Raj Sadosh/Abohar.

Representatives from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London – popularly known as Neasden Temple – joined faith and community leaders from across the London Borough of Brent at the House of Commons for a significant milestone in fostering interfaith harmony and collaboration. The event, hosted by Dawn Butler MP, Member of Parliament for Brent East, in partnership with Brent Council and the Brent Multi-Faith Forum, marked the official signing of the Brent Faith Covenant.

Parliamentary Secretary of the Cabinet Office Georgia Gould MP, as well as Brent Multi-Faith Forum’s co-chairs Rabbi Dr Frank Dabba Smith and Mustafa Field, and the Leader of Brent Council, Cllr Mohammed Butt.

Rutvik Patel, a young volunteer from Neasden Temple, passionately highlighted the vital role of youths in bridging divides between diverse communities and driving positive change, not only in Brent but across London, Great Britain, and the wider world. Dawn Butler MP captured one of the evening’s core themes, echoing a sentiment expressed by several speakers: “We are not here to tolerate each other, but to celebrate each other.”

Zachary Williams, a manager at the Young Brent Foundation, said this new project offers young people in Brent a unique platform to discuss key issues, share their insights, and tackle challenges within the context of faith. It’s a powerful opportunity for youth who often lack a voice in such discussions to bring about real, impactful change.