Monday, October 24, was an auspicious day for British Hindus. It was the third, main day of Diwali, when the festivities of the annual five-day Festival of Lights reached their peak, marking the last day of the Hindu year.
The period symbolises the victory of light over darkness or good over evil, with worshippers illuminating their temples and houses with small oil lamps and setting off fireworks in the sky. As the new year dawns, adherents look to the future and embrace a new beginning.
Monday also marked a new beginning for Britain - and, as if by fate, it was one that was particularly pertinent to its Hindu population in the midst of their celebrations. It was announced that Rishi Sunak would be the next premier - making him UK's first Prime Minister of colour and first Hindu Prime Minister. The following day he was appointed.
Read more: Inside the oldest and largest Hindu temple in Wales as it celebrates its 40th anniversary
But what do British Hindus think of our new Prime Minister? We spoke to people of all ages outside Wales' oldest and largest Hindu Temple, the Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Cardiff, as Diwali celebrations continued on Wednesday, October 26.
Karsan Vaghani, 55, a trustee of the temple, said: “Rishi Sunak becoming the first Hindu Prime Minister of Great Britain has a lot of sentimental value to us. This is our first ethnic minority Prime Minister for the UK ever. And being of Indian origin ourselves, we are very proud that somebody has reached the highest seat in our country.
“In terms of what he will achieve for us, that is yet to be tested. But it’s certainly a proud moment but we are elated that it happened on Diwali - it happened today [October 25]. We are very proud.”
When asked how future generations might perceive this historical moment, he said: “I think it will inspire future generations in two folds. We often find that people from ethnic backgrounds don’t follow the path of politics… so this will encourage more people into politics. It also shows that there is no ceiling - you can reach the top if you put your mind and effort to it.”
Pradyuman Halai, 36, the temple's vice secretary, said: “I think that first and foremost, I’d like to think that any Prime Minister that comes to office is competent and capable of doing that job. But beyond that, as an individual of Indian descent, I think it is heartening to see that there is someone there which maybe breaks the glass ceiling. It breaks the perception that if you have a skill and capability, that there is no position you cannot achieve. So that is the take away for me, that if there is a perception - that has been completely shattered.”
Pradyuman added: “[It’s an inspiration] not only because Rishi is of Indian descent and a Hindu, but across the board, it’s an inspiration for gender and race that we are seeing a Prime Minister of an ethnic minority. I think that does a great deal of ripple effect on people’s minds and perception. People might have had in mind that there was only a certain type of individual that could achieve that post. I think for me personally and so many others it has completely changed people’s perspective and minds.”
Members of the younger generation were similarly inspired. Student Kalisha Hirani, 19, who volunteers for the temple, said she was "shocked but very proud" at the fact the UK had its first Prime Minister of colour. "It makes me really proud that we've moved forward as a country and we're at that stage," she said.
"I'm sure [Rishi Sunak and I] share some of the same values that we've learnt growing up in the religion, so it's nice to know someone I share values with is helping lead the country," she said, adding: "It just shows that if you work hard enough and really persevere you can reach your goals - it's a nice example to look up to."
Economics student Davina Kerai, also 19, said she was "overjoyed" when Mr Sunak was announced as Prime Minister. "This is a milestone in British Asian history. I honestly don't think it will ever happen again, but I'm really happy that we have some representation," she said.
Asked if she felt a connection to Mr Sunak, she said: "I do feel connected in some ways, in terms of race and religion. However I think in terms of class, because he's obviously a lot more wealthy than the average British Asian, I don't think we're similar in that sense."
Laxmi Vaghani, 30, who is a partnership executive at the Royal Mint and also volunteers for the temple, said she was "delighted" to see someone of her heritage leading the UK. "As a young Hindu British woman living in the UK, I'm really proud to see somebody like Rishi to be the Prime Minister.
"Our ancestors and our forefathers have worked really hard to bring us to this country, to give us a life and access to education and health that we have in this country. To be able to be in a position to make the most of that education, to get into a position where you can actually serve your country, I do feel very proud of him."
She added: "I do believe he's got a very big challenge on his hands at the moment to be able to get our country where it needs to be. The world has been through challenges. At the time of Diwali we really look to fresh beginnings. We've been amongst dark times and we're looking to the light in the future, and I hope that Rishi can be the person to bring us that."
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