THE rise of Rishi Sunak to Prime Minister is "our Barack Obama moment", the president of the Southampton Hindu temple has said.
The new Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative party was born and raised in Southampton.
Despite moving away from the city, Mr Sunak still has strong connections with friends and family living here.
Over the past few months, the former Chancellor has made regular trips to The Vedic Society Hindu Temple in Radcliffe Road with his wife and two daughters.
READ MORE: Rishi Sunak's Southampton childhood, education and career
The temple was established by Mr Sunak’s grandfather, Ramdas Sunak, in 1971, with his father, Yash, continuing his connection as a trustee during the 1980s.
In July, Mr Sunak attended a private event where he provided a meal for worshippers, which his family does every year.
Sanjay Chandarana, president of the temple, told the PA news agency: "He comes regularly to the temple, even now.
READ MORE: What Southampton residents think of the new PM
"He did that in July. Just a couple of days before Rishi resigned as chancellor. They offered a family prayer here and he came for lunch.
"I am sure as soon as he becomes Prime Minister, he will definitely come to the temple for prayer. I know that is going to happen."
Over 300 people attended the event to meet him and take pictures with the new leader.
Sanjay described Rishi as humble and down to earth and said that "he is the right man for the job".
He added: "It’s like for the UK, it’s the Barack Obama moment, where a non-white person becomes Prime Minister for the first time, also a person of Indian origin and Hindu, which is another dimension and everyone is very proud."
Mr Chandarana said that Mr Sunak’s appointment as PM showed that integration was working in the UK.
Although he is in favour of the new Prime Minister, Mr Chandarana does believe that Rishi has to take some difficult decisions in the nation's interests.
READ MORE: Southampton city council leader on new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
He said: "The biggest challenges are the economic challenge and the political uncertainty. That is something he will have to address.
"But I think he will unite the party. I am not a politician. I am talking about what I know about him and his family. They are humble and honest people."
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