Bhanu Attri, who grew up in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, has made history after completing his tough military training to be appointed the Royal Navy’s first-ever Hindu Chaplain.
As the first non-Christian Chaplain to pass out from the Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth this month, the 39-year-old became the first to do so in the Devon establishment’s 120-year history. Chaplains offer religious, pastoral, welfare and moral support to any member of Britain’s naval service requiring such spiritual guidance, either at a base or establishment, or in the ships and submarines of the Royal Navy’s Fleet.
“Passing out from Britannia Royal Naval College to become the first ever Hindu chaplain in the Fleet is a profound honour,” said Attri, who lives in Rainham, Essex.
“The chance to represent individuals from other diverse religions brings meaningful representation for the Hindu community and reflects the Navy’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and spiritual care for all. My family feels immense pride, a pride grounded in generations of faith, service, and resilience,” he said.
In preparation for his new assignment, Attri completed 13 weeks of training in the classroom and simulators, including learning how to survive a sinking ship. He was one of 148 men and women to complete their training at the historic Devon naval college this month. While most underwent 29 weeks of intensive training and instruction, the course is adapted to meet the requirements of specialist roles.
Chaplain Attri’s induction into the Navy included learning the basics about the military service, its history, its worldwide role and present-day missions. There were three weeks dedicated to learning about the work of Military Chaplains and four weeks at sea around the UK with Devonport-based frigate HMS Iron Duke – one of the Royal Navy’s most versatile warships.
Welcoming the first Hindu Chaplain into the fold, Deputy Chaplain of the Fleet Reverend Stephen Ashley-Emery said it was “momentous” to have the first Hindu join as a Royal Navy Chaplain in Regular Service.
“As a branch we are always striving to have all faiths represented, with inclusivity and diversity at the heart of our role. When we deploy alongside our Service Personnel, wherever they may be, our aim is to support those personnel and to uphold the moral component enhancing operational capability,” said Rev. Ashley-Emery.
Bhanu Attri will join the Chaplaincy at HMS Drake in Plymouth, serving the thousands of personnel working in and around the Devonport Naval Base on England’s southwest coast. The Staff Chaplain Recruiter, Reverend Alistair Blaine, said Attri had been eager to serve as a Chaplain for several years.
“He showed commitment and determination to gain a breadth of experience in civilian chaplaincy. On completion of his training, Bhanu will be joining the chaplaincy team at HMS Drake, contributing to the moral component of the Royal Navy’s operational capability both ashore and at sea,” said Rev. Blaine.
According to official Ministry of Defence (MoD) data, there are around 40 Hindu personnel serving full-time in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, plus another 30 in the Maritime Reserves. In the UK military more widely, there are more than 1,550 Hindus serving full-time, mostly in the Army.
“MoD careers are sometimes neglected by our Hindu youth, and we will try and do more community meetings at temples to raise awareness,” said Anil Bhanot, Hindu Council UK Managing Trustee and Hindu Advisor to the MoD.
Bhanot reflected how the military training for the Chaplain’s role can be arduous as it requires medical fitness standards and a readiness for duty at short notice.
Image: Royal Navy
“British Hindus have settled here from all corners of the world and although our spiritual Bhoomi (land) is India, our Karma Bhoomi (land of action) is the United Kingdom and MoD represents our protective arm,” he said.
Vice Admiral Andrew Burns, the senior operational commander who oversees the day-to-day actions of all Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel as Fleet Commander, was guest of honour at the passing out ceremony at BRNC Dartmouth on 14 August.
“We live in a perilous world and as a Service we must respond to the challenges to our nation’s security, also with confidence – and that means we need people like you that can offer leadership of the highest quality,” Admiral Burns told the new officers.
“There is no greater commitment than to serve your country, and to lead others to do the same,” he said.
Andy Bray, Captain Britannia Royal Naval College, added: “Commissioning into the Royal Navy is a moment none of us forget, and it has been a privilege to follow these officers through their training.
“What awaits is a life of duty and frontline service. I know that all commissioning today will take forward all they have learned about themselves while training at Britannia to lead our sailors and marines well. Good luck and lead with courage.”
