MFT Inaugurates Hindu and Dharmic Temple, Setting a Global Example in Multi-Faith Harmony
- News Post by Dr Rajinder Singh
Manchester, UK: September 2025-
Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) has taken a historic step towards strengthening inclusivity and spiritual support by inaugurating a Hindu and Dharmic Temple within its Multi-Faith Complex. The initiative, led by the Trust’s Chaplaincy Team and supported by senior leadership, marks an unprecedented milestone in multi-faith harmony.
The new Temple, serving the Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities, was inaugurated on Ganesh Chaturthi, a highly auspicious day in the Dharmic calendar. The ceremony began with an Ardaas (prayer) by Giani Harbhajan Singh of Gur Har Krishan Gurudwara, followed by blessings and messages of support from Sikh community leaders, and a formal inauguration by the Pandit ji of Radha Temple.
A Testament to Unity in Diversity
In an extraordinary gesture of solidarity, MFT’s Christian, Muslim, and Jewish chaplains supported their colleague Satwant Rait, Chaplain for the Dharmic faiths, in securing a sacred space for idol worship. Recognising the importance of inclusivity, the Chaplaincy Team reorganised their own offices to provide a larger room for the Temple. They also placed the holy scriptures of the four Dharmic traditions in the space—demonstrating the true spirit of respect and cooperation across faiths.
Leadership and Vision
The Hindu Staff Network was founded by Dr. Neeraj Bhardwaj with support from senior management, and leadership was later passed to Mr. Rajinder Pal Singh, Consultant Transplant Surgeon. Working alongside an Executive Committee, including Vice Chair Neelima Raghab, Dr. Dilip Agrawal, Dr. Manoj Sanwal, Akhila Muthuswamy, Dr. Deepak Babu, Dr. Anuja Singla, and Ambika Khanna, the team successfully established the Temple with the full backing of MFT leadership.
Executive Support
The inauguration was attended by Chief Executive Mark Cubbon, who praised the committee for their perseverance in guiding MFT towards meeting this vital spiritual need. Chief People Officer Meera Nair and Deborah Carter, Director of Safety & Quality, also attended, alongside Kathy Cowell, Chair of MFT Trust.
Mr. Singh, Chair of the Hindu Staff Support Group, expressed gratitude to the leadership and Chaplaincy Team for their commitment:
“This Temple fulfils a long-awaited aspiration for our patients, staff, and families. It provides a place of solace, reflection, and prayer—showcasing MFT’s role as a global leader in inclusivity and multi-faith harmony.”
A Global Example
MFT’s initiative has set a new benchmark for diversity and inclusivity in healthcare, showing how large institutions can foster unity in diversity and act as beacons of hope in times of increasing division worldwide.