Sarah Ludford visits Neasden Hindu temple

3.22.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 30th Apr 2009

Sarah Ludford with Sarah Teather MP, Nick Clegg MP and Cllr. Daniel Brown during their visit to Neasden Hindu temple.

Sarah visited (for the second time) the famous Neasden Hindu temple, the Shri Swaminarayan mandir, whose congregation are followers of the BAPS spiritual leader Pramukh Swami Maharaj. This time Sarah was with (pictured) Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg MP, local Lib Dem MP Sarah Teather and Brent councillors including Daniel Brown. She was treated to a traditional welcome, a tour of the site, an introduction to the exhibition 'Understanding Hinduism' and a session in the main hall with addresses by Yogvivek Swami, chair of trustees JM Patel, and Nick Clegg.

Sarah said: "This enjoyable and instructive event was a testament to the vibrancy and rich cultural and religious heritage that makes the Indian-origin and Hindu community such a valuable part of London's diverse makeup. I was reminded that it was early Hindus in the Indus valley 4,000 years ago who among their many other scientific, mathematical and philosophical achievements invented the 'zero'. Without that we would have no computers today! It was wonderful to be treated with such warmth and ceremony, and to be privileged to take part in the Saturday evening service. Not the least of the treats was the wonderful food we were served."