Armed Forces wouldn't work without you, head of the RAF tells Hindu personnel

The Armed Forces could not operate without the support of their Hindu personnel, the Chief of the Air Staff has insisted.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton was speaking as he joined defence personnel and members of the civilian Hindu community as the RAF took its turn to host this year's Diwali celebrations.

In partnership with the Defence Hindu Network, the MOD welcomed people from all faiths to RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire – marking a five-day festival that signifies the victory of light over darkness.

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Air Chf Mshl Sir Rich was one of several senior military and community leaders who enjoyed an evening of food, dance and a light show – while also gaining an insight into Hindu and Indian traditions.

"In a world that sadly is full of darkness, it is an honour to have the opportunity to celebrate the victory of light over darkness," he said.

The head of the RAF likened the lessons from the Hindu faith to the values and standards that are instilled in young recruits in the Armed Forces.

"We hold these events to build bridges between communities – to aid understanding and deepen those relationships that are built over many, many years," he said.

"The Royal Air Force, the Army, the Navy, we couldn't function without the support of our Hindu servicemen and women.

"Our history is littered with experience of bravery, of that service, that courage and that unity."

Air Chf Mshl Sir Rich joined Diwali Prayers and participated in a Light the Lamp ceremony.

Traditional dance performances were accompanied by a presentation focusing on the contribution made by South Asian women in both World Wars.

Inclusion, religion and culture

Flight Lieutenant Suman Garewal was a key figure in setting up the event over the last three months.

"The initial thought was to engage with community and make this effort of making them understand how Armed Forces work and making it a big inclusion activity for all of us," she explained.

"Within the Air Force, we've got these different networks, especially RAF Inclusion, through social media, through other interactions.

"We've created that environment where people from different walks of life are coming together and freely talking about their religious beliefs, their cultural beliefs.

"That's made it so much easier to organise an event like this."