Bhanu Attri Makes History as Royal Navy's First Hindu Chaplain
The Royal Navy has made history by appointing Bhanu Attri, a 39-year-old priest from Himachal Pradesh, India, as its first Hindu chaplain and the first non-Christian chaplain in its history. This landmark appointment reflects a significant step towards enhancing military diversity, offering the Hindu community a vital spiritual presence within the British Armed Forces.
Who is Bhanu Attri?
Early Life and Roots
Bhanu Attri was born in September 1986 in the village of Garhkhal, located in Kasauli within the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. Coming from a humble background, his father, Ram Gopal Attri, worked as a Shastri teacher in the education sector, while his mother, Leena Attri, was a homemaker.
Education and Religious Training
Attri's journey to becoming a priest involved extensive studies in Sanskrit and Vedic scriptures:
| Schooling at Saraswati Niketan Senior Secondary School, Nalwa |
| Shastri degree in Sanskrit from Government Sanskrit College, Solan |
| Jyotishacharya degree from Delhi |
Career in the UK
In 2009, Attri relocated to London, where he served as a Hindu priest and led a temple for over ten years. His extensive pastoral work and leadership within the UK community positioned him as an ideal candidate for the Navy’s chaplaincy role.
Role of Naval Chaplains
Naval chaplains play a crucial role in supporting individuals of all faiths and those without religious affiliation:
| Delivering spiritual services and religious guidance |
| Offering pastoral counselling during crises |
| Providing moral and ethical advice to commanders |
| Conducting ceremonies and cultural observances |
| Serving alongside sailors on ships, submarines, and bases worldwide |
In contemporary operations, chaplains are essential for managing operational stress and maintaining morale, offering confidential support that does not interfere with command structures.
Why Attri’s Appointment Matters
A Historic First
Attri’s induction into the Royal Navy is noteworthy for several reasons:
| First Hindu chaplain in Royal Navy history |
| First non-Christian chaplain across the service |
| A new chapter in multifaith inclusivity |
Representation for Hindus in Uniform
Hindus constitute 0.7% of the trained strength of the UK Armed Forces. Within the Royal Navy, there are approximately 40 full-time Hindu sailors and 30 in reserves. Attri’s role provides both recognition and pastoral care for this growing group.
Navy’s Commitment to Diversity
Attri expressed the appointment as: “A chance to represent individuals from diverse religions and bring meaningful representation for the Hindu community, while reflecting the Navy’s commitment to spiritual care for all.”
Training and Selection
Attri’s selection followed a demanding process:
| Six weeks of officer training covering the Navy’s global role |
| Four weeks at sea aboard HMS Iron Duke |
| Three weeks of chaplaincy orientation |
The Hindu Council UK (HCUK) nominated him based on several criteria:
| Medical and physical fitness |
| Hindu scriptural qualifications |
| Proven community leadership |
| Strong English communication and cultural adaptability |
| Interfaith sensitivity and spiritual depth |
Faith Diversity in the Armed Forces
The chaplaincy service has evolved significantly from its Anglican origins to a truly multifaith institution:
| 1827 – Only Church of England chaplains |
| 1836 – First Catholic chaplain |
| 1881 – Methodists inducted |
| 1892 – Jewish chaplains |
| Modern era – Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu representation |
The Army appointed its first Hindu chaplain, Acharya Krishan Kant Attri MBE, in 2005 — who may be related to Bhanu Attri. His success paved the way for Bhanu’s role in the Navy.
Reactions from India and the UK
| Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu hailed it as “a matter of pride for Himachal and India.” |
| Hindu Council UK praised the move as a boost to Hindu youth in defence careers. Advisor Anil Bhanot remarked: “Although our spiritual bhoomi is India, our karmabhoomi is the UK — and the MoD is our protective arm.” |
| The Royal Navy welcomed him as one of the “leaders of tomorrow,” emphasizing the importance of diverse chaplains in shaping national security values. |
Looking Ahead
Bhanu Attri is set to perform Hindu prayer services and festivals, as well as serve sailors of all faiths. His presence is anticipated to:
| Inspire more Hindu youth to join the Armed Forces |
| Encourage Hindu chaplains in the Army and RAF |
| Strengthen cultural sensitivity in international missions |
Conclusion
From the small Himalayan village to the Royal Navy, Bhanu Attri’s journey is one of dedication, faith, and service. His appointment is more than a personal milestone; it represents a significant step in Britain's military inclusivity, connecting ancient Hindu spiritual traditions with modern naval service.
As the Royal Navy navigates an increasingly multicultural world, Attri’s chaplaincy exemplifies how faith, diversity, and service can coexist to reinforce both community and nation.
