Hindu NHS Network appreciates that Republic Day is a moment of profound pride and reflection for all Indians and people of Indian heritage across the world. Celebrated annually on 26th January, it marks the historic day in 1950 when India adopted its Constitution and formally became a sovereign, democratic republic. This Constitution, rooted in justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, continues to guide India’s moral, social, and democratic fabric.
For members of the Hindu NHS Network, Republic Day holds a special resonance. Many of us serve within the UK’s National Health Service while carrying with us the rich civilisational values of India—values deeply aligned with compassion, service, duty, inclusivity, and respect for human dignity. These principles are not only embedded in India’s constitutional ethos but are also at the very heart of the NHS.
The Indian Constitution is remarkable not only for its scale and vision, but for its commitment to pluralism. It recognises diversity as a strength, not a challenge. This mirrors the multicultural reality of the NHS, where professionals from different backgrounds, faiths, and cultures work together with a shared purpose: to care, to heal, and to serve. Hindu philosophy has long upheld the ideal of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world as one family—a principle that resonates strongly with the NHS’s founding values of universal care and equity.
Healthcare professionals of Indian origin have made, and continue to make, an immense contribution to the NHS. From doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals to managers, researchers, and support staff, the Indian diaspora has played a pivotal role in sustaining the NHS, particularly during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Republic Day offers an opportunity to honour not only the Indian Republic but also the spirit of selfless service demonstrated daily by our colleagues.
The Hindu NHS Network stands for inclusion, cultural understanding, and professional excellence. We aim to provide a platform where Hindu values—such as seva (selfless service), ahimsa (non-harm), satya (truth), and dharma (ethical duty)—can positively inform healthcare practice, leadership, wellbeing, and patient care, while fully aligning with NHS principles and professional standards.
As we celebrate Republic Day, we also reaffirm our commitment to dialogue, unity, and shared progress. The Indian Constitution reminds us that democracy is not merely a system of governance, but a way of life—one that requires responsibility, mutual respect, and continuous effort to uplift the most vulnerable. These ideals are equally vital in healthcare, where trust, ethics, and compassion form the foundation of patient-centred care.
On this Republic Day, the Hindu NHS Network extends warm greetings to all colleagues, partners, and communities. We celebrate India’s democratic journey, honour the contributions of the Indian diaspora to the NHS, and recommit ourselves to building bridges of understanding, equality, and service—within the NHS and beyond.