The High Commissioner of India to the UK joined worshippers for a special assembly at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London on Saturday (12).
Ruchi Ghanashyam, a career diplomat who joined the Indian Foreign Services in 1982, was given a peek into the various social, community and outreach activities that are organised by the Mandir, popularly known as the Neasden Temple, before taking part in the evening assembly themed ‘Celebrating Vegetarianism’.
Organised as part of the Mandir’s contribution to World Vegetarian Day, it aims to promote the joy, compassion and life-enhancing possibilities of vegetarianism and brings an awareness of the ethical, environmental, health and humanitarian benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle.
The programme also paid tribute to the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who was a staunch and passionate supporter of vegetarianism.
Addressing the congregation, Ghanashyam said it was an “enormous privilege to be standing here on this occasion [commemorating 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi].”
She added: “Thank you to BAPS for helping bring his message of vegetarianism to life. Your presence here in the UK is inspiring for people in India. Your Mandir here is a living monument of your success in this country.”
