UK Armed Forces celebrate Raksha Bandhan

London: Hindus and non-Hindus from the British Armed Forces got together with local communities at a series of events across the UK to celebrate the festival of Raksha Bandhan.

Hosted by the Armed Forces Hindu Network, the events were aimed at increasing the understanding between the Armed Forces and the Hindu community.

The first exposure that I had to Hindu principles and values were the stories I was told as a kid. There is a common thread that runs through these stories, which is the triumph of good over evil and the requirement that every one of us ensures that good prevails. It is about recognising the common and shared values," Prinai Ntahwani, from the City Hindus Network, said at the London event yesterday.

At the country-wide events, local community leaders and youth networks tied rakhis (thread bands) on the wrists of Armed Forces personnel to represent and reinforce bonds of friendship, mutual protection and support.

"It was pleasure and honour for Balaji Temple to host Raksha Bandhan alongside the Armed Forces. Having serving personnel join in reminds us of the many ways we are protected; by our family, our friends and of course the Armed Forces," said Dr Rao, president of the Balaji Temple in Birmingham.

The festival also applauded the contribution of Hindu serving personnel throughout the history of the UK Armed Forces - World War I, where 750,000 Hindus were deployed overseas in the British Indian Army and earned eight Victoria Crosses for bravery; World War II where 1.25 million Hindus fought in the British Indian Army earning 18 Victoria Crosses; and the 950 current serving personnel.

Penny Mordaunt, UK minister for the Armed Forces, said: "Our challenge in the UK Armed Forces is to ensure this solemn vow of Defence and protection extends beyond the family, beyond even the community, to the country itself. This is the exact principal we see today in the Hindu community as we celebrate Raksha Bandhan.

"Events like today remind us that defence depends on more than money and muscle. It is about individual commitment, that willingness to take on responsibility for the wellbeing of others and bringing the nation together."