GPH speaking with former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu.

GPH giving a speech

GPH interacting with organisers

THE foundation stone laying ceremony of Europe’s first stateof-the-art crematorium was held last Wednesday (31) on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi at the Anoopam Mission, Denham.

More than 800 dignitaries from across the UK, including 108 selected hosts, took part in the foundation stone worship.

Among the chief guests were the former vice-president of India, Venkaiah Naidu, then UK minister of state for local government, faith and communities Paul Scully MP, second secretary of the Indian High Commission, Sanjay Kumar and industrialist Gopichand Hinduja of the Hinduja family.

Other guests included businessmen Bhikhu Patel and Vijay Patel (of Waymade Pharmaceuticals), Pradip Dhamecha (Dhamecha cash and carry), Lord Dolar Popat, Barry Gardiner MP, Virendra Sharma MP, Seema Malhotra MP, Rajesh Aggarwal, the deputy mayor of London, Onkar Sahota, member of the London Assembly, councillors, representatives of Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities, devotees and saints.

Vedic prayers were conducted in the presence of Sant Bhagwant Jashbhai Sahebji and Sadguru Sant Pujya Shantidada.

Pujya Harishmuni, Sadhu Jayendra Dasji, contractor Jatinbhai, Nayanbhai, and Harjivanbhai also offered prayers.

Anoopam Mission’s Sadguru Saint Pujya Manojdasji performed the Shilanyas Pooja Vidhi. He explained the meaning of the ritual prayers and hymns in Gujarati, Sanskrit, Hindi and English languages.

India’s former vice president praised the work of the Anoopam Mission and Sahebji and noted the community’s efforts on culture and identity.

He said, “Whatever your status, you have to come here eventually. Congratulations to all of you for constructing Europe’s first ever Hindu crematorium on 12 acres of land.

“India is the most legendary civilization in the world, and we believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the whole world is our family). When you live in this country, you are also requested to follow the policies and rules of this country and accept them as Karma Bhoomi.”

Sikh representatives Surendersingh Jagdev and Reshamsingh Sandhu offered prayers.

Gopichand Hinduja said, “I congratulate Sahebji and assure him of my cooperation in its construction work.”

Paul Scully said he was moved by the foundation stone laying ceremony and paid tribute to the Anoopam Mission.

Courtesy: Press Reader