November 9 has proved to be a historic and unforgettable milestone in the democratic history of Britain and the global Hindu community. For the first time, a collective and musical recitation of Shri Hanuman Chalisa was done on the occasion of Diwali in the grand premises of the House of Lords, the Upper House of the Palace of Westminster located in London. The grand annual Diwali celebration organized by the Labor Asian Society brought together senior MPs from both Houses of the British Parliament, Lords, diplomats, community representatives and eminent personalities from the Asian community living in the UK. When the sounds of devotion echoed amidst the traditional tunes of Indian musical instruments for the first time within the historic walls of the British Parliament, the entire atmosphere was filled with spiritual consciousness and cultural harmony. This special Diwali celebration was held in the most prestigious and historic Cholmondeley Room and Terrace of the Palace of Westminster. The event was hosted with all pomp and ceremony by Lord Udaya Nagaraju of Bloomsbury, Patron of the Labor Asian Society. The highlight of the function was the mass recitation of Hanuman Chalisa under the leadership of Manish Tiwari, founder of Here&Now365 and well-known cultural personality. As everyone present sang the Chalisa in unison, accompanied by the rhythms of the traditional tabla and the melodious notes of the harmonium, the moment became a living testament to the deep roots and global influence of Indian culture at the heart of British democracy. Salute to the brave soldiers of the Indian subcontinent on the occasion of Remembrance Sunday, the program started with a minute's silence. This important Diwali event was organized just a day after Britain's traditional 'Remembrance Sunday', due to which its emotional and historical importance increased further. Before the formal start of the programme, a minute's silence was observed to pay tribute to all the brave soldiers and civilians who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty during various global conflicts and wars. Leading the silent tribute, Manish Tewari particularly highlighted the contribution of millions of brave soldiers from the Indian subcontinent who fought shoulder to shoulder with the British Army during the First and Second World Wars. Manish Tiwari in his address said that it is very important that the indomitable courage, loyalty and bravery of Indian soldiers get the place they deserve in the pages of history. He said that remembering those unknown martyrs on this Diwali festival held immediately after Remembrance Sunday is not just a formality but a deep moral duty for us. As we celebrate the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, we must not forget the heroes who sacrificed their lives for a secure and free future for future generations. British MPs and delegates present strongly supported this idea by thumping their tables. Manish Tiwari's Inspirational Address: Diwali is not just a festival but a global message that connects communities. Addressing the representatives of the British and Asian community present at the event, Manish Tiwari elaborately highlighted the universal philosophy of Diwali and its deep connect between different religions and cultures. He said that the essence of Diwali gives the message of uniting the entire humanity beyond borders and religions. This festival teaches us how every kind of distrust, fear and inequality can be removed with the light of conscience. He said that resonating Hanuman Chalisa for the first time on a global platform like the House of Lords of the British Parliament is not just a religious ritual, but it is a symbol of how deeply Indian culture and Sanatan values are respected and accepted in multicultural Britain. Tiwari said emotionally that this is a proud moment which our entire expatriate community living in Britain will remember with pride for many decades to come. He said that Hanuman ji is synonymous with strength, devotion, loyalty and selfless service and the relevance of these human values has increased even more in today's challenging global era. Only when a migrant community remains connected to its roots, values and spiritual traditions is it able to make its best contribution to the prosperity, development and strengthening of the social fabric of its native country. Labor Asian Society and Lord Udaya Nagaraju's initiative, a new recognition of multicultural values in the British Parliament The Labor Asians Society and its Patron Lord Udaya Nagaraju played an important role in the success of this historic event. Lord Nagaraju praised the unprecedented contribution of the British-Asian community to Britain's development, healthcare (NHS), business, education and politics. He said that this Diwali celebration at the House of Lords highlights the fact that Britain's diversity is its greatest strength. Celebrating festivals of different faiths with traditional dignity in the British Parliament is the best example of an inclusive society and democratic maturity. At the conclusion of the program, traditional Indian sweets and prasad were distributed to the guests present and everyone wished each other a happy Prakash Parv. Political analysts believe that this first recitation of Hanuman Chalisa in the British parliamentary courtyard has given a new height to the cultural diplomacy between India and Britain. This event has created a new enthusiasm among the Indian-origin organizations and youth active in Britain about their cultural heritage, which will further strengthen the people-to-people ties between the two countries in the future.
