The British Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Theresa May, visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London (the ‘Neasden Temple’) on Saturday 3 June 2017. This was her second visit to the Mandir, having previously attended as the guest of honour and keynote speaker at the International Women’s Day celebrations in March 2013.
Accompanied by her husband Philip May, the Prime Minister met members of the Hindu community.
She was welcomed in the traditional manner and performed abhishek of Nilkanth Varni Maharaj. She then proceeded to the inner sanctum where she offered flower petals at the central shrine of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
After meeting young and old volunteers of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, she met leaders of other Hindu organisations.
The Prime Minister then addressed a congregation of more than 2,000 people and praised
British Indians for being “inspiring role models” and encouraged them to help her make Britain the “world’s great meritocracy”.
She drew upon the “positive energy” and “strong sense of purpose and community spirit” that she experienced at the Mandir. “What you have accomplished here – and at so many Hindu temples across Britain – is not just a source of great pride for British Hindus but an inspiration for all British citizens.”
She praised British Indians for being “inspiring role models across all walks of life” and said their achievements were built “on the very best of British and Indian values”.
Ms May also reflected upon His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s legacy of selfless service that “will continue to benefit humanity for a long time to come”.
“Inspired by his own predecessor, Pramukh Swami dared to dream. He lived up to his motto that ‘In the joy of others lies our own.’ That mission is now being continued by Mahant Swami [Maharaj], who I am pleased to learn will visit London later this month.”
The Prime Minister was presented with mementos of her visit before she departed the Mandir.
