British PM visits BAPS Swaminarayan mandir with spouse to join Diwali celebration

November 05, 2013

British PM visits BAPS Swaminarayan mandir with spouse to join Diwali celebration

BAPS Swaminarayan sant with British PM at BAPS mandir


Ahmedabad, 5 November 2013

British Prime Minister David Cameron and wife Samantha joined the Diwali celebrations at Gujarat based and Ahmedabad headquartered BAPS organization run Neasden Swaminarayan Temple in London.

In his article in Asian Lite, the Prime Minister said, “I am always impressed by the achievement and endeavor of Hindus in this country – but never surprised. The epic story of the Ramanaya, on which so much of Diwali is drawn, is all about right conduct, strong families and respecting your community. All of us – faith or no faith – can find some comfort in this story. These are the values we teach our children. They’re the values we need more of in this country. And they are the values that have driven so many Hindus on to success. Diwali may only come around once a year but Hindu values have resonance all year long.”

Prominent Gujarati community persons – trustee of mandir Vinju Bhattessa and a leading women’s volunteer Rena Amin received the Prime Minister and spouse at mandir and accompanied them throughout the visit. British PM and his wife Samantha went barefoot in mandir as per the custom. Both were welcomed with garland, and performed aarti.

About Samantha’s saree, British newspaper Daily Mail writes: Indian saris are always beautiful. The fabrics and embroidery are so luxurious and they’re the ultimate in femininity.Samantha Cameron looks lovely in her sari as she celebrates Diwali in North West London – and unless she’s had practice it looks like she’s had hers expertly tied, so there’s no chance of it coming undone!


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