On 25th November, The Bhavan celebrated annual Diwali fundraising gala 2018 at the Radisson Portman Blu. The event was celebrated in the eminent presence of the new Indian High Commissioner to the UK, her excellency Ruchi Ghanashyam.
Baroness Usha Prashar, Lord Swraj Paul, Virendra Sharma MP, Rishi Sunak MP, Akshata Murty Sunak and The Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham, Councillor Daryl Brown were also present among other dignataries and members of the British Asian communities.
The keynote speech was given by Her Excellency, Ms. Ruchi Ghanashyam who welcomed the support of The Bhavan by so many in the Indian community and recognised The Bhavan's long adherence to the values of family, community, and enlightenment which Diwali represents.
“What better organisation than Bhavan to epitomize those values, [the victory of the good over evil] than The Bhavan!” her excellency said in her first public appearance speech in the UK.
Amidst the joy of Diwali celebrations the high commissioner also took the opportunity to congratulate Mary Kom on her 6th Gold medal, the only Indian woman to have won 6 Gold medals.
The Bhavan, is the largest centre for classical Indian arts and culture outside India, also celebrated its 40th anniversary by showcasing a broad range of authentic Indian classical dances including Kathak and Bharatnatyam by both students and teachers. This organisation helps raise £40,000 or more each year through the generous support of individual and corporate donations and this support is crucial to sustaining the activities of the charity which is committed to keeping the rich artistic and cultural heritage of India alive and available to all in London through year-long programmes of classes and events.
“Bringing creativity, arts and value to the community are what The Bhavan strives to do every day. And it would not be possible without our patrons, teachers, students, and audiences,” said Mr. Joginder Sanger, Chairman.
Dr. Surekha Mehta, a member of Bhavan's Executive Committee, was the driving force behind the campaign this year, with able support from the staff and volunteers at The Bhavan.
