Bhanu Attri, originally from Himachal Pradesh, has been appointed as the first-ever Hindu chaplain of the UK's Royal Navy.
He will offer spiritual support to fellow naval officers based on the scriptures and tenents of Hinduism.
Attri took over the role after undergoing a somewhat different course from other Navy cadets, including six weeks of officer instruction that included sea survival with four weeks at sea aboard the warship HMS Iron Duke, and three weeks focused on the role of a military chaplain.
As a Hindu brought up in India, the chance to represent individuals from other diverse religions brings meaningful representation for the Hindu community and reflects the Navy's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and spiritual care for all, Attri said, calling his appointment "a profound honour," according to news agency PTI.
The Hindu Council UK (HCUK) had proposed his name for the post. The criteria for the role included personal fitness both physical and mental, principled in faith and philosophy, reflective and pastoral; professional eligibility of education equivalent to Hindu scriptural degree level and post accreditation experience in leadership capacity, with a sound sense of spirituality and interfaith relations; and general outlook for integration into the British culture and having good English communicative skills.
PTI reports that Attri was among 148 new officers among the so-called leaders of tomorrow, including warfare specialists, engineers, overseas and all cadets who joined from civilian life, who completed their Initial Officer Training last week.
After up to 29 weeks of demanding instruction at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth, south-west England, they transformed from civilian to sailor and formally passed out at a BRNC ceremony in front of friends, family and senior naval officers.