Food parcels for the needy in Porbandar – 2020
In response to several members’ requests on the plight of those affected by the Covid 19 Pandemic in Porbandar in 2020, the Management Committee held discussions over a few weeks, to investigate the best way to assist those in dire need.
Local opinions were sought from the Bardai bandhus in Porbandar (Yoggesh Modha, Tejas Bapodra, and others) and initial discussions highlighted how and who was affected. Whilst some level of Covid relief (funding/medical treatment/food voucher) was availed by the Indian government, this was not sufficient to cover the deficit due to a sudden loss of income during the national lockdown and the need for medical treatment and supplies. Reports of many large charitable organisations running food kitchens all over India were circulated on social media but were scarcely available in Porbandar. Hence, the Committee decided to actively support our Community in Porbandar. Two types of aid were discussed: 1) Dry food parcels 2) Soup kitchen (Meals on wheels/Tiffin) – quotations were received from 2 registered charities.
After an in-depth review, the Management Committee opted for the provision of dry food parcels to vulnerable families registered on the Bardai Talpad Brahmin Samaj Korivad Vandi’s database. Dr Kishorechandra Thankey, Committee Member followed this up and connected with Tejas K Bapodra (local volunteer and samaj sewak), and the staff at Talpad Brahmin Samaj Korivad Vandi, Porbandar to arrange this. The Committee appointed Tejas K Bapodra, a known local charity worker, as a volunteer to organise the purchase, packing, and distribution of the food parcels on behalf of our Samaj.
The food parcels included: Two types of Rice, Tuwer daal, gor, Vaal beans, Chana daal, moong, moong daal, urad, oil, tea, a packet of sugar – sufficient supply to feed a family of 4 for approximately 2 months.
The distribution was completed under the supervision of Tejas K Bapodra and the Talpad Brahmin Samaj, Porbandar. A total of 75 families; including 8 Covid-affected, received the food parcel packed in a recyclable fabric bag with the Samaj’s logo and charity reference no. (Photographed for our records). The bags were donated by Tejas K Bapodra as a goodwill gesture. The total value of this distribution was £1169.25 including a £50 donation to the Talpad Brahmin Samaj Korivad Vandi.
We wish to thank Dhaval Joshi, President; Jagdishbhai Rajyaguru, Vice-President; Bharatbhai Joshi, Caretaker, and all the volunteers for their kind support. A letter of appreciation for our donation has been received from the Community and the beneficiaries. All the volunteers did all the work free of charge and all donations were received by those in need. We wish to thank all the volunteers from Leicester Samaj and Porbandar for their participation in this worthy cause.
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Supporting the Goshalla-in-Leicester – 2020
The Samaj donated £501 to Goshalla in Leicester towards rescuing 2 calves from going to slaughter. One was a 3-eyed calf named ‘Mahadev’ and another is named ‘Nandi’. Pravinbhai Bhogaita (Vice-President of SBBS Leicester) and Vanitaben Bhogaita, Treasurer visited the Goshalla to present the cheque. Nileshbhai and Mayuriben Shah, who run the Goshalla have humbly extended an invitation to our samaj members to do ‘darshan’ by a prior arrangement under the current circumstances relating to Covid safety. There is ongoing improvement works in progress to provide suitable shelter for the new calves. The Goshalla has offered the use of the prayer room for bhajans and small Samaj activities by prior arrangement. Due to security reasons, photography of the new calves at the Goshalla is currently not permitted.
We wish to thank all those who participate in our fundraising activities throughout the year including Satsang events, Mandir Walks, Navratri.
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Shree Hindu Temple, Leicester 2020
A donation of £150 was registered at the Temple, an annual payment gesture from our Samaj towards the daily maintenance and puja of all the deities and our Trikamji bapu’s murti based inside the Temple. The temple staff carries out pujas and rituals twice a day, even when the temple is closed to the public. The Temple welcomes any donations towards the changing of Bapu’s attire (paghri, saal etc) on auspicious occasions and invites our Samaj members for daily aarti and kirtan. The Temple’s Events Diary and Timetable is available on www.shreehindutemple.net
The Samaj participates in the Temple’s annual ‘Patutsav’ ceremony, usually held between Feb-April each year, and ‘Yajmaan’ are invited to enlist to conduct Trikamji bapu’s murti pujan.
The Samaj appreciates the commitment and support of the Temple staff in offering our members this unique opportunity to do darshan of our beloved Trikamjibapu in a serene and stable environment.