The Vision
Hindu Council UK was founded in 1994 for all Hindus domiciled in the United Kingdom, combining all the Hindu faith denominations, whilst representing various Hindu communities and Hindus from different parts of the world settled in the United Kingdom. It’s main purpose was to give the UK Hindus an effective voice on policy matters with the Government of the day whilst enhancing mutual understanding among the major faiths predominant in the UK. Hindu Council UK is itself a non-partisan faith organisation.
Our Work
The work that the Hindu Council UK undertakes falls into two separate but connected categories, viz: the interfaith commitment through the Inter Faith Network of the UK and the review of policies affecting Hindus through a consultation process with the Government of the day.
Interfaith Network
There are various dialogues among different faiths that occur continuously throughout the year by way of
- Leaders of all major faiths meet centrally at the Inter Faith Network regularly throughout the year, and
- Local level inter-dialogue meetings are held throughout the country to promote mutual understanding for a harmonious co-existence.
Government Consultation
Along with other major faith councils, Hindu Council UK is invited to consult on Government policy from time to time . The consultation processes take place in agreement with the Inter Faith Network and Hindu Council UK input and feedback from a Hindu point of view. Various Government departments are involved, particularly the Home Office and Department of Trade and Industry. In addition Hindu Council UK is represented at other government related bodies like the Commission for Racial Equality and the new Single Equality Board.
Affiliates
Hindu Council UK represents an amalgamation of various Hindu denominations in the UK through their temple bodies and cultural organisations. In addition community, youth and women organisations are represented.
The Executive
Hindu Council UK’s Executive is comprised as follows:
- Board of Directors / Trustees
- General Secretary
- Executive Chairs and Officers
- Executive Members
Non Executive Roles
- Supreme Counsel
- Committee Representative
In the main the Executive is comprised of representatives from temples and organisations but individual members who wish to volunteer their services are encouraged to co-opt into roles matched to their skills.
Supreme Counsel is comprised of senior people retiring from the Executive, and Committee Representatives are from various Temples and Cultural Organisations.
Communications
Communication is considered to be of the utmost importance and Hindu Council UK’s policy is not to limit itself to its member organisations but to reach every Hindu interested in community service so as to encourage input on legislative and policy matters at the widest scale possible.