The Houses of Parliament in UK, yesterday played host to one of India’s greatest spiritual leaders, as His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji, was honoured by politicians, campaigners and his peers today.
The private reception, which included over 180 invited dignitaries, was hosted by the Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP, Labour MP for East Ham and organised by Sanjay Jagatia and Muna Chauhan on behalf of the Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham UK .Special guests who all paid tribute to His Holiness with personal messages of welcome included: Barry Gardiner MP; Steven Pound MP; Gareth Thomas MP; Bob Blackman MP, Alok Sharma MP; Lord Bilimoria; Lord Tarsem King of West Bromwich; Virendra Sharma MP; Navin Shah from the London Assembley, Cllr Ajay Muru, Cllr, Ram Lakha, Cllr Harjinder Semhi, Cllr Grewal to name a few.
His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji has dedicated his whole life to freeing the world of suffering and misery and his vision for society is continually being delivered by his Trust – Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham’, one of the world’s largest spiritual organisations. His efforts in improving human welfare for people of all faiths and religions have inspired millions.
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His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji is a well rehearsed scholar in Ayurveda, India’s five thousand year old system of medicines. He has demonstrated his moral leadership and outstanding record of service to the global community by delivering large scale conventions in India, Canada, America, UK and throughout Europe, which are attended by tens of thousands and watched by millions across the globe. His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji has more than 500 million followers across the World.
During the reception, His Holiness was presented with citations and Awards from various organisations for the Humanitarian work that he is doing, including:
The highly acclaimed “Ambassador of Peace Award” by the Universal Peace Federation. The award is presented to individuals whose lives exemplify the ideal of living for the sake of others, and who dedicate themselves to practices which promote universal moral values, strong family life, inter-religious cooperation, international harmony, renewal of the United Nations and the establishment of a culture of peace.
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“The Mahaveer Award” by The Young Indian Vegetarians Society in recognition of His Holiness’ vegetarian lifestyle and compassion towards all living beings
“The Humanitarian Award” to both Gurudevji and Gurumaa by the Asian Welfare Association, which is presented to one individual each year for their outstanding contribution to social welfare and being a role model to others.
His Holiness also received citations from a number of MPs including Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP, Rt Hon Virendra Sharma MP and Rt Hon Stephen Pound MP as well as a host of Councillors, Community organisations and faith groups, reflecting His Holiness’s immense respect of all faiths and cultures.
On receiving his awards and citations His Holiness said: “This honour is not just for me, but for the whole world and the ancient tradition of the East. More than that, this honour is for all the faithful believers of all the World religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Zorastrianism. This historical honour is not for a single person but for all the Nations and their various cultures. This honour in fact is an honour for the entire humanity. This felicitation has once more brought the greatness and humility of Great Britain before the whole World. His Holiness also paid respects to Her Majesty the Queen, The Prime Minister David Cameron, Ministers, Politicitions and the Citizens of the United Kingdom and acknowleged the vast contribution that UK brings t othe way of life for people across the World.
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The event also marked the official launch of the Bhagwan Shree Lakshami Narayan Dham UK’s Annual Day to be known as -“Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swami Day”. The day was officially launched by Stephen Timms MP dedicated in honour of the interfaith, charity and volunteering work that His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji embodies. On this day each year, all followers in the UK will perform selfless voluntary acts of kindness and public service and do something positive that makes a meaningful difference to someone else’s quality of life, happiness and prosperity, by sacrificing their time without any gain or reward. They will be encouraged to engage in various volunteering projects to help out in charitable organisations, schools, old people’s homes, hospitals, hospices and in particular consider giving blood or joining the organ donor register.
Commenting on the event and his meeting with His Holiness, Stephen Timms MP commented: “Faith organisations across the country are making a positive contribution in communities across the UK, and I welcome the opportunity this event presents to bring them together. I am glad to have been able to help to sponsor it. It has been a pleasure to meet with His Holiness and learn more about the valuable impact of his humanitarian work.”
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NOTES:
His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji received citations from:
Lord Tarsem King of West Bromwich
Lord Karan Bilimoria
Navin Shah from the London Assembley
The Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board – MINAB
Rickie Sehgal – Chairman – British Asian Conservative Link
The Labour Friends of India
Hindu Council UK
The Religious Education Council of England and Wales
Caste Watch UK
The Asian Councillors Association
West Midlands Fire Service and Asian Fire Service Association &
West Midlands Faith Forum
London Fo Guang Shan Temple (IBPS UK)
Brian Cuthertson – Diocese of London
Gulzaari Babber – First Hindu Deputy President of Chartered
Institute of Managerial Accountants (CIMA)
Church of Scientology
Steve White – Community Activist (Leicester)
Chiranjibi Paudyal – Nepalese Hindu Forum UK & Gurkha Soldiers
Faith Forum of London
Venerable Seelawimala Thera – Head Priest of the London Buddhist Vihara
The Coventry Indian Community
The Council of Sikh Gurdwaras
Communicasian
Midlands Community Association