Skip to content
Search
Please enter at least 3 characters.

Latest Stories

Keir Starmer lauds Pramukh Swami Maharaj & BAPS for inspiring people to serve society: 'I have been privileged to visit Neasden Temple'

The Labour leader said that Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s effort to build more than 1,200 temples have been recognised globally.

Keir Starmer lauds Pramukh Swami Maharaj & BAPS for inspiring people to serve society: 'I have been privileged to visit Neasden Temple'

British opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer on Friday (6) lauded former BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) guru and president Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016) whose birth centenary celebrations are currently underway in India saying the spiritual leader had built more than 1,200 temples and the effort has been recognised across the world.

Appearing in a video, the Labour leader said, "I have been privileged to visit Neasden Temple in London, created by His Holiness (HH). It truly is a landmark for Hindus and the whole of the United Kingdom."


Praising the massive followership of the spiritual leader and how several people have been encouraged to serve the society, Starmer said, "It was incredible to see firsthand how thousands of volunteers have been inspired to serve society. This was clearly visible during the pandemic, the Ukraine crisis, and now the cost of living crisis."

The politician said he looked forward to welcoming HH Mahant Swami Maharaj, the current guru and president of BAPS, to the UK.

The month-long celebrations kicked off in Ahmedabad in the western Indian state of Gujarat in December 2022 by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi.

The celebrations, which will continue till January 15, feature daily events, exhibitions, and thought-provoking pavilions, according to sources in the Indian government.

“Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj touched countless lives all over the world with his impeccable service, humility and wisdom,” Modi had tweeted after the inauguration.

HH Mahant Swami Maharaj was also present at the inauguration ceremony.

On the occasion, Modi recalled his conversation with Pramukh Swami Maharaj in the wake of the terror attack at the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, in 2002. He said the late guru had asked if his residence was affected as it was near the temple.

Modi was the chief minister of Gujarat at the time.

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less