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Radhanath Swami speaks at the House of Commons

October 17, 2011October 17, 2011

At the House of Commons, on Tuesday 11th October 2011, His Holiness Radhanath Swami addressed Members of Parliament and ministers together with the UK  interfaith community to a private reception on “Spirituality and the Big Society”. James Clappison MP, Richard Harrington MP and Mathew Offord MP invited His Holiness to Parliament to speak about a different perspective on the application on spirituality to the themes underlying the Government’s Big Society.

James Clappison MP for Hertsmere said:

“I am so pleased that His Holiness has come to speak on this subject and wish now to reflect on how spirituality can play a part in the Big Society”

Earlier this year Radhanath Swami was invited to meet the President of India and last month he met the President of United States. His trip to the UK as part of this book tour has been topped off with being invited to speak at the House of Commons.

Richard Harrington MP said:

“Groups of all faiths have often been at the forefront of such activities, volunteering their time and caring for others. Communities such as that of the Bhaktivedanta Manor have long worked hard in supporting the vulnerable, helping those in need and caring for the world around them. We can all learn a lot from this.”

His Holiness Radhanath Swami launches his autobiography “The Journey Home” about his travels around the world and search for meaning. The book has sold over 120,000 worldwide. His Holiness’ autobiography is themed around the change which people must embrace by embarking on a journey of the self.

His Holiness said at Parliament:

“This book is about a journey of changing of our hearts from one that is hard self absorbed to one that is soft and selfless. This only comes about through service.”

Radhanath Swami also spoke at Cambridge University and 1000 bankers at the Headquarters of HSBC where Zed Cama the HSBC Group Chairman welcomed his Holiness to speak on the strength to embrace challenges. His Holiness will finish his UK book tour with a concert with Krishna Das at the 1000 seater Camden Centre.