The UK is undergoing its own “Barack Obama moment” with Rishi Sunak becoming the country’s first Hindu prime minister, says the president of his home temple.
Sunak, a practising Hindu, grew up worshipping with his family at the Vedic Society Temple, Southampton, which his grandfather co-founded 50 years ago and where his extended family still pray.
The Times was present in the temple when the news broke yesterday that Sunak was set to become prime minister. It was also the day of light, the main day of Diwali, the Hindu festival which represents the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
Sunak making chapatis in preparation for a community meal in July
Sunak’s mother Usha, wearing a blue sari, and his father, Yashvir, in a red shirt at a family Hawan
As several families gathered, the temple priest sang a prayer for Sunak in front of the statues of Krishna