B R ANCH REPORT
Bradford
The Forty years of Shree Prajapati Association Bradford
Jai Shree Krishna to all Prajapati
Members. Shree Prajapati Association (SPA)
Bradford started initially in 1974; it all began one
Sunday afternoon with a handful of members. The first
official meeting took place on 8th February 1975 at St.
Columbus Church, Horton Grange Road. A Committee
was formed and thereafter meetings were held at the
homes of office bearers. In August 1975, over a two day
period, the first meeting of Prajapati and its committee
members from other UK associated branches was held
at the Shri Sikh Temple on Wakefield Road, Bradford.
It was a fantastic turn out from local and national
Prajapati members - a nice surprise. On the second
day of the meeting “The National Executive Officers”
were elected (shown in the photographs). It was a
very memorable day for Bradford branch, that “Shree
Prajapati Association UK” was formed.
On 29th February 1980 SPA Bradford purchased
“Reform Church” building for £30,000 with donations
and interest free loans from local and UK branches.
On 19th April 1980 the first religious puja ceremony
was conducted by Shri Pujya Rambhakt Maharaj.
The pujas were conducted with a Temple made from
photos. It generated excitement, lots of enthusiasm and
interest in our community. This resulted in generous
donations of beautiful murtis and also voluntary work
from men and women with various skills.
On 28th August 1983 the generosity and hard work
resulted in a graceful Hindu Temple and Community
Centre. Over a three day period Murti Pran Pratistha
Mahotsav was celebrated in the presence of the Deputy
High Commissioner of India, Lord Mayor of Bradford,
Shri Keshavanand Swami and other dignities from SPA
UK Branches. Over the past 32 years, together with our
members and The Hindu Community of West Yorkshire,
we have celebrated all the major religious festivals
and events. In 1988 the Mandir received stardom and
recognition from the BBC Live religious programme.
SPA Bradford has made every effort to fulfil the
aims and objectives of the constitution, which are:
social, religious, educational and welfare needs of our
members. In the past 40 years SPA Bradford has gone
through lots of change to adopt charity and health and
safety laws.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our
members who have given Sewa to Samaj over the past
years. These people have contributed by volunteering
their time, services and participating in all religious and
social activities throughout the year and nothing would
be possible without their support.
SPA Bradford Trustees/Committee members wish
everyone a Happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year.
vol. 40 | Prajapati Sandesh 2015 | www.prajapati.org.uk
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