On Monday, 28 October 2024, the Defence Hindu Network (DHN) brought the vibrant spirit of Diwali to the Halton House Officer’s Mess at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. The event, organised by Flight Lieutenant Suman Garewal, provided an opportunity to showcase Hindu and Indian traditions, while reflecting on the shared heritage between British Hindu communities and the UK’s Defence Forces. This year’s celebration focused on the contributions of South Asian women to the British war efforts in World War I and II, and was made possible through the support of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton KCB ADC FREng.
A Celebration of Tradition and Heritage
The evening began with a warm welcome from RAF Halton Station Commander, Wing Commander Peter Seanor. In his opening speech, he emphasised the importance of Diwali within the Hindu calendar as a celebration of light overcoming darkness, a theme deeply resonant with the values of resilience and unity upheld by the UK Armed Forces.
In a nod to cultural heritage, the celebration opened with a traditional Bharatanatyam performance by Ms Anaya Vasudha Bolar of the Chitralekha Dance Academy. Her dance vividly illustrated the artistic expression integral to Indian culture and captivated the audience with its grace and precision.
The Diwali prayers, led by the Hindu Chaplain in collaboration with members of the Jalaram Mandir team, set a serene tone for the evening, inviting all present to reflect on the festival’s spiritual significance. Following the prayers, a ceremonial lighting of the lamp was conducted, marking Diwali’s symbolic triumph of light over darkness. The lamp-lighting ceremony, alongside a traditional scarf presentation by the Hindu Chaplain, added a deeply symbolic element to the proceedings.
Highlighting Historical Contributions
One of the evening’s most anticipated moments was a speech by Shrabani Basu, the esteemed author of Spy Princess, a biography of Noor Inayat Khan, a British-Indian woman and undercover radio operator during WWII. Her inspiring words highlighted the courage and sacrifices of South Asian women in wartime, a history often overshadowed but essential to understanding the breadth of contributions from the Hindu and Indian communities to the UK’s Defence Forces. Ms Basu’s speech added a poignant reminder of the enduring ties between the two communities.
A Shared Celebration
The evening culminated in a traditional Diwali feast, complete with Indian sweets and a spectacular display of fireworks. This shared celebration invited the British Hindu community to join the Ministry of Defence in the spirit of mutual respect, inclusion, and unity.
Diwali celebrations at RAF Halton underscore the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to celebrating cultural diversity and fostering a sense of belonging among service members and civilians alike. The event embodies the RAF’s dedication to equality, diversity, and inclusion, while strengthening the bonds between the Armed Forces and Britain’s vibrant Hindu community.
As Diwali came to a close, the spirit of the evening left an enduring reminder of the values shared between the UK Defence and the Hindu community: resilience, discipline, and unity. Through events such as these, the Defence Hindu Network and the RAF continue to demonstrate that diversity is a strength, enhancing the operational effectiveness of the UK Armed Forces and contributing to the nation’s social fabric.
This Diwali celebration was not just an event; it was a testament to the enduring partnership between communities and a commitment to a future built on shared values.