The birthday of Bhagwan Rama, known as Rama Navami, is very important for Hindus all around the world. Bhagwan Rama is regarded the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, one of Hinduism's most important deities, and he is adored as the personification of justice, virtue, and an ideal ruler.
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Here is a suggested Action Plan for Hindu Organizations in the UK to Create Effective Community Organizations for improving Hindu funeral services and ensuring that the needs of all Hindus are met promptly and respectfully
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In the Joy of others lies our own
A short glimpse of the life and achievements of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj
There are hundreds of coaching books that teach you various ways of dealing with life situations. Never ever has there been a book written about the life of a Hindu Sadhu containing lessons from his life.
This is a unique educational tool as the readers gets a glimpse of the life of a Sadhu and even more unique is that we will share some incredible basic life lessons from someone that actually practises them.
To start off, how many teachers do you know that work for nothing other than to help humanity, have only one purpose in life which is to introduce all individuals from all walks of life to the God within him.
This book is all about humility, purpose of life, love and respect, patience and working to benefit everyone - all unheard of life lessons. You will not learn to make more money, or how to have more of everything, you will simply learn about how to become happy by actually not wanting anything!
HH was born in an average family home in a village in India (photo) and when he died at the age of 96 he had established temples, schools and hospitals in almost all the continents of the world. The Sanstha(2) has a following of over 10 million devotees worldwide, each one an ambassador of his virtues. He has received accolades from various Parliaments etc. and, most importantly, built a workforce of over 100,000 volunteers who had been inspired to give time (seva) as part of life.
Yet he personally had two pairs of Dhotis, no bank account, and practised 5 vows of detachment - his attachment was only to God and his purpose was to introduce everyone to God, help all to live a life free of addiction, commit to spreading harmony and truly understand that the purpose of life is to be responsible for all that is around us and be a good sevak(3), never expect to receive credit and only to participate in making the world a happier place without waiting for the result. One piece of advice he gave was not to engage in breaking someone else's stick or trying to make your stick bigger, not to bully nor to bring someone else down, only to show that you have a higher purpose of reconciliation, forgiveness, harmony and love.
The life lessons we will explore are from his childhood right up to his death.
I hope you will enjoy reading about this wonderful soul who I was privileged enough to know and serve. Many individuals from all walks of life, even those who met him for as little as 5 minutes, have commented "if God was to exist on earth, it would be in him because he and his action can only be described as divine".
It would be appropriate to end this short introduction by summarising his life’s message:
In the joy of others, lies our own
In the happiness of others rests our own,
In the progress of others rests our own.
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His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016) was the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the inspirer of millions. He dedicated his life to selflessly serving others for the greater good of humanity, travelling across the world as an ambassador of love, peace, harmony, righteousness and faith. Pramukh Swami Maharaj was loved and respected as one of the great spiritual leaders of our time, who taught and embodied the timeless, universal wisdom: “In the joy of others lies our own.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Festival NAGAR INTRODUCTION
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India has recorded the second-highest numbers of COVID-19 infections behind the USA. It is a sad state of affairs, but with a country of over 1.3 billion inhabitants, it is not surprising. What is perhaps more surprising, to at least the rest of the world, is that the country has the capability and the capacity to manufacture the vaccines and show the rest of the world why it is called the pharma capital of the world.
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SEVA Trust UK & other UK charities & Indian organisations helping students & communities in need during Covid19 hard times for all. This BBC Gujarati News World Service report covers these efforts in different cities in the UK.
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“One of the key principles in Hinduism is Seva. This idea of serving and volunteering and helping one’s community. Throughout the crisis, we have witnessed some incredible acts of Seva.”
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The pandemic has changed the boundaries of what we can do, and what we cannot. Diwali no longer means that thousands of people out on the streets of Leicester or on Trafalgar Square.
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The Coronavirus is taken its toll and as the second lockdown takes effect, there are lots of questions as to on what basis decisions are taken. The faith communities are particularly upset. A group of faith leaders have jointly written to the Prime Minister saying: “We strongly disagree with the decision to suspend public worship during this time.”
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As the world continues to combat the evil of COVID-19, there are some now who conclude that we as humanity will have to live with COVID the way we have been living with cancer.
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Neetu Bhardwaj has been honoured for her tireless work to bring the town's Hindu and Indian communities together for more than six years.
Plus, she has supplied free hot meals to homeless people at Christmas for the last three years, worked with elderly people in hospices and care homes.
She organised fundraising events for the Rotary International Jaipur Limb project and Nepal Earthquake Relief, amongst others.
Ms Bhardwaj has worked to improve the mental and physical well-being of people by organising and coordinating free yoga and meditation sessions, CPR training, a breast cancer awareness workshop, talks on dementia and mental health, and helping with a running club for women.
She has been instrumental in organising several charitable activities in Swindon, like distributing food and clothes, organising health and wellbeing activities, social groups and arts sessions.
Neetu was one of the temple's core team members who started a community library that is run solely by community volunteers.
image > https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/18668979.pride-swindon-hindu-temple-trustee-honoured/
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The world psyche revolves around the coronavirus as stories of death, economic destruction, and glimpses of inspirational individuals continue to cover the news headlines.
As the numbers of covers have begun to rise again, the data for the South Asian community does not look rosy. South Asians are five times more likely to get coronavirus than white people. Numerous reports have shown that BAME communities have a much higher chance of dying from coronavirus than white people.
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People say that Hinduism is more than a religion, it is a way of life. This certainly is true of one of its greatest symbols in the UK. That is the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in the London borough of Brent which has been the centre of faith, seva, education, culture and community harmony for a generation.
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The amount of information available on coronavirus is astonishing, but with it comes confusion, mixed messages and a whole lot of fake or inaccurate news. So here we are here again hoping to simplify the key information impacting the ethnic communities currently on the news agenda.
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BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha has produced a new video paying tribute to the thousands of key workers serving in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The video, based on a poem, features over a hundred doctors, nurses, pharmacists and more, who have joined thousands of BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) key workers currently serving on the frontline.
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Reddy and Ashok Kotecha of BAPS Swaminarayan Trust requested Harjeet Singh, Consul (Labour) of Indian Consulate in Dubai, to help the poor worker.
Image > IANS
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Life in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic is severe, stressful and in many cases fatal with the UK death rate rising above forty-four thousand. It is during this time; you see and hear about the brave and enduring individuals who find ways to beat the odds against the virus.
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Various Hindu temples in the UK, including the Neasden Temple, are illuminated in blue every Thursday as a mark of respect and gratitude for the tireless and selfless NHS workers.
Swamis at the Mandir, as well as devotees in their respective homes, are joining in the weekly ‘Clap for Carers’ initiative to thank the NHS and all key workers.
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The Palan Foundation supports educational programmes in India in its aims to improve literacy and subsequent opportunities for young people. It particularly aims to help combat poverty through education as well as improving the plight of girls in an effort to bring equality for women. The Foundation works closely with BAPs Swaminarayan Sanstha in the western state of Gujarat, India.
One of the school’s Kumar Chatralaya is situated in the village of Ukai which provides accommodation for 136 students teaching academic subjects as well as spiritual and life skills values.
Another school, Swaminarayan Vidyamandir which offers opportunities for girls is situated in Randesan, near Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Swaminarayan Vidyamandir believes knowledge leads to enlightenment and is committed to providing a warm, secure and supportive environment for the girls. The green campus is spread over 18 acres and is home to 800 students from 5th – 12th grades.
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The United Nations General Assembly declared ’21 June’ as the International Day of Yoga. Yoga, a 6,000+-year-old physical, mental and spiritual practice having
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According to Mahatma Gandhi “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Some institutes are applying this saying into the real world where everyone is not equal.
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The gentle giant and one of the great pioneers of Asian media in the UK, Ramniklal Solanki has sadly passed away after an illness, aged 88. He lives behind a legacy of inspirational stories about his own life as well as the thousands of other lives he helped to highlight on the pages of his media empire.
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There are thousands of people working tirelessly in the service of others voluntarily. One such individual is Vinod Mathurdas Kotecha who provided volunteer bereavement services to families who are in need of support during one of the hardest times of their livers.
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For many British Hindus, they would have no recollection of Ram Dass – a white man with a very traditional Indian name. Only those who are curious and learn about this amazing individual's life will realise how much he has helped progress the Hindu cause in the west, and especially the USA.
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It’s a sight of a new dawn. Indian culture is extending across the globe. Where Indian culture has been tolerated for the sake of diversity and community relations is now embraced by the mainstream.
Read more.jpg "Temples under attack")
With the Navaratri festival well on the way, Hindu communities are further preparing for the Diwali celebrations. Light over darkness as the saying goes.
Read more Paresh Solanki -5.jpg "Guiding Hands of Navaratri")
Indian Festivals are becoming recognised across the world as part of the Hindu identity, embedding into the psyche of other cultures in host countries where the Indian diaspora exists. With communities making preparations for the next mega-festival – Navaratri, organisers are now working hard to accommodate the elderly and the disabled.
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Around 2000 children gathered at Manchester Bridgewater Hall to celebrate peace and send out the message of love and hope.
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The Household division Charities rely on the generosity of donors to provide welfare enhancements to the wounded, veterans and bereaved which fall outside the public budget.
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On the day of Mahatma Gandhi’s anniversary, PM Modi inaugurated the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in New Delhi to mark the valuable work of the Indian Diaspora.
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The most celebrated Diwali festival in Europe is back! Diwali on Trafalgar Square (DOTS 2024), hosted by the MAYOR OF LONDON in partnership with the Diwali in London Committee (DiL), will take place on Sunday, 27th October 2024 at Trafalgar Square.
Once again, this annual celebration of the Festival of Lights will bring communities together for a day filled with joy, culture, and festivity, marking the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Diwali is one of the most significant events in the Indian cultural calendar, and this year’s festival promises to be a spectacular showcase of the rich traditions, vibrant colours, and unity that Diwali embodies.
Open to all and free of charge,
DOTS 2024 invites Londoners and visitors alike to experience the cultural grandeur of this joyous occasion.
Event Highlights – Live Performances:
A day-long programme of performances featuring traditional and contemporary music and dance. Attendees can enjoy the finest classical Indian dance forms and energetic Bollywood performances from talented artistes across the UK.
– Food Stalls: A diverse selection of vegetarian food stalls offering authentic Indian cuisine, from popular street food to traditional sweet treats, allowing guests to savour the flavours of Diwali.
– Family Activities: A range of interactive activities for all ages, including henna art, exciting games, and storytelling sessions focused on the significance of Diwali.
Additionally, a series of unique Marquees will enhance the event’s immersive experience:
– Bhajan Zone: Join a collective of voices singing devotional bhajans, uplifting the spirit of togetherness and harmony.
– Glimpses of Goddesses: A sacred space featuring live representations of Hindu Goddesses, offering a meditative experience of divine grace and power.
– Puppet Marquee: A captivating puppet show retelling the Ramayana, the ancient story behind the festival of Diwali.
– Sari and Turban Marquees: Experience the elegance of a sari or the regal feel of a turban, with expert drapers at hand to guide you.
– Yoga Marquee: Discover the health benefits of yoga through guided workshops suitable for all, whether you are new to yoga or a regular practitioner.
– Dance Marquee: Join in Bollywood dance workshops and experience the joy of movement through a variety of dance styles.
– Children’s Marquee: A dedicated space offering activities and entertainment to keep children engaged throughout the day.
– Diwali Culture Zone: A series of interactive games and cultural experiences, offering a deeper understanding of Diwali and its message of harmony and giving from the heart.
Join Us in Celebration Diwali is a time to reflect on unity, peace, and the spirit of renewal.
Trafalgar Square will be transformed into a vibrant space, filled with light and positivity, embodying the community spirit and values of Diwali.
DOTS 2024 is a unique opportunity for London’s diverse population to come together, appreciate cultural richness, and celebrate the festival’s universal themes.
Event Details
– Date: Sunday, 27th October 2024
– Time: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM GMT
FREE event – Open to ALL
– Location: Trafalgar Square, London
Contact info: Email: media@diwaliinlondon.com Website: www.diwaliinlondon.com
The British Sanatan Dharmic Alliance organised an events called Freedom of Hindu Beliefs. It was a first of its kind event, bringing together prominent parliamentary figures, community leaders, Hindu rights activists, academics and members of the diverse Hindu community.
The farmers protest has taken a violent turn last week when thousands broke through the main protest and invaded one of India’s iconic sites – The Red Fort. And if that was not bad enough, they did it on India’s Republic Day celebrations.
One of the worst years in humanity’s history is coming to an end it is very sad to see that many key events and anniversaries have been marginalised. One such key date is the anniversary of women’s rights which has been rarely mentioned in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
The pandemic has changed the boundaries of what we can do, and what we cannot. Diwali no longer means that thousands of people out on the streets of Leicester or on Trafalgar Square.
The Coronavirus is taken its toll and as the second lockdown takes effect, there are lots of questions as to on what basis decisions are taken. The faith communities are particularly upset. A group of faith leaders have jointly written to the Prime Minister saying: “We strongly disagree with the decision to suspend public worship during this time.”
The world psyche revolves around the coronavirus as stories of death, economic destruction, and glimpses of inspirational individuals continue to cover the news headlines.
As the numbers of covers have begun to rise again, the data for the South Asian community does not look rosy. South Asians are five times more likely to get coronavirus than white people. Numerous reports have shown that BAME communities have a much higher chance of dying from coronavirus than white people.
It is another must-watch. Healing Our Earth group of volunteers are bringing another seven hours of in-depth insight into vegetarian and vegan cuisine. You can watch it at
https://m.facebook.com/healingourearth
and
The amount of information available on coronavirus is astonishing, but with it comes confusion, mixed messages and a whole lot of fake or inaccurate news. So here we are here again hoping to simplify the key information impacting the ethnic communities currently on the news agenda.
Life in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic is severe, stressful and in many cases fatal with the UK death rate rising above forty-four thousand. It is during this time; you see and hear about the brave and enduring individuals who find ways to beat the odds against the virus.
The reasons behind why ethnic minorities are suffering greater losses over COVID than the white population continues. It is also getting more confusing as there is so much speculation, yet less clarity as to what it all means and what extra steps should BAME communities take to fight the dreaded disease.
It is breath-taking to see a young role model making his mark into the mainstream of British arts and culture. The Birmingham Opera Company has appointed locally born Alpesh Chauhan as their new Music Director.
The crisis of Coronavirus continues worldwide. Even countries with low mortality rates are not safe, as they are either lacking increased testing or they are fearing a second wave of the spread which could further bring chaos within the health and economic systems.
What we took for granted only a few weeks ago, now is a completely different world where we cannot even touch our loved ones.
The gentle giant and one of the great pioneers of Asian media in the UK, Ramniklal Solanki has sadly passed away after an illness aged 88. He lives behind a legacy of inspirational stories about his own life as well as the thousands of other lives he helped to highlight on the pages of his media empire.
So, after India threatens to boycott the Commonwealth Games, the officials negotiate and buckle down to a deal where India will host the archery and shooting events and pay the bills.
Indian professionals continue to make their mark on the top echelons of the world's tech companies. The latest one is Arvind Krishna taking up his post in April 2020 as the new CEO of IBM.
Talented Indian techies have an opportunity get funded with a new British Government fund launched to support collaborative research under the UK-India Tech Partnership.
The British Museum has managed to raise around £440,000 to buy a painting by one of India’s greatest painters which was earmarked to be exported abroad. It has been bought with support from the Art Fund, National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Brooke Sewell Permanent Fund.
India has adopted the marigold as a symbol to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in WW1.
It’s a sight of a new dawn. Indian culture is extending across the globe. Where Indian culture has been tolerated for the sake of diversity and community relations is now embraced by the mainstream.
Two years have been marked to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th anniversary and there have been many celebrations all around the world.
Britain ethnic minority population is nearing 14%. There has been a steady rise in how ethnic minorities are represented in public life at around 8% in parliament.
The threat to places of worship has been mainly targeted toward mosques and synagogues. It would be an oddity that other places of worship would face any kind of hate from vandals and criminals. But in the last year or so, things have changed, and no places of worship are safe from being hit.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has appointed Kumar Iyer as their Chief Economist thereby making him their first BAME origin member of the Board of Management.
The Hindu community has welcomed the Government’s decision to help update crematoria facilities so that the needs of different faiths can be accommodated.
The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world's largest and heaviest Bhagavad Gita at the ISKCON temple in New Delhi. It is the world’s “largest principle sacred text ever to be printed.”
More than 300 guests attended West Midland's Shri Venkateswara Balaji Temple for the opening of the Gandhi Peace Centre.
Following on from Diwali in Trafalgar Square and Belgrave Road, Leicester, the wider Europe has begun taking notice of the importance of Hindu Festivals outside India.
In its 17th year, the Diwali festival on Trafalgar Square attracted thousands of people for an afternoon of spectacular celebration and commemorating the legacy of Indian soldiers during WW1.
For years India has had to be stuck with the labels of unhygienic, dirty and not taking environmental issues seriously. Are such views justified?
In its 72nd year of Independence, India is a country with thousands of years of heritage. So how is this diverse nation progressing?
After years of debacle, political scrutiny, community disharmony and blame from all sides, Theresa May’s government has finally decided to ditch the caste legislation.
In a special event dedicated to the UK India-Week, there is much hope that this special relationship will only get stronger as Brexit beckons and Britain needs a major trading partner. With India progressing as an economic hothouse, it is no wonder that the UK-India Week is gaining new gravitas.
A prominent women’s organisation ‘Pukar Group’ in Leicester managed to raise over a thousand pounds by organising a community concert.
In a democratic country, people have a right to protest. And there were plenty of protests during the recent visit of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London.
It is Easter time in the Christian calendar and people are breaking up for the Easter break. But this year, March 31st also represents a major festival in the Hindu calendar. It is dedicated to the birth one of the great superheroes of civilisation – Lord Hanuman.
Around 10,000 labourers and craftsmen helped build one of the greatest places of worship in the world?
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is endowed to construct the first Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi.
The Indian space programme ISRO has reached another landmark by launching its 100th Indian satellite.
India has adopted the marigold as a symbol to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in WW1.
