Swindon Hindu Temple and Cultural centre opened its doors to representatives from the armed forces as well as other dignitaries in their celebration of Raksha Bandhan - the bond of protection.
The event, at the temple in Cheney Manor on Thursday, is one of the major festivals in the Hindu religious calendar. It offers a unique opportunity for the Armed Forces to engage meaningfully with the British Hindu community in a spirit of common values, shared heritage and mutual support.
Pradeep Bhardwaj, temple chairman said: “We have invited many uniformed officers from Army, Navy and RAF from across the country on this occasion and the members of Hindu community are going to tie the Rakhis to them as the symbol of assuring our support and solidarity with them.”
He added that several local dignitaries including the Mayor Maureen Penny, Leader of Council councillor David Renard, Police Commissioner Angus McPherson, Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Fire Services.
“British Hindus have a long history and proud tradition of contribution to UK Defence going back as far as the First World War and continuing to this day. With many Hindus currently serving as regular British Armed Forces personnel as well as so many Gurkhas and more as reservists and MOD Civil Servants, this is an opportunity to celebrate those links reaffirming British Hindu commitment to supporting and developing meaningful relations between the Armed Forces and the British Hindu community.”
Your Comments
Be the first to comment on this article
Login or Register to post a comment on this article