BRITAIN, November 4, 2015 (New Asian Post): This year Diwali arrived early in Parliament as the Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB) organized the Annual Diwali celebrations at the House of Commons beautiful Terrace Pavilion on Wednesday, 4 November. “Proud to be British, Proud to be a Hindu,” the slogan coined by Lord Popat of Harrow at the time of HFB’s inception has been carried forward with responsibility, enthusiasm and a sense of shared cultural identity.
The event was very well attended and saw participation by the Hindu community, members and officers of the Armed forces, temple community, community leaders and activists, councillors and of course parliamentarians from across all parties. An ancient Hindu prayer and HFB mantra were recited by Bharatiya Vrundagaan, Rakesh Joshi and team in the beginning of the celebrations.
Over 80 parliamentarians participated in this unique celebration including His Excellency the High Commissioner of India, Ranjan Mathai. The Prime Minister of UK, The Rt Hon’ble David Cameron, sent a message of good wishes even though he was unable to make it to the programme in person: “The Hindu Forum of Britain is just one example of the great contribution British Hindus make to our country. Whether it’s in business, medicine, the voluntary sector, the police, the armed services, law or journalism, the contribution is huge – and greatly appreciated by the wider British public. I am delighted to wish you all a very peaceful and happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year”.