'Here as a Hindu, not as a PM': Rishi Sunak attends Ram Katha by Morari Bapu

Sunak said he attended the event as a Hindu and not as a prime minister.

“It is truly an honour and pleasure to be here today at Morari Bapu’s Ram Katha at the University of Cambridge on Indian Independence Day. Bapu, I am here today not as a prime minister but as a Hindu!” Rishi Sunak said at the event.

The British PM said for him faith was very personal, and it guides him in every aspect of his life.

In a video of the event, Rishi Sunak is also seen making salutations of 'Jai Siya Ram'.

Referring to a portrait of Lord Hanuman displayed in the background on the stage, the British Prime Minister said, "Similar to how Bapu has a Golden Hanuman in his backdrop, I take pride in having a Golden Ganesha adorning my desk at 10 Downing Street."

Rishi Sunak, expressing his sentiments, emphasized his identity as a proud British citizen and a follower of the Hindu faith.

He recounted his childhood experiences in South Hampton, where he and his siblings frequently visited a local temple.

Concluding his speech, the first Indian-origin prime minister acknowledged the enduring influence of Lord Ram, asserting that Lord Ram remains a continuous source of inspiration for him.

“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,” he added.

Rishi Sunak also participated in an aarti ceremony on the stage. During the event, Morari Bapu gave him a consecrated Shivlinga from the revered Somnath temple as part of the Jyotirlinga Ram Katha Yatra.