Events

A Special award of excellence was presented to Mr Nat Puri, a UK Industrialist and philanthropist for his services to the Hindu cause. Mr Puri donated over £1 million to the Gujarat Earthquake fund and he moved the audience with a passionate speech of how is a humble beginning made him unable to sit back and watch people suffering around him.

The ball commenced with the lighting of the traditional “Divas” by the Forum Patrons and the Minster co-ordination at the High Commission of India, Mr Rajatava Bagchi and Ms Krishnamurty. The ceremony was followed by various traditional Indian dances as guests were transported back to India.

Mr Ramesh Kallidai, Secretary General of the Hindu Forum Britain along with Mrs Anuja Prasher explained the history of the Hindu Forum and its present and future course and explained how the Forum has become a vital point of contact between government departments in projecting the Hindu point of view.

The Rt. Hon. Mr Geoff Hoon MP Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Commons referred to the tremendous contribution made by the Hindu Community to British Society while the Indian High Commissioner, Kamlesh Sharma, said that the Indian community which constituted 2% of the UK population contributed 4% of the GDP.

Explaining the rationale of this unique event, Dr. Rami Ranger, Chair of the HFB Fundraising Committee said: “The ball demonstrates that Hindus are no longer a struggling community. They have transformed the British cultural and commercial life beyond recognition. The ball aims to raise the profile of Hindus in Britain.”

A charity auction raised over £25,000 for a Cancer backup with the top prize - two business class round the world return tickets, donated by Emirates Airline - alone raised £10,000.

Honoured guests also included Lord Dholakia , Keith Vaz MP, Tony McNulty MP Minster of State for Immigration, Paul Collins MP, Barry Gardiner MP, Minster of State in the Department of Trade and Industry, Don Butler MP and Paul Goggins MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Home Office. Also present from the Conservative Party was the Deputy Chairman, Bernard Jenkins MP and Dominic Grieve MP, Shadow Attorney General.

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For more information contact Sanjay Mistry on 07810 368 772 or Ramesh Kallidai on 07915 383 103 or 07867 837 241

Editor’s Notes:

• The Hindu Forum of Britain is the representative umbrella body for British Hindus with formal membership of over 270 Hindu organisations from different regions and cultural backgrounds in Britain. The Hindu Forum of Britain has conducted some of the largest community consultation activities on behalf of the Hindu community to influence Government policy and runs a number of projects for Hindu youth, women and temples. Although the Hindu Forum is a national organisation, it has a large regional presence through its membership from the largest regional umbrella organisations, religious organisations, community organisations and youth organisations. At the core of the Forum’s activities is a strong belief in the richness and diversity of the Hindu culture, its value system that encompasses respect for all beings and faiths, and a cultural heritage that facilitates community cohesion and coexistence. For more information visit the HFB Website: www.hinduforum.org
  
• Cancerbackup offers independent, accessible information, practical advice and support to people affected by cancer via a free telephone helpline (0808 800 1234) staffed by specialist cancer nurses, an award-winning interactive website (www.Cancerbackup.org.uk), and a network of local drop-in centres across the country. It publishes an extensive range of publications and factsheets written specifically for cancer patients and their families (and provided to them free of charge), and supplies health professionals with up-to-date information on controversial and difficult cancer topics. A Clinical Advisory Board and a network of specialist advisers contribute their time to Cancerbackup to advice on specific issues and developments in cancer care. Cancerbackup’s services are provided free and in confidence to anyone affected by cancer.
  
• During the '80s and '90s, Kavita Krishnamurthy rocketed to stardom as one of the most versatile and technically gifted female singers in the music-reliant Indian film. Her concerts attract over 50,000 people at one time. She will sing the last verse of the sacred Rigveda, the oldest known scripture in human history, which has been adopted as the HFB Mantra. The versea urges people of different nations and cultures to come together in a spirit of unity, friendship and trust.