An extravagant programme was organised commemorating the completion of 40 years of the Lohana Community North London at Dhamecha Hall, South Harrow, on Sunday, 17 July. Reena Popat and Urmilaben Thakrar hosted the evening that saw the participation of more than 750 members of the community.
Following a ganesh vandana the institute's president Sri Vinodbhai Thakrar addressed those present saying, "This is the first time we are celebrating our organisation's ruby anniversary outside India. The foundation for Lohana Community North London was laid in 1976 and today, it stands stronger than ever. Our community comprises of over 2000 members, and we are proud of South Harrow Dhamecha Lohana community centre and Raghuvanshi Charitable Trust. We have always found the needed support from Lord Dolar Popat."
The function was attended by Lord Dolar Popat, Lady Sandhyaben Popat, Khodidasbhai of one of the community's most generous families, Sri Shantibhai, Sri Pradipbhai and family, Shardaben Maghvani, Harrow Mayor Councillor Rekhaben Shah, London Assembly Member Naveenbhai Shah, Harrow Chief Superintendent Simon Owen, Swaminarayan BAPS trustee Vinubhai Bhatecha, and Gujarat Samachar, Asian Voice Editor-Publisher CB Patel. Taking the stage, Lord Popat said, "I am thankful to the foundation for inviting me to this event. As a part of the Lohana community, I feel proud to celebrate the completion of 40 years of our community. Back in 1976, we belonged to the working class immigrants. Evolving over the years, we reached the middle class status, and today, our youth sit at the topmost positions in the country's biggest companies."
Members of the society were honoured during the programme. Building chairperson and ruby programme consultant Sri Amritlal Radia, Sri Vinodbhai Thakrar, Mansukhbhai Raichura, and the community's first female president Kokiben Vasaani were honoured by Sri Yatinbhai Davda. Former president of the community Sri Janubhai Kotecha was honoured by Sri Dineshbhai Thakrar for his service to the institution.
