SPA UK Sandesh 2013 | Page 16

Secretary Report General Update – There have been three Pratinidhi meetings, two HQ officers meetings held this year, as well as individual sub group meetings. There have been lots of phone conversations and e-mail correspondence with branches and amongst the elected officers. Detailed achievements of each of the sub committees can be found in the reports attached. Final Words – We have made good progress in many areas this year. Of course, as with any organisation, there is still a lot of work we need to do, and one in particular that has been on the forefront is encouraging and improving the participation of our young people in Samaj activities. This is an area of work which is proving extremely difficult not just at HQ level, but also at Local level. This is true within all community groups, not just the Prajapatis. I urge everyone to get 14 their thinking caps on and to come forward with any ideas that we can try to improve this situation. Organising the much requested Senior members Samelan which took place on 9th June 2013; contributing to the formation of the Dakshin Gujarat Prajapati Healthcare Trust in India, launch of the fund raising for WaterAid and the involvement with the Caste discrimination legislation are some of the highlights for the year. That’s a lot of work from individuals who are all unpaid volunteers and we must congratulate ourselves in these achievements. We believe that the ‘benefit in kind’ received from our volunteers at SPA (UK) level is at least £47,000. Finally, I would like to say a big thank you to all the sub committees, Pratinidhis; the members, and of course not forgetting my husband Shashi and the rest of my family and friends for their understanding and supporting me throughout the year to fulfil my role as Secretary of the Association Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali and Nutan Varsh Abhinandan. Jai Shree Krishna, Mrs Hansaben Shashibhai Mistry SPA (UK) Secretary (2013 -14)