A cheque presentation ceremony at the Gujarat Hindu Society (GHS), Preston, raised funds for the Sanskruti Foundation UK. The event brought together donors contributing £1,000 and above, local dignitaries, and volunteers from the recent seven-day Katha.
In partnership with Pujya Bhaishri, the Society launched a fundraising appeal for the Girls’ Youth Hostel Project in Saputara, aimed at supporting underprivileged girls in this remote area. Pujya Bhaishri, a long-time advocate for education, has previously established schools in Gujarat, with a focus on expanding access in underserved regions like Saputara.
Invitations were extended to local dignitaries, including Chairman Bhupendra Kansagara, Ms Bhumi Patel, and the Gujarat Samachar team, who have long supported the Society’s charitable initiatives. The event featured a live video link with Pujya Bhaishri, allowing him to witness the cheque presentation and offer his blessings.
Thanks to the community's generosity, the Society raised £260,000 for the girls' hostel project in just ten days, was reported in Gujarat Samachar and celebrated widely within the community. The ceremony featured a prayer dance, welcome dance, and a fusion performance by the Abhinandana Dance Academy, followed by a traditional garland welcome for guests.
Among the distinguished guests at the event were Cllr Peter Mullineaux, Mayor of South Ribble; Mr Adrian Phillips, Chief Executive of Preston City Council; Mr Chris Lomas, Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire; Mr Mark Thompson, representing the John Turner Group; and CB Patel, Editor and Publisher of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar.
Ishwerbhai Tailor, Vice President of the Society, outlined the project before inviting the Mayor, Chief Executive, and Deputy Lieutenant to speak. Each praised the Society for its community service and cultural preservation.
Dashrathbhai Nayee, President of the Society, then spoke, followed by the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to CB Patel for his 50 years of support. Mr Surendra Patel and Mrs Kokila Patel were also honoured for their dedication to the Society.
Pujya Bhaishri joined the ceremony via video link, praising the Gujarat Hindu Society for its leadership in the Saputara girls' hostel project.
CB Patel also commended the Society and Pujya Bhaishri for their vision and support. Pujya Bhaishri thanked Dashrathbhai, Ishwerbhai, and Ashitbhai for their teamwork and expressed gratitude to the volunteers for their dedication during the ten-day Katha.
The event concluded with blessings, a kirtan, and a special thank-you to Hemantbhai and Aastha TV for facilitating the video link. Secretary Ashitbhai Jariwala closed by thanking the cooking team, volunteers, and supporters.
