Hindus of Scotland came together to celebrate Raksha Bandhan, a festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters (writes PUNEET DWIVEDI). This is one of the ways Hindus honour and show gratitude to British Armed forces, Police Scotland, NHS Staff and other emergency workers.
Hindu Forum Britain’s Edinburgh based Vice President for Scotland, Mr Puneet Dwivedi has been collaborating with local Hindu temples and organising Raksha Bandhan at different locations in Scotland.
This year celebration took place in 3 different cities with opening ceremony at Dundee Hindu Temple on Sun 8th of Aug, followed by The Hindu temple of Scotland Rutherglen in Glasgow and finally at capital’s only Hindu temple, Edinburgh Hindu Temple in Leith.
The word ‘Raksha’ means protection and ‘Bandhan’ means to tie.
Normally sisters tie a ‘rakhi’ on the wrist of their brothers as a bond of protection. During Raksha Bandhan, Hindus use decorative bracelets ‘Rakhi; to symbolise bonds of mutual protection.
However, the festival is not limited to just brother and sister, it includes others who vow for protection (such as the Armed Forces, Police, Fire & Rescue Services or Ambulance and Medical Services) who provide protection on a routine basis.
The festival is particularly important for Hindus serving in the UK military, because it celebrates their duty to protect society.
Hindus have time and again contributed to the defence of the UK. During the First World War, 1,750,000 Hindus deployed overseas. In the Second World War, over 1.25 million Hindus played a pivotal role in the allied victory.
Raksha bandhan festivals have helped to forge a closer relationship of the Hindu Community with other public services encouraging Hindu youngsters to enter a career in the Parliament, council, Police or Military either on a full-time or part-time basis.
Mr Puneet Dwivedi, who is a full Time IT Consultant and organised the event as a volunteer, explained his opening speech that Hindus contribute immensely to British and Scottish society in economic development, science and academia but Hindus fail to make their presence felt in other public service fields like the armed forces, Police and politics.
Until the last election there were no MPs or MSPs from Hindu community, until Dr Sandesh Gulhane – who was present at the ceremony – became the first Hindu MSP in the Scottish Parliament.
He wants to encourage Scottish Hindus to take up more jobs as MP, MSP , Police and in the Army and integrate well with Scottish Society . He mentioned his special thanks to Flt Lt Tracy McGowan who has kindly helped him over last four years to organise Raksha bandhan as part of ongoing tri-service engagement partnerships.
Indian Consul General Mr Bijay Selvaraj (above) said: “If you had food to eat, thanks to the farmer, if you are set well and safe thanks to the Policeman on the street and the Army that guard the border.
“Having friends in the armed forces and police back home in India, I know how difficult the job is, and through Raksha Bandhan we want to convey Thank you to you all.”
The first MSP from Hindu Community Dr Sandesh Gulhane said: “For Me Rakshabandhan really talks about Unity, unity of brother & sister, unity of communities -we are stronger if we are together, being a doctor I have we have shown this unity during this pandemic.
As the first Indian Hindu MSP we want the community to work together as one voice.”
The representative of armed forces and police thanked the Edinburgh Hindu temple volunteers and Hindu Forum for inviting and honouring them. During these unprecedented times, the value of community spirit has proved to be necessary more than ever.
This past 16 months has put a different perspective and places of worship have to adapt to the ever changing government guidelines.
All the 3 temples were very happy to reopen their doors for a public function after a long time. These celebrations are fitting tribute to all the protectors of the society, especially NHS workers who played a pivotal role during this pandemic along with members of the police, the Royal Air Force, the Army and the Royal Navy and other emergency services.
8th Aug 2021 at Dundee: organised at Tayside community centre by Dundee Hindu temple committee (Mrs Naina Penman, Pooja Sharma & other) attended by Dundee West councillor Fraser MacPherson, Deputy Consul General Satya Veer Singh, Chief Inspector Leanne Blacklaw and fire service officer Lewis Duncan. Army-Major Heather Lawrie, Warrant Officer Ashok Chauhan, Opening prayers by the Hindu Chaplain Acharya Krishanji, RAF-Sergeant Sandy Neill, Sergeant Shiv Chand, Sergeant Al Cameron, Royal Navy- Petty Officer Gav Adamson
15th Aug 2021 at Glasgow : Organised by The Hindu Forum in Scotland in association with the Temple of Scotland committee member headed by Mr Mr Kuppuswamy Jagannathan Attended by Margaret Ferrier, MP of Rutherglen and Hamilton west. Army- Lieutenant Caitlin Irvine, Royal Navy-Lieutenant Commander Niall Copeland, RAF -Squadron Leader Sohail Khan,Sergeant Sandy Neill, Jim Snedden, Station Commander Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and 2 Community Police Scotland officers
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Looks great celebration. Thanks