Tag: Puneet Dwivedi

Cop26-themed ‘Eco-Diwali’ celebrated at Edinburgh’s Queen Elizabeth House

The third Diwali in the series of Diwalis started by the Scotland Chapter of Hindu Forum Britain was celebrated in the UK Government Hub in Edinburgh on 1st November 2021 (writes Ms RICHA SINHA).

The first Diwali was celebrated by the Hindu Forum Britain in the Scottish Parliament in 2019 and the second one was a Virtual Diwali Hosted Online due to Covid-19.

With a view to supporting COP26, , which started on the same day on 1st Nov 2021, HFB Scotland Chapter celebrated Eco-Diwali, highlighting through Diwali event, the salience that Hindu ethos places on respecting and protecting the environment.

The Eco-Diwali was celebrated at Queen Elizabeth house, sponsored by Ministers of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland.

As the UK secretary of state for Scotland was busy with Cop26 conference the event was hosted by Hon Lord Offord of Garvel, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State.

The event was attended by numerous faith Leaders and Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Mr Angus Robertson and MSPs including Alex Cole-Hamilton and Pam Gosal.

The programme commenced with the Ceremonial Eco Lamp Lighting ceremony by the Guests

Mr Puneet Dwivedi, Vice president HFB with the help of his Team of Volunteers organized the most colourful celebrations and with sacred chants, traditional Indian dances, followed by speeches by dignitaries.

There were slide shows highlight community works by the temples in Scotland, spotlighting the environmental action being undertaken by the Hindu temples and organisations. 

Puneet Dwivedi welcomed guests byhighlighting the contribution of Scottish Hindu Community during COVID crisis be it amazing frontline workers like doctors and nurses to the temples who opened the kitchen to feed the vulnerable and support the key workers.

He explained how Hindu philosophy consists of eco-friendly principles and practices and has been passed down through generations.

Puneet also highlighted small and sustainable steps taken by Hindu community to protect mother earth e.g. HFB officially launched its Hindu Environmental Task Force (HETF) on 18th September to raise awareness and to support its member organisations to become increasingly more environmental; ISKCON Scotland launched the Cow care project, where Cows and Bulls will be cared for till their natural death.

This project serve as an example of sustainable agriculture by working with bulls, and most temples in Scotland signed the Environmental Charter.

Lord Offord gave the beautiful message of hope with the vaccine of light driving away the disease of darkness.

He was happy to greet his colleagues from Holyrood and pledged towards one common goal which was betterment of people of every political stride and every religion.

He had visited Mumbai recently and recollected his time when tattoo met Bollywood with dancers mixing up and  thanked Hindu Forum Britain for bringing the event to Queen Elizabeth House and wished them well in future endeavours.

Cabinet Secretary Mr Angus Robertson started by passing his best wishes from Nicola sturgeon and mentioned how he attended every single Diwali Reception when in Westminster.

He added that the Hindu traditions have deep reverence to the natural world and reminds us our actions have consequences. He Congratulated Hindu Forum Britain’s Hindu environmental task forces and said that the government was indebted for the work done by the Hindu community who have so many in the vital front line services.

Sister Jayanti From BrahmaKumari made reference to Goddess of wealth Lakshmi, and said the word comes from ‘Lakshan’ which means virtues and reminded us of the wealth of virtues.

As much as we clean home we should clean our Inner beings and environment of pollution so wealth of virtues can come to our lives to create a better world. She ended her speech with ‘Om Shanti’ which means lets there be world peace.

Lord Wallace, moderator of the Church of Scotland spoke of the Vigil that took place in George Square and common hope and congratulated all faith organisations to come together to spread the message of hope.

Maulana Imam Syed Razazvi thanked HFB president Mrs Trupti Patel and Hindu community and reiterated that we are friends and we can always rely on each other.

The program was interspersed by elegant and graceful Indian classical Dance performances by Theiya Arts, where the performers (Ms Himadri Madan, Ms Nandini Manjunath, Ms Karen Watts & Ms Tharanga Wickramsinghe) presented an Indian and Sri Lankan classical forms dedicated to mother earth and our environment: this dance form has evolved from the natural world around us, as a way to embody nature and our environment and incorporate it into our being and storytelling.

HFB president Ms Trupti Patel,  sent video message as she couldn’t attend the event. In her video message she highlighted the connection between celtic people and vedic people and how Scottish Hindu Community can work together by taking steps to preserve our environment.

Mr Mithilesh Vaddiparthi, who holds a guinness world records in singing sung the beautiful devotional song   “Vaishnav Jan To..” and ended his singing with traditional rendition and the foot tapping “Jai ho “

MSP Alex-Cole Hamilton, who has become quite the favourite of the Hindu Diaspora in Edinburgh, with his past heartfelt speeches lured the audience with his Indian greeting of ‘Namaste’ ‘Om Shanti ‘ and Jai Shri Ram. He highlighted that Diwali is also time to triumph of light over ignorance over climate change.

Pam Gosal in her speech mentioned how the first 2 Indian Scottish Ministers joining the Scottish Parliament and the First Hindu Minister in Sandesh Gulhane has added to the Diversity in Parliament.

Finally  HFB Scotland Chapter Diwali brochures were launched by the Minsiters, Cabinet Secreteary, MSP & Armed forces officials

The vote of Thanks was given by Richa Sinha who spoke about what it means for her to be a Scottish Hindu and thanked the leadership in creating an atmosphere where she could take pride in her Scottish Hindu Identity and contribute to the diversity of this great nation.

Hindu Forum Britain are proud to carry out the 3rd consecutive Diwali Celebration and hope the tradition will continue in the years to come and bring the Diverse Scottish Hindu community together with all faiths working together for the betterment of the nation.

This Diwali reception by Hindus in Scotland hosted by HFB Scotland is the only event that encompasses and invites members and peers from all political parties to share the colourful and wondrous Diwali celebration with Hindu community leaders, religious leaders and leading figures from businesses across Britain.

The spirit of hope, friendship, religious tolerance peace and harmony that Deepavali embodies is really quite profound and resonates with people of all faiths.

Raksha bandhan to Say thanks to NHS staff, Police & Armed forces

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

Season’s greetings

This year has been a difficult year, because we all miss our usual means of support, the comfort of gathering with friends and family, Shattering of plans, and not being part of our traditions, etc.

Challenging times often make people reflect on the importance of the people in their lives and the gratitude for those who helped them get through the year.

As 2020 comes to a close, I would like to send you a heartfelt Thank you for all your support in 2020, which we know has been a challenging year.

Our best wishes to you and your family for health and happiness in the coming year.

Thank you.

Kind Regards

Puneet Dwivedi

Second Scottish Diwali held virtually

The 2nd Scottish Parliament Diwali was celebrated on Fri (13th Nov), virtually, on the auspicious day of Dhanteras (1st day of the 5 days of Diwali festival).

Puneet Dwivedi, Vice President Hindu Forum Britain (HFB) Scotland Chapter, took the lead in organising the Diwali event, which was co- chaired by multi party MSPs including Rachael Hamilton (Scottish Conservative), Sandra White(SNP) and Alex Cole-Hamilton (Scottish Lib Dem).

Last year Diwali was celebrated for the first time in Scottish Parliament – it was a first of its kind of celebration ever, in Scottish parliament, to bring the rich & diverse Hindu culture to the distinguished attendees.

The reception held in the Parliament last year brought the Scottish Hindu community members at the heart of the most important political establishment giving a platform for leaders to share their experiences and views on Scottish integration and cohesion.

A much bigger Diwali event was planned at Scottish parliament this year.  However, due to the COVID crisis and Government restrictions The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) decided to cancel all events, including the Member Sponsored event.

Diwali is a festival of Light and Hope, and at this time of difficulty, the need for such festivals that brings light into our world has never been more important.

The Scottish team HFB led by Puneet with the help of volunteers from Edinburgh and Aberdeen including – Sumit Gupta, Mithun Sarkar, Madhu Vasumathy, Bably Sinoj  worked really hard to collect videos, messages putting, editing and production. Dr Richa Singh, another volunteer from Glasgow helped in planning the event and running order.

Representatives from all the major temples (Edinburgh Hindu Mandir, Glasgow Hindu Mandir, ISKCON Scotland, Dundee Temple as well our newest member Aberdeen Hindu temple), Armed forces officers, along with other interfaith community members celebrated the lunar festival, Diwali, from home using Zoom, the event was also streamed on Hindu Forum Britain’s Facebook page.

The hour and half long programme combined the important religious elements of the festival with an exciting package of entertainment, featuring local artists and performers.

Puneet Dwivedi, in his opening remarks said that during these unprecedented times we are unable to meet in person or conduct the Diwali Event at Scottish Parliament.  However, as someone once said “the show must go on, if we can’t visit the Parliament – Parliamentarians and ministers can visit us (virtually).  Thanks to technology, this year Diwali will be from home.”

The event was kick started by Deep Prajwalan (lightning of the lamps) and Live Vedic chanting by Edinburgh Hindu temple’s Priest Pandit Harsharan ji.

The most beautiful part of the event was when everyone lit the diyas, lamps, candles, tea lights from their home and showed them in front of their zoom camera. In Hindu culture, lighting a lamp denotes dispelling away darkness. Light and brightness represent the positive, the good, and and the highest knowledge of the Divine.

 There were Indian Cultural dance performances from Shaswati from Aberdeen and Kirsten Newell of COSMIC Dance Academy, Edinburgh. ISKCON Scotland recorded a divine Kirtan music which was enjoyed by everyone.

Dance by 13 year old Shashwati V from Aberdeen:  https://youtu.be/AKpd9b-iWkI 

Dance by Kirsten Newell of Cosmic Dance, Edinburgh : https://youtu.be/mt0X2LbcmIs

Devotional Music band from ISKCON Scotland, Leshmahagow (Lanarkshire )

Interfaith organisations including Shia Muslim Organisation – The Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society (SABS) member Mr Asif Sheikh and Director of Interfaith Scotland Dr Maureen Sier were Live and shared whereas the pre-recorded Diwali messages from Humanist Society Chair – Maggie Kinloch and Scottish Jewish Council Chair Alan Kay were played during the live event.

Rachael Hamilton the 1st Co-chair in her speech highlighted the contribution of Indian and British community in the field of Art, culture, enterprise and sports.

She said: ‘Tonight celebrating Diwali would be a different experience, despite Pandemic, I thank Puneet for organising this fabulous virtual Diwali Celebration, for being so resourceful ensuring we can still celebrate virtually.’  

She further added to celebrate the bond of the UK, the oldest democracy and India, the world’s largest democracy. She stated her admiration for the value of Hinduism and how Hindus celebrate the goals of life that we all aspire to, and this is so important that we instil these values to our next generation.

Rachael said that looking at the Holyrood election next election 2021, it’s important that Scotland is represented equally, for this reason we need a more diverse and inclusive parliament. She finished with Diwali wishes for everyone watching and mentioned now more than ever in these challenging time, we need the source of light more than ever and there is no doubt it, we are living through dark days

Mrs Trupti Patel, President of Hindu Forum Britain, did Namaste and welcomed Scottish parliamentarians, she mentioned that this Diwali would be different, no fireworks together, no colourful celebration in groups but thanks to technology of webinar and streaming the world is connected together.

She mentioned that Diwali is such a wonderful celebration of light and positivity, should be celebrated in all parliaments of the world So that the world knows we respect others, the Hindus are tolerant and respect and welcome everyone.

She encouraged more young Hindu people to participate in local council, at Scottish Government level and some MSPs from Hindu background, which could bring a whole system of Hindu values of co-existing and being together.

She also mentioned what can be a better way to celebrate Diwali on interfaith week, we all faith are one, we respect all faith and do Namaste – and bow down to the divine within you.  She congratulated Puneet and the Scottish HFB team for putting together so much effort in organising the event.

 Next Speaker to speak was Co-chair MSP Alex Cole Hamilton – who started with chanting “Jai Shri Ram” which made other participants thrilled to shout back Jai Shri Ram.

Alex mentioned that during this pandemic he attended many zoom meetings however this one was the most enjoyable zoom meeting with dance and song and other cultural elements into it.

He mentioned Diwali is a spiritual triumph of light over darkness. 2020 has darkness which many of us have never seen in our lifetime for all the reasons we know.

However, it feels like darkness is dispelled and the light of hope rising with change in America to hope for Scottish Football with Scotland first qualification in a major tournament that certainly brings light to many, also most importantly the vaccine is just around the corner we will be together again.

Sewa means ‘selfless service’. Video of Sewa by Scottish Hindu Community video: https://youtu.be/EX5Hmj-Yj5k

Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government Ms Aileen Campbell started her speech by showing her colourful Indian dupatta (Wrap) presented to her last Diwali at Scottish Parliament. 

In her speech she mentioned this is the perfect opportunity to recognise, celebrate and learn the contribution of faith communities in Scotland, including the Hindu community especially as this is interfaith week and also International Day of Kindness, Aileen mentioned how these dates aligned to amplify the celebration.

She mentioned 2020 is really a year where we need more light and lot of hope and that’s Diwali key message to have hope and light prevails over darkness. Diwali is also time for reflection and contemplation to think about people who are less fortunate and COVID 19 has bought these to limelight and she was thankful to Hindu community for their selfless Sewa (services) to mankind during this pandemic.

She mentioned that Hindu Forum Britain would continue to play a key role as a voice for the Hindu community is heard not only during a pandemic but in normal times, for Scottish Government would look forward to building this relationship.

She said that this was her last celebration of Diwali as Cabinet Secretary however it won’t be her last one beyond her life of politics.  Although she is not standing for next year’s election, she wanted to encourage young people of multicultural diverse backgrounds to participate and add to the vibrancy of the parliament.

She also mentioned that Scottish Government has announced a £470k fund for a leadership development program for minority to ethnic young people. Although she had arguments with Alex, Rachael and other political opponents in parliament, all of them are united at this message to bring diversity and equality in parliament.

MSP Sandra White, who was the main sponsor of last year’s Diwali at parliament said she has experienced the colour and vibrancy of Diwali last year.

Sandra who is also stepping down for next Holyrood election, has been involved in frontline politics for the majority of her life and one of the longest serving MSP in Holyrood. She emphasised that everyone who lives in the community has rights to be represented and she is pleased that her Constituency (Glasgow Kelvin) put forward BAME female candidate Ms Kaukab Stewart.

In her closing remark she encouraged youngsters: “If I can do, you can do and it will stand true till date” and mentioned being happy to chat over phone or zoom to anyone from Hindu community if they want to be part of active politics.

Mrs Manjulika Singh, MBE said the Vote of Thanks and program ended with Live Aarti and peace prayer from Glasgow Hindu temple, where Acharya ji Mishra invited NHS Doctors to light the lamps as a way to show gratitude for their hard work during this crisis.

The preparations for this event started a few weeks ago and intensified in the few days with so many tasks being coordinated and completed. It was this tremendous team spirit that resulted in resounding success of Diwali celebrated in this unusual way for the first time. Diwali’s message is a timely reminder of the light at the end of the dark tunnel and the collective strength of unity.

HFB takes this opportunity to thank you for your participation and contribution to the event and look forward to welcoming you back to parliament next year.

Puneet Dwivedi