Culture

Glory of Guru Purnima - Pujya Brahmavihari Swami

Glory of Guru Purnima - An Inspiring Speech by Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Is 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.

Alpesh Chauhan appointed 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.

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?

Death and Afterlife, a Hindu Perspective

Beliefs and concepts about death and life by Dr Ramesh Pattni DPhil (Oxford) OBE.

Let's Tun Covid19 into KIND20

Yoga has arrived - It's official

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

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.

3 Indian origin MPs get 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 Come Dine with Me dinner date.

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's life will realise how much he has helped progress the Hindu cause in the west, and especially the USA.

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.

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.

Benefits of knowing your Mother Tongue

A common belief is that we move towards a society where the medium of teaching is English we move tend to move away from our mother tongue. The first language a baby learns right from his or her birth plays a crucial role for wide reasons. February 21 is celebrated as an international mother language day.

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?

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. 

Diwali-The Festivals of Lights

In Hinduism, light is significant as it reflects purity, goodness, good luck and power. A light of knowledge over ignorance, a victory of good over evil, illuminating light in our homes brings positivity and peace and expels malicious powers. Clay lamps with one cotton wick lightens the other lamps spreads the message one light is capable to illuminate other and devour darkness.

Dusshera’-A conquest of good over evil

Dusshera, a festival we celebrate to commemorate the biggest example of victory of good over evil. A word Dusshera is derived from Sanskrit word Dashahara – which means Dasha –ten and hara- annihilation or killing of ten heads. Dusshera is widely celebrated all over India with a great enthusiasm and zest. However, the customs and rituals are unique in different regions of the country

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 the independence of India and Pakistan, which will not go away. Both nations have entrenched their positions. It should be a conflict that India wants to resolve as an internal matter, but Pakistan is aggressively pushing for international support with little avail.

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.

How a Temple's 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 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.

One Voice Celebration Concert

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

Jammu and Kashmir Festival

The first ever Jammu Kashmir Festival will be celebrated in the UK from Friday, 21st October to 26th October 2016.

Modi's Diwali present

The Festival of Diwali is well on its way. In the UK it is becoming remarkably popular as the broader media outlets cover the event. This year there is added coverage as the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi lands on British soil

Prince Charles visit to Rome

Clarence House has announced that the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will be visiting Rome to meet Pope Francis at the end of March 2017.

Republic Day 2017

India celebrated its 68th Republic Day on 26th January 2017 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosting Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi

Tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj

People from all across the world are paying the respects to Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of Boachasanvasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha (BAPS) who passed away at the age of 95.

UK Hindus are the happiest

Fascinating figures have immerged in the latest round of data released by Office for National Statistics (ONS). The key finding has been that religious people are happier than people with no religion.

Yoga has arrived - It's official

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

Caste Campaign (1)

According to many faith based organisations, the threat of introducing caste legislation has become one of the most divisive issue within ethnic communities in Britain.

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.

Caste controversy

The issues around ‘caste’ have become controversial and complex. There is lack of clarity and understanding from people who do not understand the background. 

Caste debate continues

The government continues to consult and people are awaiting its plans about the incorporating caste legislation into UK law.

Caste Campaign

The caste legislation controversy has become one of the most divisive issue within ethnic communities in Britain.

First Hindu Shrine in a 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.

Kumbh Mela 2019

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 2019, people will come to the northern Indian city of Allahabad, which is has been renamed Prayagraj.

Britain losing the Indian student market

The number of Indian students coming to study in Britain has declined by 50% since 2010.

Living a legacy of positive community relations

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

Lord Popat on anti-semitism

Lord Popat made a passionate speech on anti-semitism at the House of Lords.

Zaiwalla and Zaiwalla

HMB Congratulates Saroh Zaiwalla and Zaiwalla & Co Solicitors for being one of the four nominated firms for the “Law Firm of the Year – Exceptional Achievement”

Hindus making impact

Politics (India & its impact to India profile worldwide) PM Modi has made tremendous impact internationally and recently the Indian public still

Inter Faith Week

Inter Faith Week, now in its eighth year has become a firm fixture in the national calendar and its growing significance reflects the diversity of our society and the great importance of

Francoise Gautier

Renowned French Indian scholar Francis Gautier is doing a speaking tour in the UK to raise awareness for a major Indian history museum project.

The Festival of Diwali is well on its way

The Festival of Diwali is well on its way. In the UK it is becoming remarkably popular as the broader media outlets cover the event.

Indian way forward

Our news media is full of the plight of Syrian migrants desperate to find a place to call home without bullets and bombs.

Neel Mukherjee

Highly talented British based Indian writer Neel Mukherjee has won this year’s prestigious Encore Award for his second novel ‘The Lives of Others’.

Jaanta Raj extravaganza

India is bringing a spectacular cultural extravaganza ‘Jaanta Raja’ on the London stage.

JK Arts in profile

In the heart of the City of Leicester, a venue that encapsulates the humdrum of the local community, the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre will be putting on a concert with three local singers from three different generations.

Hindu HMB report

It would not be a surprise to anyone that there has been some form of Hindu presence in the United Kingdom since the 19th Century partly coinciding with the presence of the British in India.

British Indians on the rise

The profile of the Indian community is on an upward trend. We are hearing more and more about the astonishing economic rise of the Indian economy. Outside India we are hearing the success of Indian talent in places like the USA with President Obama picking Indian born Vivek H.

BBC Languages

After funding cuts in recent years, the BBC has recently done a U-turn in introducing new language services on its schedules.

Gujarati GCSE to be axed

There are proposals to axe qualifications for various foreign (mother tongue) languages – including Gujarati - from 2016 -17.