The Hindu Council UK (HCUK) and the Indo-European Kashmir Forum (IEKF) hosted a Ram Naumi celebration at the House of Commons, bringing together parliamentarians, community leaders, and temples trustees from across the UK for an afternoon of spiritual reflection, dialogue, and cultural expression.
The event commenced with the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa by His Holiness Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, setting a positive and devotional tone. The welcome address by Bob Blackman highlighted the contributions of the Hindu community, while also addressing recent challenges and reaffirming his continued support. Krishna Bhan, Chair of the Hindu Council UK and President of the Indo-European Kashmir Forum, followed with an introduction to the programme.
Reflections on the essence of Ram Naumi and the Ram-Rajya were shared by Anil Bhanot on the values of transparent open debate among all stakeholders for the equality policies affecting all communities and for Governments, like King Ram was, to be always accountable to the public. Sushil Pandit emphasised the ‘inclusion’ principle of Ram-Rajya and Gautam Sen offered broader philosophical perspectives.
Addresses were delivered by Baroness Emma Nicholson, Lord Rami Ranger, and Neeraj Patil. Cultural performances by Ragasudha Vinjamuri of the Indian traditional dance and Shivani Gollapalli renditioned two beautiful Bhajans, alongside a devotional bhajan of Lashmnacharya’s original version of Raghu Pati Raghav Raja Ram, with an additional line for the Hindu essence ‘Ishwar Ek Anekon Naam’ by Anil Bhanot, enriched the occasion.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Krishna Bhan, marking a meaningful and uplifting celebration.
Dipen Rajyaguru (Moderator)
HCUK Director of Equality & Inclusion
[Hindu Council UK is a national umbrella body representing one million British Hindus through their temples and cultural organisations, estd. 1994]
