UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak participated in the recitation of the Indian epic 'Ramayan,' led by spiritual leader Morari Bapu at an event held at Cambridge University on
Tuesday. Sunak, emphasizing that he attended the event not solely in his capacity as prime minister but as a Hindu, praised Lord Rama as an enduring symbol of courage, humility, and selfless leadership.
"I'm here today not as a Prime Minister but as a Hindu. For me, faith is very personal and guides me in every aspect of my life," the UK prime minister stated. He added, "For me, Lord Rama will always be an inspirational figure, to face life's challenges with courage, to govern with humility, and to work selflessly."
Beginning his address with the chant "Jai Siya Ram," PM Sunak expressed his honor to be present at Morari Bapu's Ram Katha on Indian Independence Day.
Reflecting on his role as Prime Minister and the challenges it entails, Sunak remarked, "There are difficult decisions to make. Hard choices to confront. And our faith gives me courage, strength, and resilience to do the best I can for our country." He continued, "Bapu, with your blessings, I aspire to lead in equivalence with how our scriptures have taught leaders to lead."
Seeking blessings from Morari Bapu, Sunak stated, "Bapu, with your blessings, I aspire to lead in equivalence with how our scriptures have taught leaders to lead."
Drawing parallels between Morari Bapu's events, Sunak mentioned the presence of a golden statue of Lord Hanuman in the background and revealed that he has a golden statue of Lord Ganesh on his desk at 10 Downing Street.
He highlighted that the golden statue of Lord Ganesh serves as a constant reminder for him to listen, reflect, and act thoughtfully. "It (Lord Ganesh's golden statue) is a constant reminder to me of the importance of listening and reflecting on issues before acting. I am proud to be British. Proud to be Hindu," Rishi Sunak affirmed.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Sunak shared cherished memories of attending local religious ceremonies with his family. The UK PM also disclosed that he not only follows the Ramayana but also engages with other spiritual texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Hanuman Chalisa. He left the event with a profound sense of connection to these texts.
Concluding his address, Sunak expressed gratitude to his parents and grandparents for their contributions, recognizing that his generation's accomplishments are built upon their efforts. Photo by דאנקן לורנס, Wikimedia commons.