PROOF_SKLPC_Mag2019-MK3

BLOOD DONATION Muks has organised blood donation been presented with a commendation
sessions at Shree Swaminarayan Gadi by the National Health Service Blood
WHY ARE WE DYING FOR blood disorders. 27% was used in heart, Sansthan Mandir’s in Kingsbury, London and Transplant unit for his work in
BLOOD? emergency and general surgery. 6% was and Bolton, Greater Manchester for the promoting blood donation within the
used after blood loss during child birth. past 11 years. He has also helped Golders Asian community. 2018 Volunteer of the
While people from all communities and Each year approx. 200,000 stop giving Green Synagogue, London set up regular Year Recognition Award and a Certificate
backgrounds do give blood, fewer than blood for a number of reasons and these sessions and advised other faith groups of Achievement was presented to Muks
5% of blood donors who gave blood in donors need to be replaced to maintain on the same. He advised the organisers of by the Director of Blood Donation (NHS
the last year (2018) were from black, blood stocks as 6,000 units of blood are Sewa Day and pushed for them to promote Blood and Transplant) Mike Stredder. Mike
Asian and minority ethnic communities needed each day to meet hospital demand. blood donation sessions around Sewa Day. said “The work done by this community
(BAME). Of these 2% were from the Only 7% of people from BAME know their To date over 4000 units of blood have in promoting blood donation is incredible.
Asian community. This is despite BAME blood group compared to 41% nationally. been collected at these sessions and 1125 We have seen that this has help maintain
communities representing around 14% of new donors have registered & given blood. stocks of rare blood especially B- and 0-.”
the population. WHO CAN GIVE BLOOD Muks says “As a member of the temple This award follows Muks being named
attending events there I realised that if we “Community Champion of the year for
We all have a duty to address this If you are aged between 17 and 66 (or 70 organised blood donations at the temple to Kingsbury and Kenton” at the Pride of
balance. if you have donated before), weigh over coincide with temple events it would make Brent Awards, November 2017. In addition
50kg (7 stone 12lbs) and are fit and healthy it easy for people to give blood, We started Muks was also awarded “Community
Blood cannot be made in laboratories then you can give blood. Men are able to the first session in 2008 and the temple Champion” by the Mayor of Brent, April
and it is only through selfless acts of donate every 12 weeks and women every now runs 3 sessions a year. Especially 2017.
kindness that a donor can potentially 16 weeks. popular are the Diwali blood sessions When asked why he has pushed blood
save the life of three others with each If you have any health conditions or you because people were naturally in a giving donation Muks replied, “Lord Shree
pint of blood donated. have visited India/Kenya or any country in mood and were attending the temple any Swaminarayan teaches that ‘Sewa is a
The process takes an hour from arriving a malaria zone in the past 6 months, then way to celebrate Diwali. Other temples in primary duty; service to society is our
at the centre, reading the welcome it’s best to visit www.blood.co.uk or call the area are now also doing the same”. mantra’ and Shree Swaminarayan Gadi’s
pack, having some water, screening 0300 123 23 23 and they will advise further. Whilst we were in Golders green we also Acharya Swamishree Maharaj further
(checking iron level and reviewing the get the local churches and synagogues inspires by saying ‘Giving blood is superior
health questions), to the actual donation HOW BLOOD DONATION gurudwaras and mosques to promote the to giving alms. It is through this giving of
and finally having a hot drink and a CAN BE INFECTIOUS sessions to their congregations and we life that all of our lives are saved.’
snack. This hour could be the difference have continued to do this in Kingsbury. Each and every one of us has a duty to
between life and death for a blood Muks Rabadia (Gaam Rampar), 39 was So we have a large mix of all these faith help others. In a world where we are cash
receiver. born in Edgware London, and has been groups coming together to give blood rich but time poor giving the gift of life to a
a regular blood donor since the age of It’s as if we have made giving blood stranger if you are able to is a must. Blood
SOME STATS 18. He has donated 65 units of blood to infectious.” can’t be produced in a factory and when
date and at the age of 35 he became one Muks runs a design and print business the time comes we would all accept blood
25% of Asians have the blood group B, but of the youngest to make 50 whole blood and offers his services free of charge in if we needed it, so if we are able then we
only 9% of West Europeans have this group donations. He says “giving blood is such an the production of posters and flyers to should all be prepared and willing to give.
which means that more Asian donors are easy thing to do and is so exhilarating for promote blood sessions. He liaises with the I will probably never meet any of the
needed to help maintain stocks. the soul.” NHS Blood Service and manages the event people that have used my blood but I feel
on session day. some comfort that it has helped someone
In 2018, 67% of all blood donated was He says “the younger members of the somewhere. The blood service send you a
used to treat anaemia, cancer and temple are now getting involved in the text following each donation to say thank
organisation which leaves me time to you and to tell you which hospital your
further promote sessions outside the blood was used. My last five donations
temple. Community awareness and making have gone to Grimsby, Cambridge,
it easy to donate is the key to get all Sheffield, Norwich and Ashford.
twenty four Kutch village communities
living in the UK to organise sessions and Be the change - Do something amazing –
make them part of their other regular Every donation counts.
events is the plan.”
It is because of his role in these To register visit www.blood.co.uk or for
achievements that Muks Rabadia has further information call 0300 123 23 23

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FOOD BANKS Be the change
you want to see
Food banks are working to tackle GET INVOLVED! in the world
food poverty and hunger in our local
communities. Everyday people in the Next time you’re in a supermarket, let Mahatma
UK go hungry for reasons ranging from your children or grandchildren choose Gandhi
redundancy to receiving an unexpected something for the food bank trolley.
bill on a low income. A simple box of
food and toiletries can make a big HERE IS A LIST OF ITEMS
difference. YOU CAN DONATE:
Food banks rely entirely on donations
of food and toiletries from local schools, Milk (Long Life)
community groups, businesses, and Sugar / Sweetener
individuals and would not be able Tea / Coffee
to operate without their generous Cereal
donations. Biscuits / Crackers / Snacks
To access the food bank in a crisis, Cooking Oil
clients must obtain a ‘Food Voucher’ Rice / Lentils
from a relevant agency such as their GP, Pasta / Pasta Sauce
Citizens Advice Bureau, Social Worker, Flour
Health Visitor, Police etc. Tins – Fruits, Beans, Vegetables, Soups
Clients will be given a parcel which Baby Food / Milk / Nappies
includes toiletries and healthy balanced Shampoo / Soap / Toilet Roll
meals designed to support them and Toothbrush / Toothpaste
their family for 3 to 7 days. Volunteers Hand Wash
meet clients over a warm drink or free Washing-up Liquid
hot meal and can sign post them to Please note: Food items must be
agencies who can assist in solving their non-perishable and in date.
long-term problems.
You can donate directly to food banks Kastur Kara (Gaam Rampar)
or set up a collection point at your
work place/community event. Many
supermarkets also have collection
trolleys instore.

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SO, THE QUESTION IS food (butter and ghee rich foods), eating
WHY US? a well-balanced diet including proteins,
carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals
This is likely to be due to genetic factors and increasing fruit and vegetable intake
which automatically put us at higher risk, can help the situation greatly.
but it is primarily due to environmental Finally, lifestyle changes such as cutting
factors and our diet. The increased down alcohol (the national limit) and
use of ghee and oil in our day to day stopping smoking has shown to reduce
cooking gives us an increased risk of the worsening cardiovascular health. If you
above mentioned diseases and therefore have high blood pressure, are on statins,
Metabolic Syndrome. or have diabetes, it is imperative you
take care of your condition according to
SCARY STUFF RIGHT? THE the plan formulated between you and
FOLLOWING CRITERIA your doctor. Regular blood glucose and
CAN PUT YOU AT HIGHER blood pressure checks can easily be
RISK OF DEVELOPING done at home and allow you to get an
METABOLIC SYNDROME: idea of your condition and help identify
whether you need to see the doctor.
A waist circumference greater than One can argue the cause of Metabolic
35.5 inches in Indian men / 31.5 inches Syndrome is pre-determined by our
in Indian women genes. This is true to an extent, however,
High levels of cholesterol in the blood there is evidence that we can stop or
Blood pressure consistently greater delay the onset of Metabolic Syndrome
than 140/90mmHg (or 130/80mmHg by leading a healthy well-balanced life
for diabetics)
Increased insulin resistance (pre-type 2 Keval Dhanji Kerai (Gaam Rampar)
diabetes, diabetes and family history of
METABOLIC SYNDROME diabetes)
You are probably wondering what can
Metabolic Syndrome is a collection of stroke (stopping blood supply to part of be done. The good thing is a lot can be
diseases including diabetes, high blood the brain) and an increased risk of blood done to avoid the onset of Metabolic
pressure and obesity. It affects 1 in 4 clot formation which can dislodge to the Syndrome.
adults in the UK, a number which is heart, brain and lungs. Firstly, if any of the above criteria apply
probably higher in our community. These can all be fatal. It can also increase to you, it is time to get active! This
Alone, these diseases can cause damage the risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver does not mean you have to go to the
to our cardiovascular system (heart and Disease (NAFLD) which can eventually gym every day! Regular cardiovascular
blood vessels). Together, they can lead lead to irreversible scarring of the liver exercise (cycling, brisk walking, running,
to an increased risk of heart attacks called Cirrhosis, requiring transplant. jogging, swimming) on a bi-weekly or
(stopping blood supply to the heart), weekly basis has shown to be beneficial
an increased risk of a life threatening in preventing or delaying the onset of
obesity, diabetes and therefore Metabolic
Syndrome.
Dietary changes are paramount in
preventing the onset of Metabolic
Syndrome. Reducing high cholesterol

108 | SAMAJ MAGAZINE 2019 Visit the NHS website for more information on this condition:
www.nhs.uk -> Health A-Z -> Metabolic Syndrome

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VOLUNTEER TEACHER AT countries, the biggest problem is the granted, be positive and work hard and
SCHOOL IN KENYA lack of qualified teachers. Working in everyone can shine no matter how big or
the local school in Nairobi, I could help small you are.
EVERY CHILD HAS A SPECIAL WAY OF the teachers prepare their lessons and Varisha Kerai (Gaam Samatra)
ADDING JOY TO EVERY DAY was able to show them different ways
to engage the children in their learning
I had just finished my degree in children were in one class. Comparing instead of simply copying the blackboard
Education and I decided that I wanted to that to the UK, it was a big change. into their workbooks.
travel. I wanted to teach abroad to make Teaching my first science lesson, the Education and teaching plays a vital role
a difference in children’s lives and so… I children were very excited and happy in the development of children in society,
decided to go to Kenya. that they had a new teacher, so to settle being able to push the children to work
I decided not to join any volunteering the children down they learnt to follow to the best of their ability was my main
programmes and went out to Kenya and instructions and behaviour rules that goal when I entered the classroom.
found a local school myself in Nairobi. were set by me. Managing 55 children Making sure that the children knew that
Being able to choose the school that was not easy. However, as the days went no matter how hard life can get, pushing
I wanted to work in was great. The on, I got to know them and they got to yourself to reach the top is their biggest
teachers there were delighted to have know me, we grew a special bond. Each achievement and it doesn’t matter how
me to teach their classes. It was great day in the classroom was different not big or small the goal is. It was in one of
volunteering as I could gain experience one day was the same. my Maths lessons where some children
whilst getting to know the country on a The most important part of teaching for struggled with fractions and felt so
very intimate level. As I worked with the me was that the children had enjoyable demotivated as the rest of the class were
children, I was able to learn for myself. lessons and they learnt in a fun and moving on with their work. I made them
When I arrived at the school they put interactive way. Being able to put smiles understand that everyone is different,
me straight into a class of 55 children in on their faces was the best part of my we all learn in different ways so never
Year 5 (9-10 year olds). That was just one experience. As we all know, education is feel like you can’t do something because
class! It was amazing to see how many key to development. In many developing there is always another alternative way.
This experience has taught me many
things. One key aspect that I walked
away with was never take anything for

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OAKTREE Builders Merchants

MY GOLD DUKE OF
EDINBURGH EXPERIENCE

The Duke of Edinburgh award is a youth camp as an assistant instructor to 7-12
awards programme founded by Prince year olds. Being able to juggle all this
Philip in 1956 which teaches young adults with work and my other activities did
key life skills and self-improvement. One prove challenging, but if it wasn’t then it
of the five key stages in completing wouldn’t be as rewarding. The challenges
the award is the 5-day expedition entrenched in all aspects of the award
phase which comprises of walking 25 made it an even bigger achievement
kilometres a day and camping out under by the end. Throughout my limits were
the stars at night. On the first day of constantly pushed, I learnt a countless
my trek, my team and I had to face the number of skills and to put the cherry on
gruelling trek up Inglesborough. We were the cake, this February I was invited to St
only half way up the 2372ft mountain James Palace to receive my award and
with the rain pelting down on us when meet Prince Edward which was a surreal
I began to question why I decided to experience for which I am incredibly
spend a week of my summer hiking grateful for.
through the Yorkshire Dales with 12kg The benefits reaped from receiving
on my back. Nowhere felt further away the award didn’t stop there, the skills
from St James Palace (where I would developed will help me for life, being
be presented my award) than that very able to problem solve, persevere, use
moment. The blustery wind worsened as initiative, navigate, cook even will be
we got higher up but the morale of my invaluable forever. I am a true believer
team of 7 kept us all powering through. that experiences shape us and help us to
Out of breath and on our last legs upon evolve – life truly begins when we step
reaching the peak we instantaneously out of our comfort zone.
dropped our bags to the ground whilst
gawking at the scenery in front of us in Davina Gami (Gaam Samatra)
awe. Those few moments as well as all
the laughter made all the turmoil during
the expedition more than worth it. From
climbing up waterfalls, to scrambling
up boulders carrying 12 kg, to dead
reckoning and getting stuck in bogs, this
was an experience of a lifetime. My Duke
of Edinburgh journey through bronze
to gold has taught me a monumental
amount in regards to living outdoors,
being self-reliant and self-sustainable.
The award consists of four other stages,
first being the volunteering, for this
segment I chose to spend 12 months
working for Oxfam. Second is the skill,
here I chose to undertake my grade
8 public speaking award, the third
is a physical activity, I committed to
improving my stamina in swimming
for a year. Fourth is the residential, I
decided to spend a week at a summer

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THE VALUE OF VALUATIONS
The Patel family went out shopping for a In some cases it’s a good idea to have
few hours. Upon their return they found photographs on valuation reports.
their home was burgled. Unfortunately, This information not only helps to arrive
all of their jewellery including wedding at the value of the jewellery & get the
rings, family heirlooms & inherited items right insurance cover, but also to replace
were stolen. To make matters worse, in the or reconstruct items in the future should
absence of a jewellery valuation report, they get lost or damaged. A valuation
insurers undervalued their claim & they also documents - name & address, date,
got a lot less than the actual value of their a reference number & signature of the
jewellery. appraiser with professional qualifications
Sounds all too familiar? Well sadly more & confirmation that the valuation is for
and more people are being robbed of their insurance replacement.
personal possessions. It is surprising how
many people either are unaware or leave WHY SHOULD I HAVE MY
it too late to get their jewellery valued. JEWELLERY VALUED?
Whether it’s an engagement ring, a watch
or an anniversary gift, your jewellery is First & foremost, the price of precious
among the most treasured possessions. It metals has risen considerably in recent
may also carry sentimental value if bought years which directly affects the cost of
on a special occasion marking a life event, jewellery. You may find that if you do have
or if it’s a family heirloom passed down to replace an item that hasn’t been valued
through generations. If such items are in years, your compensation may not be
lost, stolen or damaged, you will need enough to provide a replacement with a
to provide your insurer an original sales similar item. In these cases, your options
receipt or an accurate valuation of your would be to accept an inferior quality item
jewellery in order to make a claim. or pay for the difference.
Therefore, getting your jewellery valued Secondly, you may find that having a
is vital. The following is a simple guide on recent jewellery valuation is a condition of
how to go about it so that if you make a the insurer & it may be difficult to obtain
claim, the compensation reflects the true an accurate settlement unless a valuation
worth of your jewellery. can be produced at the time of a loss.
Finally, a valuation report which has
SO WHAT IS A VALUATION? photographs will increase the chances
of successful recovery by the police. We
There are different types of valuations recommend that you consider having
depending on the circumstances, items revalued every 3 to 5 years.
however, the most common is insurance
replacement required by your insurer as WHERE CAN I GET MY
an evidence of ownership, possession & an JEWELLERY VALUED?
assessment of value of items.
A valuation gives you an informed opinion There are several professional services
on the monetary value of your jewellery. that provide jewellery valuations. Look out
Professional valuations are supplied by for membership of a professional guild or
formally trained experts who will assess union as this indicates quality service.
the value of the items & also document To be sure you’re getting the best service,
a detailed description of significant always ask about the qualifications and
items including the weight & purity of experience of the person valuing your
precious metal, number & carat weight of jewellery.
diamonds/gems and the quality grade of
colour, clarity, cut etc. along with details of Rahul Gala (FGA).
certificate & serial numbers, brand & make. Director - Raina Jewels

134 | SAMAJ MAGAZINE 2019

LADAKH MARKHA TREK flooded rivers, using a single plank at 06:00 without breakfast, without
of wood to cross a 10ft high broken changing our clothes and without
SEPTEMBER 2018 and daughter in their tent, squealing in pathway, throwing boulders into a fast brushing our teeth - even the Dental
excitement at the thrilling turn this trip flooding river to make stepping stones Hygienist of the group agreed. As we
As I sit here typing this, I have no idea has taken. as it goes dark, then traipsing through re-visit the short walk of Day 1, our spirits
where to start with the countless number Day 5: Snow. Everywhere. Change of flooded pathways in the dark, amongst are raised; growing more and more
of, let’s say - ‘cinematic’ happenings plan. It’s too risky to continue upwards, many other adventurous activities. We excited as we reach nearer and nearer.
during our adventure in India back we must return the way we came, retraced our steps from the last couple Finally, two white minibuses are in view.
in September 2018. ‘Buzzing’ isn’t bearing in mind that was a four-day of days faster than we had originally Home.
even the word, and whilst The Great journey. 09:45: The descent begins made them. It felt like coming back to a An hour or so later we reach the hotel
Kutchi Adventure is currently a work in and continues as we trudge through hometown which was now nothing but and embrace each other in turn. Tears
progress, here’s the 3-minute version the snow and rain for seven odd hours rubble. The severe weather conditions of joy, Wi-Fi, and a shower. Little did we
of our trek through Markha Valley, in straight. 16:30, and we’re soaked from had seriously decimated parts of the realise, that’s only part one!
Ladakh. Buckle up people, it’s about to head to toe. It now begins to get dark. I journey. Anyone ever seen 127 Hours,
get exciting! think you’ll find the word is, stranded. with James Franco? Yeah, that. TEAM MEMBERS:
From Day 1 to Day 3 of the trek, it was Our God sent guides eventually manage It’s 20:30 and we reach Day 1’s camp.
all plain sailing. Despite the snail’s pace to find us refuge in a 3-room school. The place is desolated, just as the whole Badri Gajurel, Dinesh Gorasia, Meena
plodding that made up the trekking Emotions are high as eleven of us huddle region is. It’s pitch dark and it may as Gorasia, Kalyan Rabadia, Chandrika
experience, the most challenging part of up in a leaking classroom, though the well be midnight. We’ve been walking for Rabadia, Purshotam Gami, Devila Gami,
the day was familiarising oneself with a banter never stops. I mean, we asked for 12 hours now and our team leader makes Ramesh Versani, Pushpa Versani, Daksha
new ‘hole in the floor’ or the preferred, adventure, and adventure is exactly what the call to stay in a homestay tonight Modha, Asha Modha, Lalji Varsani, Sarda
outdoors. Oh, and despite not having this was - also, secretly hoping we make as no vehicles can reach us due to the Hirani, Meena Halai, Dhanu Vora, Shivji
had a shower since we left, we’re all still the news! masses of landslides along the way. My Vora, Dhanu Jesani, Shanti Kerai, Manji
feeling fairly fresh. The haa-haa-hee- It’s Day 6 now and we were due to be heart sinks but if it wasn’t for him, we Gami and Divya Patel.
hee is in full swing and we’re also still back today. We’re all having to use the most probably wouldn’t be alive right
practicing the Ghoomar dance that we ole’ plastic-bag-over-the-socks-trick. now. Asha Modha (Gaam Madhapar)
put together as a team on the afternoon We set off at 09:00, bright eyed and Right now, I am eternally grateful to
of day one! optimistic to cover 30km to get to a him and his team. Nonetheless, the
Then, on Day 4, a little chaata of snow place with some sort of telephone signal anthakshari still continues. The eleven of
turns into a blizzard as we ascend to and vehicle access. We’re all convinced us ladies are now familiar with the cosy
Base Camp. It continues to snow for the we’re getting a hot shower tonight. sleeping arrangements from the evening
next 24 hours. We’re at 4900m above Today’s agenda involved whipping the before, as are the men with theirs.
sea level with no way of contacting boots off a couple of times to cross Today is the day. This is it! Day 7, the
anyone on lower land, so our lives are in final day of the adventure film! It’s only a
our team leader’s hands, think Everest - three hour walk. The hot shower is finally
the Movie. However, you’ll find a mother within reach. It was decided we’ll leave

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ASPIRING YOUTH

ASHISH PATEL

Ashish is a trustee and volunteer of the large-scale project he participated
Kera Kundanpur Youth Wing (UK), a in with KKYW was an international
highly successful youth club, which has Charity Book Collection drive with
recently evolved into an official charity charities including MZ Foundation,
due to the organisation’s exceptional Hope for Smile and shishukunj (UK).
work. “We have gone from strength to Over 200,000 educational books were
strength, and just continued to grow,” the collected from across London and sent
young leader told us. First established in to underprivileged children of India and
1994, the charity, which is based at The Kenya. Furthermore, as part of KKYW
Aspire Centre (Stanmore), has seen an his work extends to supporting a local
array of talented youth as the years have hospice for several years, where many
gone by. KKYW aimed to venture new members have been marshals during
journeys and gain a true trademark, by St Luke’s Hospice midnight walks,
professionally establishing themselves hosting several Macmillan Cancer Coffee
socially and as a registered charity has Mornings to raise funds for Macmillan
given then the platform to do great work Cancer Support. and organising a stem
together with other charities and to cell donor collection drive for DKMS
enable our youth to develop themselves Foundation with the goal to add to the
and be given the opportunity to realise stem cell donor bank and contribute in
their potential. the fight to beat blood cancers.
Volunteering with KKYW, Ashish has Ashish is proud to be a key volunteer
organised a wide range of cultural, for the charity which openly welcomes a
educational, social and sporting activities wide range of Indian members, catering
to help create well-rounded individuals, for candidates of all disabilities. KKYW
who also uphold the value of community, strongly promotes integration and
develop valuable interpersonal skills believes in their mandate that everyone
and offer the opportunity to achieve is capable and able to live a fuller life.
educational and sporting merits to Having been part of the club from when
enhance CVs of our youth. KKYW it was a small community in the nineties
continue to support youngsters in into the collective cornerstone it is
completing their Duke of Edinburgh coming to be today, KKYW refreshingly
awards, as well as helping alumni move emphasises the cultivation of connection
on to play county standard sports. and altruism for a better society, and
Having young volunteers work together not simply the usual focus on self-
in an interesting, unusual ways inspires aggrandising and hubris. True poise is,
their peers to want to join in and become after all, the ability to accept others as
involved too, making everyone enjoy well as valuing the self.
what they do. Members are encouraged
to view charitable work as an integral Website: www.kerakundanpur.co.uk
part of life, and not a chore. Facebook Group:
Ashish, along with other 24 youthful Kera Kundanpur Youth Wing (UK)
trekkers, participated in an incredible
trek to the Everest base camp, which
the charity had organised raising
£26,000, for charities such as St.
Luke’s Hospice and an educational
children’s charity in Nepal. Another

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ENOUGH IS ENOUGH There are incidents in my life which today is to create awareness in our
might leave you emotional, but by society. According to the Domestic
Is domestic violence escaping justice in sexual violence at the hands of their reading it I am hoping I can inspire other Violence Prevention centre, most women
Britain’s south Asian communities, as partner and an estimated number of women through my story and show will, on average, attempt to leave an
domestic violence is going unreported three women a week commit suicide as a that there is hope. In brief I have been abusive relationship between five and
by both women and children, who result of domestic abuse. through forced termination, mental seven times before successfully and
are trapped in a pervasive culture of I, who was born and raised in the UK, and physical abuse, pushed down as a permanently doing so.
shame? Or are we moving towards a lived in London for the majority of my woman, forced to live like a 14th century I found strength and decided to take my
culture where support is widely available life and now live in beautiful West Sussex woman. I was made to be home on time, life back into my own hands. I left and
and accessible and families are more not far from the beach. I came through make sure dinner was cooked for my rebuilt my life and this has resulted in
supportive and educated? huge hurdles in my life which shaped husband at the time and have it ready to the decision that I could help the Indian
Domestic violence is something which me to become the person I am today. I serve to him on the table. It was a very community and others.
was in the past generations but today am proof and strength for women out old fashioned way of thinking, that’s From there I decided I wanted to help
we still see that it resonates within some there, that you can go through domestic not what I’m like. No matter how much people and got in touch in with my local
families. In the traditional families it’s still violence within a marriage and bring you try to push a woman to be like that, community and raise awareness for the
a little bit of a taboo, where they may yourself back to life where you are in a if that’s not who you are, then you will help that’s out there for anyone going
turn their head the other way. However loving relationship, your dream job and always find a way out of it. through domestic abuse. I wanted to
domestic violence whether physical or have friends and family around you who I got married at the age of 20; I was speak to the community that if anyone’s
mental is not acceptable and we need to are supportive and proud of you. Today married for 3 years. When I came out of going through abuse, rape, being put
reach out to more women and men and I am a Police Constable working with my marriage the first thing I wanted to in a situation which they didn’t want to
make sure their voices are heard and that Sussex police, and working towards a do was get myself back on track and by be in, or forced marriage, there is help
they know there is support out there for specialist area. that I mean mentally. Get my career back available. I wanted to highlight those
them. I was a victim of domestic abuse and on track and get myself motivated to charities and the existing help out there
Let’s start with some stats. According that has made me become a stronger work hard again, when you go through and encourage people to come forward
to the Office of National Statistics woman, it’s not necessarily the reason something like that it doesn’t just affect and inform them that these are the
(ONS) about 4.2% of men and 7.9% of I’ve joined the Sussex Police, I’ve always you as a person, it affects your job, people who you can contact and can
women suffered domestic abuse in the wanted to be a police officer but going it affects who you are, your friends. help you. So that’s how is started, I also
UK during 2018. This equates to about through what I have been through You lose touch with your friends. I got applied to be a special constable for
685,000 male victims and 1,300,000 has pushed me towards helping the my friends that I lost back, got myself metropolitan police, working alongside
women, a number that is likely to fall far vulnerable and helping people who need mentally back and started making that met police enabled me to help the
short of the real figure. More than 40% of my help and its simply because of my improvements in my job.” people out there and give them the right
UK girls aged 14 to 17 have experienced experiences. Many of us understand the issues support that should of been there for
surrounding domestic violence, abuse, me. I wanted to be that role model and
rape and forced marriages but fail to be that face that people can come and
accept the seriousness of it. Our aim talk to.

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I was lucky that I had family around me. make the marriage work. My husband step, are the police aware of this and can a fresh new start. Although I had a fresh
For me I went to see my doctor about and I even bought our own house, but they help with this? new start in life I couldn’t think about
the medical condition I had. The doctor then there came a time, where I had to Having personal experience of having anything else, for me it was always a
asked me if I was going through any say enough is enough and leave! gone through this myself, I know how dream job to go back to the police force.
stress, I opened up to the doctor and You can contact the police; there have difficult it would be to just approach As soon as I got my health back on track,
said this is what I was going through been improvements in how domestic someone and ask for help and saying I applied again.
and the doctor identified I was going abuse is investigated. The police have the words ‘I was domestically abused’ The police force is trying to recruit from
through depression. Instead of going on been trained on how to deal with the takes a lot of guts. As I’ve said, the ethnic backgrounds into the force and
to medication through the doctor’s help I issues. Reporting domestic issues is police training covers understanding it’s about people applying. It’s not just
was able to reach out to my family. They very different to how it was dealt with of different backgrounds and cultures about arresting people or being there
don’t live in that mind-set that women before. There has been a big change in within the initial training before we go after drunken fights, it’s about helping
should live in that back dated way or be how domestic abuse is treated by police out on patrol. the vulnerable when they need you the
abused in any way mentally or physically. forces; we pick up signs from an earlier My family are very proud, as an Indian most. That’s my career choice and I want
I understand that some people can’t go stage. Different areas also have support there are a lot of pressures to grow up to to go into child protection. I recall a time
home and say to their family I want to networks where you can seek advice and be a doctor or a lawyer, but I never had from when I was helping a little girl. She
leave my husband, and that’s where I help. this pressure. For me it was a personal needed me at her most vulnerable time.
wanted to step in. I was lucky but other When the question is asked about goal to become a police officer. It’s about that time when you’re the most
women in my situation may not be, so I whether the police are culturally aware It’s a fact that we don’t find a lots of vulnerable. A police officer has a huge
want to be that person whom my mum to help, I believe ‘yes’ is the answer, they Asian women in the police force, yes impact on a victim, helping them in a
and dad were for me, the person to help definitely are aware. From what I am it’s not a popular career path, I can compassionate way is crucial as they will
and guide them through to come out the learning at the moment, background, understand that, long hours, it’s a risky always remember you and your actions.
other side. and ethnicity cultural differences are job but the personal satisfaction you get If you are reading this and are a victim
There is a lot of taboo around leaving considered and officers are trained to out of it is immensely rewarding. of domestic abuse there is help, there
someone when you come from an Asian understand different backgrounds and I joined the Met Police in 2013 as a are people like me who can give you
family. Its sometimes about reputation, sensitive cultural differences. As part special constable, worked for a year and strength and support to move forward
bringing shame on the family, it’s about of my training at Sussex Police, we are a half, and then became ill and had to and live a better life, the life you deserve.
the community and what they will say given training in all faiths and beliefs. leave, moved away from London to get
and then women are forced to stay in Asians normally have a taboo around Fareesha Jadva (Gaam Kera)
their marriages. speaking to the police, it is a huge step
Coming from an Asian family I had come for an Asian person to take the step and You can contact various agencies for help a few are below to help you in the right
home a few times and said I wanted a to go out and ask for help. There are a direction:
divorce and yes my family did send me lot of issues and consequences that they
back a few times and said to try and will have to deal with once they take this Refuge against Domestic Violence. Help for women, children and men
www.refuge.org.uk
Refuge supports women, children & men with a range of services, including
refuges, independent advocacy, community outreach & culturally specific services.

Women’s Aid & The National Domestic helpline
www.womensaid.org.uk
Freephone 24hr National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247

Support helplines for victims of domestic violence | The Met - Met Police
www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and.../domestic-abuse/support-helplines

Confidential helpline for male victims of domestic violence and abuse
Southall Black Sisters
www.southallblacksisters.org.uk
Founded in 1979 to address needs of BME women empowering them to escape
Domestic Violence, Forced Marriages, Honour Based Violence, FGM Rape.

National Centre for Domestic Violence
www.ncdv.org.uk

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KENYA CHARITY BIKE RIDE ride before. They were aware of how to everyone went. The DJ van pumping
balance the exhilaration and danger of up the music, mixed in with the early
NAIROBI TO MOMBASA 24-26 AUGUST 2018 the ride and we needed them. morning traffic bustle, our support
A sobering trip to Nairobi got team cars and porta loos (Oh yes, we’re
An idea of a joint charity bike ride in (UK), Swaminarayan Temples, TPN (a Raha taking stock and calling upon sophisticated) in tow, we were onto an
Kenya came about at meeting with two UK based Kenyan diaspora group) and Tripollo and members of the community excellent start.
very enthusiastic teams “Pedal4change” support from the High Commission to help. And help they did. With The flag off was early but the roads
and “Raha International” at a residence gave wind to the efforts. Mandir to marvellous generosity, care and indeed were already busy, still, with friends
in Canon Park in London. The ride would mandir, city to city, there really was no love; people stepped in to help arrange and family driving out with us to start
take place in Kenya and would start in stopping the cyclists. And the money! accommodation, food, medical teams, off it all seemed perfect. A morning of
Nairobi and end in Mombasa, and would How competitive everyone got, the volunteers and musicians. Suddenly, it hopeful riding ensued. And then the slog.
raise money for the education of children numbers kept climbing and the legs all felt a little more in control and more Tripollo came through and ensured every
in Kenya. never tiring! Keeping in mind why they do-able. cyclist had the support they needed,
It was clearly an ambitious person who were raising money, people gave joyfully With confidence well restored, people with a few power pushes, some words of
came up with the idea! and generously. took flights in from Perth, Germany, encouragement, swearing and singing,
After a bit of to-ing and fro-ing, both What they did not know was team Sydney, London and Rwanda to each rider took on a steady pace. A stop
Team Raha and Pedal4change decided Raha was wavering and were seriously congregate in Nairobi. Some stayed with with a lunch of mung and thepla, extra
to just go at it with real masala and gusto concerned about the safety and logistic families, others with friends and most snacks and pumping music to power
and make it happen. No one thought of aspect of the ride. Their concerns at Ole Sereni Hotel right next to Nairobi everyone along, everyone successfully
the adventure that would ensue. prompted them into making frantic National Park. After an evening with made it to Makindu. At the hotel,
Pedal4change had already completed phone calls to learn and manage what some briefings, a beer or two for those Savannah Paradise Hotel, the riders all
a successful ride in India and were so was proving to be an exercise that was who drink and juices for those who don’t. got on with massaging and supporting
positive and were infectious with their not as straightforward as originally And then off to bed it was. each other to maintain limbs and spirit,
spirit of their ‘we can do it” attitude. envisaged. The Nairobi - Mombasa while team Raha and Tripollo took stock
After the excitement of, ‘Yay, we’re highway is the busiest route in Africa DAY 1 of the day. Rest and a rather well laid
doing this,’ the planning began. This and full of hazards, with the road serving out dinner was the roundup of the day.
was a mammoth task which in its details the port of Mombasa to transport It was a parade of fit healthy riders and Silence and sleep overtook the entire
showed us how the community really can goods to much of Kenya and land their not so fit helpers. With hearty place rather quickly.
come together to get things done! locked East Africa. With safety being breakfasts and blessing from elders in
Participants in London, Kenya and critical and wondering if the cyclists Kenya the journey began. Tripollo with DAY 2
Australia, got cycling, began raising really knew what was in store, team their focus on safety from the get go
awareness and of the cause. Raha sought help from family in Kenya gave team Raha much relief to enjoy The sunrise was glorious. We all saw it
There were some really colourful and importantly, Tripollo. Tripollo is an the start of the ride. As for the riders, with the ungodly time we had to be up
characters, who, together with, SKLPC organization of cyclists in Nairobi who they were all on a euphoric high in at! It was a long days ride ahead and
encourage the pursuit as a sport in anticipation of what they were setting team Tripollo were having no slacking
Kenya and who had done this stretch of out to achieve. Nairobi to Mombasa on off. Go, go, go and firm but kind prompts
bicycles. Mad or not, foolish or not, off got every rider back on the road again.
The cool morning soon gave way to the

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blaze of the sun and the riders really strong headwinds, scorching heat and were friendly enough and others seemed ABOUT PEDAL4CHANGE
demonstrated their determination to seemingly endless hills. Spirits flailed to pay no heed. The riders though had AND RAHA INTERNATIONAL
keep going in what seemed at times, like and tempers frayed but putting safety now become used to these and seemed
endless tracts of never ending flats and first, a decision was made to sweep up to navigate around them with relative Pedal4change is a group of cycling
hills. remaining riders at dusk to ensure that confidence and ease. The DJ’s music enthusiasts who have come together to
After one short water and fruit break, nobody was riding in the dark. After our and the hearty lunch saw us collectively use their love of the sport to raise money
the team battled the dreaded hills of headcount at the Voi service station, we reaching the outskirts of Mombasa. After for various charities. Though many
Manyani, with Tsavo National park on drove to Voi Wildlife lodge for supper, this it was a strong collective ride to the are from our community everyone is
both sides. Yes, the very same national some elephant watching and much iconic tusks. Lots of aches and pains welcome to participate.
park made famous by the man-eating needed rest and sleep. later, all the riders made it. Family and Raha International was set up by a
lions during the construction of East local politicians were there to greet us, group of Kenyan educated Kanbi’s who
African railways network under colonial DAY 3 as well as buses to take us to our smart are today doing well largely due to
rule. A few selfies with wild animals in lodgings at Travellers Beach Hotel. the excellent education they received
the back ground was all there was time With a bow down to the hotels resident After our evening meal, over which we in Kenya. They decided to enable the
for and the team had to pedal on as Ganesh and a hearty breakfast, we set shared our tales and aches, one would success they have enjoyed by supporting
there was still a lot of ground to cover off on our last leg. How bad it can it be? think the exhaustion would get everyone, education for children, primarily in
before night fall. We’re going to be at the beach tonight. but No! It was song, dance and photos Kenya. It is run entirely by volunteers
For lunch, the team gathered across from With this in mind and lifted by a nights for much of the night. and all money raised goes directly to
Manyani prison under a few sparse trees rest, the riders pedalled off strong. And some went onto hard clubbing! Education initiatives. To find out more
to devour the beans and spring rolls in Half of the morning into the ride, it was Not just the young ones, but the older please visit www.rahainternational.com
the packed lunch kindly provided by the possibly the knowledge that delicious lot too. Why not, I suppose! Catch up
hotel in Makindu. The food was not what snacks and lunch were on the way from on sleep when we get home! Nairobi Written collaboratively by
the team was used to, but enough to Mombasa that gave many riders renewed to Mombasa was a great feat and one Pedal4change and Raha International
provide the calories and carbs needed vigour. Friends from Mombasa came to everyone rightly celebrated. It was great
to ride on. Seeing the convoy of vehicles meet us head on with saak, puri, ganthia fun; tears, sweat, laughter and a great
and riders, the prisons governor curiosity and bhajia’s. What they say, Kanbi’s know achievement.
got the better of him and he joined us how to cook, eat and feed, is absolutely For team Raha, it was immense gratitude
for lunch and entertained us with some true! Huge portions and no nonsense to so many who enabled the raising
rather amusing tales of how the fear of generosity fuelled and re-energised the of over £100K for the education of
lions discouraged prison breaks. tiring bodies. disadvantaged children in East Africa.
The ride before lunch was tough The road was especially busy as the
but after lunch it got tougher, with transport trucks had not yet spread out
after leaving Mombasa. Some truckers

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THE BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB

“The idea of setting up a cycling club Last year, we organised a 3 day cycling
was far from our minds back in 2012, trip in the Peak District, hiring a cottage
when my wife put our names down for and designing cycle routes around the
the 13 mile London Bikeathon, organised area. We’re thinking of doing something
to raise money for Leukaemia Lymphoma similar abroad for the whole club in
Cancer Research. It was the then ‘SEN’ the next 2 years. The Bombay Bicycle
team at SKLPC UK that had organised Club is more than just a cycling club.
for members of our Samaj to take part. We’re a family where our partners and
At a ‘tiffin’ lunch in Battersea Park, children know and socialise with other
discussion began with other cyclists from cyclists’ families. We hold social events
the Samaj about cycling from London throughout the year – family BBQ’s,
to Brighton the following year. And so, Diwali and a Christmas meal and drinks.
4 of us started training. Word of mouth Road cycling is our common thread and
spread and soon, there were 6 of us if you think you’d like to join, then we’d
training for the upcoming charity cycle like to welcome you! We only request
ride to Brighton where we raised £6k for that each applicant has a serviced road
Rainbow Trust, a children’s charity. bike, and can cycle an average speed of
The same spirit of wanting to do 14mph over 10 miles.
something bigger and better catapulted Please email:
us into cycling weekly, and with word of [email protected] to receive a
mouth, the number of cyclists started to sign-up form.
grow. Abandoning our heavy mountain (Unfortunately, due to the experience
bikes for slim ‘road’ bikes, we challenged of our Club, we cannot accept
ourselves to be faster, more efficient inexperienced or very slow road cyclists)
cyclists. It was noticeable how everyone
was feeling genuinely happier, relishing The Bombay Bicycle Club, Stanmore
in stories of speed and climbs, fitter
for losing weight, and above all strong
friendships and bonds were developing.
In 2013, the Bombay Bicycle Club was
founded. The 10 members planned and
organised the Club’s London to Paris
bike ride in 2014, raising £10k for British
charities. Fast forward to 2019, the Club
is home to 30 keen cyclists in and around
Stanmore. It has grown organically over
the years so we now have a diverse
range of cyclists in the Club (although
still encouraging our first female cyclist
to join ).
We meet every weekend at Belmont
Circle, usually at around 7am, and
venture out to places like St Albans,
Windsor, Richmond Park, Tring,
Amersham and further. We’re usually
back home by the time family start
stirring and revel in the fact that we’ve
already burned our daily allowance of
calories!

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