Faculty’s Pro Dean International attends King's Garden Party

The Pro Dean International for the University of Leeds’ Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures has attended this year’s King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace

The Pro Dean International for the University of Leeds’ Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures has attended this year’s King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

Each year thousands of guests are invited to spend a summer afternoon in the gardens of Buckingham Palace or the Palace of Holyrood house, offering a chance for members of the Royal Family to speak to those who have made a positive impact in their community.

The Faculty’s Pro Dean International, Dr Jasjit Singh FHEA, who is also Associate Professor of Religion in Society at the School of Philosophy, Religion and the History of Science, was invited to the Palace for the party on Tuesday 21 May in recognition of his work with policymakers on issues related to religion.

Braving torrential downpours, Dr Singh met with representatives from a range of organisations including charities and those working in the education sector.

It was a total shock, but an incredible honour, to be invited to this year’s King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. Events like these are a great opportunity to make new connections, catch up with familiar faces and, of course, to draw attention to our Faculty’s incredible work and achievements. I met and had constructive conversations with many people from across the education sector and the charity sector.

Earlier in May, Dr Singh attended Wembley stadium for an event marking Vaisakhi, one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar, which commemorates the birth of the Khalsa in 1699.

The Football Association invited Dr Singh to speak on the pitch at their Sikh 'Faith and Football' event on Wednesday 1 May. Addressing an audience of 700 guests, including Sikh footballers, artists, MPs, journalists and FA officials, Dr Singh spoke about the significance of Vaisakhi, which is celebrated by Sikhs around the world each year.

“It was a privilege to be asked by the FA to speak about Vaisakhi as part of this amazing event,” Dr Singh said. “It shows it's never too late to make your debut at Wembley!”