British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is presently embarking on a three-day visit to India in order to participate in the 18th G20 Summit, took a moment to express his sense of pride in his Hindu heritage during an exclusive conversation with the news agency ANI. In this dialogue, he also expressed his aspirations to explore some of India's revered temples during the course of his relatively short sojourn within the country.
Sunak, in his conversation with ANI, conveyed his deep-seated affiliation with the Hindu faith, affirming that it is an integral part of his identity, having been instilled in him from a young age. He went on to articulate his hopes of paying a visit to a Mandir (temple) while he is in India for the ensuing couple of days.
Reflecting on recent Hindu festivals, Sunak touched upon the significance of Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami. He shared that he had just celebrated Raksha Bandhan and proudly mentioned that he had received rakhi bracelets from his sister and cousins, which hold special sentimental value. As for Janmashtami, he candidly admitted that due to his busy schedule, he hadn't had the opportunity to observe it properly. However, he expressed a desire to make amends for that by partaking in the festivities should his visit to a Mandir materialize.
Expanding on the role of faith in his life, Rishi Sunak expounded on its universal significance, irrespective of one's profession or the demands it entails. He highlighted how faith serves as a wellspring of strength and resilience, especially in high-pressure occupations such as his own.
In terms of his visit to India, the British Prime Minister and his wife, Akshata Murty, touched down at New Delhi's Palam Airport on a momentous Friday. They received a warm welcome from Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey, who greeted them with a reverential "Jai Siya Ram." In a gesture that underlines the cultural connections between the UK and India, Ashwini Kumar Choubey presented Sunak and his wife with sacred Rudraksha beads, a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, and the Hanuman Chalisa, symbolizing the rich spiritual tapestry shared by the two nations.
The agenda for Rishi Sunak's visit to India also includes a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This high-level engagement is a testament to the enduring diplomatic ties and shared interests that unite these two nations.
