the circle of unity, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj. Thank you to BAPS for bringing us all together.”
Delivering the welcome speech, the Head Swami of the Neasden Temple Sadhu Yogvivekdas Swami said, “Today’s event is an event for all Hindus across the country. It is a medium to celebrate our collective contributions, to learn from one another, to be inspired and to make meaningful connections with one another. This is the HH Mahant Swami Maharaj’s vision for our gathering today.”
Professor Manoj Ladwa, Chairman and Chief Executive of the India Inc. Group said, “There is always an opportunity to serve and most importantly there is always time. There can be no greater act of public service than an individual’s willingness, an individual’s willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for the Nation. We need to be heard louder and respected. There can be no better honour and fulfilment than to serve one’s constituency, one’s patients, Students and indeed this great Nation we all call home. This is the Hindu way. The way of seva has inspired us for thousands of years. The best is yet to come.”
Amish Tripathi Minister of Culture and Education at the High Commission of India (and Director of the Nehru Centre, London) said, “Culture always has a purpose, something that drives us. At the heart of our art and culture what drives us is only one word- Dharma. Dharma is actually beyond religion. What British Hindus do in art and culture is inspired by Dharma. Dharma preaches that everyone should come together.”
Nilesh Solanki Founder & Leader of the PwC Hindu Network and Assistant General Secretary at Sewa UK said, “The essence of seva holds a significant place in our Dharma, Culture and Values. Seva is derived from Sanskrit meaning to Serve. Through the active seva individuals can nurture the spirit of humanity, compassion and selflessness as they engage in active service without any expectations.”
Bhavya Shah, President of the National Hindu Students Forum UK said, “One side we must pay respect and seek inspiration from our Punyabhoomi- Bharat. We must understand that our Dharma and Values come from that land. On the other hand, we must actively contribute to our Karmabhumi- the UK. The British Hindu youth is dynamic they know to balance. We must make Britain more Dharmik.”
Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami, author of the ground-breaking and internationally acclaimed Swaminarayan-Bhashyam and Swaminarayan-Siddhanta-Sudha, and widely considered as one of the world’s leading scholars of Hindu philosophy today, had also travelled to the UK for this occasion. He spoke to the guests, reinforcing Mahant Swami Maharaj’s guidance and vision of working together as one community.
Sadhu Paramtattvadas and Kaushal Patel took the audience on an immersive and interactive journey to the contribution of the British Hindus in the UK. Deepan Lakhani, one of the volunteers involved in organising the event, also explained: “This was an event for every Hindu community to not only deepen relationships but serve as an inauguration for regular celebrations of this kind in the future.”
CB Patel Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Asian Voice-Gujarat Samachar, Visakha Devi Dasi President of Bhaktivedanta Manor, Watford, Anuttama Das Communications Minister at ISKCON, Vinod Nakarja from Anoopam Mission UK, Vraj Pankhania Chairman Westcombe Group along with the dignitaries of Jain, Sikh and Buddhist communities were also present at the event.
An inspiring video on the contribution of British Hindu women successful in all sectors of life was shown including the message from Mausam Mistri, Sapana Patel, Dr Lakshmi Vyas, Sheetal Patel, Hetal Patel, Dr Krishna Pujara, Hinal Patel, Cllr Anjana Patel, Nimisha Gosrani OBE, Kailash Parekh OBE and Shushma Patel.
