B R ANCH REPORT
London
1975, The start of a Shree Prajapati Association in the UK
This initially began as a social gathering by enthusiastic
members by holding meetings in their own homes. The
first constitution outlining customs and traditions was
produced in Gujarati by SPA (UK) which was to be
followed by all branches.
This year has been an eventful year for us. We have
had a great team and we have taken up several projects.
We are really fortunate enough to have dedicated
committee members who have taken up the lead with
individual projects and have delivered successfully.
Was this just an excuse to get
together? No. It was a way to celebrate Religious
Tahewars, Diwali, Navratri and New Year’s celebrations
and to keep our culture alive anyway we can. SPA
London has moved from strength to strength, getting
bigger year by year and popular amongst the young
and elderly. Communication has also improved greatly
over the past 4 decades, moving from photocopied
handwritten newsletters to e-newsletters and phone
calls to text, emails and Whatsapp messages.
The past year has been remarkable as we started
Zumba fitness every Thursday which has been received
well and we had a great response except for the winter
months. We intend to start again. Our present, first lady
President Jasuben, has been running Wednesday Club
for our seniors and those who are free on Wednesdays.
This event has become very popular. The day is
organised with regular Yoga classes and informative
talks from various groups of people, which have been
well received by our community members.
We have moved from hired premises for events to having
our own building, a big achievement for our Samaj,
located at 519 North Circular Road (Old Neasden Library)
purchased as Shree Prajapati Samaj building in 1998.
We also take a very active part in SPA (UK) activities,
such as Mahila Samelan, Senior Samelan, Sports Day,
and of course, 2 major charity events where we raised
over £1,000 for SPA (UK) charities.
Some of our founder members have put in extreme
efforts to make this dream possible in London. A few
of these members are not amongst us today, but the
Samaj still continues.
This year’s Mahila Samelan was on the subject of
‘Evolving Culture’ and our ladies prepared a super
traditional garbo with a culture change. Our main
celebration for this year to mark the 40th Anniversary
and the 7th Anniversary of Mandir Sthapana, was a
Bhagvat Saptah. This was enjoyed by all Yajmans,
their families and other members who attended the
Sapthaa for eight days. This was only possible due to
very meticulous planning, led by our present president
and very dedicated, hardworking executive committee.
Times have changed and we can see that Mahilas are
holding high posts within as well as outside our Samaj
and successfully achieving high results.
The Prajapati Navratri event has always
been the best attended event in London. It attracts our
youths and other communities too. The standard of the
Diwali programme is raised each year with time, yet
maintaining the theme.
Despite the fast pace of life in London our activities
have increased. Apart from religious events we have
been organising dinner/dance, Mehfil nights, Ladies
nights, charity events, daytrips and trips abroad.
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SPA London Executive Committee.