The House of Commons yesterday played host to one of India’s greatest spiritual leaders, as His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji, was honoured by politicians, campaigners and his peers late last month.
The private reception, which included over 100 invited dignitaries, was hosted by the Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP, Labour MP for East Ham. Special guests who all paid tribute to His Holiness with personal messages of welcome included Barry Gardiner MP; Steven Pound MP; Gareth Thomas MP; Alok Sharma MP; Lord Bilimoria; Lord Tarsem King of West Bromwich; Virendra Sharma MP; Navin Shah and Baroness Flather.
His Holiness Brahmrishi Shree Kumar Swamiji has dedicated his whole life to freeing the world of suffering and misery and his vision for society is continually being delivered by his Trust – Bhagwan Shree Lakshmi Narayan Dham’, one of the world’s largest spiritual organisations. His efforts in improving human welfare for people of all faiths and religions have inspired millions.
During the reception, His Holiness was presented with citations and Awards from various organisations for the Humanitarian work that he is doing, including the highly acclaimed Ambassador of Peace Award by the Universal Peace Federation.
The award is presented to individuals whose lives exemplify the ideal of living for the sake of others, and who dedicate themselves to practices which promote universal moral values, strong family life, inter-religious cooperation, international harmony, renewal of the United Nations and the establishment of a culture of peace.
The Mahaveer Award by the Young Indian Vegetarians Society and the Humanitarian Award by the Asian Welfare Association were also awarded to his Holiness.
His Holiness received citations from a number of MPs including Rt Hon Stephen Timms MP, Rt Hon Virendra Sharma MP and Rt Hon Stephen Pound MP as well as a host of Community organisations and faith groups, reflecting His Holiness’s immense respect of all faiths and cultures.
On receiving his awards and citations His Holiness said, “This honour is not just for a single person, but for the whole world and the ancient tradition of the East.
More than that, this is the honour for all the faithful believers of all the World religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Zorastrian.
This historical honour is not for a single person but for all the Nations and their various cultures. This honour in fact is the honour of entire humanity. This felicitation has once more brought the greatness and humility of Great Britain before the whole World.”
In May of this year, His Holiness was honoured by the New York Senate, marking a milestone in Indian History as the first time in the country’s history that an Indian Saint was invited to be honoured in the New York State Senate.
