- Thursday, February 27, 2025
In his opening remarks, The British premier said he was at the event not as a prime minister but as a Hindu and that faith for him is very personal.
By: Shubham Ghosh
BRITISH prime minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday (15) visited an event of renowned spiritual leader Morari Bapu’s Ram Katha, which is currently underway on the campus of Cambridge University.
It marked a significant moment as Morari Bapu conducted his 921st recital called ‘Manas Vishwavidyalaly’ on the grounds of the prestigious institute, making it the pioneering instance of a Hindu programme held at a British university.
A follower of Hinduism and the first British prime minister of Indian descent, Sunak made a floral offering to Morari Bapu’s Vyaspeeth, making a salutation of “Jai Siya Ram”.
In his opening remarks on the occasion, Sunak said, “It is truly an honour and pleasure to be here today at Morari Bapu’s Ram Katha at the University of Cambridge on Indian Independence Day. Bapu, I am here today not as a prime minister but as a Hindu! For me faith is very personal.
“It guides me in every aspect of my life. Being prime minister is a great honour, but it is not an easy job. There are difficult decisions to make, hard choices to confront and our faith gives me courage, strength, and resilience to do the best that I can for our country.”
Jai Siya Ram honourable PM of Uk ?? #RishiSunak @Londonist @Drmahima29 @Rudra_8890 @Rssbhagvadhari pic.twitter.com/AXE3hxi3fI
— Desi Chora (HR) (@akkisharma2486) August 16, 2023
“For me, it was a wonderful and special moment to light diyas for Diwali outside 11 Downing Street back when I was chancellor. And just like Bapu has a Golden Hanuman in his background, I am proud that a Golden Ganesha sits gleefully on my desk at 10 Downing Street,” Sunak said, remarking on the image of Lord Hanuman behind Vyaspeetha, adding, “It is a constant reminder to me about listening and reflecting on issues before acting!”
Saying that he was proud to be a British as well as a Hindu, Sunak recalled his childhood and growing-up years in Southampton where he went to the temple in the neighbourhood with his family and took part in rituals such as havan, puja, aarti and distribution of prasad.
“Our values and what I see Bapu does each day of his life are the values of selfless service, devotion and keeping faith. But perhaps the greatest value is duty or seva, as we know it. These Hindu values are very much shared British values,” the 43-year-old premier said.
“I leave here today remembering the Ramayana that Bapu speaks on, but also the Bhagavad Gita and the Hanuman Chalisa. And for me, Lord Ram will always be an inspirational figure to face life’s challenges with courage, to govern with humility and to work selflessly.”
“Bapu, with your blessings, I aspire to lead in accordance with how our scriptures have taught leaders to lead,” he said emphatically.
“Thank you Bapu for everything that you do. Your teaching of truth, love and compassion are more relevant now than they have ever been,” Sunak added.
The prime minister concluded by lauding Bapu’s inspiring work and stamina and devotion, citing the recently held Jyotirlinga Ram Katha Yatra that covered 12,000 kilometres.
He participated in an aarti on stage.
Bapu extended a warm welcome to Sunak by wishing for him strength to help him serve the people of Britain. He also hoped that the nation reaped benefits and rewards of the Conservative leader’s visionary leadership.
In his opening remarks of the Katha, Bapu hailed Sunak not merely as the head of the nation, but as an individual of Indian descent. He also shared that Sunak’s name is derived from the revered sage Rishi Shaunak, and this connection to an esteemed sage resonates deeply with Indians who find great joy in witnessing a leader with such roots occupying the prime minister’s post.
The spiritual luminary also commended the prime minister’s gesture of offering food as prasad to 50-100 volunteers before attending the event, highlighting its alignment with intrinsic Indian traditions.
Bapu acknowledged that while Sunak typically refrains from accepting gifts, he chose to present a consecrated shivlinga from Somnath as a token, a sacred offering from the Jyotirlinga Ram Katha Yatra.
Earlier in the morning, Bapu unfurled the Indian Tricolour at Cambridge University, symbolising the 76th anniversary of India’s independence as part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations.
Morari Bapu’s enlightening Katha commenced on August 12 with a warm reception by Sonita Alleyne OBE, the 41st Master and the first woman to lead Jesus College since its inception in 1496, along with Lord Dolar Popat, a distinguished Conservative peer at the House of Lords.
