Rishi Sunak hails Bhagavad Gita on Janmashtami as source of strength during Tory leadership campaign

LONDON: Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy were both praised for their spirituality and humanity during their visit to Iskcon’s Bhaktivedanta Manor the night before Janmashtami on Thursday.
Sunak told volunteers and pilgrims that he drew strength from Bhagavad Gita in his quest to become the next leader of the Conservative party. He said it was “a tough campaign” and that he had “given it all he had”. “But in the most difficult times, what Akshata did for me was imparted to me the teachings of the Gita and she did it by phone and text message. It was the Gita that gave me strength over the past few weeks,” he said.

His family has visited the Manor several times and this time was invited to visit a private gala.
“In an environment like this, when you’re a little caught off guard, you actually see the person – or you see a blank political voice, or you see a real human wanting to do something – and I really feel we have seen something very human and genuine,” said Vinay TannaBhaktivedanta Manor communications director.
“When you meet him in person, his demeanor is very different from what a politician usually has,” he added. “He doesn’t seem stressed about the leadership contest. He took the time to talk to anyone. Rarely do you find a politician who has time for the old and the young and I feel like there’s a bit of humanity about him that really comes out. ”
The couple were shown an English translation of the Bhagavad Gita by Srila Prabhupada, as well as the transcription machine he used, which Sunak found “intriguing,” Tanna said.
They were given a book displaying all the paintings of Lord Krishna with an inscription from the temple president, Her Grace Vishaka Dasi, saying: “Don’t try to see God but serve Him the way He is. would like to see you. . The couple were very emotional when they had a daughter named Krishna. They also perform gopuja because the Manor has 62 cows.
“He’s in a real spiritual absorption mood and he feels absolutely calm when he’s there, and that’s how his life really feels,” Tanna said.
Murthy doesn’t say much, but Tanna says “her strength is in her silence, but her presence is obvious.”
“Akshata was mentioned many times in conversation with Rishi – he sees in her a tremendous strength and not just the usual ‘wives strength’ type she has a tremendous spiritual credential on which he relies. There’s a real sense of both being together in this. ”