The HFB Virtual Diwali Magazine 2020

Answers to your Questions
What can we do in each COVID Local Alert Level?

Activity Medium (Tier 1) High (Tier 2) Very High (Tier 3)

Opening Places of Open for as many people as can be safely accommodated with

Worship social distancing measures

Attending Places Can attend and Can only interact Can only interact
of Worship
interact in groups of indoors with your with your own
Singing in Places
of Worship up to 6 people from own households, but household both

different households outdoors can indoors and

interact in groups of outdoors

up to 6

Service leaders or small groups can sing to lead the service.

Communal worship cannot take place.

Wedding Can take place with up to 15 attendees, all of whom can interact.
Ceremonies
Wedding Can take place with Can take place with Cannot take place
Receptions
up to 15 attendees, up to 15 attendees,
Funerals
all of whom can all of whom can

interact interact

Can take place with up to 30 attendees, all of whom can interact

Commemorative Can take place with up to 15 attendees, all of whom can interact
events post-death
Other Standalone Can attend and Can only interact Can only interact
Life-Cycle interact in groups of indoors with your with your own
Ceremonies up to 6 people from own households, but household both
different households outdoors can indoors and
interact in groups of outdoors
up to 6

N.B. Wherever interaction can take place, social distancing of 1m+ should still be strictly
maintained between anyone who doesn’t live together or are in a ‘support bubble’

Singing

In what way is singing allowed to take place in Places of Worship at the moment?

• Service leaders and choirs (either professional or small groups of amateur singers)
can sing during communal worship in order to lead the community.

• The congregation cannot join in, and communal singing should not take place.

Where is the evidence that communal singing is a riskier activity than small groups
singing, and should not take place?

• The evidence we have on the increased risks associated with singing indoors is
complex, with studies nationally and internationally demonstrating there is still more
to learn.

• We know how important singing is to all faith communities, and the position we have
reached at the moment (allowing for small groups to sing to lead services but not
allowing communal singing) is a compromise which reflects the vital importance of
singing in places of worship while trying as far as possible to keep the wider
community safe.

• We update all our guidance regularly in line with the best evidence available, and as
the understanding of risks associated with singing grows further we will be sure to
keep all of you updated, and will update the guidance as necessary.

Can the congregation sing if they are all wearing face coverings?

• No, at the moment congregational singing should not take place even if all
worshippers are wearing face coverings.

• The law requires everyone attending a place of worship to wear a face covering in all
COVID Local Alert Levels, unless they are exempt.

If we are at the High or Very High alert level - how can a choir sing, but not interact
with each other?

• Obviously this is a real challenge, and we know that interaction between performers
is key to being able to perform effectively.

• Choirs can of course take non-verbal cues from their conductor and one another, but
should not otherwise socially interact between different households (or their Group of
6 in Medium Alert Level areas).

• Social distancing of 2 metres, or 1 metre with additional safeguarding measures,
should be adhered to at all times including performance

• The guidance for Performing Arts may also be helpful to ensure that any
performances in places of worship are safe, and consistent with other sectors.

Test and Trace

How can we encourage congregants to participate in Test and Trace, especially where
our places of worship already operate pre-booking systems? How important is it
really?

• At the moment, places of worship are not mandated to have a system in place to
collect visitor and staff details for Test and Trace and are not required to refuse entry
to those who do not wish to participate in the same way as hospitality venues.

• However, we strongly encourage all places of worship to keep a logbook to collect
contact details, with consent from your visitors, and to provide QR codes for
congregants to check in at your places of worship should they prefer to use the App,
as per Government guidance.

• Test and trace is vital for allowing everyday activities to begin to resemble normality.
The NHS Test and Trace App uses location data in phones to notify people of close
contact with positive cases of COVID-19 and encourages self-isolation to prevent the
transmission of the virus.

• The app also has a feature that allows users to quickly and easily ‘check in’ to your
venue by scanning the QR code. The information stays on the user’s phone. If there
is an outbreak associated with a venue, a message will be sent to the relevant app
users with the necessary public health advice.

Why would people check into a place of worship with the NHS App or use QR codes if
it’s going to tell them to self-isolate, especially in such a large group of people? Can
we split the space into different zones?

We understand that there is concern associated with using the App and QR codes around
being told to self-isolate, especially in large spaces where close contact is less likely. It is
important to recognise;

• The ‘QR Check In’ feature is separate to the contact tracing feature of the App
which will only alert you to self-isolate if you have been in contact with someone who
has reported a positive test and you have been contact with them closer than
2meters for more than 15 mins.

• The primary purpose of the ‘QR Check in’ feature is to act as a digital diary for the
individual. Data from QR scans remains on the individual's phone. The ‘QR Check in’
feature also has the capability to allow messages to be sent to individuals who have
visited the venue if there has been an outbreak at the venue. These messages
provide health protection advice. They will not name the venue nor will they identify
who has visited the venue

• People should be informed that you do not automatically get told to self-isolate just
because they have “checked-in” to a place, rather this information remains on your
phone, if there is a significant outbreak at a particular venue you would be informed
and given health protection advice . Depending on the size of your venue, you may
consider different posters if your place of worship has distinct areas but this is not a
requirement.

Social Mixing & Interaction

What does interaction mean?

• We understand the desire to interact with, and greet, others at places of worship, but,
in line with other hospitality venues, people in different Groups of 6 (in Medium Alert
Level areas) or from different households (in High and Very High Alert Level areas)
should not speak to one another or socialise outside of the group of people they are
attending the place of worship with.

• People from different households should maintain social distancing of 2 metres from
one another, or at least 1 metre with additional measures in place, while in the place
of worship.

• Physical interaction between different households (hand shaking, hugging etc.)
should not take place in any Alert Level.

Remembrance Events in November

Can events take place for Remembrance Sunday?

• Yes, local places of worship can still organise services and interfaith events for
Remembrance Sunday but care should be taken to ensure these are COVID-Secure.

• The advice for organising local Remembrance Sunday events will help ensure
appropriate measures are put in place.

Can singing take place at Remembrance Sunday services?

• Limited communal singing will be permitted outside at the national and local
Remembrance Sunday events, if in line with the guidance. We will issue guidance for
local events shortly, setting out additional mitigations, including that:
➢ Singing must be outdoors only
➢ Songs (the national anthem and a hymn) should be a few minutes or less
➢ 2m between attendees, with marshals helping to maintain distancing
➢ Attendees can choose to wear face coverings, and should if 2m social
distancing cannot be maintained
➢ Any surrounding surfaces that are touched should be regularly cleaned

• Where Remembrance Sunday or other memorial services take place indoors,
communal singing cannot take place. Service leaders or small groups can perform in
the same way they would during communal worship.

• The guidance for local Remembrance Sunday events will be updated to reflect this in
the coming days.

Can bands play music at Remembrance Sunday services?

Small military bands are permitted, if precautionary measures as set out in the performing
arts guidance is followed. This includes buglers; the instrument should not be directed
towards other attendees.

Support for Places of Worship during these difficult times

Is there any financial support available to support places of worship?

• We absolutely appreciate the impact that COVID-19 has had on places of worship
and income streams, and are grateful for your continued work to support your
communities and the wider society, particularly some of the most vulnerable, through
social action initiatives

• There are no funding schemes currently open specifically to support places of
worship, but places of worship who employ staff are eligible for the same support as
any other employer through the Treasury’s business support scheme.

Can you confirm places of worship will not have to close again?

• We know how difficult the closure of our places of worship was back at the beginning
of the pandemic, but it was a necessary step to save lives and to provide time to put
measures in place to control the spread of the virus in all these settings when they
reopened.

• Any decisions to impose restrictions locally or nationally are not taken lightly and, of
course, we take into account the impact any restrictions may have on people’s
mental and physical health including their spiritual wellbeing and their ability to
remain engaged within their communities.

• We are very pleased that we have currently been able to keep places of worship
open at all three COVID Local Alert Levels (Tiers). This is absolutely because of the
hard work of your communities to make sure your places of worship are COVID-
secure and keep all worshippers safe.

Dear All,
Over recent days you will have seen the coverage around increases in the rates of

transmission of COVID-19 across the country and, in response, the package of measures
the Prime Minister has announced.
Firstly, it’s important to stress that the new measures will not affect communal worship –

but that the rule of six must still apply as outlined in the guidance we republished last week

(i.e. people should only arrive, undertake worship and leave the venue in groups of six
unless all members of the group are from the same family or support bubble).
However, the Prime Minister has outlined a package of measures the government is taking

forward and that does include changes which will affect faith communities in the following
ways:

• From Monday 28th September, a maximum of 15 people will be able to
attend wedding ceremonies and receptions.

• Up to 30 people can still attend a funeral
• From Monday 28 September, the rule of six will apply to standalone religious and

belief-based life cycle ceremonies, such as stone setting ceremonies or wakes.
This means that these events must be limited to 6 attendees.
• Life cycle events like christenings and bar/bat mitzvahs that take place within

communal worship are not limited to 6 attendees, provided that groups of more
than 6 do not mingle.
We do recognise the disappointment that many people who have been planning weddings or

other standalone life cycle events will be feeling right now. We wanted to thank you all for

the support we know you will provide to these individuals and their families at this difficult
time, as well as for the time that will be spent making new arrangements.

The guidance for Weddings and Places of Worship will be updated to reflect these changes
and as ever will be available here:

COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship and special religious services and
gatherings during the pandemic

COVID-19: Guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships

There are some other elements of the package that could impact places of worship and faith
communities that we wanted to also bring to your attention:

• If you are able to work from home, you should do so. Where homeworking is not
possible, people should continue to attend their workplaces

• From Thursday all pubs, bars and restaurants must operate table-service only,
except for takeaways. Together with all hospitality venues, they must close at 10pm.

• The requirement to wear face coverings to will be extended to include staff in retail,

all users of taxis and private hire vehicles, and staff and customers in indoor
hospitality, except when seated at a table to eat or drink.
• COVID-Secure guidelines for retail, leisure, tourism and other sectors will become

legal obligations. Businesses will be fined and could be closed if they breach these
rules.
• Business conferences, exhibitions and large sporting events will no be able to reopen
from the first of October as previously hoped.
Finally we have been asked two specific questions in the last 24 hours and we wanted to
share the answers with you:
If life cycle event does not traditionally happen during communal worship does
that mean it is limited to 6 people attending?

The changes to the Regulations are to prevent social intervention of groups larger

than six to reduce transmission of COVID. The regulations permit life cycle events, to
continue, subject to that restriction. But we encourage everyone to think hard about
proceeding with such events at this time.

We know that family occasions or life cycle events will by their nature involve greater
interaction with friends and family which is why the number of attendees is capped. If

a family chooses to have their life cycle event as a private ceremony then the event
must be capped at six people (excluding those working at the event).

However, there are cases where life cycle events happen within the course of

communal worship - where all attendees arrive, worship and leave together in groups
of no more than six people - unless all members of the group are from the same
family or support bubble.

Communal worship services can continue to be attended by as many people as can
safely accommodate in the Place of Worship while adhering to social distancing

requirements. And during communal worship, there should be no mingling between

groups of six and even within those groups people should continue to socially
distance from people they are not living with or are not part of a support bubble with.

Faith leaders should ensure that guests who are attending the life cycle event as part

of worship do not mingle outside of a group of six (again, unless all members of the
group are from the same family or support bubble).

We recognise that communal worship comes in all shapes and sizes with some

regular services as well as some additional services that mark important milestones
in the faith calendar. But it is crucial that faith leaders/venue managers adhere to all
COVID-Secure measures, including the rule of 6.

Weddings and funerals are subject to specific separate limits on numbers and not
treated as life cycle events for these purposes.
What is the requirement on a Place of Worship in regard to QR codes for the
purposes of Test and Trace?
Places of Worship are exempt from both the legal requirement to collect this

information and from a new requirement to display the Test and Trace app QR code.

But we strongly encourage all of you to continue to cooperate with the Test and
Trace programme and its requirements.
As ever please do not hesitate to contact the team if you have any questions.
Faith, Integration and Communities
Faith, Integration and Communities Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
* 2 Marsham Street, Fry Building, London, SW1P 4DF
8 [email protected]

Hi Trupti,


Thank you for speaking with me today in regards to sensitive issues that are preventing some priests
and temple workers from leaving the UK at present. We discussed the request for additional time
(‘exceptional assurance’) and I confirmed to you the following;

• If an individual intends to leave the UK but has not been able to do so and this individual has
a visa or leave that expires between 1 September and 31 October 2020 they may request
additional time to stay, also known as 'exceptional assurance', by contacting the Coronavirus
Immigration Team (CIT) at: [email protected]
• If an individual is granted 'exceptional assurance' it will act as a short-term protection
against any adverse action or consequences after their leave has expired. If conditions
allowed them to work, study or rent accommodation they may continue to do so during the
period of their exceptional assurance. However, exceptional assurance does not grant leave.

We discussed that personal information (Full Name, Nationality, DOB, Visa Validity Dates) and details
of the exceptional reasons should be included in the request for ‘exceptional assurance’.

You raised concerns around priests and temple workers in the UK with leave expiring in November
and December 2020, who may also be unable to leave the UK and whether they would be able to
request additional time in the same way. I confirmed I will take these concerns forward and come
back to you.

The following information has already been shared with you previously but for consistency and to
reiterate. The Home Office has published guidance on immigration provisions for individuals affected
by travel restrictions associated with COVID-19. This can be found
at: https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fguidance
%2Fcoronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents%23inside-
UK&data=02%7C01%7CGuy.Brewer%40homeoffice.gov.uk%7C83735ef9437e47e8b46e08d869
d1a591%7Cf24d93ecb2914192a08af182245945c2%7C0%7C0%7C637375696425189721&sdata
=CNGguXMlL2ykCcviKo5q9B9Eau%2BUEq8EhvUvyAQgrvM%3D&reserved=0

It should be noted however, that outside of the exceptional measures this Government has
introduced in response to the pandemic, that both the Tier 5 - Religious worker, and Tier 5 - Charity
worker visa, have a 12-month cooling off period for migrants who are currently in the United
Kingdom. Applications for such visas are not possible until the cooling-off period has elapsed, as they
are temporary in nature.

NB: a migrant's circumstances must be truly exceptional to justify extending leave beyond the
maximum permitted in each route.
Should you have any further queries in relation to this please contact the team mailbox at :
[email protected]

Kind regards
V&C Stakeholder Engagement Lead
UK Visas & Immigration

Summary of discussions on a Faith New Deal

Lord Greenhalgh outlined his interest in a “Faith New Deal” as outlined in Danny Kruger’s
Report on Levelling Up Our Communities.

In particular, he asked the Faith Roundtables about Danny Kruger’s Report’s
recommendations about how Government can support faith communities to undertake their
social action activities, and how to ensure that Government does not “get in the way” of
innovative initiatives led by faith communities to improve local areas and support the
vulnerable.

Below is a summary of some of the contributions from the Roundtable discussions. If you
have any further comments to make, please do get in touch with the team.

Approaches

• Faith communities need to have a consistent seat at the table. Co-production of
resources and communications are more effective and land better in communities
than simply asking communities to “use your networks to disseminate".

• Maintain the relationship between faith groups and government “even before you
need them" – not just to be called upon for times of crisis.

Models

• Important to get the balance right of the state’s role and the role of faith communities.
• Consider building social cohesion into the new deal. In the coming year(s) faith

communities will need to build resilience; there is a great deal of fear in communities.
• More needs to be done to bring the government, media and faith communities

around the same table. There would be some benefit to having more regular wider
roundtable discussions with all of these groups to ensure that everyone is working in
the same direction. This could include inter faith meetings.
• Pump-priming can be a good approach to fuelling action. But faith communities are
under extraordinary pressure at the moment, and in particular their financial income
streams have been disrupted.
• It would be difficult to ask communities to undertake more work without providing
resource to do it – they are already stretched to capacity. It is also important to avoid
the perception that government is asking faith groups to do only what it won’t do.

Evaluation and Measuring Success

• It is important to understand that the total impact of the work of faith communities is
not easily measured, and the metrics used by government to measure success are
often not well suited to the work that faith communities do (building local
communities, reinforcing resilience etc).

• Local government do appreciate faith activity locally - recognition and appreciation of
faith activity is very helpful and is worth prioritising.

Learning from Previous Examples

• Small grants for local groups can be a successful model to achieve enhancements to
local communities, which also releases energy into community cohesion. This model
could be further developed and be enhanced to support wider faith work.

General information on dealing with managing financial difficulties in charities
affected by Coronavirus

Dear Trupti

Alongside the specific sources of funding information which I sent you previously, the

Charity Commission has produced information for charities affected by Coronavirus

on how to manage financial difficulties.



https://www.gov.uk/guidance/manage-financial-difficulties-in-your-charity-caused-by-

coronavirus



Some of the information in this may be relevant to Temples and also I wanted to

point out the guidance on what to do in the unfortunate event that a charity needs to

close due to financial difficulties.


.



Best wishes



Nick



Nick Donaldson
Head of Faith Charities Engagement
t: 0300 065 2092 | e: [email protected] | w: www.gov.uk/charitycommission



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erji Arjan KN eewrNY aeeiwa,rY.theaer. Trustee Board
e a Happy KuDnvi eKwrujani Avlerijraajin An Krdejarnaa iK –e PPrarrei o–si dsPerpenseti d reonut s

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f The Presiden t Arjan Kerai, the Trustee Board

Kunverji

tee we wish e veryo ne a Happy Diwali and a Prosperous


an Kerai – President

1st November 2020



Jay Shree Swaminarayan,


Shree Swaminarayan Temple Willesden’s charity arm ‘Helping Hands’ has over 100 active volunteers who are
distributed amongst various professions and sectors. We have dedicated teachers who helped students with home

learning throughout the covid-19 pandemic, aantdeahmouosfVevhisoohlludrnaitmteeem Hrssirdwae hBdihcichuadwteiead w–to eSwreeocrarkebitlneagrtyow idthistvraibruiotuesfrbeuesoinfecshsaersgewthoosoup
supplied us with wholesale fruit, vegetables

koiftcvhoelunnst,eheorsspwithaolsaareroduenddicLaotnindgonth,efoiVrosidsebhravrainckmest oaHnifredaef daBimnhgiuliedthsieaw h–ho oSmewecelreresetsaiseroyvlea rteydmaotnhtho.mAel.oWngewhiathvealflothrmeseed an active team
charity services

the Temple provides, the heart of our work is dedicated to the youth, we strongly believe in investing in the youth whom

e Trustee Board will sculpt our future. We were efficiently able to adapt fun educational religious teachings through technology. Along

with this, we carried out online sermons and Aartis to ensure families were not missing out on their daily prayers.

and a Prosperous

The below is just a glimpse of what has been undertaken with success over the last 8 months.

-The Temple has delivered 1000s of food packages around Brent daily during the pandemic

-Free distribution of fruit & veg, household items, tinned food, baby products and essentials

-Helped isolated and vulnerable people with a dedicated shopping service

-Delivered meals to front line workers (NHS, Police & LFB) On behalf of The President Kunverji Arjan K

-Delivered toys and Easter eggs to the children at Great Ormand Street Hospaitnadl Committee we wish everyone a Happy
-Feeding countless unfortunate and homeless people in central London
New Year.
-Delivered books to Hospitals around London for patients to read

-Supplied various aid and supplies to food banks around Brent, Harrow and Hammersmith

---AODenfrlliievneeerfysrueoirtfmaoonvndesrv5feo0gr0fs0aemhrvoiliicteems tetooafllosoogtodinibstaoonlaaktnsed,dskfoeauemppilkiueitpschtaoennddsaktaeenywdwitthhoertkhNeerHisr SdadiulyriSn Kgatussuanpnvegermrajir kAetrsjahonrt aKgeers ai – President

-Online dharmic youth classes

-Online academic help from our taocaaldloewmibcuaslliynetrsasineesdtoprcoaflel sinsifoonraaldteviascehweritsht othfeamevileier schwaitnhgcinhgildreregnuldautiroinngs the lockdown
-A business support advise line over the past

2 quarters.



We would like to thank all our hard working volunteers, donors and supporters and we endeavour you will continue to

support us during these difficult times.
www.sstw.org.uk/online-donation

On behalf of The President Kunverji Arjan Kerai, the Trustee Board and Committee we wish everyone a Happy Diwali and a Pros-
perous New Year.

Kunverji Arjan Kerai – President - Vishram Hira Bhudia – Secretary

Diwali is known as the festival of light; ‘Dīpāvalī’ means ‘a row of lights’.
It is named for the occasion of Śri Rāma’s return after 14 years of exile,
when the citizens lit rows of lamps outside their homes and in the
streets to welcome him back.

In Hinduism, light symbolises knowledge and darkness, ignorance. It
is said that knowledge gives humility (vidyā dadāti vinayaṁ); if it does
not, it cannot be called knowledge. Knowledge is the nature of that
which is True and Real (satyam jñānam anantam brahma – Taittirīya
Upaniṣad). A wise person is one who does not continuously grieve (na
anuśocanti paṇḍitāḥ - Bhagavad Gītā).

Any festival is an opportunity not only to enjoy the company of family
and friends, to enjoy special food and celebrations; it is also an op-
portunity to look inward and recognise the symbolic meaning of the
festival in our own life.

At a time when days are becoming longer, the nights shorter and
darkness seems to overwhelm the light, let us kindle the light of
knowledge within ourselves. Let us offer service to the people around
us; let us extend the hand of friendship and be compassionate. Let us
gain a true understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Let us
develop love for all beings.

Wishing you a very happy Dīpāvalī, filled with the light of love and
wisdom.

Brahmacharini Shripriya Chaitanya
Chinmaya Mission, UK

“This Life is for Serving Others”

Srutidharma Das gave his life selflessly and wholeheartedly in the
service of Srila Prabhupada and Radha Gokulananda. For forty
years he was a major pillar of the activities and achievements of
Bhaktivedanta Manor, a genuinely warm and affectionate brother
and spiritual teacher to thousands, and a sadhu who united all in
service to Krishna, the Lord of his life.

Kutch Madhapar Community (U.K.)
We pay tribute to our foundP.Oe.rBmox 7e91m, Hbarreowr, LMaidtdeleseSx,rHuAt3id9DhTarma Das for
guiding us through the journey of bringing a2l6lth cOoctomber m2020unities to-
gether which was most invaluable
Haree Krishna

Dear Hindu Community of Britain

Hindu Forum of Britain

Kutch Madhapar Community (UK) is blessing everyone the warmest greetings for Diwali. Diwali is
an opportunity for family celebration in the light of good over evil.

We wish everyone to stay safe and follow the strict government guidelines when enjoying this years
Diwali with your family.

God bless you all Kutch Madhapar Community (U.K.)
Best regards
P.O. Box 791, Harrow, Middlesex, HA3 9DT

Kutch Madhapar Committee (UK)

26th October 2020

Dear Hindu Community of Britain

Kutch Madhapar Community (UK) is blessing everyone the warmest greetings for Diwali. Diwali is
an opportunity for family celebration in the light of good over evil.

We wish everyone to stay safe and follow the strict government guidelines when enjoying this years
Diwali with your family.

God bless you all

Best regards
Kutch Madhapar Committee (UK)

President: Shanta R Siani Secretary: Kanji M Kerai Treasurer: Shanti M Siani
020 8930 2937 020 8205 9242 020 8357 2351

www.madhapar.uk Email: [email protected]





Dear Truptiben,

We hope you are in good health.
Mandhata Youth and Community Association, Wembley have great pleasure in forwarding you
the following report covering the period March 2020 until October 2020. It has been a chal-
lenging time, but our volunteers have been resourceful and committed to supporting our
community.

1. Once lockdown was enforced in March 2020, under the SEWA initiative, we set up a group
of 4 our committee members to reach out to all our senior/vulnerable members by phone
to enquire about any help they may require with shopping, collecting prescriptions from the
pharmacy for example. Our calls were well received, many members were happy just to get
the call and had interesting and lively catchup conversations.

2. We regularly emailed our membership with any updates to changes in COVID-19 restric-
tions. A newsletter was also issued to keep our members updated with recent success/an-
nouncements from families in our community.

3. We scheduled the following activities and events using Zoom to reach out to our members :
- Our Day Centre/luncheon club which met fortnightly pre-COVID now meet weekly on
40 minute Zoom sessions.
- Our Mahila Mandal team broadcast fortnightly bhajans, and host Quiz nights
- We held a special Bhakti Bhavna evening for Shraadh.
- All Executive Committee and other meetings are now run on Zoom.
- Our Gujarati School pupils have had some schooling via ZOOM and a session was ar
ranged to discuss both the significance of Navratri and to stage an aarti thali decoration
competition which was successfully concluded.
- We have arranged and hosted virtual Navratri (11 evenings including Dusshera and Poon
am) on Zoom for our members; the organisers and volunteer singers and groups have
made a huge effort to ensure that the festival could be broadcast to our community. It has
been very well received and demonstrates the strong bond we share.

4. COVID Response Kitchen (CRK), a local voluntary organisation funded entirely by business
and public donations were given use of our hall facilities rent free for 8 weeks to store, cook
and distribute free food to those who were housebound due to the COVID-19 restrictions,

5. We have put up/stuck down COVID-19 restriction signage, walkway routes and hand sani-
tiser units in our hall. Some essential indoor and outdoor tidying/maintenance was carried out.

6. We recently launched our community website at www.wembleymandhata.uk.

Regards,

Ashok Patel, Secretary on behalf of MYCA Wembley

NrithyaKala UK, an Arts company based in the South

of Manchester, provides classes in Bharatanatyam, Indian
folk & Bollywood dance to various organisations in and around
Greater Manchester, UK. Founder and Artistic Director,
Nrithya Rammohan’s vision for the company is to make dance
accessible to all ages across all communities. The company
aspires to deliver immersive performances which bring the joy
& spirit of dance to both the performer and the audience.

Nrithya and her students have performed at various venues
across the UK with notable performances at the House of
Commons, Inauguration of the Welsh Millennium Centre ,
International Business Forum at Liverpool on behalf of the
Indian High Commission and Melas in Manchester, Cardiff,
Hull, and Swansea. Nrithya was recently awarded Community
Champion Award from Asianlite for promoting Indian Dance,
especially to the younger generation.

Abhinandana Kodanda

Abhinandana Kodanda is one of the
finest exponents of Kuchipudi dance, a
sacred dramatic dance form from South
India. She has performed nationally and
internationally, captivating audiences
with her grace and spellbinding gestures.
Her everlasting passion and love for the
art form has allowed her to instil culture,
knowledge, and a refined skillset into the
youth of UK. Her artistic excellence is
showcased through all aspects of her work
as a dancer, choreographer and teacher.
She commenced her artistic journey at the
age of seven and had the privilege of learn-
ing from stalwarts like Sri.Pasumarthi Ven-
kateshwara Sarma, Sri.Vedantam Raghava
and Padmabhushan Dr. Vempati Chinna
Satyam.
Her senior disciples Swadha Gupta,
Ishwa Ganeshraj, Kavya Krishnamoor-
thy, Siri Ram & Aditi Gudur are extreme-
ly delighted to be able to present this
divine & grandeur dance form at the
Diwali celebrations at House of
Commons.

As a co-chair and trustee of the Faiths Forum of London I have been at-
tending briefings hosted by the London Boroughs Faith Network and Lon-
don Resilience looking a number of issues across London. These briefings
have been held once every 2 weeks with representatives from the Mayor’s
office also present. I have been invited to attend and speak at interfaith
iftars and other interfaith events during the lockdown period, for example
one hosted by the Dialogue Society.

I have attended webinars on domestic violence and bereavement as a rep-
resentative of the Hindu community, contributing to a widely disseminat-
ed video informing individuals of the need to safeguard against domestic
violence. I currently chair update meetings with the council of the Faiths
Forum for London once every 2 weeks. I worked with a colleague from the
Hindu Council, preparing initial guidance on how Hindu cremations ought
to be conducted in lockdown and have since contributed to other such
documents that have been circulated widely.

I am also part of an advisory panel, (the Faith and Sector Panel) chaired by
the Archdeacon of London, which is looking at religious issues, for example
the opening and closing of places of worship and registration of marriages
across London. I have recently been invited to join a working stream con-
sists of London-wide faith leaders and GLA representatives to consult on
more grass-roots issues affecting faith communities across London.



Ref: SKLPC/HFB-2020 1st Nov 2020

Shree Kutch Leva Patel Community (UK) which is also known as SKLPC (UK) has over
30000 community members from 24 villages in Kutch Gujarat -India and spreading
over 7 cities.

SKLPC (UK) has two arms, one being our social aspect and the other being our
religious element. We have a very good connection not only in UK but our counter
organisations around the world in India, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Australia, New
Zealand, Seychelles. We also have our branch in Cardiff and Bolton as well. Since
inspection in 1972, our mission has been “ to enhance quality of life through
education, cultural, social and sports activities and instil values that benefit society”

We have a dedicated team of volunteers who run our weekly Saturday School
and Cricket Club, not forgetting to mentioned our team of well over 300 who provide
their service during our various events.

Every Year we organise Grand Mela in grand marque wherein, we not only
invite members of our community but also dignitaries from wider community, our local
Councillors, MP’ members of Diplomate. It’s a day event with stage programmes,
Business Expo stalls, Children playing zone, etc. all those present on the day enjoy
having freshly made lunch prepared within the centre. We also do take care of our
youth by serving them with “Fast Food”
We also have our Navratri Festival held in a grand marque for nine days with live band,
Various community members get together in colourful dress and enjoy wonderful Raas
Garba. Our Navratri is Europe’s largest religious event celebrated annually.

This year 2020 has been unfortunate due to the Covid-19 pandemic , but this
has not stopped us holding online Virtual eMela whereby all our organisations round
the world send us a clip of their activities including message of goodwill. We also
organised a virtual Navratri where we once again displayed how we celebrated
Navratri going back 40 yrs. Both of the events were streamed on YouTube channel
which attracted over 20,000+ views. As a tradition, online Arti was held every day and
any proceeds received from this was Donated to our 2 local Charities i.e. St. Luke’s
Hospice in Kenton and Haven House Children's Hospice East London.

With the support from members of our community and topping up with the
funds from our own funding, we have also donated two Trilogy 202 Ventilator and
two Braun Pumps to London Northwest Health care charity under Covid 19
emergency appeal, all at the cost of £17,700. We have further collected £5000 which
will be soon utilised for the worthy cause. Our community members have also setup
various sites to cook, prepare and deliver food parcels during the pandemic.

SKLPC (UK) Management Committee and Board of trustees wishes all a Happy
Diwali and a prosperous New Year.
Yours Sincerely,
For and on behalf of
SKLPC (UK)

Velji Vekaria Suryakant Varsani
President General Secretary



Hindu Forum Britain

Scotland

minated by thousands of
can never be defeated by
the evil Ravana king with

. No matter how difficult

heart there can be

ter. Scotland Chapter of

du and other Indic

with Scottish Government tNoa bmrinags tteh,ose positive

As we all agree, the year 2020 been the most difficult year of our lifetime,

cldeus : which is beyond most of our scariest dreams. Many of us will have fami-

direct flight between India &lie Ssc,oftrliaenndd. s, relatives or colleagues directly impacted by this crisis.
During this strange time and whenever, anyone is struggling, faith and

irst Minister to include Plapcela ocfe Woofrwshoiprs hip played an important role, be it to provide spiritual lead-

ership in bringing diverse communities together or helping vulnerable.
wali at Scottish ParliamentH. indus Forum Britain Scotland chapter with the help of local Hindu com-

Terrorist attack in Jammu &m Kuansihtmy ier.n Dguargiendg in act of Sewa, by supporting people who are most at risk
sent to Local MP/MSP & Fiinrstc oMminmistuenr.i t y settings or supporting the front line staff.

ment to review their Hate crAims Ve ilceegipslraetisoidn eanntd of largest Hindu organisation in UK got involved during

Petition committee in the tPhairsliacmriseinst:.-

ssion presentation by Police Scotland to raise

e. 1) Represented Hindu Faith and attended Weekly calls with

Hindu temples around Sco tland anCSdco uovntitddie-s1hrs9tGaFonrvade mrnemwoernkt‘fsoCrodnenceiscitoendmCoamkinmgu.nity discussing the

aith events, Organises talks 2 o) f DharcPmoroan vsriiisddieinnrgga tCioivni.l Servants with the Hindu faith specific inputs and

3) Cascading Scottish Government‘s information on Funeral, safely
o tvhee cira utismese. to time guidanc4 e) and herRelap- iotsopin ebgnuiiclnodg nacT eermnpolef sa,llmthaerrHiaignedsu,
Funding availability etc.
temples of Scotland.
n Scotland will be much stro5n) ger anHde ulpnietdedP. lace of worship in applying Government grants, where

applicable.

du Forum of Britain, 6) Scheduled special call with Scottish Government’ policy officer

discussing Hindu communities concerns.

7) Became part of Consul General of India’s task force of Indian

Diaspora and involved in helping Indian students and other

vulnerable Indian origin in and around Edinburgh.

Mr Puneet Dwivedi, Vice President Scotland, Hindu Forum of Britain.

HFB VP Report -2020 – Mr Puneet Dwivedi




<Meeting with Scottish Government Policy Officer discussing Hindu communities issues
>

Meeti Anpgarwt fiotrh CSOcVIoDt rteilsahtedG eonvgeagrenmmenetn, ftewP ootlhiceyr : O= fficer discussing Hindu communities issues



Apart for COV1I)DHriendlaut Feodrumen Bgriatagine,m lede bnyt m, fee awlonogt whiethr T:h=e Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society (SABS), led

by its Director-General Imam Razawi, with Frank Ross, The Rt. Hon Lord Provost of

1) Hindu Forum thBer Cititay ionf ,Edleindburbgyh, cmoneveanelod na grecwepittihon Tath Tehe SCictyo CthtaismhbeArs,h inlu cleleBbarayttionS oof ciety (SABS), led by its
Director-GeneralthIem 5a50mth RAnanzivaewrsia,ryw oift theF Brirathn okf GRuorus sN,anTahk,e thRe tF.ouHndoenr oLf oSirkdhisPmr. ovost of the City of Edinburgh,
convened a recep. thitotpns:/a/ntenT.phreessC/20it1y9/1C2/0h8a/fmaitbhes-rcso,mien-tocgeeltehebrr-taot-cieolenbroatfe-t5h50eth5-a5n0ntivhersAarny-niversary of the Birth of
Guru Nanak, th e oFfo-fouunnddeerr-oof-sfikShiiksmh/i sm.
https://nen.press/2019/12/08/faiths-come-together-to-celebrate-550th-anniversary-of-founder-of-
sikhism/

2) In January (on Holocaust memorial Day), on my petition and submission to Parliament petition
commission, the Scottish Government officially announced a £500,000 fund or places of worship security
funding. We are still waiting to know more details about this fund. https://www.scotsman.com/news/
security-cash-fund-places-worship-1396055

3) In partnership with Defence Hindu Network organised the Armed forces Raksha Bandhan to show
our appreciation for their service. It was very difficult and challenging to organise an event with new
Government restrictions.

4) Helped raise and resolve some of the key local Hindu issues which affected the temple and wider
Scottish Hindu community, due to this unprecedented time – e.g. engaging with Local MP and Govern-
ment department to resolve Hindu Priest Visa issues, soliciting Government Grants, giving our reviews
to changes to the Hate crime legislation etc.

5) Helped HFB management committee adjusted to new ways of working by using technology to do our
meeting, webinar and reaching out people. We will doing our first digital Diwali.

The coronavirus outbreak has been the most disruptive crisis we’ve seen in generations and the

response from all across Hindu society of Scotland has been extraordinary. As we all now realise,

the health, social and economic impacts of the pandemic are going to with us for some time. HFB

played an important role in bringing together and uniting the Diverse Scottish Hindu Community,

and played a vital rHoFlBe ViPn Rseupoprpt -o20r2t0in –g Mtrh Peunpeerta Dcwtiivceadli needs of the Hindu community. However, there
are significant Iisasmue ssurreem, salionws laynadntdhgartatdhueaHllyinwdeu organisations will need more support and
resources and will be there.



HFBH enFgBageemnegnat gweitmh Aernmtedw FiotrhcesA drumrineg dCOFVoIDr c19e sCrdisius ring COVID 19 Crisis

HFB engagement with Armed Forces during COVID 19 Crisis

HFB VP Report -2020 – Mr Puneet Dwivedi


HFHBFBM VanP aRgeepmoertn -t2c0o2m0 –m Mitrt ePeunmeeeet tDinwgivweidtih Scotland’s Hindu temples discussing their
issues and challenges


HFB Management committee meeting with Scotland’s Hindu temples discussing their issues and
challenges

HFB VP Report -2020 – Mr Puneet Dwivedi

Re port -2020 – Mr Puneet Dwivedi

President, Hindu Forum Europe

DNrA. MLaAkSTsEhmDiiwValyi,aNsew Year and Bhau Beej Greeting to all of you.

President oDfu‘rHinignthdisutimFeo,rwuhmen poefoplEe uarreosupfefe’ring physically, mentally, and financially, many are in

panic and instability about what could happen next. These overwhelming feelings create

strong emotions for both children and adults. Yet life has to go on. It is a challenging time.

NAMASTE Diwali, New Year and Bhau Beej Greeting to all of you.

A good consequence of this situation is that, very creative initiatives in all social media have

been raised like, working from home, webinar meetings, and very good professionals to

During this time, when people are sufferinofgferpshhowyssaicndaclllays,sems toenneteadylloyn,esaonndlinef,iannad nthcesieaallrey,remallyahnelypinagrteo cionpe with the
panic and instability about what could haqupapraentninenanedxkte.eTp hthee slifee goovineg.rwhelming feelings create

strong emotions for both children and adHuinldtus.FYoreumt loiffeEuhroapse taondgitos 1o4nm.eImtbiesrsaincEhuarolpleenhagveinaglsotkimeptep.ace with the

Pandemic in meeting all the rules and regulations, keeping in regular contact with each

A good consequence of this situation is thotahetr, vanedryheclprinegatthievecoimnmituinaittyivinesvairniouas lwl asyos.ciaSelvemralewdeibainahramveeetings were
been raised like, working from home, webcoinndaucrtemd beyeust,ifnorgEsa,rtahndady, vWeorlyd EgnvoiroondmepnrtoDfaey,sInstieornnataiolnsaltYooga Day and Board

offer shows and classes to needy ones onmlieneetin, gas.nd these are really helping to cope with the

quarantine and keep the life going. Hindu Forum of Europe also participated in Webinar meeting organised by European

Parliament on Environment, Religion for Peace, European Council of Religious Leaders,

Hindu Forum of Europe and its 14 membMeerdsiaiwnorEksuhorpospheeldhbyaDvWe DaelustoschkeeWpetllep, UaNcEenvwirointmhentthPerogram-Faith for Earth - a
Pandemic in meeting all the rules and reggloublaal dtiigoitanl san, dkaeHeigph-iLnevgel ienvenrtehgelud lbay rUNcEoP-nIctealancdtawndistehverealalocchal webinars

other and helping the community in varioI tuakse wthias oypsp.oSrtuenvitey roaf Dl iwwaelibtoipnraayrfomr aell ethteihnugmsanwitieesrgelobally.

conducted by us, for Earth day, World EnvMiaryotnhims Deiwnatli hDelapyto, IrnemtoevrendaartkinoesnsaalndYuongceartaDintay,yanadnlidghtBuopayrodur houses, your
spirit, dreams, and hopes. May God bless you with good health and happiness and all your
meetings. ventures fulfilled. Wishing you and family a very Happy Diwali!

Hindu Forum of Europe also participatedThienseWcreet bofisnucacerssmis etoebteiningharomrognyawniithseexdistebnyce,Etoubreolpoveinag,ncaring, respecting and
Parliament on Environment, Religion for Pmuetauacl ew,elEl bueirnog.pean Council of Religious Leaders,
Media workshops held by DW Deutsche WDr.eLallkesh,mUi VNyasEnvironment Program-Faith for Earth - a
global digital and a High-Level event heldPrbesyideUntN, HEinPdu-IFcoreulmaonfdEuraopned several local webinars

I take this opportunity of Diwali to pray for all the humanities globally.
May this Diwali help to remove darkness and uncertainty, and light up your houses, your
spirit, dreams, and hopes. May God bless you with good health and happiness and all your
ventures fulfilled. Wishing you and family a very Happy Diwali!

The secret of success is to be in harmony with existence, to be loving, caring, respecting and
mutual well being.

Dr. Lakshmi Vyas
President, Hindu Forum of Europe

On behalf of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh and Hindu Sevika Samiti (HSS(UK)), I would like to extend our
heartiest congratulations to Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB) in celebrating this 19th Diwali Celebration in Parlia-
ment. While this year we are unable to meet in person, I would like to commend the HFB team in bringing the
celebration and the spirit of Diwali to a virtual format.

HSS (UK) and HFB have a long standing relationship bringing together, supporting and promoting the work
of the Hindu community in the UK. It will soon be coming up to a year since mankind across the world started
facing an unprecedented challenge. During these times, the core work of HSS (UK) has become necessary
more than ever, and working closely with HFB, we have been active in providing a response to assist com-
munities during this crisis.

Three core Hindu values have demonstrated incredible strength and necessity during these challenging
times; Sangathan (Community Spirit and Universal Connectedness), Sewa (Selfless Action, Sacrifice and
Resolve), Parivaar Bhav (the Caring of each other as One Family). As HSS (UK), we have been cultivating
these values in our members (swayamsevaks and sevikas) for more than 50 years because we believe these
are noble ideals that transcend personal goals. During this ongoing crisis, HSS (UK) has inspired more than
27 organisations and projects whose tremendous work, selfless effort of volunteers and utmost kindness
has helped to ensure that the most vulnerable in our communities are connected with and cared for. Further
detail of these initiatives can be found at www.hssuk.org/covidresponse. Looking ahead, as we continue to
navigate through these challenging times, the value of universal togetherness will prevail. The feeling that
each one of us is part and parcel of one whole, connected in every way irrespective of belief or faith, and
united with a shared sense of responsibility for others.

Diwali is a special time in our Hindu calendar, a time for joyous celebration, reflection and resolution, as well
as community spirit. Under more normal circumstances, Diwali would have been celebrated with great colour,
indulgence and the joy of bringing the family and community physically together. However, this year the cel-
ebrations will need to take a more virtual, but also virtuous form, continuing to serve the communities around
us and help those in greatest need. Diwali will be a message of Caring and Sharing, building greater bonds
between us all as one extended family, looking after each other and the environment around us, and uphold-
ing a central message of Vasudaiva Khutumbakam (the whole world is one family).

On behalf of HSS (UK) we wish you a Shubh Diwali and Nutan Varsh Abhinandan.

Dhiraj D Shah
President, HSS (UK)



HFB On line Webinar and Meetings

-



Hindu Forum of Bitain and Param Shakti Peeth oSfteUeKrinagreGdreoluigph) tteodbtroinbgeypoaur tnering
with JHOD (Jain Hindu Organ Donation
’wHOiitnhrdguJaHnFOoDDruomn(JDaaotAiifn“oOBTnHiEtri-angiM:dnauya1ntOnh2dDrstghPoaaannnSrdDaaemFotpnaiSotacehttnisoam.nk-tbiSMPeteeyreetr2thihn0sgo2fGa0UrnoKadutaprF)4etapodcmebtlrisgiBn”hg.SteyTdouto be partnering
DATE : 12th Septehmttbpers2:/0/2y0ouatt4up.bmeB/SETg2qQMCGmes



https://youtu.be/Eg2qQMCGmes

HFB On line Webinar and Meetings



InternationIanltNeranrraattioivnea&l NRaolreraotfivHein&duRoDlieasopfoHraindu Diaspora



World Environment Day Special” :“Environmental sustainability: Ideas from Hinduism

World Environment Day Special" :“Environmental sustainability: Ideas
from Hinduism

HFB On line Webinar and Meetings






Dr RAMDErSRHAPMaEtStHniPOatBtEni lOivBeEsleivsesisoenssoionnMonedMietdaittiaotnioBnhBahga wgwaattGGiittaa LLeessssoonn

Dr RAMESH Pattni OBE live session on Meditation Bhagwat Gita Lesson



Interactive Session with Supreme Court Advocate Ishkaran Singh Bhandari –
How can Young Hindu participate in legal issues.

HFB On line Webinar and Meetings





Article 370 NAerutitceler3e7d0: ONenueteYreeadr: OOnNe Year ON

Hindu Forum Britain

An Introduction
The Hindu Forum of Britain is the largest umbrella body for British Hindus with over 300 formally
affiliated member organisations from different regions and cultural backgrounds in Britain. At the
core of the Forum’s activities is a strong belief in the richness and diversity of the Hindu culture, its
value system that encompasses respect for all beings and faiths, and a cultural heritage that facilitates
community cohesion and coexistence.

HFB Objectives

* Facilitate consultation and communication for identifying issues affecting British Hindus and

coordinate methods for finding solutions thereof.

* Aid integration of British Hindus by supporting their social, cultural, educational, economic,

democratic and psychological needs.

* Build stronger links between British Hindus and other faith communities in the UK to establish

friendship and trust in keeping with the multi-cultural multi-faith nature of British society.

* Work in partnership with various government departments, service providers, non-governmental

institutions and the media to assist in the process of nation building, community cohesion,
community empowerment and capacity building.

* Represent the Hindu community, through broad based membership and widespread consultation

at different platforms so that voice for the Hindu Community is heard and taken note of :

* Representation at the Home office ‘ Securing Faith Building ‘ scheme.
* Raise awareness on media about rich Vedic Hindu culture.
* Key role at Interfaith Network and Religious Education Council

HFB Consultations
The Hindu Forum of Britain has conducted many consultation exercises in the past and submitted
formal responses to Government departments and agencies.These include responses to:
• Caste in Great Britain and equality law
• Crematoria facilities for Hindus
• Covid-19 Government, NHS and Community engagement and advisory
• The Home Office on ‘Strength in Diversity’, to formulate the
Government’s race equality and community cohesion policy.
• Response to the QCA on the national Religious Education Framework.
• The Home Affairs Select Committee on ‘Anti-terrorism and Community
Relations, Place of Worship and Hate Crime’.
• The Home Office Consultation on Ministers of Religion from Abroad.
• Seminar and conferences on Hindu Issues, Security Conferences,
Relegious Education, Media Celebration of Diwali at the
Parliament.

Patrons Council: Chair: Mr Shashi Vekaria Lord Dholakia Mr Rickie Sehgal :

Mr Joginder Sanger Mr CB Patel Prof. Nat Puri

President & Trustee: Mrs Trupti Patel Hon.Treasurer & Trustee Mr Devshi Chothani

Vice Presidents: Mrs Harsha Shukla MBE Dr Ramesh Pattni OBE Mr Puneet Dwivedi Mr Tarang Shelat

Registered in England and Wales - Company No. 5106256 : Charity No: 1171005

Contact : Mrs Trupti Patel : ph: 07875015865, email: [email protected], [email protected]

www.hfb.org.uk,Twitter: @hinduforum, Facebook.com/hinduforumgbr

C/O Vascroft Estate : 861 Coronation Road , Park Royal , NW10 7PT

How are we structured?
Management Committee : Elected and Nominated at first NEC
from membership : General management decisions.

NEC : Elected at AGM: Policy making

Secretariat: Elected at First NEC. Execution and daily decisions.
Supervising Projects /Depts :
Department & Project Teams :Appointed and dismantled by NEC.
Specific tasks and projects. Report to Secretariat

Patrons Council :
Spiritual Commission:
Advisors : Politacal &
community

How are we Governed: What is our specification?
• Constitution – Memorandum & Articles
• Bye-laws for elections • Clear outline of jobs - clarity
• Policies in place • Two way Communications – completeness
- PR Policy • Reporting and evaluation – Analysis
- Correspondence Policy • Way forward -the agreement forces all
- Financial Policy
- Declaration of Interests concerned to actually read and think about
- Non-disclosure agreement the outcomes.

• How are we accountable: Responsibilities and • How have we performed?
• Good awareness in Government
accountabilities examined and assigned • Excellent outreach in media
• High profile events
• Who is responsible : Person or a group • Some departments and projects shone
- Diwali committee
• What process outcome required: - Education Committee
- Media Committee
- internal and external - Interfaith Committee
- ‘Caste ‘ Bill
- meaningful participation, - Cremation facilities
- Place of Worship safety Grants
- monitoring and evaluation - Parliamentary Experience Programme

- action taken to improve.

• Process logic

• Reporting upwards regularly

• Is volunteering an excuse for

HFB Current Members Gujarati Arya Association (London)
Gujarati Mahila Mandal. (Leeds)
Aberdeen Hindu Temple Gurjar Hindu Union Ram Temple (Crawley)
Aden Mitra Mandal (London) Hare Krishna Centre for Vedic Studies (leicester)
Aden Vanik Association (London) Harrow Gayatri Satsang Mandal (London)
All India Brahmin Association (UK) Hindu Aid (UK) (London)
A.I.S.A Dancing School Hindu Centre East London
Anand Overseas Brotherhood UK) Hindu Centre for Communications
Angel Dancers Cultural Gorup Hindu Chaplains Leicester
ART OF LIVING FOUNDATION (UK) Hindu Charitable Trust & Hindu Mandir (Leeds)
Arya Samaj (Vedic Mission) (West Midlands) Hindu Community Centre & Lakshminarayan Temple
Arya Sangathan- Hindu Vedic Culture Group (Birmingham)
Arya Vedic Society Leicester Hindu Council of Birmingham
Asian Foundation for Help (London) Hindu Council of Brent (London)
Athia Samaj (London) Hindu Council of Harrow (London)
Audichya Gadhia & Kharedi Brahma Hindu Council of the North
Samaj Society (London) Hindu Council of Waltham Forest
Aurobindo Circle (Manchester) Hindu Cultural and Welfare Society of Derby
Baaj Khedaval Samaj Hindu Cultural Organisation (Liverpool)
Baj Khedawal (Brahmin) Association UK (London) Hindu Forum Walsall
Bajadia Leva Patel Sarvodi (UK) Hindu Forum Nottingham
Bardai Brahmin Samaj (Leicester) Hindu Society of Kirlees & Calderdale
Bardai Brahmin Samaj (Birmingham) Hindu Temple and Community
Bardai Brahmin Samaj (London) Mandhata Youth & Community Association - Wembley
Barnet Asian Old People Association Hindu Temple Cultural & Community Centre (Nottingham)
Bavis Gam Patidar Samaj (UK) (London) Hindu Unity Council (London)
Bengali Cultural Association Hindu Voluntary Services (Barnet)
Bhadran Bandhu Samaj (BBS UK) Hindu Womens Association
Bhagvati vani Trust (London) Hindu Womens Network
Bhramarishi Ashram (London) Hindu Youth UK
Bharatiya Mandal Aston U-Lynn Holy Mission of Guru Nanak (Sindhi Mandir) I-Foundation
Bhatia Association (UK) India Culture Social Centre Oldham
Bhatia Mahajan (Leicester) Indian Association Manchester
Bhandhani Samag (Wembley) Indian Association Oldham
Birmingham Pragati Mandal Indian Association Rochdale
Blackburn Hindu Centre ( BlackBurn) Indian Community Care Ass of Newham
Bolton Hindu Forum Indian Cultural Society
Brahm Samah (Leicester) Indian Education Society (Leicester)
Brahm Samaj (South London) Indo European Kashmir Forum (LONDON)
Brahm Samaj (Birmingham) Indo European Kashmir Forum (UK)
Brahm Samaj (Luton) International Pushtimargiya
Brahm Samaj (Wilmslow) Vaishnava Association (London)
Brahm Samaj Manchester International Society for Krishna
Brahm Samaj Nottingham Consciousness (UK)
Brahmbandhu Association ISKCON Belfast
Brahmbhatt Samaj ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna Temple
Brahmin Association Of Luton (Watford)
Brahmin Samaj of United Kingdom ISKCON Birmingham
Brahmin Society North London ISKCON Coventry
Brent Retired Brahmins Association ISKCON Educational Services, Oxford
Carribean Hindu Society (London) ISKCON Govinda’s - Car
Charoter Leuva Patidar Samaj (Manchester) ISKCON Inis Rath (Ireland)
Charoter Patel Samaj ISKCON Leicester
Chha Gaam Patidar Samaj ISKCON Manchester
Chha Gam Nagrik Mandal (CGNM UK) ISKCON Newcastle
Chinmaya Mission UK ISKCON Radha Krishna Cultural
City Hindus Network Centre, South Norwood, London
Coventry & Warwickshire Brahma Samaj ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple London
Darji Mandal (Bolton) ISKCON Scotland
Datta Yoga Centre, (London) ISKCON Swansea
Dharma Foundation Jain Samaj (Bolton)
Dharmaj Society of London (DHASOL) Jain Sangh, Birmingham
Dosti Club (Milton Keynes) Jalaram Bhajan Mandal (Aston)
East Anglian Indian Association (Ipswich) Jalaram Mandal (Leicester)
East London & Essex Brahma Samaj Jan Kshatriya Seva Mandal (London)
Edinburgh Hindu Mandir Jansari Gnati Mandal (Blackburn)
Federation of Brahmin Associations of Europe Jeeyar Educatinal Trust
Federation of Hindu Priests UK Kodki Ganga Leva Patel Community (London)
Garba Group (Leeds) Karamsad Samaj (UK)
Gaud Brahma Samaj Kashmir Pandit Cultural Association
Gaur Govinda Trust Kannada Balaga (Durham)
Gayatri Pariwar & Unity of Hinduism (Bolton) Kannada Balaga UK
Geeta Bhawan (Birmingham) Kera Kundal Kutch Leva Mandal
Geeta Bhawan Leicester Kera-Kundanpur Community (UK)
Gaudiya Mission Kingsbury Asians Elders Group
Gujarat Arya Kshatriya Mahasabha UK (Leicester) Krishna Temple, (Bolton)
Gujarat Hindu Association (Leicester) Kshtriya Samaj (Bolton)
Gujarat Hindu Society Preston Kuchchh Leva Patel community - East London
Gujarati Arya Association (Aston)
Gujarati Arya Association (Leicester)

HFB Current Members

Kutch Bharasar Seva Mandal Prajapati Samaj (Bradford)
Kutch Leva Patel Community Centre, (Bolton) Punjabi Maha Sabha, (Leeds)
Kutch Leva Patel Community UK (London) Punjabi Society of British Isles (London)
Kutch Madhapar Karyalya (UK) (London) Raghuvanshi Mahajan (Greenford)
Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple (Bolton) Rajput Sangathan Samaj (Leicester)
Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple London Rajput Seva Samaj, (London)
Leeds Pragati Mandal Ram Dhoon Bhajan Mandal (Bolton)
Leeds Sai Centre Ram Krishna Bhajan Mandal (Leeds)
Leicester Hindu Festival Council Ram Krishna Ram Bhajan Mandal
Leuva Patidar Samaj (Bolton) Ram Mandir (Leicester)
Leuva Patidar Samaj (Bradford) Rama Samaj (Leicester)
Leva Patidar Samaj (Aston) Ramdev Pir (Leeds)
Leicester Bhatia Mahajan Ramkrishna Vivekananda Centre (Bolton)
Limbachia Gnati Mandal (London) Rampar Community (UK) (London)
Lohana Association (Birmingham) RK Seva Samaj, Leicester
Lohana Association (Stockport) Rohit Kshatriya Samaj (Bolton)
Lohana Community (Birmingham) S.K.L.P (Vadasar) UK
Lohana Community (South London) S.S.S.S. Mandal (Bolton)
Lohana Community (UK) HQ Sai School of Harrow
Lohana Community Manchester Samatra Kutch Leuva Patel Community
Lohana Community North London Sanatan Mandir (Leicester)
Lohana Community West London Sanatan Seva Samaj
Lohana Community, Coventry Sangat Advice Centre (London)
Lohana Community, Luton Sanskruti Foundation (London)
Lohana MahajanAston-U-L Saraswat Samaj (UK)
Lohana Mahajan (Leicester) Shree Ram Mandir Sarvdesic Satya Samaj (London)
Lohana Mahajan (UK) Trust Sarvoday Samaj UK
Lohana Mahajan Mandal (Bolton) Sarvodaya Navyug Samaj (Bolton)
London Sathsangam (London) Sarvodaya Samaj (Leicester)
London Sevashram Sangha (London) Satsang Mandal (Birmingham)
Maha Lakshmi Vidya Bhavan Satsang Parivar (Leicester)
Mandhata Hitvardhar Mandal & Krishna Temple (Bolton) Sattavis Gam Patidar Samaj of Europe (London)
Mandhata Mandal of West Yorkshire Satya Sai Centre (Aston)
Mandhata Youth and Community Association Satya Sai Centre (Bolton)
East London SEWA Internationsl North West Area
Mandhata Youth and Community Association Wembley Shakti Mandir (Leicester)
Mangala Pati Vel Murugan Temple Shree Kera Kundanpur Comminity London UK
Mankuva Sewa Mandal (Forest Gate) Shree Kutch Kadva Patidar UK
Medway Hindu Centre Shree Swaminarayan Satasang
Metropolitan Police Hindu Association Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan (London)
Milan Women’s Group Shirdi Saibaba Temple Wembley
Milton Keynes Hindu Association Shirdi Saibaba Temple Leicester
Mirzapur Association UK (London) Shirdi Saibaba Temple and community centre Reading
Murugan Temple (Huddersfield) Shrimali Soni Mandal
National Congress of Gujarati Organisations Sivayogam Hindu Temple
National Association of Patidar Samaj SKLP (Vadasar) UK (London)
National Hindu Students Forum (UK) Sojitra Samah (UK)
Navnat Vanik Association of Uk Sorathia Prajapati Community (Leicseter)
Navratri Garba (London) Sorathia Prajapati Community (UK )
North East Hindu Cultural Trust Sorathia Prajpati Community (Bolton)
Northampton Hindu Samaj OM Youth Sostarjuth Limbachia Samaj (UK)
Param Shakti Peeth of U.K.​ Sostra Juth Nayee Samaj (Crawley)
Pandava Sena (Birminghan) South Indian Association
Pandava Sena (Crawley) South Indian Society
Pandava Sena (East London) Sparkhill Hindu Youth Association (West Midlands)
Pandava Sena (UK) Sukhpar-Roha Mitra Mandal (UK)
Parajiya Pattni Association (London) Sukhpur Seva Mandal
Param Shakti Peeth of UK Swaminarayan Sidhant Sajivan Mandal (Bolton)
Patel Samaj of Northampton Tamil Association North West (Bolton)
Patel Samaj UK Tamil Heritage Foundation
Pragati Mandal (Leeds) Tamil Women’s Organisation
Prajapati Association (UK) UK Luhar Gnati Mandal (London)
Prajapati Association Birmingham UK Valam Brahmin Association
Prajapati Association Bolton UK RK Seve Samaj
Prajapati Association Bradford Utsav Sangeet
Prajapati Association Coventry Vanza Community of South London
Prajapati Association Leicester Vanza Society of London
Prajapati Association London Veda Mandir (Bolton)
Prajapati Association Lougborough Visa Sorthia Vanik Association (London)
Prajapati Association Luton Vishwakarma Association of UK (London)
Prajapati Association Preston Wanza Samaj (UK)
Prajapati Association Rugby Warrington Rama Krishna Temple
Prajapati Association Tameside World Hindu Mahasangam
Prajapati Association Walsall Yog Foundation
Prajapati Association Wellingborough Yorkshire Jain Foundation (Leeds)
Yuva Sanskar Kendra (Tooting)

The NEC Team 2020-21

Designation Name

Chair of Patrons ( Vascroft Foundation ) Mr Shashibhai Vekaria
President and Company Director of HFB Trustee - HFB Chairty Mrs Trupti Jagdish Patel
Patron and Chair of Governance Mr Rickie Sehgal
Hon. Treasurer and Trustee - HFB Charity Mr Devshi Chothani
V.P. South & Chair of PR & RE ( Religious Education ) Dr Ramesh Pattni OBE
Vice President North and Company Director, ( President HC North ) Mrs Harsha Shukla MBE
Vice President ( Midland) Mr Tarang Shelat
Vice President ( Scotland ) Mr Puneet Dwivedi
Company Director ( Vascroft Foundation) Mr Mitesh Vekaria
Chair of Diwali Committee ( SKLP ) Mr Velji Vekaria
Ass Sec General Ms Panna Vekaria
President of HFE ( HFB Representative to HFE ) Dr Lakshmi Vyas
Chaplaincy Committee Mr Swami Nathan
Chair of Parliamentary Engagement Committee Dr Harsha Jani
Membership Committee ( Mandhata YNC Association ) Mrs Tara Patel
Membership ( Mandhata YNC Association ) Mr Jawahar Patel
Member ( Medical Advisory Committee - NHS) Dr Bhavna Pandya
Member ( Medical Advisory Committee - NHS) Dr Sapna Bhansali
Member ( Nepal ) Mr Chiranjibi Padyul
Member ( Asian Foundation ) Mr Sumantrai Desai
Member ( SRM Birmingham ) Mr Hitesh Kukadia
Member ( NAPS ) Mr Pravinbhai Amin CE
Member ( Interfaith ) Dr Deesha Chedda OBE
Member (HC Brent ) Mr Manubhai Makwana ( Mr Mahendra Pattni)
Member (HC Brent ) Mr Ashwin Galoria ( Mr Upendra Solanki )
Member ( Brahmin Samaj ) Mrs Harsha Trivedi
Member ( NCGO ) Mrs Anita Ruparelia
Member ( Diwali SKLP ) Mr Shivji Khetani
Member ( IT ) Mr Sudeep Singh
Member ( Shree Prajapati Samaj & Hindu Council Birmingham) Mr Vipul Mistry
Member ( Shree Prajapati Samaj ) Mr Balu Lad
Member ( Isckon ) Mr Bhaskar Rughani
Member ( Isckon ) Dr Sachi Patel
Member ( Special Project ) Dr Shorna Pal
Member ( Community Engagement ) Mr Ashish Popat

Spiritual Commissioners HH Gauri Das
Swami Nirliptananda
Isckon Visakha Devi Dasi
Bharat Sevashram London Swami Suryaprabhadidi
Isckon
Brahmrishi Mission London Lord Navnit Dholakia
Prof. N Puri
Patrons Mr C B Patel
Mr J Sanger

Transputec believes in families. The closer they are the stronger they are.
From the Transputec family to your family we wish you a very Happy Diwali!

Transputec provides IT Services and Solutions
to leading organisations around the globe

We help you succeed in the digital era. Our ‘yes’ attitude and 30 years’ international
experience gives you an end-to-end IT service to support you on your digital journey.

Learn more about our family at

www.transputec.com

15th Best MSP
MSP Specialist
Reseller of
in EMEA the Year
Region
WINNER
WINNER
2018
2019

Transputec Ltd, Transputec House, 19 Heather Park Drive, Wembley, London HAO 1SS | Tel: 020 8584 1400, Email: [email protected]

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Transputec believes in families. The closer they are the stronger they are.
From the Transputec family to your family we wish you a very Happy Diwali!

Transputec provides IT Services and Solutions
to leading organisations around the globe

We help you succeed in the digital era. Our ‘yes’ attitude and 30 years’ international
experience gives you an end-to-end IT service to support you on your digital journey.

Learn more about our family at

www.transputec.com

15th Best MSP
MSP Specialist
Reseller of
in EMEA the Year
Region
WINNER
WINNER
2018
2019

Transputec Ltd, Transputec House, 19 Heather Park Drive, Wembley, London HAO 1SS | Tel: 020 8584 1400, Email: [email protected]

.CO.UK