By public demand a discussion was organised by the Friends of India Society International – UK (FISI) at the Swami Vivekanand Hall, Vishva Hindu Parishad South London at Thornton Heath on Saturday (12th December, 2015).
In spite of the short notice, the hall was fully packed with no empty chairs. Surprisingly, the attendees were well in time despite the bad weather.
The proceedings began with a brief welcome by Mr Kamal Rao, News Editor, Gujarat Samachar.
Mr Anil Nene, formerly of University of Surrey, spoke about the event.
Mr Rameshbhai Desai, MBE, President of FISI, Mr A S Rajan, Minister (Coordination), High Commission of India, Mayuraben Patel, Chairperson, Croydon Hindu Council, Mr Jayantibhai Shingadia, Vice President, VHP, Mr Dhirubhai Vyas, Treasurer, VHP, and Mr CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice, lit the traditional lamp to inaugurate the event.
Besides a short prayer, a one-minute silence was observed for the Paris and California terror attacks, Chennai floods and the sad demise of Shri Ashok Singhal who was the founder and pillar of Vishva Hindu Parishad.
Shri Jayendra Shah of FISI recalled an instance in the life of Swami Vivekananda.
When Swamiji was asked by a westerner in USA why he chose not to wear “proper” clothes, referring to his saffron robes – Swamiji replied, “In the West you judge a man by his tailor, but in the East we judge a man by his character.”
FISI President Rameshbhai Desai started with a short history of FISI which was founded in 1976 in the aftermath of the declaration of Emergency by Mrs Indira Gandhi on 25th June, 1975. FISI's main mission was to wage a campaign for the restoration of democracy in India. FISI led its fight from the UK. Mr Desai told the audience that CB Patel was one of the founding members of FISI and he stuck with FISI through thick and thin. FISI has focussed on culture, economy, politics and social issues faced by India and its people. FISI also played an important role during the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UK.
Mr A S Rajan, the Minister for Coordination, High Commission of India, who has arrived in the UK just recently spoke warmly about his assignment and the cooperation from all quarters in London. Mr Rajan also promised to do his utmost to engage in dialogue with the Indian community organisations and wherever possible assist in day-to-day dealings with the India House.
Mr Ashish Goyal (see his profile in Asian Voice, 5th December, 2015, page number 8) spoke about the issues related to economic development of India with special emphasis on several strong indicators i.e. GDP growth, millions of new bank accounts, increasing Foreign Direct Investments and substantial reduction of fiscal deficit of Indian exchequer. He also touched on various innovative ideas like Swachh Bharat and the building of toilets in schools as well as other matters related to hygiene.
Mr Vinoo Sachania, formerly Chairman of Youth Wing of BJP in Jamnagar area of Gujarat, spoke about the role and responsibilities of media in the development of society. He specially highlighted that Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice have voluntarily stopped taking fake and misleading adverts from the so-called faith healers, black magicians, etc., who exploit the vulnerable sections of the society, while some other Gujarat publications from London have seized on such misleading advertisements. He was proud that Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice were willingly sacrificing over £1,000 a week by rejecting such exploitative advertisements.
The Chief Guest, Mr CB Patel, in his opening remarks explained that as the clock is moving fast, he would be very brief about the main theme of PM Modi's visit to the UK and its impact on Indo-British relationship as it has been dwelt on almost adequately by the earlier speakers. In his attempt to make the meeting more interactive, Mr CB Patel posed following 3 questions.
1. Why British-Indians are so much loyal to India and Narendra Modi?
2. What would be the reaction of Hindus if there were “Hindu Jihadists”?
3. We have heard so much about the strength of PM Modi's various initiatives, but what are his limitations and weaknesses serving as the Prime Minister of India?
Several members from the audience expressed their views. The essence was – though the British-Indians are proud to reside in the UK and are totally loyal to their adopted country, they have an emotional attachment to their ancestral land. They said the development and progress of India will enhance satisfaction and stature of British-Indians and hence any assistance to India is worthwhile. India is after all 80% Hindus and historically, it has never attacked any country. Moreover, Hindus have the highest sense of tolerance and the essence of Hinduism is to respect all faiths and as a result of which, Jews, Christians, Zoroastrians and Muslims have always lived peacefully in India.
As to the strength and weaknesses of Modi Government – PM Modi is not only launching many constructive and realistic projects for social development but his continuous and tireless work schedule is also inspiring every Indian, especially those in bureaucracy and other responsible employees. At one stage Mr CB Patel also made his own personal observation that prior to Modi's regime, there was too much bureaucratic red tape and the civil servants used to take their own time to do things. But with the advent of Modi, things have changed for the better. The policies became more clear and as a result, the bureaucrats never sat on files, instead they became proactive and implemented the policies with alacrity. And this is a welcome sign and matter of pride.
There were other issues raised like the need for an efficient and objective TV channel which can broadcast, like say BBC or any other British channel, news impartially without taking sides, unlike some Indian channels.
A questionnaire also raised issues about the forthcoming Mayoral election in London. There were also questions about lack of participation from younger members of the community in such organisations.
All such question/answers made the meeting interactive.
Mr Jayesh Patel offered vote of thanks to all the speakers and guests and the function ended with a sumptuous vegetarian dinner.
(Based on details provided by Jayesh Patel)
