UK's Royal Navy appoints Himachal Pradesh cadet as first-ever Hindu chaplain
London, Aug 19 (PTI) The UK's Royal Navy has appointed its first-ever Hindu chaplain, the first non-Christian to be appointed for the official role of offering spiritual support to fellow naval officers based on the tenets of Hinduism.
Bhanu Attri, originally from Himachal Pradesh, took over his new role last week after undergoing a somewhat different course from other Navy cadets.
He went through six weeks of officer instruction, including sea survival with four weeks at sea aboard the warship HMS Iron Duke, and three weeks focused on the role of a military chaplain.
'To become the first-ever Hindu chaplain in the fleet is a profound honour," said Attri.
'As a Hindu brought up in India, the chance to represent individuals from other diverse religions brings meaningful representation for the Hindu community and reflects the Navy's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and spiritual care for all," said the 39-year-old.
'My family feels immense pride, a pride grounded in generations of faith, service, and resilience," he said.
The Hindu Council UK (HCUK) welcomed the move after proposing Attri as fitting the criteria for the role: personal fitness both physical and mental, principled in faith and philosophy, reflective and pastoral; professional eligibility of education equivalent to Hindu scriptural degree level and post accreditation experience in leadership capacity, with a sound sense of spirituality and interfaith relations; and general outlook for integration into the British culture and having good English communicative skills.
'The training can be arduous, which requires medical fitness standards, ready for duty 24/7 at short notice," said HCUK's Anil Bhanot, Hindu Advisor to the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD).
'MoD careers are sometimes neglected by our Hindu youth and we will try and do more community meetings at temples to raise awareness. British Hindus have settled here from all corners of the world, and although our spiritual bhoomi (land) is India, our karmabhoomi is the United Kingdom and MoD represents our protective arm," he said.
Attri was among 148 new officers among the so-called 'leaders of tomorrow", including warfare specialists, engineers, overseas and all cadets who joined from civilian life who completed their 'Initial Officer Training" last week.
After up to 29 weeks of demanding instruction at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth, south-west England, they transformed from civilian to sailor and formally passed out at a BRNC ceremony in front of friends, family and senior naval officers.
'We live in a perilous world and as a service we must respond to the challenges to our nation's security, also with confidence – and that means we need people like you that can offer leadership of the highest quality," said Andrew Burns, Vice-Admiral and the Royal Navy's senior operational commander who was the guest of honour at the ceremony.
'There is no greater commitment than to serve your country, and to lead others to do the same," he said.
The training is designed to teach the basics of serving in the military, such as drill and uniform, through the fundamentals of leadership, seafaring, naval history and strategy.
In addition to extensive time in the classroom and on the parade ground, cadets head out on to Dartmoor to learn and develop leadership and teamwork skills, spend time at sea aboard an operational warship, and conduct training on specialist Vahana boats on the River Dart and in the English Channel.
'Commissioning into the Royal Navy is a moment none of us forget, and it has been a privilege to follow these officers through their training. What awaits is a life of duty and frontline service," said Captain Andy Bray, Captain Britannia Royal Naval College. PTI AK RD RD
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments
First Published:
August 19, 2025, 19:00 IST
News agency-feeds UK's Royal Navy appoints Himachal Pradesh cadet as first-ever Hindu chaplain
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Loading comments...
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
29 minutes ago
- The Hindu
14th-century goddess idol found near Kodiveri anicut
A 14th-century stone idol of goddess Nisumba Soodhani was found partially buried in the sand of River Bhavani near the Kodiveri anicut recently. The discovery was made by S. Ravikumar, Head of the Department of Tamil, K. Kanagaraj, Assistant Professor, and M. Varshini, a third-year student of Kaamadhenu Arts and Science College, Sathyamangalam. The idol depicts the goddess with eight arms, holding a spear and trampling a human figure underfoot. The sculpture has fierce eyes and unusually large ears and was found buried in river sand. Government Museum Curator B. Jency, who was informed of the discovery, visited the spot on Monday (August 18, 2025). She confirmed that the idol dates back to the 14th century and represents the Hindu goddess Nisumba Soodhani. The idol measures 41 cm in height, 28 cm in width, and 3 cm in thickness. Kodiveri Village Administrative Officer S. Saravanan was informed, and the idol was shifted to the Public Works Department office. The curator said that after completing formalities, the idol would be moved to the museum, where a detailed study would be carried out. It is said that the Cholas worshipped the deity before going to war, as they believed she was the goddess of victory.
India Today
2 hours ago
- India Today
Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Puja timings, visarjan date and rituals
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity, this festival brings together families, communities, and entire cities in devotion and 2025, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 27. Devotees across India will install beautifully crafted idols of Lord Ganesha in homes and pandals, offering prayers, sweets, and flowers during the 10-day CHATURTHI 2025 DATE AND MUHURATGanesh Chaturthi Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat: 11:12 am to 01:40 pmDuration: 2 hours 28 minutesChaturthi Tithi Begins: 01:54 pm on August 26, 2025Chaturthi Tithi Ends: 03:44 pm on August 27, 2025The Madhyahna (midday) period is considered the most auspicious time for Ganesh Puja since it is believed that Lord Ganesha was born during this time. Devotees are encouraged to perform the Ganesh Sthapana (idol installation) and Puja rituals within this OF AVOIDING MOON SIGHTINGOn the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees avoid sighting the moon due to a well-known belief from Hindu scriptures. According to legend, seeing the moon on this day can bring Mithya Dosha, leading to false accusations and to avoid moon sighting on Aug 26: 01:54 pm to 08:43 pmTime to avoid moon sighting on Aug 27: 09:16 am to 09:20 pmGANESH VISARJAN 2025Ganesh Chaturthi culminates with Ganesh Visarjan on Saturday, September 6, 2025. On this day, idols of Lord Ganesha are carried out in grand processions, accompanied by music and dance, and immersed in rivers, lakes, or the immersion ritual signifies the cycle of birth and dissolution, reminding devotees of the impermanence of life and the importance of spiritual CHATURTHI MUHURAT IN MAJOR CITIESThe Madhyahna Puja Muhurat may slightly vary depending on location. Here are the timings for key cities in India:Mumbai: 11:24 am – 01:55 pmNew Delhi: 11:05 am – 01:40 pmPune: 11:21 am – 01:51 pmChennai: 10:56 am – 01:25 pmJaipur: 11:11 am – 01:45 pmHyderabad: 11:02 am – 01:33 pmGurgaon: 11:06 am – 01:40 pmChandigarh: 11:07 am – 01:42 pmKolkata: 10:22 am – 12:54 pmBengaluru: 11:07 am – 01:36 pmAhmedabad: 11:25 am – 01:57 pmNoida: 11:05 am – 01:39 pmRITUALS AND CELEBRATIONSSthapana (Idol Installation): Families and communities bring home idols or set them up in decorated and Offerings: Devotees chant mantras, perform aarti, and offer modaks, which are believed to be Lord Ganesha's favourite Festivities: Music, dance, and plays depicting the life of Lord Ganesha are organised across The immersion on Anant Chaturdashi marks the conclusion of the festival with chants of 'Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya!'Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a religious event, but also a cultural festival that unites people in faith and celebration. By observing the right puja timings, avoiding inauspicious practices, and embracing the deeper meaning of the rituals, devotees can ensure blessings of wisdom, prosperity, and harmony from Lord Ganesha.- Ends
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
UAE: Remarkably preserved 7th-century Christian cross unearthed on Abu Dhabi's Sir Bani Yas Island
The monastery complex on Sir Bani Yas Island includes courtyard houses where monks lived in seclusion, indicating a structured early Christian community/ Image: National A newly uncovered Christian cross from a seventh- to eighth-century monastery on Abu Dhabi's Sir Bani Yas Island is offering rare insight into the region's deep-rooted religious coexistence. Found during the first major excavation on the island in more than 30 years, the discovery marks a significant moment in the UAE's archaeological record and strengthens the narrative of its multicultural past. A rediscovery three decades in the making In January 2025, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) launched a new archaeological campaign on Sir Bani Yas Island, located off the coast of the Al Dhafra region. This marked the first major excavation on the island in over 30 years. Among the season's most significant findings was a Christian cross, moulded on a plaster (stucco) plaque, uncovered within one of the courtyard buildings near a historic monastery. The cross, believed to have been used by monks for spiritual reflection, is linked to the Church of the East, an early Christian denomination with origins in ancient Iraq. It bears stylistic similarities to religious artefacts previously found in Iraq and Kuwait, pointing to the monastery's connection with a broader religious network that once spanned from the Middle East to as far as China. Measuring 27 centimetres in length, 17 centimetres in width, and about 2 centimetres thick, the plaster cross is adorned with regional motifs. These include a stepped pyramid representing Golgotha, the hill where Jesus is believed to have been crucified, sprouting leaves at the base, dots at the tips of the cross arms, and an arched niche design. According to archaeologist Maria Gajewska, who leads the excavation team, 'Visually, every element of the plaster cross incorporates regional motifs… all find regional parallels in the Gulf and Mesopotamia. ' Speaking to The National , Gajewska described the discovery as 'an extremely exciting find' and a rare instance where archaeologists can clearly identify the community that once occupied a space. 'We were just digging in the right place… Incredible,' she said. The story behind the find The cross was discovered face down in February 2025 by Hager Al Menhali, an Emirati archaeologist with DCT Abu Dhabi. 'The plaster was resting face down and something about it caught my attention,' she told The National . 'There was a distinct fingerprint on the back.' Thinking the print alone was significant, Al Menhali proposed registering the object as a special find. But when the team carefully turned it over, they were stunned to see a well-preserved cross. 'This was one of the most significant discoveries of the season,' said Al Menhali. The discovery took place within a courtyard house to the north of the island's main church and monastery site, an area that had not been explored in depth until this season. This zone is now considered to have been used by monks in retreat or seclusion. The surrounding buildings, some constructed with limestone and coral native to the island, feature thick walls and water cisterns, indications of a lifestyle more comfortable than one of strict asceticism. These features suggest the early Christian residents were not merely hermits but members of a larger, structured monastic community. Unearthing a rich and layered past Sir Bani Yas has long held archaeological significance. A Christian monastery dating back to the seventh or eighth century CE was first discovered there in 1992 by the Abu Dhabi Islands Archaeological Survey (ADIAS), under the UAE's leadership. Since then, excavations have revealed a church and monastic complex believed to have operated simultaneously. Current interpretations suggest that while the monastery served as a broader communal religious site, individual monks would retreat to courtyard homes nearby for isolated contemplation. The recent discovery of the plaster cross provides strong evidence that Christianity was not confined to the monastery, but permeated other parts of the island community. At its peak, Christianity in the Arabian Peninsula thrived between the fourth and sixth centuries CE. Sir Bani Yas is part of a network of Christian sites that emerged during this period, with parallels found in Umm Al Quwain, Kuwait, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. Christianity on the island is believed to have coexisted with Islam until the eighth century CE, when the site was peacefully abandoned. Interestingly, the archaeological team has found no evidence of sudden destruction or conflict at the site. Instead, the clean and intact condition of the buildings suggests an intentional departure, possibly with the expectation of return. Additional finds from this season include pottery fragments and a sea-green glass bottle, likely used to hold oil or rosewater. These artefacts, along with others such as a stamp seal with a scorpion motif and glass chalices from earlier digs, are now on display at a small on-site exhibition. Preservation and the path ahead The Sir Bani Yas church and monastery are now sheltered and preserved, thanks to restoration works carried out by DCT Abu Dhabi in 2019. The site is open to the public, featuring improved signage and visitor facilities. A multi-faith church, inspired by the original structures, has also been constructed near the visitor centre to symbolise the values of unity and coexistence. Further excavation is planned at the courtyard houses, with the intention of integrating them into a larger cultural trail connecting significant sites across the island. Native wildlife, including Arabian gazelles and rock hyraxes, species known to inhabit the island since ancient times, are also part of the broader heritage landscape. DCT Abu Dhabi is conducting radiocarbon dating and in-depth analysis of the newly unearthed artefacts. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasised the wider significance of the discovery, linking it to the UAE's enduring cultural values. 'The discovery of this ancient Christian cross on Sir Bani Yas Island is a powerful testament to the UAE's profound and enduring values of coexistence and cultural openness. It stirs within us a deep sense of pride and honour and reminds us that peaceful coexistence is not a modern construct, but a principle woven into the very fabric of our region's history.' He also highlighted the long-term impact of archaeological work on the island and its relevance for future generations: 'The ongoing discoveries from Sir Bani Yas Island, even after 30 years of research and excavation, underscore the magnitude of our cultural legacy and the importance of our continued commitment to its preservation and understanding… These discoveries deepen our connection to the past and inspire future generations to embrace the spirit of unity and mutual respect that has long defined our community.'
