British PM Rishi Sunak said on Tuesday that his Hindu faith guides him in every aspect of his life and gives him the courage to do the best as the Prime Minister of Britain.

“I am here today not as a Prime Minister, but as a Hindu,” Sunak said during a visit to the ongoing ‘Ram Katha’ at Jesus College, University of Cambridge.

“For me, faith is very personal. It guides me in every aspect of my life. Being Prime Minister is a great honour, but it is not an easy job. There are difficult decisions to make, hard choices to confront, and our faith gives me courage, strength, and resilience to do the best that I can for our country,” he said.

Pointing to a large golden image of Lord Hanuman as the backdrop to Ram Katha, Britain’s first Hindu Prime Minister said it reminded him of how a “golden Ganesha sits gleefully on my desk at 10 Downing Street”. “It is a constant reminder to me about listening and reflecting on issues before acting,” he added.

Sunak said he was proud to be British and Hindu as he reflected upon his childhood years in Southampton, where he often visited his neighbourhood temple with family.

“Growing up, I have very fond memories of attending our local mandir in Southampton. My parents and family would organise havans, pujas, and aartis; afterwards, I would help serve lunch and prasad with my brother and sister and cousins,” said Sunak.

“I leave here today remembering the Ramayana, but also the Bhagavad Gita and the Hanuman Chalisa. And for me, Lord Ram will always be an inspirational figure to face life’s challenges with courage, to govern with humility, and to work selflessly,” he added.

He concluded his address with the words Jai Siya Ram.