British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attended a 'Ram Katha' discourse by spiritual preacher Morari Bapu, which was organized at Cambridge University. Sunak, who expressed that faith holds a deep personal significance for him, and shapes various aspects of his life, was seen offering salutations with the words 'Jai Siya Ram' in a video of the event.
"It is truly an honour and pleasure to be here today at Morari Bapu's Ram Katha at the University of Cambridge on Indian Independence Day," Sunak said at the event, emphasizing that he was there not as Prime Minister, but as a Hindu. "Just like Bapu has a Golden Hanuman in his background," he said, referring to a portrait of Lord Hanuman on the stage. "I am proud that a Golden Ganesha sits gleefully on my desk at 10 Downing Street."
Sunak, proud of his British and Hindu identities, recalled his childhood in South Hampton, where he and his siblings frequented a nearby temple. He went on to describe his family's' seva' (service) at the temple.
In his closing statement, Sunak emphasized that Lord Ram would forever remain an inspirational figure in his life. “I leave here today remembering the Ramayana that Bapu speaks on, but also the Bhagavad Gita and the Hanuman Chalisa. And for me, Lord Ram will always be an inspirational figure to face life's challenges with courage, to govern with humility, and to work selflessly,” he asserted.
As the event drew to a close, Sunak actively took part in an aarti on the stage after which Morari Bapu bestowed upon him a sanctified Shivlinga from the Somnath temple, a sacred offering from the Jyotirlinga Ram Katha Yatra.
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