I draw inspiration from my Hindu faith: UK PM Rishi Sunak
I draw inspiration from my Hindu faith: UK PM Rishi Sunak
On the final weekend before the July 4 general election, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty visited the renowned BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London, also known as Neasden Temple, to seek blessings.
The couple was warmly welcomed by the congregation as they arrived at the temple grounds on Saturday evening. Guided by the priests, they participated in a puja ceremony.
After touring the impressive temple complex and engaging with volunteers and prominent community leaders, Sunak, an avid cricket enthusiast, commenced his speech by mentioning India's recent triumph in the T20 World Cup. He then shared how his faith serves as a source of inspiration for him, stating, "I am Hindu and like all of you, I draw inspiration and comfort from my faith."
Sunak expressed pride in taking his oath of office as a member of parliament on the 'Bhagavad Gita' and emphasized the importance of fulfilling one's duty without worrying about the outcome, as taught by his faith.
He credited his loving parents for instilling these values in him and expressed his desire to pass them on to his daughters. Sunak also acknowledged his wife's unwavering support and commitment to public service, as well as the admirable philanthropic work carried out by his mother-in-law, Sudha Murty, in India.
As the first British Prime Minister of Indian heritage, the 44-year-old conveyed his appreciation for the community's prayers and love, pledging to continue making them proud. He addressed the recent controversy involving a far-right activist's racist slur against him, emphasizing the United Kingdom's success as a multi-ethnic and multi-faith democracy.
Sunak assured the congregation that with their support, he would create a secure future for the country where people of all religions and none feel equally at home.
In his pitch for the Conservative Party, Sunak highlighted some of the Tory candidates contesting in constituencies near the temple and reiterated his core policy themes of tax cuts and education. He drew parallels between the values of his party and those of the Indian diaspora, emphasizing the importance of education, hard work, and family.
During their visit, Sunak and Murty performed abhishek of Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj and interacted with the crowds. Sunak engaged with young children and sought blessings from the elderly, receiving spiritual beads from one of them.
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