GORDON BROWN MADE AN HONORARY INDIAN
(14 November 2007)

Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who opened the sixth annual Diwali reception at the House of Commons on 14 November 2007, was given the honorary Hindu name ' Govardhan Brown' by the Hindu Forum of Britain. (HFB). Welcoming the Prime Minister to the multi-party reception attended by over 100 MPs and 200 community leaders to celebrate the Hindu festival of light, Ramesh Kallidai, secretary general of the HFB said, “In Sanskrit, the sacred language of the Hindus, one of the names for Lord Krishna refers to a sacred hill, called 'Govardhan’. We would therefore like to welcome you as an honorary member of our community, not as Gordon Brown, but as Govardhan Brown.”

Replying, the Prime Minister thanked the Hindu Forum of Britain not only for organising this event here today, but also for the important role the Forum plays nationally in Britain. He envisaged this role will continue to grow. He also added that on his visit India early next year he would take the opportunity to speak to Prime Minister Singh about the success of the Hindu community in Britain.

Other speakers at the reception included Caroline Spelman, Chair of the Conservative Party, Vincent Cable, Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party, Tony McNulty, Home Office Minister for Security and Policing, and Harriet Herman, Deputy Leader of the House. Harriet Herman launched a guide for Hindu charities published by the Hindu Forum of Britain. The guide, 'Working with a Hindu Ethos', is an easy reference book for Hindu groups who wish to form and run charitable organisations in keeping with Hindu values.

The colourful reception had transformed the House of Commons with traditional diva lamps, Indian statues, costumes, incense, floral rangoli patterns, food displays, Indian sweets, chanting, and Indian classical music.

Commenting on the way Diwali is celebrated in Britain, Ramesh Kallidai, said: “Diwali is no longer just an ethnic festival. With 30,000 people in Trafalgar Square, and 20,000 each in Leicester, Birmingham and Ealing Road, it is now one of the national festivals of Britain. Its appeal lies in its basic message of justice, rule of law and the importance of family values.”

ABOUT THE HINDU FORUM OF BRITAIN

The Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB) is the largest representative body for British Hindus with over 275 member organisations from different regions around the country. HFB’s activities are broadly divided into three areas: public affairs and community consultation; capacity building and project development; and interfaith co-operation and relations to help build a cohesive and inclusive Britain