Good afternoon. The first item of business is time for reflection. Our time for reflection leader today is Nila Joshi, who is from Edinburgh women’s interfaith group and a former director of the Edinburgh Mela.
Presiding Officer, members of the Scottish Parliament, ladies and gentlemen, my name is Nila Joshi and I came to Scotland in 1976 as a young bride. Coming from a Hindu cultural and religious background, I found it very difficult to adjust to a new environment—especially the Scottish weather, such as we can see outside today. However, adjusting to a new environment, I made Scotland my home.
When I came to Scotland, I brought lots of wealth with me, such as culture, religion, belief, customs, languages, spices and traditions. Hindu culture is a culture of love, respect, honouring others and humbleness. Hindu culture promotes peace and harmony in diversity. Being a part of such a culture makes me proud to be an Indian.
I was employed by the City of Edinburgh Council, after two years’ research in 1990, to set up an ethnic library section. My fluency in many languages and my friendly approach helped me to make the library more than just a library. Members of the community could come to the library as a hub for all sorts of information and advice.
Being a resident of Edinburgh for the past 37 years has given me opportunities to be part of, and to work with, a variety of different cultures and communities within and around Edinburgh. My biggest contribution to the community in Edinburgh has been as director of the Edinburgh Mela, which is the annual three-day multicultural festival that runs in the Leith area.
As a member of the Hindu community in the Lothians, I have been able to make a valuable contribution as part of the Edinburgh Hindu Mandir and Cultural Centre. The celebration of festivals gives me the opportunity both to encourage the community to celebrate and be involved in the community and to educate community members of the importance of celebrating festivals.
In the Hindu calendar we have many festivals, but the most important festival is Diwali or festival of lights. On 26 March, Hindus all over the world celebrate the festival of colours. This joyful new beginning is celebrated on the last full moon day of Phalguna and is the most colourful festival in India. It is also called the festival of Holi or the spring festival.
I am also able to dedicate my time to voluntary work and was nominated for a hidden heroine award, or “Elsie”, for my unique contribution to families and the community. I was the first Asian woman to receive the award, which was an honour for me.
Finally, I would like to thank the Scottish Parliament’s Presiding Officer for her kind invitation to lead time for reflection. Thank you all for listening. Om shanti—may peace be upon you all.