United Kingdom (Commonwealth Union)_ Bhanu Attri has been selected as the Royal Navy’s first Hindu chaplain, signaling a watershed moment in British military history. Attri, originally from Himachal Pradesh, India, has been appointed as the Royal Navy’s first non-Christian religious leader to give spiritual and emotional support. The 39-year-old Hindu priest now resides in Essex and has been working in the UK for about a decade, managing a Hindu temple in London and providing pastoral care to the community. His new post represents not just a personal achievement but also a larger movement in the Royal Navy’s continuous attempts to reflect the diversity of modern Britain.
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Attri’s path to chaplaincy was both demanding and unique. Before taking up the position, he went through a six-week officer training program that included intensive sea survival education and four weeks aboard the Royal Navy vessel HMS Iron Duke. Following this, he underwent three weeks of specialized chaplaincy training designed to prepare him for the spiritual responsibilities ahead. Speaking about his new role, Attri described it as a “profound honor,” saying, “As a Hindu brought up in India, being trusted to support people of many different faiths and backgrounds is incredibly meaningful. This appointment is a proud moment not only for me and my family but also for the wider Hindu community in the UK.”
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Attri’s family, originally from Garhkhal village in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, expressed their pride. His father, Ram Gopal Attri, was a teacher, while his mother, Leena Attri, was always a housewife. Bhanu arrived in the United Kingdom in 2009 and immediately established himself as a recognized figure in London’s Hindu community, where he oversaw spiritual services and community outreach for nearly 10 years. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu praised Attri’s achievement, calling it a source of tremendous pride for both the state and the country.
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The Hindu Council UK (HCUK), which suggested Attri for the position, hailed the announcement and congratulated the Royal Navy for encouraging more religious diversity. The council had set severe qualifications for the position, requiring candidates to be physically and intellectually fit, knowledgeable about Hindu philosophy, and competent in providing spiritual care in high-pressure situations. Anil Bhanot, HCUK’s advisor to the Ministry of Defence, noted the challenging nature of the role, saying, “This is not just a ceremonial position. It involves being ready for deployment at short notice, serving on ships, and being on call 24/7. Bhanu’s appointment shows that the Armed Forces are embracing true inclusion.”
Attri was one of 148 cadets who recently completed officer training at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth, Devon. Over 29 weeks, trainees were instructed in a wide range of subjects, including leadership, naval history, seafaring, survival techniques, and teamwork. The program included classroom learning, physical training, time at sea aboard active naval vessels, and leadership exercises on Dartmoor. The training culminated in a formal passing-out ceremony attended by families, friends, and senior naval personnel. Graduates were hailed as the “leaders of tomorrow.”
Currently, Hindus make up around 0.7% of the trained strength of the UK Armed Forces. The Royal Navy counts approximately 40 full-time Hindu sailors and an additional 30 reservists. Until now, there had been no Hindu chaplain officially assigned to support this growing group. Chaplains serve a crucial role in the modern military, especially during deployments. They provide discreet support and aid to military soldiers experiencing stress, trauma, or personal challenges without interfering with the chain of command. With his appointment, Bhanu Attri adds not just faith and cultural understanding to the Royal Navy but also a new chapter in the organization’s long history of providing leadership and care to those who serve, regardless of race or faith.
