England primary schools' students participated in Diwali activities

Nevada (US), Oct 22 (ANI): Hindus have lauded Bridlewood Primary School and East Wichel Community Primary and Nursery in Swindon in South West England for reportedly celebrating Diwali on October 19 and have urged all elementary and secondary schools of United Kingdom (UK) to include Diwali celebration as an annual activity.

Reports suggest that as part of Diwali celebrations, hundreds of students from these schools took part in traditional Hindu activities, wore Indian clothing, participated in Indian dances, had henna-mehndi pattern drawn on their bodies, made lanterns, shown how the Hindus prayed and worshipped, learned history and religious significance of Diwali, performed play about Rama and Sita, drew rangoli patterns on playground, and ate Indian snacks (samosas, bhajees, pakoras).

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that it would be highly productive to include Diwali celebrations in UK schools. Awareness about other religions thus created by organizing festivals like Diwali would make the UK pupils well-nurtured, well-balanced, and enlightened citizens of tomorrow. It also made a good business sense to know the beliefs of "others" in a global community. Moreover, students should have knowledge of the entire society to become full participants in the society.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, argued that with school celebrations including festivals like Diwali, ethnic minorities would feel as equal and full members of British society, thus bringing cohesion and unity in the community. With change in demographics of United Kingdom, it would be "a step in the right direction".

Jo Garton and Jayne Keen are headteacher and Governors Chair respectively of Bridlewood Primary, whose tagline is "a place for learning, caring, sharing and growing together". Caroline Henham is headteacher of East Wichel and its tagline is "learning today, for tomorrow's future".

Swindon, about 81 miles from London, has reportedly one of the highest broadband Internet access and had been declared UK's second safest place to live; and is known for roundabouts, XTC pop rock band and Swindon Mela.

Hindus form about less than one percent of the population. Prominent people associated with Swindon include actresses Diana Dors and Rachel Shelley, golfer David Howell and cricketer Jon Lewis. Ray Ballman is Mayor of Swindon Borough Council. (ANI)