The Scottish Hindu Foundation (SHF), incorporated as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company earlier this year, celebrated with its first Diwali celebration at Queen Elizabeth House in Scotland recently.
The event, a testament to the richness of Hindu culture in the UK, brought together a diverse community to celebrate the Festival of Lights. SHF, the official representative body of Hindus in Scotland to the Scottish government, said the celebration served as a cultural beacon, highlighting the Hindu tradition where every day is a festival and life itself is a celebration. In a world grappling with conflicts, the message of Diwali resonates as a symbol of hope and peace.
Jonathan Darby, Head of Strategic Engagement at the Scotland Office, set the stage with his opening remarks to kickstart the event. Heads of Hindu temples of Scotland – from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, and Aberdeen – joined in lighting the diyas and priests from Edinburgh Hindu Mandir Pandit Hinal Bhogyata, Dr Sreevas Sahasranamam from Hindu temple Scotland Rutherglen, and Acharya Medini Prasad Mishra from Hindu Mandir Glasgow recited Vedic prayers for Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi to mark the auspicious occasion with grace and spiritual wealth for all.
Amongst others, Sandesh Gulhane – the only Hindu Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) and MSP Alex-Cole Hamilton – leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats – graced the celebration, sharing insights and wisdom that added tremendous value to the event. Hamilton opened his address with “Jai Shree Ram” and shared the inspiring story of India’s Moon mission of landing on the Dark Side.
Dr Gulhane shared an emotional story of him and his mother and what it meant to them when they saw PM Rishi Sunak lighting diyas in Downing Street. He also emphasised his pride in his Hindu identity and how Hinduism teaches universal acceptance.
Dr Richa Sinha, elected chair for SHF, provided the opening remarks, taking the audience through the remarkable journey of the Hindu community over the past century. She also announced the flagship project of SHF, "Dharmocracy Works", aimed at inspiring Hindus to contribute to the political spectrum for societal betterment. Other initiatives include the "SHF Youth Group" and the "Hindu Parent Council," guiding young individuals in making better life decisions and providing parents with a guidebook for participating in key decisions regarding their children's education.
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The SHF presented Narayan Sood with the esteemed 'Guiding Star Jeevan Sewa Award' in recognition of his six decades of remarkable contributions and steadfast dedication to serving the Hindu Community of Scotland, including his leadership as the President of Edinburgh Hindu Mandir and Cultural Centre, tenure as the General Secretary of the Association of Indian Organisations and his role as the General Secretary of the Scot Asian Action Committee for Welfare and Campaign.
Rajasiri Iyengar received the 'Rising Star Yuva Award' for her commitment and budding leadership. Notably, she played a pivotal role in establishing the Hindu Society at the University of Dundee, creating a support network for Hindu students transitioning to Scotland.
The evening, on November 17, also featured an incredible dance performance by Spoorthi Kannepadi, showcasing the eight divine forms of Goddess Lakshmi. The closing remarks were delivered by Puneet Dwivedi and reflected that the SHF looks forward to many more such events, fostering unity, diversity, and cultural exchange within the community.
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As a non-profit organisation, SHF aims to promote and preserve Hindu culture and heritage in Scotland. It is designed to serve as a platform for Hindus to actively engage with the Scottish government and other stakeholders on crucial matters, such as the Hate Crime Bill, with potential impacts reaching every individual across various sectors of society.
*Info: Scottish Hindu Foundation
