Theresa Villiers MP this week joined Barnet residents at the Hindu Cultural Society in Friern Barnet at an event to show support for the victims of the Westminster terror attack. It was hosted by the Maa Charity Trust and Param Shakti Peeth, and organised by Dr Harsha Jani. Taking place on 11th April, the day following the funeral of PC Keith Palmer, who was killed in the line of duty as he guarded Parliament, it was also the day of the Hindu festival of Hanuman Jayanti. This is a day when Hindus reflect on the selfless service of the deity, Hanuman. Participants prayed for the victims of the attack and their families.
Theresa was one of a number of speakers at the event, all of whom expressed their support for those injured and bereaved by the Westminster atrocity, and thanked the emergency services for their response. A statement was read out from Neil Basu, head of the Hindu Police Association and a former borough police commander in Barnet. Mill Hill ward councillor, Sury Khatri, was there to show his support. Visitors were able to give donations to the Metropolitan Police Widows’ and Widowers’ Fund.
Theresa Villiers said: “The Hanuman Jayanti festival is a day to celebrate the Hindu deity Hanuman. Hanuman is worshipped to gain victory against evil: which was an appropriate way to express our appreciation for the courage of PC Keith Palmer and commemorate all those who died or were injured in the terror attack in Westminster.” “Together, we took part in prayers, thanked the police and emergency services for their response to the terrorist atrocity, and for the service they give to our whole community. PC Palmer was a real hero and we should always value the courage and dedication of police officers who put themselves in harm’s way to protect us and our way of life.”
Dr Harsha Jani said "Under the guidence and inspiration of Param Pujya Didimaa Sadhvi Ritambharaji, Maa Charity Trust UK and Param Shakti Peeth hosted a prayer meeting to pay our respects to the victims of the Westminster attacks.
This has been the one and only prayer meeting organised by a Hindu organisation in this country; a meeting solely dedicated to the Westminster victims and the the emergency services. This prathna sabha was a demonstration collective condemnation of violence incited by warped ideology. Our Hindu sanskruti (Heritage) teaches us lessons in loyalty and good citizenship for the country we live in."