Representatives from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London – popularly known as Neasden Temple – joined faith and community leaders from across the London Borough of Brent at the House of Commons on Wednesday 13 November for a significant milestone in fostering interfaith harmony and collaboration. The event, hosted by Dawn Butler MP, Member of Parliament for Brent East, in partnership with Brent Council and the Brent Multi-Faith Forum, marked the official signing of the Brent Faith Covenant.
The Covenant is a powerful reaffirmation of Brent’s shared commitment to interfaith harmony and collective action for the greater good of the community. By bringing together diverse faith groups and community representatives, the Covenant highlights the importance of unity, understanding, and collaboration in creating a thriving and inclusive society.
Also present during the event was Parliamentary Secretary of the Cabinet Office Georgia Gould MP, as well as Brent Multi-Faith Forum’s co-chairs Rabbi Dr Frank Dabba Smith and Mustafa Field, and the Leader of Brent Council Cllr Mohammed Butt.
The occasion also featured the launch of the Brent Youth Faith Alliance, a groundbreaking initiative led by the Young Brent Foundation. The Alliance aims to empower the next generation of leaders by fostering youth engagement in interfaith dialogue and collaborative efforts.
During the event, Rutvik Patel, a young volunteer from Neasden Temple, was invited to address the audience on behalf of Hindus in Brent. Rutvik passionately highlighted the vital role of youths in bridging divides between diverse communities and driving positive change, not only in Brent but across London, Great Britain, and the wider world. He shared: “Faith communities not only provide spiritual guidance, but also a moral framework and a sense of belonging. By connecting with our own faith and reaching out to others, we discover shared values that bind us and work towards the greater good.”
Reflecting on the profound influence of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, Rutvik added, “Through his life and teachings, he has shown me the importance of integrity, compassion, humility and harmony – values that now shape my everyday actions. These teachings, which call for selfless service and seeing beyond differences, continue to inspire interfaith dialogue and respect around the world, fostering greater understanding and collaboration among communities.”
Dawn Butler MP captured one of the evening’s core themes, echoing a sentiment expressed by several speakers: “We are not here to tolerate each other, but to celebrate each other.” Her words resonated deeply with the gathering, emphasising the collective recognition of Brent’s vibrant diversity and the importance of celebrating the differences that enrich the community.
Zachary Williams, a manager at the Young Brent Foundation, elaborated on the Brent Youth Faith Alliance. “This new project,” he explained, “offers young people in Brent a unique platform to discuss key issues, share their insights, and tackle challenges within the context of faith. It’s a powerful opportunity for youth who often lack a voice in such discussions to bring about real, impactful change.”
The historic gathering at the House of Commons stands as a testament to Brent’s enduring strength in fostering interfaith harmony, with Neasden Temple playing a key role in shaping a more inclusive, progressive future.