Royal Navy Appoints First Hindu Chaplain, Bhanu Attri

London, Aug 19 (PTI) The UK’s Royal Navy has made history by appointing its first Hindu chaplain, Bhanu Attri. Originally from Himachal Pradesh, Attri begins this unprecedented role after undergoing a unique course unlike other Navy cadets. He completed six weeks of officer instruction, including sea survival, with much of his training aboard the warship HMS Iron Duke, followed by three weeks dedicated to the duties of a military chaplain.

“To become the first-ever Hindu chaplain in the fleet is a profound honour,” Attri expressed. “Raised in India as a Hindu, having the opportunity to represent diverse religious individuals is meaningful representation for the Hindu community.” Attri, aged 39, stated it reflects the Navy’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and spiritual care for all. His family beams with immense pride grounded in generations of faith, service, and resilience.

The Hindu Council UK (HCUK) lauded the appointment after recommending Attri for meeting key criteria: personal fitness, mental and physical, principled in faith, reflective and pastoral; equivalency in education to a Hindu scriptural degree and post-accreditation leadership experience, coupled with strong spirituality and interfaith skills. They stressed readiness for duty 24/7 and integration into British culture.

“MoD careers are sometimes overlooked by Hindu youth,” noted Anil Bhanot from HCUK, emphasizing the need for greater community awareness. British Hindus have made the UK their karmabhoomi, with the MoD being seen as the protective arm.

Attri was among 148 new officers dubbed as "leaders of tomorrow," including specialists and cadets from civilian life, completing their "Initial Officer Training" last week. After up to 29 weeks of rigorous preparation at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth, they transitioned from civilian life to sailors at a BRNC ceremony.

“We live in a perilous world, and as a service, must respond to national security challenges confidently, requiring top-tier leadership,” declared Andrew Burns, Vice-Admiral and senior operational commander, who was the ceremony’s guest of honor. “Serving your country is the greatest commitment, leading others even more so,” he added.

The training encompasses military basics, such as drill and uniform, leadership fundamentals, naval history, and strategy. Cadets engage in both classroom learning and parade ground activities, developing leadership and teamwork skills on Dartmoor, training at sea aboard a warship, and using specialist Vahana boats on the River Dart and English Channel.

“Commissioning into the Royal Navy is an unforgettable moment,” said Captain Andy Bray, Captain of Britannia Royal Naval College, who takes pride in the officers’ training journey. “A life of duty and frontline service awaits,” he concluded.

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