KRISHNA CELEBRATIONS MAKES HISTORY AT THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

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Letter PAMHO:8713096 (326 lines) [W1]

Bimal Krsna (das) BCS (UK Communications)

10-Sep-04 23:55 +0100

Bcc: Sriman Pandit (das) (Borehamwood - UK) [13885]

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KRISHNA CELEBRATIONS MAKES HISTORY AT THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

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The National Council of Hindu Temples (UK)

62, Oakdene Road, Watford, Hertfordshire. WD24 6RW

Tel/Fax: 01923 350093 E-Mail: bimal.krsna.bcs (AT) pamho (DOT) net

 

Press Release

 

10th September 2004 For Immediate Release

 

KRISHNA CELEBRATIONS MAKES HISTORY AT THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

 

The Members' Dining Room at the House of Commons, which was transformed from

its usual quaint wall-to-wall wooden panelled decor, to a traditional Hindu

temple, overflowed with over 300 energized leaders and representatives from

the British Hindu community, along with the deputy Prime Minister and many

Ministers, MPs, Peers, the Indian High Commissioner and the Mayor of London,

who gathered, in the evening of Tuesday 7th September 2004, to participate

in the first ever celebration of Lord Krishna's birth (Janmashtami), which

everyone proclaimed was an historic event.

 

The momentous event, sponsored by the Narottam Virji Lakhani Foundation,

that included wonderful cultural items, was hosted by Mr. Tony McNulty MP,

the Minster of Transport and Mr. Abhay Lakhani, Parliamentary Adviser on

Community Affairs, with the support of International Society for Krishna

Consciousness (ISKCON) and the National Council of Hindu Temples UK (NCHT).

 

Mr. Tony McNulty MP who conducted the programme remarked, 'this is a

historic event in the British Parliament, which should become an annual

event.' He also read out a message from Mr. Charles Clark, the Secretary of

State for Education - FOR FULL TEXT PLEASE SEE BELOW.

 

Ms. Fiona Mactaggart MP, the Parliamentary under Secretary in the Home

Office with responsibility for race equality, community policy and civic

renewal, read out message of Mr. Tony Blair, the Prime Minister - FOR FULL

TEXT PLEASE SEE BELOW.

 

Mr. John Prescott MP, the Deputy Prime Minister, congratulated the Hindu

community for holding the first ever birth of Lord Krishna in the House of

Commons and said 'I have been to India seven times and have learnt a lot

about India and its culture. I am reminded of the historical ties between

India and Britain with festivities like these'.

 

Patricia Hewitt MP, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and

Minister for Women and Equality, congratulated all present in the language

of Hindi and apologised for her pronunciation. She also said, 'It is nice to

return from the summer break to see the House of Commons looking like this

(pointing to the Indian décor). The British Parliament is a historic

building and the British Hindu community have contributed to its history'.

 

'Normally one goes to a temple to celebrate the festival of Janmashtami but

today the temple has come to the House of Commons' said, Mr. Gareth Thomas

MP, Minister for Department for International Development.

 

Mr. Barry Gardiner MP, Minister for Northern Ireland, commented 'two days

ago I was at the Bhaktivedanta Manor and the image of the child, with the

butter, killing the demons has remained with me. Central demoniac power is

that which destroys the innocence in children. The festival of Janmashtami

shows how the demoniac powers can be overcome'.

 

Mr. Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London, applauded the Indian community of

London for their great contribution and recognised the great step taken by

the Hindu community to organise the festival of Janmashtami at the House of

Commons.

 

Mr. Stephen Pound MP, Chair, Labour Friends of India, said 'the journey that

began 5,000 years ago, with the birth of Lord Krishna, still continues

today. This journey is inspirational and joyful'.

 

Mr. Peter Luff MP, the Chair of the Conservative Friends of India, said 'I

welcome the celebration of Krishna's birth at the House of Commons, which

has been organised by Tony McNulty, Abhay Lakhani, ISKCON and NCHT (UK), for

the British Hindu community, which plays an important role in the fabric of

the British society.'

 

Lord Navnit Dholakia, pointed out that he Hindu community have been making a

great contribution to the British society and said that 'although we, the

Peers, are called 'Lords' but the real Lord (pointing to the Deity of Lord

Krishna) is here.'

 

Mr. Kamlesh Sharma, the Indian High Commissioner, acknowledged the

importance of having a spiritual base in society and said 'observance of

Krishna Janmashtami in the House of Commons is a significant event'. He also

added that people of a great nation, Indians, are privileged to live in

another great nation, England.

 

'The festival of Janmashtami is now popularly celebrated outside of India

due largely to the extraordinary efforts of the Swami Prabhupada, the

founder of the Hare Krishna movement, who in the mid 1960's brought the

ancient culture of India to the western world', said Atmanivedana Swami,

from ISKCON.

 

Bhakti Vigyan Swami, from Moscow, noticed 'It is for the first time that one

of the most important Hindu holidays, Sri Krishna Janmashtami, is being

celebrated in the world's oldest Parliament. And it is for the first time

that a Russian-born Hindu monk is addressing all of you for the occasion.

Now I have every hope that the First Hindu temple in Russia, which we are

constructing, despite all the difficulties we encounter, will soon receive

all of you for a similarly warm Janmashtami celebration as we enjoy here

today' - FOR FULL TEXT PLEASE SEE BELOW.

 

Mr. O. P. Sharma MBE, the president of the National Council of Hindu

temples, said 'the National Council of Hindu Temples UK is very happy to

support this historic celebration and hopes that this function becomes an

annual event.'

 

Mr. Abhay Lakhani, Parliamentary Adviser on Community Affairs, gave the vote

of thanks and pointed out that there is an urgent need for the community to

work together. He also encouraged more participation in the political arena

from the Hindu community - FOR FULL TEXT PLEASE SEE BELOW.

 

All the speakers, after been garlanded, lit the sacred lamp, offered flower

to Lord Krishna and were then given the opportunity to swing baby Krishna.

They all congratulated Mr. Tony McNulty MP and Mr. Abhay Lakhani,

Parliamentary Adviser on Community Issues, for organising the festival with

the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and the

National Council of Hindu Temples UK (NCHT) for supporting the event and

also commended the Hindu community for playing a significant role in Britain

and encouraged more political participation from the community.

 

Janmashtami is observed by over one billion Hindus in the world and is

rooted in a 5,000 year old spiritual tradition. It attracts people of all

spiritual cultures. This festival is one of the most popular celebrations in

Hinduism and is observed with great fervour by British Hindus. The biggest

celebration in the UK takes place at Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna

temple, near Watford, where over 50,000 people attend the festival that

involves drama, dance, music, multi-media shows, and exhibitions accompanied

with free vegetarian meal. The preparations usually start many weeks before

the actual day that involve scores of volunteers.

 

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) or the Hare

Krishna movement is part of the ancient Vaishnava tradition, a monotheistic

faith within Hinduism. ISKCON was founded by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Prabhupada, who first brought the Krishna tradition from India to the west

in 1965.

 

The National Council of Hindu Temples (UK) is an umbrella body, which links

over 90 Hindu temples and works with them for the benefit of the Hindu

community in Britain. It acts as a resource and one of the main consultative

bodies on the matters relating to the Hindu community of Britain and the

Hindu religion and culture.

 

Ends.

 

For more information please contact:

 

Abhay Lakhani on 020 8951 0843 (voice) or 07956 249854 (mobile)

E-Mail: exinvestmentsplc (AT) hotmail (DOT) com

 

Or

 

Bimal Krishna das on 01923 350093 (voice) or 07958 464072 (mobile)

E-Mail: bimal.krsna.bcs (AT) pamho (DOT) net

 

 

NOTE TO THE EDITORS

 

1. Other photographs of speakers and delgates are available on request

 

2. Full Text of the Prime Minister Message:

 

I am delighted to send my very best wishes to everyone attending the

Janmashtami celebration at the House of Commons organised by Tony McNulty MP

and supported by ISKCON and the National Council of Hindu Temples.

 

Janmashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna, is a festival that teaches us the

values of family, the importance of justice, and the significance of faith.

As such it is a festival whose values are shared by all faith traditions.

 

I understand that this is the first time that Janmashtami has been

celebrated in the House of Commons. It is a tribute to the very positive

contribution that the Hindu community has made to all aspects of life in the

UK.

 

Once again, congratulations to everyone involved in this event and I offer

my best wishes and greetings to the Hindu community in Britain on this

joyous occasion.

 

TONY BLAIR

 

3. Full Text of Mr. Charles Clark MP, the Secretary of State for Education:

 

I am very sorry that I cannot be with you today to mark this important

occasion but unfortunately my diary commitments have prevented me from

attending. However, I hope that it goes very well and that you celebrate the

very significant contribution the Hindu community has made to the economic,

social and cultural development of British Society. I would particularly

like to have joined you in celebrating the success of Hindu young people in

our Schools, and the role that parents and community organisations play in

this. I wish you every success for the event.

 

4. Text of Bhakti Vigyan Swami's speech

 

Your Excellency High Commissioner of India, Honourable Party Leaders,

members of the Parliament, Ladies and Gentlemen, dear friends! Today's event

is indeed unparalleled not only in the history of the United Kingdom, but in

a larger sense, in the annals of the world.

 

It is for the first time that one of the most important Hindu holidays, Sri

Krishna Janmashtami, is being celebrated in the world's oldest Parliament.

It is for the first time that the head of the British government is

presiding over such function. And it is for the first time that a

Russian-born Hindu monk is addressing all of you for the occasion.

 

At our time of terrorism, inter-communal conflicts and turmoil the

significance of this event cannot be overestimated. One of the oldest and

most established democracies is showing to the world the brilliant example

of the real freedom of conscience - one of the most fundamental democratic

freedoms.

 

English people loves traditions, so I hope that this celebration of

Janmashtami in the House of Commons will also become a tradition among many

others.

 

It would be safe to say that the very possibility of such a historic event

speaks for itself. It testifies to the principles of respect for

spirituality and culture that your predominantly Christian nation firmly

stands by. As such, it also epitomises your country's wise and successful

policy towards all religious communities. Your Government cooperates with

them, takes advice from them and supports them all.

 

It is therefore a matter of great honour to me personally, and to the

organization I represent, the International Society for Krishna

consciousness, to be amongst you here today. Not merely because the occasion

is so historic, but because it is my rare chance to imbibe, to absorb this

spirit of religious freedom-in an attempt to bring it back to the place

where I belong, which still has a long way to go in this direction. Thank

you very much!

 

I would also like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude

for your unreserved commitment to the cause of religious freedom in the

world, which we feel so strongly. Now I have every hope that the First Hindu

temple in Russia which we are constructing, despite all the difficulties we

encounter, will soon receive all of you for a similarly warm Janmashtami

celebration as we enjoy here today.

 

My personal thanks to Tony McNulty and Abhay Lakhani for organizing such a

marvellous event.

 

5. Text of Mr. Abhay Lakhani's speech

 

May I firstly thank you all for participating in this Historic event. A

senior academic telephoned me yesterday in great joy and stated " Abhay, you

may not realise what you have done. " This is History in Making . At your

age of 40 you have created History. The Hindu community will and should

remember this mile stone for years."

 

All of you present at this event must be very proud that you participated in

this historic event. I am grateful to all of you.

 

For a long time the Hindu community felt that we were being ignored or our

views were not heard. In fact our colleagues in Parliament hear our views

and they do take account of our concerns. We don't need to shout and scream.

We don't need to threaten the very community that has adopted us. Our

strength comes from our great ability to integrate in any community we

settle in. It is this that is noticed. It is this that gives us our

strength.

 

When I ask my two daughters Ashni & Anisha aged 12 & 10, what plans do you

have for the future. There answer was " I want to be the next Prime Minister

". Wouldn't it be great to see a Hindu girl in 10 Downing Street. This is

just a simple example as to how our next generation feel. They do not feel

alienated. They do not see colour. But more important, our host community

and Parliament do NOT see their colour either. They totally feel part of

society. You see what I mean about our strength.

 

Please take back to your communities this message that your views are heard

and taken into account. Carry on doing the good work and carry on our Hindu

traditions. We don't have to give up our separate faiths. When my wife is

doing the washing up, she makes so much noise from the crockery, cutlery,

knives, forks, spoons. As Hindus, we do the same. We are a very mature

culture and we agree to differ. But when my wife finishes the washing up,

the noise stops and puts the respective utensils in their own compartments.

They sit in the drawer so nicely. This is what I mean about Hinduism. We all

fit nicely together under the umbrella of Hinduism, with our own differing

way but still manage to live together under the same banner and also

integrate in the host community.

 

6. MPs in Attendance:

 

a) Mr. John Prescott MP, the Deputy Prime Minister

b) Mr. Stephen Pound MP, Chair of the Labour Friends of India

c) Mr. Andrew Dismore MP

d) Mr. Rob Morris MP

e) Mr. Tim Boswell MP

f) Mr. Graham Brady MP

g) Mr. John Randell MP

h) Mr. John Heppell MP

i) Mr. Steve McCube MP

j) Mr. Peter Luff MP, Chair of the Conservative Friends of India

k) Mr. Paramjit Singh Gill MP

l) Mr. Dennis Turner MP

m) Mr. Keith Vaz MP

n) Mr. James Clappison MP

o) Mr. Rudy Vis MP

p) Mr. Ken Purchase MP

q) Mr. Hywel Williams

r) Mr. K. Mountford MP

 

7. Ministers in Attendance:

 

a) Mr. Tony McNulty, Minister for Transport

b) Mr. Barry Gardiner MP, Minister for Northern Ireland

c) Mr. Gareth Thomas, Minister for Development for International

Development

d) Ms. Fiona Mactaggart MP, the Parliamentary under Secretary in the

Home Office with responsibility for race equality, community policy

and civic renew

e) Patricia Hewitt MP, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry

and Minister for Women and Equality

 

8. Peers in Attendance:

 

a) Lord Navnit Dholakia

b) Lord Swraj Paul

c) Lord Naren Patel

 

9. Others in dignitaries in Attendance:

 

a) Mr. Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London

b) Mr. Kamlesh Sharma, Indian High Commissioner

c) Mr. Rajat Bagchi, Minister for Co-ordination, Indian High Commission

 

10. Details of the three cultural items performed are as follows:

 

a) Sital recital by Pandit Madhukar Mishra

b) Bharat Natyan Dance by Gauri and Gopi Hopkins

c) Krishna Dance by Suchi Rani Devi Dasi and Jamuna Priay Devi Dasi

(Text PAMHO:8713096) ------

 

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