British Indian peer hosts Raksha Bandhan celebration in UK Parliament

London, Sep 16 (PTI) A British Indian peer and the Defence Hindu Network came together for a special Raksha Bandhan celebration overlooking the Thames at the River Room in the House of Lords in London.

Lord Krish Raval said the “wonderfully ancient tradition” signified by the sacred thread of Rakhi is even more poignant given the uncertain times faced by the country. The Labour Party peer hailed the UK’s Armed Forces for defending the UK against perpetual threats.

“Raksha Bandhan is a wonderfully ancient tradition and I’m so glad that it has been brought into the House of Lords in such a strong way,” said Raval.

“We live in uncertain times, our friends from the armed forces will know better than me. But our country is under threat perpetually. There are invisible enemies, and we count on you to defend us, to protect us.

“May that protection never falter, and that is what we are here to mark,” he said.

The event in the Parliament complex on Monday was opened with traditional Vedic chants and shlokas by Acharya Krishan Attri, Hindu Chaplain for the UK defence forces, and attended by a broad spectrum of parliamentarians, representatives from the Armed Forces, community and religious leaders.

“Whether it’s in the RAF (Royal Air Force), whether it’s in the British Army, whether it’s in the Royal Navy, we need your good selves [Indian heritage recruits] to be held up as that standard, and that will then encourage others to join as well,” said Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi, chair of the Defence Committee in the House of Commons.

The British Sikh Labour MP said celebrations like Raksha Bandhan are not just about faith and culture, but also “spur each other into further action”.

“Events such as this provide a great opportunity not only to celebrate a rich cultural heritage, but also to recognise the diverse people who make up our services now,” said Air Commodore Dan James.

“We in the UK Armed Forces draw our strength from the rich diversity of the society we serve. People from different backgrounds, faiths, cultures, and experiences come together in pursuit of a common purpose: the defence of our nation and the protection of our values,” he said.

Flight Lieutenant Nigam Joshi, Chair of the Hindu Defence Network, highlighted the work of the network as “building relationships and bridges that let Hindu personnel serve with their faith understood, not merely tolerated, which is very important”.

Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, who had travelled from Rishikesh for the Ganga Aarti on the Thames over the weekend, were among those who addressed the gathering. Sister Jaymini of the Brahma Kumaris UK spoke of the significance of Rakhi before tying the sacred thread on defence personnel and other guests.

The event concluded with a vibrant Bharatnatyam performance by 16-year-old student Disha Varsani. PTI AK SCY SCY

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