PROOF_SKLPC_Mag2019-MK3

CONTENTS

COMMITTEE 6 OUR COMMUNITY 92
8 112
Join The Team 14 What’s Happening In East London
President’s Message 22 Volunteer Teacher At School 116
General Secretary’s Message 24 In Kenya
SKLPC (UK) Committee 25 My Gold Duke of Edinburgh 124
Accounts & Membership 28 Experience
Get Involved Our Volunteering Experience 140
My Journey In The SKLPC (UK) 32 In India
Committee So Far… Aspiring Youth 76
SKLPC (UK) India Gardens Project 82
SPORTS & FITNESS 86
CULTURE 38 120
51 SKLPC Cricket Club 121
Mela 2018 56 Riva’s Cricket Journey 128
Yoga 62 SKLPC Football
Navratri Festival 2018 69 SKLPC Netball 136
Navratri - Family Workshop SKLPC Badminton 154
Sharad Poonam Positive Mindfulness Achieved 160
Through Sport 164
EDUCATION & AWARENESS Ladakh Markha Trek
Kenya Charity Bike Ride 170
Share The Voice, Shine The Light 45 The Bombay Bicycle Club
My Fitness Journey
Time To Talk About Mental Health 46
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Saturday School Annual Report 70
Advertisers & Sponsors
Organ Donation 96

Blood Donation 100

Food Banks 104

Metabolic Syndrome 108

The Value Of Valuations 134

Om Gam Ganapathiye Namo Namah Shree Siddhivinaayaka namo Enough Is Enough 144
namah Ashta Vinaayaka namo namah Ganapati Bappa Mauriya

Wake up to the secret power-packed sound of Ganesh,
who is the breaker of obstacles, the one who grants Siddhi (or
success) to all and the one who is worshipped in eight exalted
forms. Dear father Ganapati, I request you to come back to me.

WWW.SKLPC.COM | 5



Shree Kutch Leva Patel Community (UK) Fundraising of the SKLPC (UK) India Gardens Project was launched at our 46th AGM
and we look forward to every member of our community to support financially which
India Gardens, West End Road, Northolt, Middlesex UB5 6RE | Charity Number 1001623 will allow us to commence the construction. We are currently planning demolition to
T 020 8845 9470 | E [email protected] I W www.sklpc.com | Hall Booking 020 3757 8373 be scheduled in November 2020 and full construction of the complex to commence
January 2021 – the aim is to complete the complex in 2 years from the date of
Ref: Mag-Summer-2019 Sept 2019 commencement. We have full confidence that with your support, we can complete
Dear Fellow Community Members, the new complex successfully.
We had an opportunity to arrange a meeting on 21st July 2019 at our Northolt Centre,
Jay Shree Swaminarayan, Jay Shree Krishna and Namaskar, with the President of our Shree Kutchi Leva Patel Samaj Education and Medical
I would like to thank you all whole heartedly for electing me as your SKLPC (UK) Trust (Bhuj), Shri Gopalbhai Gorasia accompanied by Shri Vasantbhai Patel and Shri
President following our 46th AGM held on the 18th May 2019. Having been involved Devendrabhai Waghjiani and the Trustee of Shree Swaminarayan Temple Bhuj-Kutch,
with UK Samaj for the past 12 years, holding various roles as Secretary, General Shri Jadavjibhai Gorasia. They presented a brief report of activities taking place in
Secretary and Vice President, it makes me extremely proud to have now been elected Bhuj including a “proposed” new hospital. The Trustee of Shree Swaminarayan Temple
President. (Willesden) Shri Kanjibhai K Jesani, Presidents and Secretaries of some of the Gaams,
You have been supporting our U.K. Samaj in many ways in the form of your members of our business community which includes Samjibhai Shivji Patel – Jaysam,
participation and also in great financial support. Without your support, contribution Shashibhai Vekaria – Vascroft Contractors Ltd, Babubhai Halai – Malibu Bathrooms &
and hard work, we would not be where we are today. Should we continue in the same Kitchens Ltd were present as well.
manner, we are destined to grow and become an even stronger community. I look forward to seeing you all at the Mela on 22nd September 2019 and also during
My affiliation with community work goes back to my life in Mombasa, Kenya. I spent the Navratri festival which commences from 29th September 2019. Don’t forget to
18 years as a Secretary and General Secretary of our Temple as well as a Trustee of also join our Sharad Poonam celebration at our Samaj on 13th October 2019 which is
the Shree Cutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple Charitable Trust looking after day a FREE event for members of our community.
to day administration along with the management of the clinic, run and managed The Community is built on values of togetherness and a strong sense of identity that
by the Temple. I was also Secretary to the Board of Education and Administration of unites us all. It is the responsibility of all of us to preserve our heritage and culture
Shree Swaminarayan Academy from the foundation of the building to recruitment of and move our great Community forward.
teaching, non-teaching staff and enrolment of the students from Nursery to A–Level I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to past and current members of the
standard. Managing Committee for their hard work and commitment which has been invaluable
I was also one of the founding members of Shree Cutchi Leva Patel Samaj Charitable in making our community to have something to be proud of. With your continued
Trust Medical Fund in Mombasa whose main aim and objectives was to serve support, we can still progress further by achieving the most.
members of the community at large not only towards the medical assistance (eye and Similarly, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors for their
dental) and Education but also on the well-being of the less fortunate. continued financial support and our dedicated volunteers in various departments for
For us here in the UK, I see a very bright future for SKLPC (UK). Our community has their great Seva (services) and members of our community for their participation,
two arms – one being our social aspect and the other being the religious element. Seva, support etc.
On religious grounds, we work in partnership with our Temples not only in London Sau No Saath, Sau No Vikas.
but also liaise with Cardiff, Bolton and Oldham. At our home in Northolt, we had a United We Stand, Together We Succeed.
great event “Shree Swaminarayan Mela” which was hosted by Shree Swaminarayan Yours sincerely
Temple (Willesden) on 14th July 2019. We have held regional meetings with the
Management Committees of our East London, Woolwich, Bolton, Oldham and Cardiff For and on behalf of
Temples – all of which continue to grow and strengthen our relationships. SKLPC (UK)
Our SKLPC (UK) Management Committee attended the football tournament
organised by the 8 Temples in Bolton (23rd June 2019) and foundation laying Velji Parbat Vekaria
ceremony of our new Temple in Oldham on 3rd August 2019 as well as attending our President
Cardiff Samaj AGM held on the 3rd August 2019. Our work with the London Temples Email: [email protected]
continue and our aim is to ensure our strong partnership continues long into our Mobile: 07944 337 281
future.
We continue informing members of our community during their respective Gaam SKLPC (UK) Mission Statement
Annual Functions with our roadshows presenting our Samaj reports, progress and “To enhance the quality of life through education, cultural social and sports activities and instil values that will benefit society.”
in particular the massive task of building our long awaited new “India Gardens”
complex. WWW.SKLPC.COM | 9

8 | SAMAJ MAGAZINE 2019

Shree Kutch Leva Patel Community (UK)

India Gardens, West End Road, Northolt, Middlesex UB5 6RE | Charity Number 1001623
T 020 8845 9470 | E [email protected] I W www.sklpc.com | Hall Booking 020 3757 8373

Ref: Mag-Summer-2019 Sept 2019

10 | SAMAJ MAGAZINE 2019 Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 07944 337 281

SKLPC (UK) Mission Statement
“To enhance the quality of life through education, cultural social and sports activities and instil values that will benefit society.”

WWW.SKLPC.COM | 11



Shree Kutch Leva Patel Community (UK) music band created an energised and devotional environment which we continue to
enjoy year after year.
India Gardens, West End Road, Northolt, Middlesex UB5 6RE | Charity Number 1001623 Sports has been always been a strong pillar of strength in our samaj activities. The
T 020 8845 9470 | E [email protected] I W www.sklpc.com | Hall Booking 020 3757 8373 SKLPC Cricket club lead by Rajni Hirani, continues to grow, playing regularly at our
grounds. We are proud to see our cricket team playing at county level and achieving
Jay Shree Swaminarayan, Jay Shree Krishna and Namaskar, great scores in their matches. We will continue to support our younger generation
Following the 46th AGM in May 2019, we would like to welcome Veljibhai Parbat to enjoy such facilities which are hard to come by in many of the local areas. The
Vekaria, (Naranpar) as our new president. Our sincere thanks to our previous football tournament was thoroughly enjoyed by many teams. Our thanks to the
president Mavjibhai Dhanji Jadva Vekaria (Baladia) who worked tirelessly with the Football convener Raj Madha who organised a well-managed day in the month of
team to bring our samaj to a better platform over the past 6 years. We are delighted July.
to see a diverse new group of committee members with more women and younger Our samaj continues to build bonds with our community, locally and internationally.
participants and we hope that together, we will bring fresh new ideas to uplift our It is important for our samaj to be connected with Kutch community members to
samaj to better heights. enhance and share common values.
Our sincere thanks to the SKLPC committee members, gaam members and most It is an honour to be elected for the second term and I will continue to serve our
importantly our community members for the ongoing support, in helping to community to the best of my ability, to achieve our mission of enhancing the quality
strengthen our samaj over the past years. of life through education, culture, social and sports activities, instilling values that will
During the past year, important milestones have been reached with our India benefit our community.
Gardens Project. Planning permission has been fully granted, allowing us to start Sau No Saath, Sau No Vikas.
the full progressive work of building a brand-new centre at the Northolt site for United We Stand, Together We Succeed.
our community to benefit from for many years to come. The provisional start date “Success is not final; Failure is not fatal:
is January 2021, with project build estimated to take up two and half years. The It is the courage to continue that counts”
new build will include a variety of modern sports facilities, including dual purpose Sincere Pranams and Namaskars to all,
sports halls, a wider additional cricket pitch and a children’s play area. This project
is by no means going to be a simple task, hence we aim to reach out to every single S Varsani
community member for their support throughout this project in any way they can.
We would like to thank Ravi Varsani our 2018 Mela convenor. Last year’s Mela was Suryakant Virji Varsani
dedicated to celebrating the 40th anniversary of our SKLPC Saturday School which SKLPC (UK) General Secretary
was a tremendous success and enjoyed by many people of all ages. Our thanks to the
Saturday School management team led by Jeetendra Vagjiani and numerous teachers SKLPC (UK) Mission Statement
who are doing a fantastic job offering various cultural activities and classes. Subjects “To enhance the quality of life through education, cultural social and sports activities and instil values that will benefit society.”
include Gujarati, Hinduism, Sanskrit, music, coding, bharatnatyam and bollywood
dancing. Our school provides an invaluable dimension to students extracurricular WWW.SKLPC.COM | 15
learning and we are proud to instil our cultural values to the next generation.
Many thanks also to all the volunteers who helped to make our Mela 2018 a success.
The kitchen team fed approximately 6500 people, providing our traditional food
which was enjoyed by all. The business expo was also a great success, with many
businesses taking advantage of our discounted rates offered. This brings out the
best of our smaller businesses, giving them a platform to succeed in growing and
networking within our own community.
In the last 2 years, people in our Samaj have also worked in supporting those less
fortunate and helping in charitable causes, both locally and abroad, supporting with
food donation banks, as well as fundraising for the Indian Shree Shiva Primary School
project and the Okhartar water supply project.
The 2018 Navratri Festival organised by SKLPC maintains a strong interest amongst
the wider community. Our thanks to Kiran Pindoria who led as convenor for this
event. We have seen an increase in the number of E-ticket sales moving online which
has increased the efficiency in managing the event. The family workshop run by
Raksha Jina continues to be popular amongst families with young children. The live

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You cannot change
your future, you can
change your habits.
And surely your
habits will change
your future.

Dr. Abdul
Kalam

























SHARE THE VOICE,
SHINE THE LIGHT

She shared her story, how the present Speak loud, be heard, the story isn’t
feels like glory, absurd.
Getting through the worst, stop thinking Sharing my life, should make others feel
you’re cursed alive.
Pave the way. Share the voice.

Looking for a warm face, please stop Make a change; stop thinking mental
looking with disgrace, health is strange.
I may be distressed, but with you by me It should be shared, so others feel cared.
I’m blessed Share the voice.
Stay near.
Help others speak up, share the hiccup,
Those beady eyes, the bullies disguised, Don’t sit and hide, speak up with pride.
Going through the pain, every day feels Share the voice.
like a strain
Shine the light You put us to shame, whilst we sit and
blame.
Keep looking ahead, try not to dread, We moan and groan, being overthrown.
It’s hard not to dwell, don’t let the eyes Our lives don’t compare, but if you can
tell bare the stare,
Guide the way.
Others should be able to cope; your
I close myself away, life becomes astray, story gives us hope.
The voices in my head, whilst sitting in Thanks for the guidance.
bed.
Stay strong. Appreciate what you have; don’t
consider what you don’t have.
A judgemental society, just don’t Live life happy, don’t be snappy.
understand there’s variety, Don’t sit and compare, else you’ll live in
I can’t face the crowd, I’m sitting despair.
shrivelled and shroud So keep your beam smiling, and let life
Shine the light. keep riding.
Stand strong.
But one day it clicks, don’t let them
throw kicks,
Stand strong and proud, approach those
around
Share the voice.

WWW.SKLPC.COM | 45

TIME TO TALK ABOUT mental health, raising awareness about SOURCES OF HELP:
MENTAL HEALTH common difficulties such as anxiety and
depression, and information about where Your Doctor
to get help. NHS Counselling: Improving Access to
The most important area to think Psychological Therapies (IAPT)
about together was the stigma around Harrow Mind: Info line: 020 8426 0929
mental health. Myths, fear and a lack of www.mindinharrow.org.uk
information can contribute to the stigma Private counselling: British Association
so it was really important to address for Counselling and Psychotherapy
facts - i.e. mental health problems are (BACP) Tel: 01455 883 300
very common and can affect any one www.bacp.co.uk
of us, that people can have a mental Samaritans: Listening service, help in
illness and still be functioning as valuable times of crisis. Call freephone 116 123 or
members of the community. email [email protected]
Fear of appearing weak, being judged,
feeling embarrassed and ashamed also HELP IN A CRISIS:
contribute to the stigma, particularly
in our Asian community where there is A & E Department in your nearest
still a culture of keeping mental health hospital
problems a secret. It is this stigma that Single point of access service,
needs to be challenged so that people 24 hours a day (for NW London)
are not left to struggle in secret or alone, 0800 0234 650
so that they can seek help much earlier
before their problems become more Ms Viju Patel (Varsani) – MSc, MBACP
severe. (Accredited)
Research confirms that the majority of Head of a University Counselling Service,
people with poor mental health wait for Counsellor in private practice, Clinical
over a year before telling their family and Consultant and Trainer.
closest friends about their difficulties. [email protected]
Many people report that the stigma,
Late last year, I contacted the SKLPC taboos that exist within our community misunderstanding and social rejection
Executive Committee to see what the which prevent people from being able to they experience as a result of other
community could do to address the talk about their mental health struggles, people’s responses to their difficulties is
growing concerns around mental health. which then serve as barriers to people worse than the original problem.
Approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK being able to access support and Whispering and talking about difficulties
will experience a mental health problem appropriate treatment. in a hush-hush manner perpetuates the
each year. Whilst the overall number of I worked with Raksha Jina from the shame and is unhelpful. Nothing about
people with problems has not changed Executive Committee to organise 2 mental health should be humiliating, so it
significantly in recent years, added seminars in order to start conversations is really important that we are not afraid
pressures like financial worries, job about mental health in the community. to talk about things more openly, in an
insecurity and the pressures of social The seminars, titled ‘Time to Talk about ordinary way.
media make it harder for people to cope. Mental Health’, took place in January
Given that the numbers of people who and March 2019 and it was clear from
self-harm or have suicidal thoughts is how quickly they became fully booked,
increasing, it appears that how people that this was a subject area that the
cope with mental health problems is community was both interested in and
getting worse. wanted to engage with.
As a Counsellor, with 25+ years of clinical The themes covered in the seminars
experience, and a member of the SKLP included what is meant by mental health,
community, I am concerned about the how to look after our own and others

46 | SAMAJ MAGAZINE 2019 WWW.SKLPC.COM | 47



YOGA to control the mind and increase the
power of the human body and its organs,
“I can’t do yoga, because I am not but it also works to control weight,
flexible!”. Ever heard that one before? I cholesterol, diabetes and even obesity!
have… many times. But believe me, Yoga Let’s face it, we’re always complaining
isn’t about being good at something, it’s about aches and pains, and Yoga not
about being good to yourself. only tackles this on the surface level, but
First and foremost, is our breath - it all also aids to develop our inner organs
starts with breath! Would you believe we and ‘Praan’ (our energy body) to keep us
aren’t even breathing correctly in our day filled with liveliness, vitality and overall
to day lives? Using the hair in the noses good health.
to filter what we take into the lungs is Yoga consists of physical and mental
the correct way, but are we really using disciplines that make us healthy, alert
it, or are we using our mouths? Much of and happy, transforming our perception
the tightness and tensions in our minds of the world and the way we live in it.
and physical bodies are rooted in our It derives from the term ‘Yuj’ which
inability to breathe correctly. We inhale means to join – hence it is referred to as
way too much, and don’t exhale enough. the union of mind and body.
If exhalations are longer, then your life Stress and strain are a part of our lives
span will also be! today and they cannot be avoided. But
Reading or speaking about Yoga, or even in Yoga, what we can change is our
seeing it in action is not enough. It must
be experienced! Not only is it a practice

WWW.SKLPC.COM | 51

reaction and our attitude towards stress, Yoga specializes completely in physical negativities and extreme thoughts and Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah
thereby diminishing the ravages caused and mental development through actions, and enhances positivity within Sarve Santu Niraamayah
by it. When we realise that most diseases competitive yogic games, which are ideal society. It is therefore, an effective tool Sarve Bhadraani Pashyantu
are basically rooted in the mind, the for children. for positive social change, which is Maa Kaschit Dukha Bhaag Bhavet
contribution of Yoga to health on this Living in a modern society means that particularly vital in these challenging
level can be tremendous. In some cases, there are constant challenges to us both times. Let all be happy. Let all be healthy. Let all
results are realised immediately, however, socially and personally and this can The entire world has gradually come to see the good in others. Let no one suffer
patience and regular, disciplined practice have a negative effect on our children. notice and appreciate the benefits of from unhappiness.
is required to fully reap the benefits of To bring the positive change, a tender this age old science, and India’s Prime
yoga over longer time frames. age is more responsive, so we need to Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has played a Reena Vekaria (Gaam Madhapar)
Yes, medical science has made great start our efforts early. Young minds are vital role in bringing this to the Western Yoga Instructor
progress in recent times and has found more receptive to new ideas. The Youth world, with his successful proposal for
the cause of diseases and prescribed have an immense potential to explore International Day of Yoga at the United
remedies, but can this ensure health, inner strength and yoga can develop Nations General Assembly in 2014. Not
happiness and mental equilibrium? enthusiasm among them and bring only him, but Baba Ramdev has also
This is where Yoga comes in. It does positive changes to the surrounding played an integral role in awakening
not consist merely of physical postures, society. The age old saying, “make the the world to the joy that is yoga by
meditation or relaxation. Much of world a better place for our children” spreading it worldwide.
the practice has dynamic, as well as needs revising. I say, let’s make ourselves And so…a final thought to leave you
competitive attributes that not only and our children better, and the world with: I firmly believe that something
build physical abilities and aid healthy will improve itself. It’s not too late… lasts longer with added efficiency, if you
competition, but also develop our Today, the world is facing many preserve it with love and care. So why
thinking skills and reactions / responses. problems: crime, disease, broken families, not first of all start with our own bodies
For example, Ashtanga Yoga consists collapse of environment…the list is and our minds? After all, if these are kept
of slower practices that are restful and endless. So why yoga? Studies suggest peaceful, then perhaps the World isn’t
harmonious; Hatha Yoga is much more that it improves physical and mental too far behind…
high-speed and dynamic, while Krida health, stabilizes the social mind, reduces

52 | SAMAJ MAGAZINE 2019 WWW.SKLPC.COM | 53



NAVRATRI FESTIVAL 2018

EUROPE’S LARGEST NAVRATRI FESTIVAL

Once again the SKLPC (UK) Navratri In addition, The SKLPC (UK)
Festival was a great success and Management Committee & Board of
everyone who attended had an electric Trustees would like to extend a special
cultural experience. thank you to Kiran Devraj Pindoria,
The live band rocked the marquee to Mavji Dhanji Jadva Vekaria & Ravi Dhanji
another dimension with Friday 12th Varsani for their sheer dedication in
October 2018 & Saturday 13th October organising, planning and executing a
2018 being days not to miss last year. successful Navratri Festival.
With the atmosphere on another level it
felt like the Navratri festival was being
held in India.
To move with the modern age, a push for
online ticket sales was introduced and
this proved to be a great success given
that no one had to queue at the ticket
office and entrance into the festival zone
was quicker allowing for more playing
time.
The SKLPC (UK) Management
Committee & Board of Trustees would
like to thank all the volunteers who
devoted their time every evening for 13
days to ensure that the Navratri Festival
was a success.

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NAVRATRI FAMILY
WORKSHOP 2018

The SKLPC (UK) Navratri Family Free chips for all the children were
Workshop only had 200 participants donated by Jaydev Bhimji Varsani &
when it was first introduced 8 years ago Meera Jaydev Varsani, Gaam Samatra,
however with the enthusiasm shown by in loving memory of their daughter
the community there was again a record Arya Jaydev Varsani.
number of participants that attended the Kit-Kats for all the children were
event. donated by Mavji Dhanji Jadva Vekaria,
This workshop is designed for young Gaam Baladia.
children and families who want to take Refreshments were donated by Ramnik
part in garba and learn the culture Kanji Jina & Raksha Ramnik Jina, Gaam
behind it. Everyone who attends is Madhapar, in memory of their father
encouraged to perform 2 Tali, 3 Tali Raas, Kanji Karsan Jina.
Aarti, Sanero, Ramjaniyu and Dandia Fruit Prasad was donated by Hirjibhai
during this fun-filled garba session with Halai on behalf of Kingsbury Fruit &
live music. Veg.
The workshop team and volunteers are The SKLPC (UK) Management
very proud to organise this annual event Committee & Board of Trustees would
which helps many young children learn like to thank the Family Workshop
the meaning of Navratri and our culture. Convener Raksha Jina and Assistant
We would like to take this opportunity Convener Rahul Jina and all the
to thank the following donors who volunteers who dedicated their time
supported the SKLPC (UK) Navratri in ensuring that the Navratri Family
Family Workshop 2018: Workshop was another success.

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2019 SKLPC SATURDAY We held children and adult Hinduism wearing SKLPC Hi-Viz vests. The staff
SCHOOL ANNUAL REPORT classes this year run by volunteer and children are very appreciative of this
teachers and will continue to do so extra security.
Last year we celebrated our 40th Our Culture Classes continue to be a depending on demand. The Learn Gujarati books created by the
anniversary of the SKLPC Saturday huge success. The Bollywood dance Coding and electronics classes offered teachers of the Saturday School continue
School and this year we continue to classes continue to be in demand, hence in partnership with Ninja Code Academy to be popular, and are purchased by
grow. Currently, the Saturday School extra classes have been introduced. prove to be very popular. We now have other schools to teach their students as
operates during term time at Claremont We now have five classes running. We four classes running per Saturday. The well.
High School where we run classes in also run two Bharatnatyam classes class involves understanding the basics The Diwali party was received with lots
Gujarati, Tuition and Culture from 8.45am in association with the Nrityakala of programming and circuits through of enthusiasm and we had a big turnout.
to 1pm. In 2010 we experimented by Dance Academy. Our cultural students an interactive class/workshop. You may We would like to say a big thank you to
offering Gujarati classes for the very continually display their skills at events be aware that coding is now part of the all our donors and volunteers without
young children – 3.5 year olds. We were such as the Annual Mela Day and our core school curriculum so we look to whose support we would not be able to
and are still one of the few schools who annual Diwali Party. build on this in the coming years as it have such a fun filled successful day.
start teaching Gujarati to such young The Gujarati Team is extremely will be essential for kids (and adults!) to The volunteers and support staff are the
children in a fun and interesting way. passionate and experienced, nurturing understand basic coding concepts. core of Saturday School without whom
We find these are our most popular an environment where both students In 2017, we also started to offer French we could not continue. They give up their
classes and this has helped the increase and parents are pleased with the service classes for our children in association time every Saturday morning to help and
in demand we have observed in the last provided. We now have approximately with La Jolie Ronde. The children ensure our students are achieving their
few years. 250 students. This year we had 15 attending these are having a fun time full potential. They provide help for our
We expanded our tuition class offerings children sitting the GCSE Gujarati learning French. teachers inside the classroom and also
to the younger year – Year 1-4. These exam. The results for these will be out The entire school is managed and run by to our admin staff outside of the classes.
classes have proven to be quite popular. in August 2019. Last year we had 20 volunteers. They work tirelessly to ensure Volunteering at Saturday school gives
We now therefore provide tuition classes children who sat the GCSE exams with the smooth running of the school. We not only the opportunity of experience
in Maths and English from year 1 up to amazing results: 1A*, 4A, 12B’s and 2C are also thankful for the many volunteers but also an invaluable insight into the
GCSE level. grades. without whose support we would not teaching profession. The opportunity has
be able to run our Gujarati classes. The inspired many to venture into teaching.
warden team walk around the school Volunteering at SKLPC Saturday school

70 | SAMAJ MAGAZINE 2019 WWW.SKLPC.COM | 71

qualifies for children attempting Duke of If you have any questions, queries,
Edinburgh awards. comments, ideas, or want to help, please
We are always considering new activities come and see us at the Saturday School
which would benefit our children and our stall at the Annual Mela or on Saturday
community – we started Sign language, mornings at Claremont High School (term
Sanskrit, Tabla and Tuition classes for the time only).
younger years this last academic year. If Alternatively, you can write to us at
you or your children have interest in any Northolt Samaj address, or email at
of these activities then please do get in [email protected] or phone on
touch. 07890 469 873.

CURRENT MANAGEMENT TEAM
OF THE SKLPC SATURDAY SCHOOL:

Convenor: Jeetendra Vaghjiani
Asst Convenor: Divya Vekaria
Head of Gujarati: Jashuben Jesani & Ielaben Khetani
Head of Tuition: Jasuben Patel
Head of Culture: Dimisha Gami
Head of Supports: Henna Patel
Admin & Finance: Hira Pindolia, Preety Bhudia, Nimu Varsani, Jitesh Halai
& Bhavisha Madhaparia
Advisors: Hansaben Khetani & Hiruben Bhudia

72 | SAMAJ MAGAZINE 2019















wins against SKLPC Seniors and the two teams gave it their all but Avi Contracts Ladies: KMC Sports Ladies(W) vs MYC Ladies
goal less draws against Class Joinery made it through 2-1.
Ltd and BYC Meera Village who finished The second Semi saw Scorpions up Boys U11’s: KMK Crystal Units (W) vs Kingsbury Lions Kids Girl’s U11’s: KMC Princes Electronics (W) vs Girl Power
top of the group unbeaten with 8 points. against Apex Predators Black. After
BYC Meera Village proved worthy 2019 taking the lead, it was hard to see past Under 16’s: BYC ITEC Security A vs Kingsbury Lions (W) Men’s Over 35’s: BYC Meera Village (W)
champions. Special mention to Sunil Scorpions getting through as they had
Jina who was injured and taken away only conceded 1 goal up until that point.
in an ambulance, we wish him a speedy They scored another to secure their fifth
recovery! consecutive final.
A new look Avi Contract surprised many
MENS OVER 16’S to get to the final. But they needed to
have one more surprise in store as they
We had 24 entries which were split up were coming up against the extremely
into 6 groups of 4 teams. There was a efficient Scorpions. Scorpions yet again
change this year with only the top team took the lead. The crowd felt that they
in each group guaranteeing qualification would close off the game and regain the
into the knock outs, along with the two title they lost last year. But with virtually
best runners up. This meant all teams the last kick of the game, Avi Contracts
had to be swift off the mark with no netted an equaliser. The game ended
room for complacency. up going to penalties. Nikul ended up
Group A had two teams finishing on as top goal scorer with 6 goals, a slight
7 points, Avi Contracts and BYC HKH consolation in the Scorpions camp as
Constructions A both qualified. Group B the fortune favoured Avi Contracts as
was topped by Jaysam Kings, who won they sealed a 4-3 win to be crowned
all their games. Apex Predators Green Champions of 2019.
went through unbeaten in group C.
Group F was the most tightly contested ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
as two teams finished on 5 points,
but only Apex Predator Black made it Appreciation for the contribution of the
through. Group G saw two teams make organising committee: Raj Madha, Ravin
it out with Cardiff Samaj FC and KMC Pindoria, Krishan Raghvani , Hashmukh
Bespoke Glass Solutions getting through. Bhudiya, Rajesh Bhudiya, Mansukh
The final team came from Group H with Vekaria, Bharat Vekaria, Dipak Varsani,
last year’s finalists Scorpions topping it Sash Mayani and Jeetal Patel. We would
with 9 points. also like to express our appreciation to all
In the first Quarter Final, nothing could the community members, their families
separate Avi Contracts and BYC HKH and friends who had again attended to
Constructions A. Avi Contracts went support the teams. Our thanks to Chhaya
through 4-2 on penalties. The next Bhudiya and Chaiya Varsani for taking
game saw Jaysam Kings edge out Apex the pictures on the day and Bharat
Predator Green 1-0. Scorpions beat KMC Bhanderi and Manish Patel for preparing
Bespoke Glass Solutions 2-0 in the third the football pitches and last but not least
Quarter Final. The Semi’s line up was everyone who helped to organise this
complete after Apex Predator Black annual tournament.
scored all 5 penalties in their shoot out Special mention to Base II Base who
with Cardiff Samaj FC. provided the music and audio setup to
Avi Contracts and Jaysam Kings battled bring a lively atmosphere to this
it out for a place in the final. With both year’s event.
teams eagerly vying to get through, both

Visit www.sklpc.com/football Like our Facebook Page Men’s: Avi Contracts (W) vs Scorpions
for the photos from the day sklpc.football for updates

88 | SAMAJ MAGAZINE 2019 WWW.SKLPC.COM | 89



WHAT’S HAPPENING
IN EAST LONDON

EDUCATIONAL/CULTURAL CLASSES YOGA & MEDITATION GUJARATI SCHOOL

Lister School, St Marys Road, Swaminarayan Sports World, Blake Hall SKS Swaminarayan Temple East London
London E13 9AE Road, Wanstead, London E11 2QW 22/24 Shaftesbury Road, Forest Gate,
London E7 8PD
Languages: Saturday 09.30am - 10.30am Mondays: 7.30pm - 8.30pm (Yoga Only)
Hina Shah: 07828 307 902 Please refer to our website:
Saturdays: 8.00am - 9.15am www.eltemple.uk/sahajanand-school
Maths: 10.30am - 11.30am Register online: www.eltemple.uk/yoga
Roshan Patel: 07983 919 876 Dhanji Bhudia: 07831 565 905
Bijal Shukla: 07448 743 353
Hinduism: 11.30am - 12.45pm
Asmita Bhudia: 07886 885 548

SPORTING SATURDAYS ZUMBA YUVAK MANDAL THURSDAY JAM

Swaminarayan Sports World, Blake Hall Swaminarayan Sports World, Blake Hall SKS Swaminarayan Temple East London SKS Swaminarayan Temple East London
Road, Wanstead, London E11 2QW Road, Wanstead, London E11 2QW 22/24 Shaftesbury Road, Forest Gate, 22/24 Shaftesbury Road, Forest Gate,
London E7 8PD London E7 8PD
Every Saturday 09.00am - 11.00am Every Saturday 09.00am - 11.00am
For all ages. Under 12’s to be Himesh Hirani: 07957 641 830 Social, cultural and religious events. Every Thursday 7.30pm - 8.30pm
accompanied by an adult. All ages welcome.
Please refer to our website Contact: 020 8470 9375
Himesh Hirani: 07957 641 830 www.eltemple.uk

Contact: 020 8470 9375

92 | SAMAJ MAGAZINE 2019 WWW.SKLPC.COM | 93



ORGAN DONATION ASK YOURSELF QUOTES

What if your sibling had been on the “Organ donation is in keeping with Hindu
kidney transplant waiting list with no beliefs as it can help to save the lives of
success of finding a match, and the others.”
only way to save their life was to find Mr Om Parkash Sharma MBE, President,
a match though a family member National Council of Hindu Temples
which happened to be you. Would you “As a person puts on new garments giving
donate a kidney to them? up the old ones, the soul similarly accepts
What if you required a kidney new material bodies giving up the old and
transplant to save your life, and no useless ones.”
family member was a match to help Bhagavad Gita, chapter 2:22
you but there was a match from the “...it is said that the soul is invisible...
Organ Donor Register. Would you knowing this you should not grieve for the
accept the kidney? body.”
What if your young child/grandchild Bhagavad Gita, chapter 2:25
required an organ transplant to save “Of all the things that it is possible to
their life and the only match was from donate, to donate your own body is
the Organ Donor Register. Would you infinitely more worthwhile.”
accept the organ? The Manusmruti
Have you answered yes, yes, yes to all “The important issue for a Hindu is that
the questions above? which sustains life should be accepted
and promoted as Dharma (righteous
WHICH ORGANS CAN BE living). Organ donation is an integral part
DONATED of our living.”
Hasmukh Velji Shah, International
Kidneys Trustee, World Council of Hindus
Heart Are you finding yourself in a situation
Liver where you are willing to accept an
Lungs organ from an organ donor but are not
Pancreas willing to give an organ by registering to
Small Bowels become an organ donor?
Corneas Have a think...
Tissue (skin, bone, tendons, heart
valves and arteries) SCAN THE CODE
You can donate some organs (a kidney FOR MORE INFO
or part of your liver) while you are alive, AND TO REGISTER
and you can donate organs and tissue
after your death.
You can donate all of the organs listed
above or can choose what you would like
to donate. You could save or improve up
to nine lives by donating your organs and
tissue upon your passing.

To register visit
www.organdonation.nhs.uk
or for further information
call 0300 123 23 23

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