"Religion and culture faces constant challenges these days, which is why all different sects need to stick together and encourage the youth to involve themselves with religious, social and educational organisations. We should also try and forward donations to our own institutions so the future of our women, children and elders remain secured," said president and founder member of Shree Sanatan Mandir, Ramanbhai Barber MBE DL in an interview with Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice.
Ramanbhai has given his legacy of serving the people, not only to his children but other young people as well. His works of charity and public service have often been mentioned in news publications, including Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice. Ramanbhai is involved in institutions like the Council of Health, Gujarat Hindu Association, Leicester Hindu Festival Council and National Council of Hindu Temple UK. "To me the definition of happiness is my family, an organised society and health. It is very important for us to maintain our culture and religion. As the shloka goes in Sanskrit, "Sarve bhavantu sukhi na..." That is me. I want to see everybody prosper. Our past generations have maintained our tradition, which is something our future generations will have to strive tirelessly to do," he said. "Even if different sects follow different beliefs, they absolutely have to respect the sanctity of other religions as well. It is written in the Bhagwad Gita that one should respect others' religion but also maintain his own," Ramanbhai said.
He has spent two hours of his life every day, for the past 45 years at temple. Talking about challenges faced by the Sanatan Temple, he said, "The Sanatan Temple is built from an old church. In 1993, we wanted to build a dome-shaped Hindu temple. However, due to the lack of unity and different thought processes, it did not happen. I want it to be a dome-shaped temple, which is only possible if other donors and the committee complies."
Ramanbhai has always been vocal about his opinions, just one of his many deeming qualities. "Saints who came to the UK back in the days were very loyal and of a gentle nature. Like Pt Rambhakt ji. He never took back anything with him from the UK. However, saints and religious leaders these days, they come with projects and take back donations with them, using the money for their India-based projects. What if people began to invest in public services here, in organisations that deal with financial troubles? Institutions and supporters need to awake. We need people like Pt Rambhakt who is capable of giving proper guidance and blessing to our kids. It is about time our religious institutions shifted their attention to students and education. If classes on Maths, English, Science are taken in such institutions, nothing will stop the kids from reaching the top and when they grow up, their donations is what will take the organisation forward."
"It is very important for the current generation to involve themselves with our centres. More the youth does volunteer work, the faster society moves forward. One of the reasons I suggested Vibhutiben's name for presidentship is because I intend to attract as many young people as possible. I believe we still need many young leaders. While there might not be any visible benefits of the services, but self-satisfaction is a guarantee."
