Hindu and Indian Matters in Britain

Tolerance over Interference

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.

The Pioneer Lawyer

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.

Diwali like no other

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.

Faith Leaders write to PM over lockdown

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.”

Coronavirus - Are we winning?

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.

Vegetarian & Vegan Kitchen - Healing Our Earth

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

www.healingourearth.com

Coronavirus latest

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.

The global online summit to combat COVID-19

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 Coronavirus Jigsaw Puzzle

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.

Alpesh Chauhan, New Music Director of Birmingham Opera Company

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.

Coronavirus Latest - India joins the Global Vaccine Mission

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.

Coronavirus - Humanity ahead of politics and profiteering

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 legacy of an Asian media pioneer

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.

Commonwealth Games

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.

Arvind Krishna CEO of IBM

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.

UK India Technology Innovation Fund

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.

British Museum snaps up Indian masterpiece

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.

Never to be Forgotten

India has adopted the marigold as a symbol to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in WW1.

Diwali - a new dawn

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.

Let us not forget Gandhi's legacy

Two years have been marked to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th anniversary and there have been many celebrations all around the world.

A Parliamentary First

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.

Places of Worship under attack

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.

Kumar Iyer appointed Chief Economist at FCO

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.

New Government measures to update crematoria facilities

The Hindu community has welcomed the Government’s decision to help update crematoria facilities so that the needs of different faiths can be accommodated.

World's largest 'Bhagavad Gita'

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.”

Gandhi Peace Centre Inauguration

More than 300 guests attended West Midland's Shri Venkateswara Balaji Temple for the opening of the Gandhi Peace Centre.

Diwali in the European Parliament

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.

Diwali on the Square

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.

UN Environmental Accolade

For years India has had to be stuck with the labels of unhygienic, dirty and not taking environmental issues seriously. Are such views justified?

Looking to the Future

In its 72nd year of Independence, India is a country with thousands of years of heritage. So how is this diverse nation progressing?

Government backs off from caste

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.

UK India Week 2018

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.

Pukaar Community Concert

A prominent women’s organisation ‘Pukar Group’ in Leicester managed to raise over a thousand pounds by organising a community concert.

The Commonwealth in Highlights

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.

Commonwealth

Heads of Government Meeting, London 2018

Hanuman Jayanti

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.

Insight into Akshardham Temple

Around 10,000 labourers and craftsmen helped build one of the greatest places of worship in the world?

First Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is endowed to construct the first Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi.

100th Indian Satellite Launch

The Indian space programme ISRO has reached another landmark by launching its 100th Indian satellite.

The Marigold

India has adopted the marigold as a symbol to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in WW1.

Vaccine Media Hypocrisy

I have been trying to follow the news on the pandemic closely. I have also been speaking to a lot of people on the subject and trying to learn more. But my interests are more linked to whether people follow the big picture and what they know about the vaccines and their supplies.

India’s Vaccine Dilemma: Serving the nation vs Diplomacy

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.

Hindu Ambition, Politics and Human Rights

There is so much hypocrisy in the issue of human rights across South Asia and the costs to human life is enormous. Let us hope that a new era in changes in the political landscape in Asia, Europe post-Brexit and the USA with a new president. Will 2021 offer a new vision?

Faith and the Environment

Faith groups have the capacity to do much more when it comes to nature and climate change.

Hinduism itself has much to offer and in practice, there are some amazing projects around the world where green values are in the forefront. But how much of this is accessible in the public domain and how are faith groups pushing the importance of the environment?

Light in times of Darkness

Hindus of West Midlands shows how much they can achieve together.

For the West Midlands, Diwali 2020 will have a special significance – it was truly light and hope in unity. The Hindus of West Midlands have wonderfully illustrated what can be achieved when the community is united. They just did not talk about it but acted during the time of the great festivities.

Living in the midst of COVID-19

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.

Never to be Forgotten - or are the?

It was in amazement to hear that Google Doodle celebrated the 80th birthday of an Indian swimmer. It is a story that most people would not have heard about and certainly, most Indians would be very proud of – if they knew! So, thank you Google.

Celebrating the Silver Jubilee of Neasden Temple

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.

The last of the Hindus and Sikhs of Afghanistan

The last numbers of Hindus and Sikhs are to leave Afghanistan as soon as the Indian Government makes the necessary arrangements. This action comes amidst the continuous spate of attacks on religious minorities by Islamist fundamentalists.

Is the China the new colonialist?

The world politely calls China a World Superpower. Critics would argue that its quest for world dominance has put the country on the path of the new colonialist. Its whirlwind of treacherous acts is a cause of much pain to global stability and the threat of earning a title befitting an international pariah if it weren't for its size and wealth.

Will Britain learn?

It has taken yet another negative event in society for the masses to take heed and protest against the wrongs of the past to correct the present. The death of George Floyd has sparked fury internationally, but will it really help to offer any significant change? And is it primarily a Black Lives Matter scenario or do All Lives Matter?

Spiritual Leader of Brahma Kumaris passes away at 104

She was a giant of a figure – a spiritual head who ran the world’s largest spiritual organisation, the Brahmakumaris Sansthan. Rajyogini Dadi Janki passed away at the age of 104.

Crafting a career of dreams

Sometimes all the success in the world does not bring contentment. As Sona Madan profiles, there is a stage in your life, one has to jump down the career ladder to step up for that special dream.

Indian origin MPs take top jobs in Government

It was not long ago when we were complaining about the lack of Indian origin in the political arena. The success in business, medicine and engineering were the stereotypical paths to success. Yet the latest Cabinet reshuffle in Boris Johnson’s Government has added a twist to the stereotype.

Hindu Muslim Come Dine Together

The City of Leicester always tries hard to bring about the community spirit. More public institutions should come and see some of the ideas in action. The latest one from the St Philips Centre is to bring about stronger bonds between Hindus and Muslims by introducing a Channel 4 type programme 'Come Dine with Me' dinner date.

The Diabetic Tsunami

South Asians are tainted with the blight of diabetes. It is a shame which the community needs to do more and help reverse this dangerous trend. This drift is no longer just in the United Kingdom, but it is reaching wherever the community diaspora locates.

The legacy of Ram Dass

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 will realise how much he helped progressed the Hindu cause in the west, and especially the USA.

Most Diverse UK Parliament - Or is it?

It was one of the bruising general elections and that with the Brexit mixture, made it a toxic concoction. The Labour Party in particular, antagonised the British Indian community with its stand on Kashmir.

Is the Labour Party flirting with extremism?

Political Correctness itself has gone on the end of the scale where speaking out against right-wing white supremacy is OK. Still, anything else against extreme left-wing liberals is perceived as an affront to human liberties. Let’s face it, extremism of any kind is wicked for the human psyche.

Is Corbyn playing 'divisive politics' with British Indians

Jeremy Corbyn has always courted controversy. He's cloaked himself under the veil of justice, human rights and fighting for the underdog. But has he pushed a step too far with the British Indian community, who this year feel betrayed by a political party which like most immigrant communities, saw themselves as naturally aligned to the Labour Party?

General Elections 2019: The Brexit Gamble

Is it going to be a Brexit election where people will be voting in order to impact a specific outcome? The next election is like a roulette table with political chips waged to decide the future of the nation.

Are British Indians finally becoming political savvy?

Indians in the UK have enjoyed tremendous success. They are perceived as very hard working, open-minded and can easily integrate with the host society. The Indian diaspora succeeds wherever it is based. But there is an exception – the success comes with a hidden blemish. That is when it comes to political engagement, the picture is not as rosy.

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.

Kashmir and its impact on the UK

The Kashmir plight continues to hit the headlines. It is a story since independence of India and Pakistan, which will not go away.

The Legal Genius

Ram Jethmalani was not that tall, but standing next to him, you knew you were with a man of immense stature with a brilliant mind.

Reaching beyond the skies

In times of turmoil with the political situation in Kashmir and monsoon rains in the rest of India, let us not forget that there are some historical milestones being reached that is inspiring a new generation of people across the world.

Women of influence, power and beyond

It is astounding times for Indian women globally as they are breaking through the glass ceiling and make it to the top jobs in politics, finance, science and many other spheres. In some cases, it would be apt to say that the sky is no longer the limit.

How temple facade tells the story of Hindus

Ranging from adapted historic buildings to ornate cultural centres, London’s Hindu temples tell of waves of immigration to Britain and increasing visibility, writes Erica X Eisen.

Guiding Hands of Navaratri

Indian Festivals are becoming recognised across the world as part of Hindu identity, getting into the psyche of other cultures in host countries where the Indian diaspora exists.

A new landmark for Oldham

When churches and other places of worship are closing down all over the country, it is astonishing that the magnificent architecture and spiritual significance of Hindu temples are making a special contribution to British civil life.

Modi's India - Where now?

It has been a landslide victory for Narendra Modi. His supporters and the majority of India who voted for him are ecstatic.

One Voice Celebration Concert

Around 2000 children gathered at Manchester Bridgewater Hall to celebrate peace and send out the message of love and hope.

The Confused Vegetarian

Getting people to understand vegetarianism has become harder than it needs to be. Even those who understand it, get stuck in the quagmire of ill definitions and the difficulties of policing it behind the scenes.

First Hindu Shrine in British Crematorium

Life is tough, but it is no different in death as faith and reality are at a constant edge. Cremation on open pyres or performing religious rituals and praying to deities for our loved ones may be the norm in India, but it sure is from a far cry in Britain where religious practices of one faith do not necessarily fit with the established system.

Legacy of Natubhai

The great Indian poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore said that “When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way that when you die the world cries and you rejoice.” Such was the life of the late Shri Natubhai. Hundreds of people from different faith communities gathered to express their solidarity to the family

Faces of Kumbh Mela

It is the largest gathering of humanity with a cast of 120 million people. The Kumbh Mela is an awesome sight for the spiritual enthusiasts where between 15th January to 4th March, people will come to the northern Indian city of Allahabad to cleanse their souls.

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