When Rishi Sunak, Now UK PM-Designate, Celebrated Diwali at 11 Downing Street, Took Oath On the ‘Bhagavad Gita’

Recalling that moment, which happened when Britain was in the throes of its own Covid crisis, Sunak told 'The Times' of London earlier this year: "It was one of my proudest moments that I was able to do that on the steps of Downing Street. It was one of my proudest moments of the job that I had for the last two years."

Rishi Sunak Lights Diya. (Photo Credits: Twitter)

New Delhi, October 24: Even as they wonder whether Rishi Sunak will be able to steer the Conservatives and his country out of the "fiscal black hole" they have to contend with, British commentators haven't missed the significance of his elevation to Britain's highest political office on Diwali.

The timing is particularly significant in his case because Sunak will be the first practising Hindu to preside over a nation whose King is the defender of the Church of England. Sunak made history when he swore his oath to Parliament after the 2017 general elections with his hand on a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, as pointed out by 'The Guardian'. Rishi Sunak Becomes UK PM: At 42, First Indian-Origin British Prime Minister Is the Youngest To Hold Top Office in Over 200 Years.

Video: Rishi Sunak Lights Diwali Diya Outside his House in Downing Street.

And he was also the first occupant of No. 11, Downing Street, the official residence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer (an office that was held by the first prime minister, Sir Horace Walpole), to celebrate Diwali at the doorsteps of his then home.

Recalling that moment, which happened when Britain was in the throes of its own Covid crisis, Sunak told 'The Times' of London earlier this year: "It was one of my proudest moments that I was able to do that on the steps of Downing Street. It was one of my proudest moments of the job that I had for the last two years."

Despite growing up in Britain and going to Winchester, Oxford University and then Stanford, Sunak has never glossed over his cultural roots, staying away from beef and keeping a statuette of Lord Ganesha on his work table.

"I can proudly say that I am a Hindu and being a Hindu is my identity," he said in a media interview, adding that his faith "gives me strength, it gives me purpose. It's part of who I am." For Sunak, therefore, this Diwali will be special in more ways than what is obvious. Rishi Sunak Becomes UK Prime Minister: PM Narendra Modi Congratulates New British PM, Says 'Look Forward to Working Closely Together on Global Issues, Implementing Roadmap 2030'.

As Sunder Katwala of the British Future think tank told 'The Guardian', it was "an historic moment" that "simply would not have been possible even a decade or two ago."

Katwala added: "It shows that public service in the highest office in Britain can be open to those of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds. This will be a source of pride to many British Asians -- including many who do not share Rishi Sunak's Conservative politics."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 24, 2022 11:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

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