Compiled by London swaminathan
Date: 10 November 2015
Post No:2318
Time uploaded in London :– 18-49
( Thanks for the Pictures )
DON’T REBLOG IT AT LEAST FOR A WEEK! DON’T USE THE PICTURES; THEY ARE COPYRIGHTED BY SOMEONE.
BRITISH PRIME MINISTER DAVID CAMERON EXCITED ABOUT MODI’S FRIDAY VISIT:
In his 15 minute Deepavali speech at No10 Downing Street today (10th November 2015), Mr Cameron mentioned that he was excited about Modi’s Friday visit; He mentioned it three times. He is really excited. When he said it there was a big round of applause from the invitees. In an exciting and emphatic tone, he said that there is going to be 60,000 people at Wembley on Friday, which drew another round of applause. By British standards 60,000 for a politician in a foreign country is a very big number. British politicians draw only a few thousands even at their annual party conferences.
I was one of the 100 plus invitees to Diwali Party at Prime Minister’s house today. He gave an excellent speech in 15 minutes. Three times he mentioned that he was excited about Mr Modi’s visit this Friday.
As soon as I shook hands with him and said I am from Hindu Forum of Britain, the umbrella body of Hindu organisations in Britain, he called the photographer and posed with us for a picture. Official photographer will release the picture in three days (the invitation I got says it is only or personal use!)
“You Hindus have contributed a lot; you have brought good values; Service is your contribution. You serve your family, you serve your community; you do service to the country. Cameron mentioned Ramayana twice in his speech, but with wrong accent:- Ramayaanaa!
Madhu Sastry , President of the Hindu temple organisation, recited Sanskrit mantras and welcomed David Cameron. Preeti Patel, Minister in the British Government, led Mr Cameron through the crowd, introducing all the prominent Gujaratis.
Cameron continued: “India is the largest democracy in the world. We are the most successful multi faith, multi ethnic, and multi religious democracy. Both of us are affected by Islamic State (ISIS) terrorism. India is a large investor in Britain. Britain has invested large amount in India. It is not just commercial relations. Together we can fight terrorism, together we can fight climatic change, and together we can fight poverty. Today the good news is that Burma has become a democracy. This is my sixth Deepavali with you Hindus. I am really excited this time because of Mr Modi’s visit this Friday.
We have to go into the origins of Diwali, meaning of Diwali; I know it stands for victory of good over evil; victory of light over darkness. Sorry I changed the time of Diwali this year to lunch time; this is to prevent my children
eating the Diwali sweets. (Immediately there was a big laughter).
(Today being a working day in Britain all the children are at school during day time)
“Thanks to all the Hindus, Sikhs and Jains attending the Diwali event here today. I know about the food served in the Sikh Gurudwaras 24 hours a day to every one whatever be the circumstances. It is a great service. I know the peace loving Jains. They celebrate Gandhi’ s birth day as a day of peace. You have contributed your values to this country.
Cameron added: I know how you celebrate Diwali. Leicester has the best Diwali celebrations. They had garlands spreading over half a mile; Birmingham had over fifty events for Diwali. In London many events have taken place. Thanks to the Swaminarayan temple for a beautiful decoration (They arranged Annakut with lot of sweets and Radha Krishna and Swaminarayan statues inside David Cameron’s house.
Racism, Discrimination in Britain
Cameron was honest about the racism and discrimination in Britain. We have Preeti (Patel) in our government representing you. But I wouldn’t say that all walks of life have such representation. I know that there is racism, there is discrimination. Slowly it will change.
Over 100 prominent citizens from the Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities were invited for the event. I attended it as an executive committee member of the Hindu Forum of Britain and Chairman of the Chaplaincy Board in Hindu Forum.
(Picture of David Cameron.This is a file photo)
They served us only finger foods such as onion Bhaji, mini samosas, cakes, Indian sweets, Mutter paneer, Mango Lassi, and plenty of juice. But the girls were bringing the food again and again so that you can take as much you want. We were all standing and chatting till Cameron entered the room. Then nearly one hour was spent with the Prime Minister.
(Since we were not allowed to take any sort of equipment inside No 10 Downing Street, London, for security reasons, I have given you just a gist of the speech that I remembered.)







































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