By Kiran Patel
NHSF (UK) General Secretary
The National Hindu Students’ Forum (UK) has become renowned nationally for the Bhakti events which its students organise. Being in its sixth year, the Central Zone bhakti event attracts hundreds of people including students and the wider Hindu community from the Midlands and beyond.
Hanumanji was at the centre of the event. With planning starting well in advance, the development of relationship with Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Birmingham over the years meant we had the local community from Birmingham on board for their expertise and assistance. This was widely acknowledged through various meetings but more crucially on the day of the event.
The usual Saturday for many students would start at 12midday, maybe later. However, Saturday 1 March 2014 was very different; an early start saw students at Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Birmingham as early as 07:30 to add the finishing touches for what was to be an outstanding experience for many. The occasion started at 8.30am with a Ganesh puja which was held by Kamleshji Dave, the Mandir priest. This was an auspicious start to the day, with Lord Ganesha holding a significant status at the start of all occasions, it was an opportunity to mark prosperity and remove any troubles by bringing positive energy.
As the 108 Hanuman Chalisa got underway, the newly established Vivekananda hall started filling with both students and Samaj. Attendees also used this opportunity to offer a ladoo to Hanumanji by giving a donation which went towards the Mandir floor project – a development of the main (Vivekananda) hall, where the event was held. Throughout the day, there were estimates of over 400 attendees all taking part in the chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa which brought a thrilling atmosphere to the heart of Birmingham.
The event was welcomed supporters of NHSF (UK) including Dhirajbhai Shah, President of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Mukeshbhai Ladwa, President of the Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir and also Pujya Shri Ramnikbhai Dave, a well-known Hindu spiritual leader who blessed many with a surprise visit. Dhirajbhai Shah advocated the work of NHSF (UK) including the recent celebration within the House of Parliament with Leader of the opposition, Ed Miliband. Mukeshbhai Ladwa went on to encourage the work which the student’s carried out as the packed out hall cheered when asked if the future of the Hindu Samaj was in safe hands. Pujya Shri Ramnikbhai Dave focused on the Hanuman Chalisa and how its spiritually lifting presence within the heart of Hindu’s can make a huge difference to one’s life by simply reciting the 40 verses of devotional hymn which was written by Goswami Tulsidasji.
NHSF (UK) pays tribute to its supports and those who assisted in the success of another Central Zone Bhakti event within Birmingham.