By Anup Rai (LNC Media member)
On the behalf of the Leeds Nepalese Community (LNC), current Chairman Laxmi Bhakta Bantawa MBE attended the official re-signing of the Armed Forces Covenant in Leeds on Wednesday 09 January 2019 that was held in Civil Hall Leeds at 12:20 hrs on the invitation of Councillor Caroline Gruen, Leeds Armed Forces Champion.
Leeds City Council has been facilitating the Armed Forces Covenant in Leeds since 2012. This significant partnership between Leeds City Council and the Armed Forces was formed to strengthen the good work and relationship that was already in place from public service providers, charities and etc. In addition to that, it encourages local communities to support the Armed Forces community in their area by comprehending and establishing the awareness amongst the public of issues affecting the Armed Forces community. Also, it encourages the activities which help to integrate the Armed Forces Community into local life. Finally, this relationship encourage the Armed Forces community to help and support the wider community, whether through participation in events and joint projects , or other forms of engagement.
An hour long programme was commenced by the official welcome speech from the Lord Mayor, Councillor Graham Latty followed by keynote speech by Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council and Councillor Caroline Gruen, Leeds Armed Forces Champion. Approximately around 12:50 hrs, organisations including Laxmi Bhakta Bantawa MBE (LNC) signed the covenant followed by individual photographs and networking. Ultimately, the programme was completed with the concluding remarks from Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leeds Armed Forces Champion and group photograph on Civic Hall steps.
The Armed Forces Covenant is an enduring Covenant between the people of the United Kingdom Her Majesty’s Government and all those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown and their families. This Covenant is a promise or a moral obligation to the members of the Naval service, the army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families by the whole nation for their tremendous service and sacrifices.
Without an inch of doubt, LNC chairman Mr. Laxmi Bhakta Bantawa MBE including all the LNC members would like to express our utmost gratitude towards Leeds City Council and Armed Forces for inviting our community to be part of such significant historical event. It was a wonderful occasion for networking with wider communities and the opportunity to maintain good relationship with local authority for Leeds Nepalese Community.
