\
By David Crick
British Prime Minister David Cameron returned to Bhaktivedanta Manor ten years after his first visit to take part in the Bhumi Puja for the Manor’s new Shree Krishna Haveli.
After seeing the George Harrison garden he proceeded to the temple room where he took darshan of Sri Sri Radha-Gokulananda, Sri Sri Sita Rama Laxman and Hanuman and Sri Sri Gaura Nitai. He also garlanded Srila Prabhupada and met some of the residents.
The Prime Minster then joined some 300 guests in the main marquee. Present were local politicians, MPs, spiritual leaders, business leaders and a cross section of the devotee community. Also speaking and taking part in the puja were Their Holinesses Bhakti Charu, Sivarama and Radhanath Swamis and His Grace Praghosa Dasa GBC.
On arrival Mr Cameron was treated to a charming performance of “You Raise Me Up” by the children of the Bhaktivedanta Manor and Krishna Avanti Trust schools. After being introduced by MP Sailesh Vara he took to the stage, where his first words were “Hare Krishna!” – much to the delight of those present.
The Prime Minister commented on the positive atmosphere he felt, and after recounting Srila Prabhupada’s journey to the West remarked that not only was ISKCON celebrating it’s 50th anniversary, but that he would also be celebrating his own 50th birthday this year.
He also said that the UK benefited from its strong religious tradition and reflected that he had been at church this morning, was at a temple now and would be observing a Jewish rite with a friend in the evening.
Mr Cameron was presented with a large ornate copy of Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad-gita As It Is before beginning the ground-breaking ceremony. He said that he had been to many of these, but that this was the first one he had done in a tent!
Please find some photos of the festival below.
http://davidc.zenfolio.com/manor_haveli_bhumi_puja
I don’t have photos of his visit to the George Harrison garden or the temple room, but these can be seen in the following video trailer, which also wonderfully captures the atmosphere from the day.
Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=22033
Comments