Lord-Lieutenant Helen Nellis Visits BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Luton, UK
100+ women • BAPS Women’s Forum • Annual 10K Challenge supporting girls and women
Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Luton on Sunday 15 February 2015, joining the BAPS Women’s Forum of Luton for a cultural celebration entitled ‘Mandir: A Home of Culture, Values and Inspiration’.
The Lord-Lieutenant, who serves as an official representative of The Queen, was warmly welcomed by young girls who sang traditional Vedic prayers. She also participated in the tying of a sacred thread symbolising friendship and auspiciousness.
The celebration began with the traditional lighting of lamps, followed by the Lord-Lieutenant and other guests being garlanded by leaders of the BAPS Women’s Forum in Luton.
More than 100 women attended the gathering and witnessed a vibrant cultural dance performed by youth members of the Women’s Forum. The performance demonstrated the important role of the Mandir in preserving and passing on cultural traditions to younger generations.
A multimedia presentation highlighted the positive value the Mandir has brought to individuals and the wider community. Youth members recited Sanskrit verses describing the morals nurtured at the Mandir, followed by presentations by members of different generations sharing how the Mandir had personally influenced their lives for the better.
A heartfelt speech paid tribute to His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the inspirer of the Mandir and its activities.
The Lord-Lieutenant also officially launched that year’s BAPS Charities Annual 10K Challenge, which supported the British Heart Foundation and Rosa, the UK fund for girls and women.
In her keynote address, the Lord-Lieutenant expressed her appreciation for the Mandir and the work of the women and wider community, saying, “I have learnt so much about this wonderful mandir and I am just in awe with all of you. It is so important what you do here and I congratulate you.”
Before departing, she further praised the cultural work of the Mandir, stating, “Your culture is so rich and the Mandir nurtures this which is so important. Your Guru – what a wonderful person! It is no wonder that so many many people find him a true inspiration.”