The Mayor of London Boris Johnson was ‘amazed’ and ‘impressed’ during his visit to Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury as he took part in the opening ceremony of Purushottam Mahal.

The Mayor was guest of honour and so on his arrival was met, saluted and escorted by Shree Muktajeevan Pipe Band – he later tried his hand at playing the bagpipes, and acknowledged the tremendous effort and dedication it must take to play such an unforgiving instrument.

“What an amazing welcome!” exclaimed the Mayor as he addressed the thousand-plus audience, by now adorning a Paagh, chandlo and flower garland.

Never far from Politics, the Mayor jovially referenced the upcoming referendum on Scottish independence. “No matter what is decided north of the border, London will always have its Shree Muktajeevan Pipe Band!” He continued, “I am hugely impressed at what you have achieved here. London is the world’s most diverse city and what better example of that diversity than what we see here today - a traditional, magnificent Mandir on ones side of the courtyard and a modern sports and community centre on the other.” The Mayor was given a tour of the near-complete Mandir and also took time to meet and greet many of our members, including the young cadets of Shree Muktajeevan Pipe Band. He also took part in launching our latest activity – a cycling academy. There is probably no stronger activist for cyclists than the Mayor himself.

A highlight of the day was a traditional dance performed for the Mayor by the young students of Shree Muktjeevan Arts and Culture Academy, which doubled up as a trailer for the visitors of Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury Grand Opening festival.

Acharya Swamishree Maharaj is joined by Mayor of London Boris Johnson to open Purushottam Mahal