London
Jai Shree Krishna Bhaiyo ane Baheno
The year 2016-17 was an extraordinary successful year and a
very busy year for London branch in many ways, with at least
one event a month.
On 16th July Shastri Shri Ramnikbhai Dave guided us to
recite 1800 shloks from Gita as we performed the Gita
Havan in 3.5 hours. This was followed by Samuh Katha in the
auspicious month of Shravan where 19 couples took part.
Bhajan Bhojan for Shradh Bhajans were held just before
Navarati with a big turnout of nearly 250 participants. This
was followed by Navarati celebration, with many youths
taking part at the London Academy which was hired for
5 days, and the remaining days at the Samaj hall. It is
noticeable every year that on Aatham, the Aartis always sell
out at the last minute. This year there were nearly 115 Aartis
on Aatham. It creates a very sober atmosphere when all
lights are switched off.
A very unusual event of the year was the Gujju African night
held on 17th December 2016. This was mentally planned
for nearly two years. The melodious music rocked the hall.
African flavoured food was well liked by the audience and
many VIPs expressed good messages for the community.
Other main activities included monthly Satsangs held at the
hall or at members’ homes by invitation. Every Wednesday
at the popular elderly club we hold activities such as
yoga, discussions on inheritance tax, importance of wills,
health issues such as diabetes, blood pressure, Ayurveda
medicine, and a cookery demonstration. In June/July 2017,
we organised a holiday to Portugal. 28 people thoroughly
enjoyed the company and the attractions we visited.
In 2016/2017, with generous donations from our members
and surplus funds from events, the Executive Committee was
able to carry out the much-needed building maintenance.
The successful achievement of many functions has only
been possible because of help from the Wednesday centre
members and many regular committed members. We
would like to thank our members for their support. We
have achieved a lot as can be seen when you look around
the SPA London Samaj hall. We have progressed in the
right direction and together let us continue to work for the
betterment of our society.
Jasuben Mistry
Executive committee 2016-2017
vol. 42 | Prajapati Sandesh 2017
63