The Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Angela Rayner MP, attended the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations organised by the BAPS Hindu community in Manchester on Saturday 26 March 2022.

BAPS’s celebration of IWD represents its on-going commitment to women and matters of importance to women, as inspired and guided by its current spiritual leader, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.

The conference centred on three key themes – ‘Enhancing Confidence and Positivity’, ‘Staying Safe’ and ‘Seeking Out Goodness’ – that support the overall message of celebrating the invaluable role and contributions of women in our world.

The programme illustrated the powerful impact that women have had throughout the challenging two years of the global pandemic and brought to life their positivity. It also paid tribute to the multitude of family, social and professional roles that women have undertaken by drawing upon their powerful and inspiring virtues.

These noble virtues were explored through various mediums, including personal testimonies and uplifting video presentations.

Nilam Patel, one of the lead volunteers for the event, explains: “His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, embodied countless virtues throughout his life which continue to inspire us women to excel personally as well as serve our community and nation. As we celebrate his centennial birth anniversary throughout 2022, we hope that some of his spiritual virtues that have guided and empowered women all over the world for decades can provide a fresh message of hope, positivity and harmony to women across the UK.”