David Cameron tries to appeal to Hindus
Posted by KamleshÂ
According to an article in the Times of India, Conservative leader David Cameron turned up to a Ramayana recital by famous saint Morari Bapu, which was taking place at a college in Leicester. He delivered a speech aimed at gaining Hindu support.
The following are excerpts from the speech he gave:
“Being here today not only reminds me of the lessons offered by Hinduism as a faith, but also of the example set by British Hindus themselves. It’s hardly surprising that British Hindus have been such a successful part of our nation. After all, the values you brought with you when you arrived here are those traditionally associated with Britain: tolerance, honesty, enterprise and respect for the law. Indeed, in your desire to live independently of the government while never shirking from contributing to the community, you embody the British ideal of balancing freedoms with duties. I know there are things that worry you. Too often, politicians seem to believe that British Hindus have no problems or concerns, and can therefore be ignored. In a sense, you’re victims of your own success. Everyone knows that British Hindus are good citizens. In your everyday lives - within the family, at work and in the community - you’re making real those famous words of Gandhi: ‘We must be the change we want to see in the world.’ British Hindus are truly British, but have achieved this without giving up their religious and cultural traditions. And if you prefer to be referred to as British Hindus or British Indians rather than as simply Asians, we should welcome that as a positive thing.”
Cameron clearly thinks that Hindus are one group that he will be able to get more support from in the future. He even gave part of his speech in Gujarati, presumably to try and endear himself to the crowd. It should be pointed out, that Cameron doesn’t actually know Gujarati. The speech was drafted for him. He himself reportedly said: “For all I know my speech could be calling for Kashmiri independence.”
July 29th, 2006 at 2:25 am
Straight up petty politics - I ain’t impressed by that speech.
July 29th, 2006 at 1:11 pm
Regardless of speeches, etc., if British Hindus want their voice to be heard, they need to get involved in British politics, whether by voting or more actively. He’s right to use that quote about being the change we want to see; at the end of the day, it is not our right to be taken notice of, it is our duty to ensure that we have our voice heard and our concerns addressed.
July 29th, 2006 at 1:50 pm
:LOL @ “For all I know my speech could be calling for Kashmiri independence.â€
July 29th, 2006 at 8:43 pm
Wow! The speech was quite impressive and I am glad he used the term ‘BRITISH HINDUS’ because that’s what we are. But remember David Cameran is a politician so I agree with Satya we need to wake up and join politics, start speaking in GUJARATI language! Although we are a tolerant community we must make sure our voices are ‘heard’. Our parents have laid the foundation, we need to start to build.
‘The change will happen only if we make it happen.’
Tommorow may be too late, start today!
July 30th, 2006 at 8:06 am
I think David Cameron must have read a bit about this survey:
http://www.hinduvoice.co.uk/Issues/7/Report.htm
Personally, I don’t care if its just trying to build a vote bank, but I’m happy to see an important political leader trying to understand Hindus (and his speech DOES reflect at least an attempt to understand and empathise), regardless of what party they are from.
And just for the record - I’m not a Conservative supporter.
July 30th, 2006 at 5:07 pm
I’d agree with Dangerous - we should focus on any positives and work to build on them in whatever way we can..
July 31st, 2006 at 5:24 pm
David Cameron, to some extent has been influenced by my stance on equality, diversity, social inclusion and community cohesion and by my chosen strapline on my Blog: http://vyas7.spaces.msn.com
I did not realise quite how much he was observing me until he used the Gandhiji’s message in his speech to British Hindus in Leicester. I e-mailed him about it, just like I have e-mailed on issues that I have disagreed with.
Quite fortuitously, I have only just received a response from his office. I paste it below for you all to peruse.
Moderator’s note: rest of message erased because it was way too long.
July 31st, 2006 at 10:11 pm
FAO: Anant M Vyas. Sorry your comment had to be cut short, but it was way too long. Please keep your future messages shorter. If you have something that needs longer to say, then post it on your own blog, and link it to your post here. Thanking you.
August 3rd, 2006 at 7:33 pm
FAO Seijal (Moderator)
Thank you for your alert note but the message IS on my own Blog and I have tried to link it without success.
Please enlighten me?
August 6th, 2006 at 10:14 pm
It reflects badly that Hindus do not feel ashamed of cosying up with a backward party like the Conservatives.
August 6th, 2006 at 11:26 pm
“It reflects badly that Hindus do not feel ashamed of cosying up with a backward party like the Conservatives.”
Any mature person knows it is best to be taken seriously by all mainstream parties. Hindus as a community would be silly to associate with only one party only and dismiss others as ‘backward’ (or some other socialist swear-word).
September 3rd, 2006 at 4:28 pm
The most positive point Cameron’s speech was his willingness to acknowlecge British Hindus as such. This goes a long way in differentiating us from the Muslims, and if it is done officially, nothing could be better.
October 19th, 2006 at 10:57 am
APPEAL TO ALL HINDUS WORLDWIDE…
Don’t be FOOLED by these Christian missionaries. They are a bunch of LIARS!!!! They will only destroy Hinduism for their own selfish needs. Rise UP and fight these terrorists!!!!!