DEPUTY COMMISSIONER VISTS TEMPLES FOR JANMASHTAMI
(26 August 2006)

The Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police visited two local Hindu temples in Middlesex to celebrate Janmasthami and deliver a message of unity on Wednesday 20 August 2006. Paul Stephenson was blessed when he toured the Swaminarayan Temple in Wood Lane, Stanmore, and took part in the in the Aarti ceremony at the Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan temple in Kenton Road, Kenton.

He was accompnaied by Detective Supterintendant Richard Freeman, the head of Harrow CID, and members of the force's Hindu Association. At the Kenton temple, Mr Stephenson spoke about the immense contribution of the Hindu community to policing the capital and encouraged the sons and daughters of those present to consider joining the force. "Only when we truly have the complete trust of all our communities can we truly say we are a police service," he said.

DC Bhimji Vekaria, chairman of the Met's Hindu Association, said: "We were delighted that the Deputy Commissioner attended the temples and celebrated the birthday of one of our main gods, Lord Krishna, with us. "Harrow has a large Hindu community and several temples, and the visit has further reinforced the strong relationship we already have with the police in London."

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