www.hinducounciluk.org
LONDON, UK, April 4, 2009: The birthday of Lord Rama was celebrated at the House of Commons on Monday, as the Members’ Dining Room was turned into a Mandir for the afternoon. Over 200 invited guests sang bhajans and watched Aarti performed by two young children, as Hindus from many different traditions celebrated the festival beneath the flag of Lord Hanuman.
The fifth annual event of its kind, the festival was once again hosted by Tony McNulty MP and Abhay Lakhani, Parliamentary Advisor on Community Issues. “Today we are here to celebrate Ram Noumi in this majestic building, the Mother of all Parliaments, the Palace of Westminster,” said Abhay Lakhani. “It is absolutely right that we celebrate the birth of Lord Ram here. He was the Law-Maker himself.”
Reminding visitors that such an event would not be possible in the Indian Parliament, Mr Lakhani suggested the festival proved we live in a nation which truly values its Hindu brothers and sisters, a nation which demonstrates the principles of Ram Rajya in practice.
Anil Bhanot, General Secretary of the Hindu Council UK, was invited to speak at the event and he too highlighted how British representative democracy embodies the aspirations of Ram Rajya. He said, “We need to always apply ancient wisdom to run our fast moving modern living, and that we can learn a lot from the principles that Lord Rama governed with.” Sanjay Jagatia, General Secretary of the National Council of Hindu Temples reminded us of the loving devotion held for Lord Rama in the hearts of all Hindus.
Several other MPs attended the event. Baroness Verma also came from the House of Lords. All praised and welcomed the enormous role of Hindus within the UK, mentioning Hindu contributions to the economy, cultural diversity and moral values.