On Indian Independence Day, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited Cambridge University and described himself as “proud British” and “proud Hindu.” During the occasion, he had a meeting with eminent Ramayan ‘kathakar’ Morari Bapu.
Sunak opened his speech with the salutation “Jai Siya Ram” and said that serving as prime minister is a privilege that requires making difficult decisions and challenging choices. He made it clear that his faith gives him the bravery, fortitude, and tenacity he needs to serve his country to the best of his ability.
He said, “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.”
Sunak also mentioned that a “golden Ganesha sits gleefully” on his desk at 10 Downing Street, his official residence.
Recalling his early years in South Hampton, where he and his siblings frequented their local temple, Rishi Sunak noted that he was proud to be both British and Hindu.
This address was lapped up by Indians and the clippings went viral on various Social Media platforms and still viral.
Impressed how unapologetically Rishi Sunak wears his faith, commented one netizen, while the other said, “That’s how faith is worn… as a badge of reflection and guidance.”