In the midst of the ongoing G20 Summit in Delhi, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, carved out a moment from his demanding schedule to partake in a spiritual interlude at the Akshardham Temple in New Delhi on Sunday morning.
As the second day of G20 Summit sessions loomed, the convoy of the UK Prime Minister made its grand entrance at the temple. Elaborate security measures were meticulously arranged in and around the temple premises to ensure a seamless visit.
Prior to his arrival, Prime Minister Sunak had declared his intention to visit this hallowed place of worship in Delhi. He proudly identified himself as a “Proud Hindu” and expressed profound respect for India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, while also voicing his eagerness to contribute to the resounding success of the G20 Summit.
Within the sanctified confines of the Akshardham Temple, Prime Minister Sunak engaged in Pooja (worship) and Aarti (ritual offering of light) with unwavering faith. As a gesture of goodwill, he was presented with a model of the temple.
In a candid conversation with ANI, Rishi Sunak affirmed his desire to visit the temple during his stay for the G20 Summit, remarking, “I am a proud Hindu. That’s how I was raised, that’s how I am. Hopefully, I can visit the Mandir while I am here for the next couple of days. We just had Rakshabandhan, so from my sister and my cousin, I have all my Rakhis.”
The UK Prime Minister and his wife, Akshata Murthy, savored every moment within the temple precincts, demonstrating their devout faith. Jyotindra Dave, the Director of Akshardham Temple, attested to their genuine reverence.
Before his visit to Akshardham Temple, Rishi Sunak expressed regret over not being able to partake in the Janmashtami festival due to his hectic agenda. Nevertheless, he remained hopeful of compensating for this missed celebration with a visit to the temple. Fortunately, this aspiration materialized on a serene Sunday morning. Prime Minister Sunak emphasized the significance of faith, highlighting its role in providing strength and resilience during times of stress.
Accompanied by his wife, Akshata Murty, Rishi Sunak arrived in Delhi on Friday. This marks his maiden visit to India as Prime Minister since assuming office in the United Kingdom in October of the previous year.
