UNITED KINGDOM, April 25, 2007: The first Hindu chaplain of Britain’s armed forces, Acharya Krishan K. Attri, led religious leaders of different faiths at a four-day prayer for world peace and unity at a temple in North England. The elaborate event included performing the “Shri Sat Chandi Mahayagya” conducted by 20 priests including two from India. The event also included a musical evening led by noted film composer Ravindra Jain. “It is the first time an event of this magnitude has been organized in the north and even in the whole of the country. Two hundred people from all over the UK and a few from India attended and it was a huge success,” Jain told the Journal New Castle. “It has generated a new spirit in the region and everyone is united like one family. All of the leaders were there in person and there was a genuine appreciation of the event. The whole community listened and appreciated.”
The event in Newcastle’s Hindu Temple last week was attended by the Anglican Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Reverend Martin Wharton, leaders representing Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Baha’i, Jainism, Islam, Judaism, Zoroastrianism and Christian faiths. The gathering signed a common statement pledging their commitment to harmony in the region. It was the first pledge of its kind organized in Britain. “The atmosphere was wonderful and everyone worked together to make it a really special occasion,” said Attri. “We had 100 percent support from the police and the community throughout he event, which was a real joy. I feel it has been a great success and much appreciated,” he added.