LONDON, ENGLAND, May 25, 2007: A conference organized by Hindu Aid at the Swaminarayan Hindu Temple in Stanmore was attended by over 150 Hindus, multi-faith and charitable organizations along with representatives from the Development Education Association (DEA) and Department for International Development (DFID), the news release reported. The highlight of the event was to commend British Hindus for their contributions to English society and abroad. Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for International Development and Labour’s Deputy Leader candidate, said, “Hinduism believes in the dictum — one in all and all in one — and you do things which are in the larger interest of the humanity. You do your duty without expecting any reward.” Benn also commented that his Department for International Development was also committed to aid a number of projects including some in India for providing clean drinking water to children, their enrollment in primary schools in rural areas and poverty alleviation. The article further added, “Guest of Honor, Gareth Thomas, who is Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, lauded Project DANA (Development Awareness Networking Agenda) launched by the Hindu Aid to encourage British Hindus to explore global issues and find out their impact on everyday lives.” Arjan Vekaria, Chair of Hindu Aid, summed up the sentiments of the conference as a milestone event for the Hindu community in Britain.
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