Sunak tells a personal anecdote – and addresses racist comments from reform activists
Recently, Rishi Sunak delivered a speech at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, also known as Neasden Temple, which is a traditional Hindu temple in London.
Rishi Sunak, who is of the Hindu faith, told the audience, “Like all of you, I draw inspiration and solace from my faith.
“I was proud to take oath as a Member of Parliament on the Bhagavad Gita [one of Hinduism’s most prominent sacred texts].
“Our faith teaches us to do our duty and not worry about the result as long as you do it faithfully.”
“My family also strengthens my commitment to service,” said the Prime Minister.
He spoke about the charity work his mother-in-law does in India and praised his wife as “the greatest support any husband could ever have” and “someone who is committed to a life of service”.
Mr Sunak told the audience: “I want to start by thanking you for your support, your prayers and your love. You were with me every step of the way.
“During the toughest days of this job, I have felt your support and I know the pride of having you as Prime Minister of Britain-Asia, and I am determined to never let you down.”
The prime minister argued that so many Indians are conservative because “our values bind us to who we are,” citing education, hard work and family.
Mr. Sunak said, “One of my most memorable moments in the last few years came on Diwali, just after my 60th birthday. [grandmother] Boarding a plane to East Africa – her first, on her own – she went ahead and made a new life for her family here in this country.
“Sixty years from now, his granddaughter, my girls, they were playing in the street outside our house.”
They “had as much fun as many other families at Diwali – except the street they were playing in was Downing Street”.
Referring to a racial slur used by a Reform UK campaigner about her, she said “the events of the last few days should not make us forget that the UK is the most successful multi-ethnic, multi-faith democracy in the world and we should all be uplifted by that”.
In closing, the Prime Minister said: “Thank you for your support. I only hope that I can make you proud every day.”
