BHA SCRIPT

ALL GLORIES TO SRILA PRABHUPAD! ALL GLORIES TO SRI GURU AND SRI
GAURANGA!
STATEMENTS IN RED ARE NOT TO BE RECORDED
IGNORE THE HIGHLIGHTS
Introduction – Gratitude from Bengali Hindu Diaspora – 1 min
The Bengali Hindu community is a vibrant and diverse group with a rich cultural heritage. At present
the UK has a population of about half a million Bengalis. The last few years has seen second
generation UK based Bengalis ( Casual Sena Chatting Footage) establishing themselves well in the
British society, excelling in education (Sena Member studying Focus shift) and progressing to
professional jobs both in private and public sectors. Project Joshua estimates the Bengali Hindu
population of Bangladeshi origin to be around 33,900, most of which are concentrated in the Greater
London Area.

Being based in the UK, they have immensely contributed and (emphasis on AND) benefited, thanks
to the welcoming and appreciative nature of the UK governments policies for those who wish to
contribute to the development of this Great nation. The sincere efforts and contribution to the cultural
diversity of the UK is the heartfelt appreciation of many Bengali Hindus, for the British people and
government for accepting and being a part of celebrating the dynamic Bengali Hindu Culture.
(Harinaam Sankirtan Footage)

Main Body – Culture of the Bengali Hindus, Its overlap with UK Gov – 3 Mins

This relationship between the UK and the Bengali Hindu community is not new; it has been
marked by previous cultural exchanges that have left lasting impressions. Both cultures have
seen exchanges between ideas, practices and traditions brought about by great personalities
from both backgrounds. One of many such examples is of the Great Bengali Hindu Pioneer,
Revolutionary and trailblazer A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami (Sena Member offering flower
garland), founder of the Worldwide Hare Krishna movement, who arrived in the UK in the
September of 1969 receiving a GRAND welcome on his arrival by the London authorities and
the cheerful British People. Bhaktivedanta Swami often considered England to be one of the
rare few places where Gentlemen in the modern day could still be found. He famously said
that “London is the most important city in the world” (Letter to Mukunda -- Bombay 13 April,
1971), thus he himself decided to make the city the Hub for his revolutionary movement.

Inspired by his ideas and teachings the renowned English musician and singer, George
Harrison donated his Letchmore Heath mansion north of London to the members of the
Hare Krishna Movement which today stands proudly as the Iconic Bhaktivedanta Manor,
which has become the spiritual oasis for nourishing the youth (Sena Footage in Manor) and
everyone else with spiritual, mental and physical welfare. Owing to the rich teachings of
Ancient Eastern Wisdom, the Manor has hosted personalities like John Lenon, ex-Prime
Minister, David Cameron, Boris Johnson and even the Current Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.
Much of the Bengali Hindu Culture has been influenced by the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a
15th Century Bengali Hindu Saint, whose ancestry can be traced back to Mishrapara village of Dhaka
South Union, Golapganj Upazila, Sylhet. He expounded Bhakti Yoga and spread the movement
throughout Southeast Asia. His teachings are considered to be a parallel drawn to the teachings of
Lord Krishna in the Bhagvad Gita, the holy book for many hindus, encourage the general masses to
co-operate and live in harmony with each other, all the while keeping God at the Centre. His teachings
of Love for God, mutual Co-operation, co-existence, compassion and living a meaningful life full of
purpose are one of the Primary fundamental beliefs of the Hindu Bengali Community.
(Aryan’s video 1)
The Bengali Hindu Community has strong and deep-rooted practices and beliefs based around a sense
of serving the community and nation. Historically, they have been recognised and appreciated for
their sense of service (Sena Members picking a box and getting closer to Camera). Service is one of
those many core beliefs that are shared by the British and Bengali Culture alike. Bengali community's
tradition of service extends beyond their immediate surroundings to encompass global humanitarian
efforts. Their commitment to philanthropy and social welfare has led to the establishment of
numerous charitable organizations and initiatives, both in the UK and abroad. This mutual
appreciation for service and education forms a strong bond between British and Bengali cultures,
fostering collaboration and understanding for the betterment of society.
(Aryan’s Video 2)
Conclusion: Appeal to UK Gov for promoting Bengali Hindus
Although it also noteworthy, that service-loving community like theirs hasn’t received as much
recognition or appreciation on SOME major platforms as others. As much as they are proud of their
heritage, they find it difficult to identify themselves collectively on a large scale outside of
organisations like the Bengali Hindu Association. So far, they have received much support and
encouragement from the UK government and its people. Wouldn’t it be great if such a dynamic and
loving community gets more opportunities to exhibit their traditions and make their culture stand out?
It is the collective dream of the youth of the Community to spread awareness about their own culture,
people and contributions. We hope that one day, in assosciation with the people of UK and their
highly capable government, we shall be able to spread our message of love far and wide!
(POSSIBLE SHOUT OUT OF HARE KRISHNA OF SENA OUTSIDE TEMPLE)