A blissful, graceful and historic ground-breaking ceremony was held for SKLPC’s India Gardens project on 17 May 2023 at Northolt which set a significant milestone in the upliftment of the community. The India Gardens is a self-funded project of £20 million for sports and community centre.
The Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony, also known as the Shilanyas Ceremony or Khat Muhurat, is a sacred Hindu ritual preceding any building work. The Pujan Vidhi was performed by Acharya Dinesh Shukla and Jitu Maharaj. After performing the rituals, the blessed bricks were carried on the head by the donors and guests to the foundation place under the guidance of Santos from Bhuj Swaminarayan Mandir. The ceremonies will continue on Monday 29 May 2023 where the whole SKLPC will come together to perform Shilanyas Pooja and every member attending will have the opportunity to lay a brick in the foundation of the new complex.
The senior Sant of Bhuj Swaminarayan Mandir Purani Mahapurushdasji Swami, Dr Satyaprasaddasji Swami gave their blessings in the Pujan aarti ceremony. Swami Mahapurushdas ji said, “This initiative will make the future of Kutchis brighter, more sustainable. I urge all Leva Patels to join hands together for this historic project.”
Leva Patel Education and Medical Trust President Gopalbhai Mavjibhai Gorasia said, “India Gardens is the bridge between Kutchis of India and the UK. SKLPC is doing a tremendous job in uniting the community. Now it is the equal responsibility of all community members everywhere in the world to support this project. Bhuj Leva Patel Matrusanstha will also help in this project”
The donors Devshibhai Bhudia, Pankaj Gorasia, Jitubhai Halai, Samjibhai Dabasia, Miteshbhai Vekaria, Sureshbhai Rabadia, Jayeshbhai Hirani along with the UK Samaj President Veljibhai Vekaria, Senior Journalist from Kutch Vasant Patel, Education Trust President Devendrabhai Vaghjiani welcomed the guests.
Local MPs Bob Blackman, Gareth Thomas, Krupesh Hirani AM, Mayor Ramji Chauhan, Mayor Hitesh Tailor, Councillor Anjana Patel, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar Publisher and Editor-in-Chief CB Patel, Minister Coordination High Commission of India Dipak Chaudhary along with Councillors and other community members were present.
Mavji Dhanji Jadva Vekaria, President of SKLPC (UK), said, "India Gardens represents a culmination of our community's growth and aspirations. We are immensely grateful for the support and dedication of our members, whose generosity has made this project possible. India Gardens will serve as a beacon of unity, offering a wide range of opportunities, covering sports and education to cultural activities, benefiting our members and the wider community."
Ravi Dhanji Varsani, General Secretary of SKLPC (UK), said, "The ceremony of India Gardens signifies a new chapter in our community's journey. This centre will truly be a testament to the values and spirit of our community."
India Garden to take three years to be constructed
The SKLPC (UK)- Shree Kutch Leva Patel Committee UK was established in the United Kingdom 50 years ago as an independently financed charitable organisation, aiming to enrich the lives of its members through education, sports, and culture. With a current membership of over 25,000 individuals, the SKLPC (UK) has become an integral part of British society, making valuable contributions in the realms of business, enterprise, community, and politics.
To further strengthen their commitment to unity and enhance the lives of their members and the local community, they have embarked on an ambitious project: the construction of the India Gardens complex, a central hub for sports and community events.
India Gardens, which will take approximately three years to construct, will feature modern facilities designed to inspire the youth and nurture their sporting abilities. The community already boasts a well-established cricket club with seven teams participating in county leagues and over 125 colts in the training academy. SKLPC (UK) also hosts the largest Asian 5-a-side football tournament each year, engaging more than 50 teams from juniors to seniors. Their badminton league and volleyball tournament will also be enriched with enhanced facilities and increased youth training opportunities. The community also host the largest Navratri festival in Europe with over 3,000 attendees daily.
India Gardens will cater to the needs of all age groups, promoting health, mental well-being, and cultural preservation. The elderly members of the community will have the opportunity to enjoy social activities that celebrate their heritage, while young families will benefit from a child-friendly environment complete with a playground and a café.
The centre has been meticulously designed to seamlessly blend into the picturesque 18-acre green belt site. The head of planning at the London Borough of Ealing expressed great enthusiasm for the project, anticipating an award-winning centre that will become a local landmark and a place where the wider community can come together and enjoy its exceptional facilities.
