The crowd at the temple waved at the couple as their convoy entered the temple premises. After the two performed puja under the guidance of the temple priests. Sunak interacted with community leaders and volunteers on India’s victory at the T20 World Cup on Sunday.
He also spoke about the inspiration he derives from his faith, saying, “I am Hindu and like all of you, I draw inspiration and comfort from my faith…I was proud to be sworn in as a member of parliament on the ‘Bhagavad Gita’.”
“Our faith teaches us to do our duty and not fret about the outcome as long as one does it faithfully.That is what I was brought up to believe by my wonderful and loving parents and that is how I live my life; and that is what I want to pass on to my daughters as they grow up. It is dharma which guides me in my approach to public service,” he said as quoted by PTI.
Notably, the election in the UK will start from July 4.
He also acknowledged his wife’s support and commitment to public service, as well as the philanthropic work of his mother-in-law, Sudha Murty, in India.
As Britain’s first Indian heritage prime minister, the 44-year-old expressed gratitude to the community for their support and pledged to continue making them proud.
“You have been with me every step of the way. On the hardest days in this job, I have felt your backing. And I know the pride that there is to have a British Asian prime minister and I am determined to never let you down,” he said.
He also addressed the recent controversy surrounding a racist slur directed at him by a far-right activist, emphasizing the UK’s success as a multi-ethnic and multi-faith democracy.
“I’m proud to be the first British Asian Prime Minister, but I’m even prouder that it is not a big deal. The events of the last few days should not make us forget that the United Kingdom is the world’s most successful multi-ethnic, multi-faith democracy and we should all be uplifted by that,” said Sunak, amid applause.
“With your support, I will create a secure future for our country where Hindus, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, and Jains, those of all religions and none, feel equally at home, where everyone has the security they deserve,” he said.
Sunak highlighted his Conservative Party’s values, drawing parallels with those of the Indian diaspora, such as education, hard work, and family. He also mentioned some of the Tory candidates contesting in constituencies near the temple and reiterated his core policy themes, including tax cuts and education.