Sam Tarry, MP for Ilford South, visited at Vishwa Hindu Parishad Ilford Hindu Centre last night to join in the celebrations of Navratri festival.
Navratri is considered as an important sacred festival in the Hindu Dharma. For nine nights Hindus worship Goddess Durga and her various forms which are the epitomes of power and have the ability to bring in anything desired. Not to forget it were these 9 Goddesses (Nav Durga) who were able to conquer the most dangerous demon who could not be defeated by any of the other superpowers. Therefore, the festival commemorates the victory of good over evil as Goddess Maa Durga defeated the demon king Mahishasura. Each day of Navratri holds significance as each form of Maa Durga is worshipped during these nine days.
Congratulating the Hindu community for Navaratri, the MP mentioned in his speech that he grew up in Ilford area and studied in Highlands Primary School and celebrated Diwali with his friends. He liked the ambiance in the VHP Hindu Centre and appreciated people for music and happy faces specially after the pandemic. He also appreciated the support that the Hindu community provided during the pandemic and contribution through charitable organizations.
He went on to mention that Diwali is approaching and his family is looking forward to celebrate Diwali (festival of lights). “There are two occasions for fireworks, Diwali and Bon Fire night” he said.
Sam Tarry MP, with Prince Lumb, a well-wisher of VHP Ilford Centre
He also added that Hindu community has a valuable culture and influence and would like to establish “a positive relationship” and would like to representthe community.
Readers like you, make ESHADOOT work possible. We need your support to deliver quality and positive news about India and Indian diaspora - and to keep it open for everyone. Your support is essential to continue our efforts. Every contribution, however big or small, is so valuable for our future.
I think this is whitewashing anti-Hindu sentiments persisting in the Labour party now that the local elections are coming closer. Just look at neighbouring Newham – since the demise of the Upton Centre over 5 years no action is taken. Hindu interests are overlooked in comparison to the other faith. Redbridge Hindus will meet the same fate regardless of this MP visiting our temple. For balance look at the stats, how many Hindu organisations get help in comparison to others who get lot of freebies if FOI is provided, how many Hindu faith schools are allowed in the borough, what is the % of Hindu origin employees in the Council and whether Hindus are discriminated wilfully by this party