Jay Lakhani Ji one of the most prominent figures in British Hindu Community has died on 4th December 2020.
Jay Ji was a physicist, a teacher and a scholar. He was one of the most prominent and charismatic figures in British Hindu Community. Quite often Jayji offered a Hindu input in the media like the BBC and had also recorded talks at universities. He had read the ‘Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda’, at the age of 17. He was the founder of Vivekananda Centre UK and for many years has been on a tireless mission to promote Hinduism in Britain.
Jay Lakhani Ji spent most of his time promoting the deeper vision of Hinduism. He was the first Hindu tutor appointed by Eton College and had been offering Hindu input at Post Graduate level at several universities including Oxford. He promoted several themes in his teachings:
Religious Pluralism: Suggesting that there are many ways to be spiritual – Spiritual Humanism that promotes the idea of seeing God in Humanity rather than in heaven
He was also the Director of Education for Hindu Council UK where he interacted with Religious Education Council, Government Departments and other national organisations and provided most valuable input on behalf of Hindus. His work had included setting up GCSE and A-Level Hinduism classes, delivering talks at hundreds of schools, colleges and universities, working with education and media institutions and interfaith organisations
He was most professional and a real asset for us.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Jayji’s death. He and I have shared many rewarding years together as a trustee and director of Hindu Council UK and became as close as brothers. Together we promoted contemporary Hinduism in the UK. He always had a welcome, constructive word of advice. I join you all in honouring his memory- Mr Umesh Chander Sharma Co-Chairperson Hindu Council UK
I came to know Jay Ji during the Metropolitan Police Authority Diwali event in 2000. Since then and until the year 2018, we did Diwali, Guru Purnima, Hindu History events at the New Scotland Yard. We also celebrated Swami Vivekanand Ji’s 150 birth anniversary in the British Parliament. He was a great friend, a Hindu Scholar and Visionary, thorough gentle person and the best human being that I have ever met – Mr Satya Minhas Co-Chairperson HCUK
Directors and Trustees of Hindu Council UK mourn the passing of our colleague Shri jay Lakhaniji. We fully appreciate the fact that Jayji’s inspiring leadership in Hinduism and pursuit of excellence have created an enviable reputation among the Hindu community in the UK. We unite in offering our condolences to the Lakhani family in their time of mourning. We hope the many reminders that surround you of how he has enriched the lives of all who have had the privilege to be associated with him will soon bring you comfort and relief of sorrow- Rajnish Kashyap General Secretary HCUK