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Rishi Sunak Attends Ram Katha At Cambridge

News On Time Desk 16 August 2023

LONDON: On Tuesday, India's Independence Day, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met the eminent Ramayana "kathakar’ Morari Bapu at Cambridge University, saying he was "not as Prime Minister but as a Hindu".

Sunak described himself as a "proud Briton" and a "proud Hindu" in a speech to a group of people of Indian origin at Jesus College, which is hosting such an event for the first time to mark Morari Bapu’s 921st recital titled ‘Manas Vishwavidyalay’. one publication said.

Sunak started his speech with "Jai Siya Ram", saying: "It is a great honor to be PM but it is not an easy job. Hard choices to make, tough choices to face , our faith gives me courage, strength, and resilience to do the best that I can for our country”.

"A golden Ganesha sits happily on my desk in 10 Downing Street," he added.

“It is a constant reminder to me about listening and reflecting on issues before acting,” he shared

Mr Sunak thought back to his childhood in Southampton, where he would often visit a nearby temple with his family to worship.

“Growing up, I have fond memories of going to our local temple in Southampton. My parents and family used to organize Havan, Puja, Aarti; Later, I along with my siblings and cousins used to help in serving lunch and prasad,” Mr. Sunak said.

“Our values and what Bapu does in his life every day are the values of selfless service, devotion and upholding faith. But perhaps the greatest value is duty or service as we know it. These Hindu values are very much a shared British value are,” he said.

Sunak pointed out that many of the hundreds of people who gathered in Katha had parents and grandparents who came to the UK with very little from India and East Africa and worked their way up to give his generation the greatest opportunities ever.

I came here today and am leaving here remembering the 'Ramayana' that Bapu speaks of, as well as 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,” he added.

He concluded his speech with "Jai Siya Ram’ and then took part in an aarti with Morari Bapu on stage to invoke the blessings of Lord Hanuman.

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