For the first time in the history of the British Royal Navy, a Hindu chaplain has been appointed to serve naval personnel, marking a historic milestone in the institution’s efforts to reflect the religious diversity of its ranks. Bhanu Attri, a 39-year-old Hindu priest originally from Himachal Pradesh, India, officially took up his new position last week and has now become a symbol of inclusivity and representation not only within the Royal Navy but also for the broader Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom.

Chaplaincy in the British Royal Navy holds a very important role as chaplains provide religious, pastoral, welfare, and moral support to all members of the naval service, regardless of their individual faith. Until now, these roles have been filled exclusively by Christian leaders. With Bhanu Attri’s appointment, the Royal Navy has broken new ground, appointing a non-Christian spiritual leader to serve and guide its service members based on the tenets of Hinduism. This development has been described as an important step forward in promoting inclusivity and respecting the spiritual needs of service members from different cultural and religious backgrounds.

Bhanu Attri was among 148 new officers who completed their Initial Officer Training at the Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth, south-west England. These new officers, described as the “leaders of tomorrow”, included warfare specialists, engineers, international cadets, and officers coming from civilian life. Unlike most cadets, Attri underwent a modified training programme designed especially for military chaplains. His curriculum included six weeks of officer instruction, four weeks at sea aboard the warship HMS Iron Duke, and three weeks focused on the responsibilities of a military chaplain.

Over a period of 29 weeks, Bhanu Attri participated in extensive training focused on leadership, naval history, seafaring, survival, and teamwork. He joined his classmates in classroom learning, drill and uniform sessions, obstacle courses, and leadership development in challenging environments such as Dartmoor, before finally formally graduating in a passing-out ceremony attended by families, friends, and senior naval officers. This landmark event marked the successful transition of Attri into full service as the first Hindu chaplain in the Royal Navy’s long and distinguished history.

Born and raised in Garhkhal in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, Attri moved to the United Kingdom several years ago and now resides in Essex. He previously served as a Hindu priest and temple manager in London and possesses in-depth knowledge of Hindu scriptures, community service, and interfaith relations. His strong background in Hindu studies and community leadership was among the key criteria for his selection, with the Hindu Council UK (HCUK) endorsing him for the position. HCUK emphasised that he demonstrated exceptional levels of spiritual and pastoral experience, as well as an excellent ability to integrate into the British military environment.

Calling the appointment “a profound honour,” Bhanu Attri spoke about the meaning of his new role. He said that being able to represent individuals from diverse religions in the Royal Navy provides meaningful representation for the Hindu community and reflects the Navy’s commitment to spiritual care for all. According to Attri, this achievement is a matter of immense pride for his family and represents a continuation of generations of faith, service, and resilience.

News of his appointment has been widely celebrated both in the United Kingdom and India. The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, congratulated Bhanu Attri and stated that his achievement is a matter of pride not only for the state but for the entire country. In an official post on X, Sukhu congratulated him on becoming the first Indian to receive this prestigious responsibility and praised his determination and dedication.

The Hindu Council UK also expressed strong support for Attri’s appointment. Anil Bhanot, Hindu Advisor to the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD), noted that the chaplaincy training is highly demanding, requiring medical fitness, discipline, and a readiness for round-the-clock duty. He added that Bhanu Attri’s success may encourage more young British Hindus to explore military careers, as it demonstrates that spiritual service and national duty can go hand in hand. According to Bhanot, “Although our spiritual bhoomi (land) is India, our karmabhoomi is the United Kingdom — and the MoD represents our protective arm.”

Beyond its symbolic importance, Attri’s appointment has practical significance. Chaplains in the Royal Navy are entrusted with providing emotional and spiritual guidance to sailors and officers who face stressful and challenging circumstances, whether on lengthy deployments at sea or during training. As naval personnel come from increasingly diverse backgrounds, the availability of faith-specific support becomes essential. Attri’s presence will allow Hindu sailors and officers to access religious services, participate in cultural and spiritual events, and receive pastoral support that is grounded in shared beliefs and traditions.

The British Royal Navy’s decision to appoint a Hindu chaplain also reflects a broader institutional shift towards diversity and inclusion in the UK armed forces. As society becomes more culturally diverse, the military is actively working to adapt by recognising and accommodating different faith traditions, thereby ensuring that all service members feel valued and supported. By appointing leaders like Bhanu Attri, the Royal Navy is sending a powerful message that spiritual guidance is not confined to one religion, and that all faiths have an important place within the defence services.

In conclusion, Bhanu Attri’s appointment as the first Hindu chaplain in the British Royal Navy represents a historic step forward for both Indian representation in the UK and for the broader movement of religious inclusivity within the armed forces. His journey from Himachal Pradesh to a prestigious role in the Royal Navy demonstrates how dedication, faith, and a spirit of service can transcend national boundaries. This achievement is expected to inspire not only the Indian diaspora but also young people from diverse religious backgrounds who aspire to serve in the military while staying rooted in their spiritual traditions.

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