Coventry: BOPA (British Organisation for People of Asian -origin) celebrated King Charles III coronation by organising a Multi-faith Prayer event at Coventry Canal basin Peace Garden created by BOPA to mark Platinum Jubilee of Late Queen Elisabeth.
Faith leaders from Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist and Christian community read prayers according to their traditions and languages and prayed for long, prosperous and peaceful reign of our New King over people of Great Britain and Commonwealth. Mr Davinder Prasad JP General Secretary of BOPA invited Col George Marsh DL who represented Sir John Crabtree Lord Lieutenant and read special message from King Charles sent to all the counties in the country.
This was followed by New national Anthem – God Save the King. Christian prayers were read by Lion Iryna King who joined the prayers with young Ukranian children holding British and Ukranian flags. Pandit Ravi Bhushan a Hindu priest, Sardar Balbir Singh Dhaami a Sikh Gurudwara representative, Mrs Sumaira Furrukh a Muslim Scholar, Bhante Tejwant a Buddhist monk, Mr Jayanti Panchal from Brahama Kumaris and Lion Jaap De Jonge representing the Chief Rabi of Jewish community helped with the prayers from various faith communities for our King Charles III. Councillor Ramesh Srivastva Chair of BOPA extended welcome to all the guests, Miss Jessica Gagen Miss England 2022-2023, Miss India Fenvic WASUP International Princess, Councillor John McNicholas Former Lord Mayor and Chair of Canal Basin Advisory Board, Mr Nick Cleaver from Canal & River Trust, Ms Manjeet Kaur from Multifaith Forum, Mr Bhovinder Nagra from Sikh Union, Lion Jaap De Jonge Former District Governor of Lions Clubs International District 105CW, Lion Claire De Jonge President of Shirley Lions Club were some of the speakers and main guests at Peace Garden. Dr Rakesh Sachdev President of BOPA gave a vote of thanks and requested everyone to proceed to Central Hall where a delicious lunch was arranged for them.
Mr Davinder Prasad Generally secretary of BOPA managed the stage and Councillor Ramesh Srivastava greeted the guests. A very colourful programme was organised by BOPA and performers from various cultural backgrounds took part in the historic event to mark the beginning of a new Era for Great Britain. Performers included students from Coventry Tamil Academy of Languages and Art, Mr Adi Ray from Birmingham, Ms Tia Carter Miss Leicester, performers from Crew Girls, Dr Nazanin NNiaki from Iranian Community, Miss Hannah Semi Finalist & singer from Miss England team and Ukrainian Singing group led by Lion Iryna King were the main performers.
Sir John Crabtree Lord Lieutenant for West Midlands and Baroness Verma were the guests of honour. Mr Ashok Verma Chair of Hansraj Girls Home in Udaipur was there when we made the announcement supported by Ms Jessica Gagen Miss England that 18 girls have been sponsored by BOPA and other supporting organisations each girl sponsored for £600.
Mrs Sumaira Furrukh Assistant General Secretary of BOPA brought a huge Coronation Celebration cake that was cut by Sir John Crabtree and Baroness Verma. Dr Rakesh Sachdev brought the Coronation Celebration day long event to a close by giving vote of thanks and praising Ade Johnson of Central Hall, Mr jai Sharma of Puro Kitchens, Mrs Anita Bedi, Mrs Surinder Dhillon, Lion Rashab, Lion Sakshi, Lion Nutan and all other volunteers for their excellent contribution.
