Veteran Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman, conferred a Padma Shri by the Indian government for his work within the UK-India corridor, is celebrating the visit of Rishi Sunak to an iconic temple in his constituency of Harrow East in north London. Last weekend, the British Indian leader became the first UK Prime Minister to visit the Shri Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple (SKSS) in Kenton.
Here, Blackman – who is seeking re-election in the July 4 General Election – writes about the symbolism of the visit and his deep connect with the Indian community, including as chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for British Hindus.
It was an absolute pleasure to welcome the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, to the SKSS Temple in Kenton, north London, over the weekend. He was greeted by a mass of enthusiastic and fervent members of the Hindu diaspora, joining them for Aarti and a greeting afterwards.
The Prime Minister recognised the similarities between the Hindu beliefs and that of the Conservative party, focusing strongly on the themes of enterprise, education, hard work and the importance of the family. You only have to look at his own premiership to serve as a huge reminder that regardless of your background, race or upbringing, in this wonderful country you truly can achieve whatever you want.
I am so lucky to have represented the people of Harrow over the last 14 years and I sincerely hope to carry this on after the pending election. The Indian community is the significant back bone to Harrow, making up over 37 per cent of the population. During my time over the last 14 years as the MP, I have been overwhelmed by the warmth and generosity of people, welcoming me with open arms into their homes, lives and being reciprocated over in India, recently being awarded the prestigious Padma Shri.
In return for the Indian community’s kindness, I have strived to represent and champion their ideology across Parliament, ensuring that their views are heard and listened to.
*Info: Bob Blackman
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