- Friday, February 28, 2025
The event was hosted by Bob Blackman MP, and was attended by Sir Graham Brady MP, presidents or chairpersons of more than 30 national Indian organisations, community leaders from eight different religious backgrounds and other dignitaries.
By: Shubham Ghosh
On May 23, Dhruv Chhatralia BEM gave his historic 400th talk on Hanuman Chalisa at the House of Commons of the UK parliament. The event also celebrated 12 years since he gave his first public talk in 2011. The occasion featured an inspirational talk on “The Secrets of Success in Career Management according to the Hanuman Chalisa”.
The event was hosted by Bob Blackman MP, recipient of India’s prestigious Padma Shri Award, and was attended by Sir Graham Brady MP, chairman of the 1922 Committee; presidents or chairpersons of more than 30 national Indian organisations; members, community leaders from eight different religious backgrounds; members of the media and other dignitaries.
Over 170 people were present at the event while more than 200 were on the waiting list.
The evening began with an inspirational introductory speech by Riddhi Vyas about her beautiful memories of this epic 12 year journey. Blackman, who hosted the event, then welcomed the audience which congratulated him over his Padma Shri Award and acknowledged how Blackman has worked hard in promoting Hindu causes at the UK Parliament throughout his time as an MP and how he has made history by bringing the Hanuman Chalisa, Shree Suktam, Ramayana, the Shrimad Bhagavat and the Bhagavad Gita to the UK Parliament by hosting talks on them each for the first time.
Blackman spoke about the historic significance of the 400th talk and the importance of the Hindu community uniting to protect, preserve and promote values that have been passed on from generation to generation. Chhatralia then presented him with a copy of the book Mantra Yoga and Primal Sound: Secret of Seed (Bija) Mantras by Padma Bhushan Dr David Frawley (Vamadeva Shastri).
Chhatralia gave a powerful recital of the Hanuman Chalisa and was joined by the members of the audience. He explained how the Hanuman Chalisa describes the endless glories, valour and greatness of the best manager and the most successful person the world has ever known: Shree Hanuman Ji. The talk showed how, by worshipping Hanumanji, we are blessed with his qualities that are necessary to accomplish goals in life.
Chhatralia said that the sacred verses of the Hanuman Chalisa contain the secrets to success in life that bestow intelligence, strength and virtue to all those who contemplate and meditate upon it. He spoke for an hour and half on just nine chaupais of the Hanuman Chalisa (chaupais 4 to 12), such was the depth of his wisdom on the subject. He taught the audience members the social, psychological, spiritual and management applications of this most popular mantra, the Hanuman Chalisa.
He was presented with an honorary shawl by UK Hindu community leaders. Chhatralia thanked Blackman for hosting the event, Peeyush Kaushik for taking such beautiful photography of the evening and Amit, Rohit, Bhavika and Harry for organising the occasion.
“I bow down to Shree Hanuman Ji who has showered us with His divine blessings throughout this epic journey of 400 talks where we have made history many times over, for giving me the wisdom to inspire our devotees on the auspicious occasion of the 12 birthday of our organisation, to my parents whose upbringing and sacrifices have made me everything I am today, and to each of you for your whole-hearted support, devotion and belief towards the cause of our organisation over these 400 talks in 12 years,” he said.
“We have achieved so much beyond everyone’s expectations and yet have much more to do. We have many more educational talks and social media posts lined up this year and beyond. Here’s to a great future ahead! May Shree Hanuman bless you all! Jai Shree Hanuman!”
Lord Gadhia, who was present at the event, gave a beautiful welcome address to the audience and spoke about the importance of deities in Indian culture and how they each symbolise a set of ideals and qualities for each human being to aspire to. He explained the importance of spreading spiritual teachings in society and how that works in creating bridges between different cultures. Chhatralia presented Lord Gadhia with the book Devi Mahatmaya by Swami Jyotirmayananda.
Baroness Verma spoke about the deep meaning behind the festival of Diwali and the uniqueness in Indian culture where the Divine Femine is worshipped and revered.
She praised India’s Narendra Modi government for empowering women and explained how she has followed SHYAM, an organisation set up by Chhatralia. He presented Baroness Verma with the book Hanuman: Ocean of Wisdom and Virtues by Pujyashree Bhupendrabhai Pandya.
