United Kingdom: The British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, attended Morari Bapu’s Ram Katha event at Cambridge University on Wednesday and asserted that he was present “not as a Prime Minister but as a Hindu.”

I am attending Morari Bapu’s Ram Katha at the University of Cambridge on Indian Independence Day with the utmost honour and joy. Mr. Sunak said, “Bapu, I stand here today not in my capacity as Prime Minister but as a Hindu. He is the first prime minister of the UK of Indian descent and a practising Hindu with Punjabi ancestry.

“Our Rishi Sahab is in this place, just like any other regular person. You are most welcome. May Lord Hanuman bless you, and may the British people prosper, “Morabari Bapu said to PM Sunak.

“To me, faith is deeply personal. It guides me in every aspect of my life. Being the Prime Minister is a tremendous honour, albeit a challenging responsibility. It entails making tough decisions and facing difficult choices, and our faith gives me the courage, strength, and determination to do my utmost for our nation,” Sunak affirmed.

Gesturing towards a prominent golden image of Lord Hanuman serving as the backdrop to Morari Bapu’s Ram Katha, the British Prime Minister drew a parallel to the golden Ganesha adorning his desk at 10 Downing Street. “It’s a continuous reminder for me to listen and reflect on issues before taking action,” he shared.

Speaking about his upbringing, PM Sunak shared that he holds fond memories of visiting the neighbourhood mandir in Southampton. “During my upbringing, my parents and extended relatives would organise havans, pujas, and aartis. Alongside my siblings and cousins, I would assist in serving lunch and prasad,” he said.

Sunak also emphasised the parallels between his own upbringing and the values of altruism, dedication, and faith that he observed in Bapu’s daily life. Notably, he underscored the significance of duty, referred to as “sewa,” as a fundamental virtue.

He remarked, “These Hindu principles closely mirror British ones, particularly the concept of responsibility, or ‘sewa,’ as we term it.”

Acknowledging his family’s immigrant journey, Mr. Sunak noted that many in the audience had parents or grandparents who arrived in the UK from India or East Africa with limited financial resources and worked diligently to provide his generation with unparalleled opportunities.

I leave this place today with memories of Morari Bapu’s recitation of the Ramayana, along with the Bhagavad Gita and the Hanuman Chalisa. Lord Ram will forever symbolise, to me, the spirit of confronting life’s challenges with courage, leading with humility, and working for the collective well-being,” he expressed.

He concluded his address with the phrase ‘Jai Siya Ram’ and later took part in an aarti on stage, joining Morari Bapu in invoking the blessings of Lord Hanuman. DeshGujarat