Reflections

Metropolitan Police Hindu Association  •  New Scotland Yard, London  •  10 September 2026 I feel deeply humbled and honoured to have been invited as a guest speaker at the Raksha Bandhan celebration organised by the Metropolitan Police Hindu Association, held at New Scotland Yard, London, on 10 September 2026. It was a privilege to address a gathering of Metropolitan Police officers, community representatives and invited guests on an occasion that brought together an ancient Hindu tradition and the very contemporary responsibility of protecting one of the world’s most diverse cities. Raksha Bandhan celebration organised by the Metropolitan Police Hindu Association at New Scotland Yard. The Sacred Meaning of Raksha Raksha Bandhan is traditionally associated with the sacred bond between a sister and brother. A sister ties a Rakhi — a sacred thread — around her brother’s wrist, expressing her affection and praying for his health, happiness and protection. The Sanskrit word rakṣā (रक्षा) means protection. At New Scotland Yard, that ancient symbolism acquired a particularly poignant meaning. Women leaders representing several Hindu organisations tied Rakhi to police officers, offering prayers and good wishes for their safety, health and wellbeing. Metropolitan Police officers participating in the Raksha Bandhan ceremony at New Scotland Yard. Watching this simple but powerful ceremony, I was struck by a thought: Those who dedicate their lives to protecting society also deserve our prayers for their protection. Police officers routinely encounter situations most of us hope never to face. Behind the uniform is a human being — someone’s daughter or son, sister or brother, mother or father, husband or wife — who leaves home to serve the wider community. Raksha Bandhan therefore offered an appropriate moment not only to recognise those who protect society, but also to pray for those who carry that responsibility. A Celebration of Faith, Service and Community Pandit Kishan Attri, Chaplain to the Ministry of Defence, officiated the religious ceremony. Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes and Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan addressed the gathering, reflecting on community cohesion, social harmony and the Metropolitan Police’s commitment to upholding the law and serving London’s diverse communities. Commander Neerav Patel, President of the Metropolitan Police Hindu Association, welcomed those assembled for the celebration. Representatives from the Ministry of Defence, during the celebration. At the Metropolitan Police Hindu Association’s Raksha Bandhan celebration at New Scotland Yard. The occasion demonstrated something I have long considered important: religious and cultural traditions need not remain confined to places of worship. Their deeper ethical principles can speak to our shared civic life. Raksha is one such principle. Protection is not merely physical. A healthy society must also protect dignity, justice, freedom, mutual respect and the ability of different communities to live alongside one another peacefully. My Reflections to the Policing Family In my address, I reflected on the meaning of Raksha and on the dangers, responsibilities and sacrifices carried by members of the policing family. Those who serve in policing are entrusted with considerable responsibility. They may be called upon to enter situations from which others instinctively move away. Their service can expose them to physical danger, emotional strain and difficult decisions. Madhava Turumella addressing the Metropolitan Police Hindu Association’s Raksha Bandhan celebration at New Scotland Yard. For that reason, on an occasion centred upon protection, I felt it appropriate that we should turn the idea of Raksha towards those whose profession is itself dedicated to protecting others. I concluded my address with a prayer for the safety and wellbeing of police officers, their families and, ultimately, all members of society. A Prayer for All The spirit of the occasion can perhaps best be expressed through this ancient Sanskrit prayer: सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः । सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चिद् दुःखभाग्भवेत् ॥ Sarve bhavantu sukhinaḥ Sarve santu nirāmayāḥ Sarve bhadrāṇi paśyantu Mā kaścid duḥkhabhāgbhavet. May all be happy. May all be healthy. May all experience what is good and auspicious. May no one suffer. My sincere thanks to the Metropolitan Police Hindu Association for inviting me to participate in this meaningful celebration and for the warm hospitality extended to me. I also offer my appreciation to the officers, organisers, faith representatives, community leaders and guests who contributed to the occasion. Speaking at the Raksha Bandhan celebration at New Scotland Yard. Speakers and hosts at the Metropolitan Police Hindu Association Raksha Bandhan celebration. For me, the enduring message of the celebration was beautifully simple: Those who protect us should never be forgotten in our prayers for protection. Madhava Turumella Author & Philosopher Chaplain to the High Sheriff of Greater London New Scotland Yard, London 10 September 2026