Hindu Aid UK holds annual conference
Ansar Ahmed Ullah
Contributing Editor,Shottobani
London: Hindu Aid UK held its Annual General Meeting at Hyderabad Paradise in east London, bringing together trustees, coordinators, volunteers, supporters and community members to reflect on the organisation’s achievements over the past year and discuss future initiatives.
The meeting was chaired by Mr Anupam Saha, who formally opened proceedings and invited Chief Coordinator Dr Sukanta Maitra to deliver his opening remarks. Dr Maitra highlighted the organisation’s guiding principle, “Serving mankind is serving God,” and thanked attendees and volunteers for their continued dedication and support.
Mr Saha spoke about the unique nature of the organisation, emphasising its volunteer-driven structure and commitment to serving communities. Former Chief Coordinator Mr Mihir Sarker reflected on the origins of Hindu Aid UK during the COVID-19 pandemic and outlined how the organisation has continued to expand its humanitarian and community-based activities since then.
During the annual report presentation, Mr Saha highlighted a range of initiatives undertaken throughout 2025, including community fundraising and wellbeing events in collaboration with partner organisations, relief support for vulnerable families, educational and meal support projects for children, emergency humanitarian assistance initiatives, and women’s wellbeing and hygiene support programmes.
Treasurer Mr Sojoy Saha presented the annual financial report, which showed growth compared with the previous year. Mr Ajit Saha outlined several future aims and objectives of the organisation, including providing support to disadvantaged individuals and families, assisting those affected by crises and disasters, promoting diversity and inclusion, and strengthening collaboration with wider community organisations. Miss Shuchishmita Maitra highlighted the importance of youth engagement and announced plans for a youth-focused event. Mr Sujit Sen stressed the importance of social and cultural events in bringing communities together and encouraging stronger youth participation in community initiatives. Mr Shantanu Das Gupta described the organisation’s successful overseas projects, including providing sanitary napkins and free school meals in India. Mr Kamol Saha reflected on the success of the recent 5K Rise and Run wellbeing event organised in collaboration with community partners, which attracted around 100 participants. Mr Saikat Dutta expressed his appreciation for the sense of community fostered by Hindu Aid UK and encouraged further initiatives promoting wellbeing and social connection. Mr Adhir Das stressed the importance of supporting young people and strengthening community awareness and engagement through educational and outreach initiatives. Barrister Shuvagata Dey praised the organisation’s inclusive and respectful environment, noting its commitment to valuing everyone’s ideas and contributions equally. Mr Ranjit Saha encouraged members to help expand the organisation’s reach through greater publicity, community engagement and fundraising efforts. Mr Shamal Datta highlighted the importance of growing membership and encouraging more people to become actively involved with the organisation, while Mr Royal Mitra emphasised the importance of unity, collective participation and strengthening the wider community network.
Several attendees, including Mr Avijit Deb, Mr Bishan Mazumdar, Mr Jhoton Shil, Mr Uttam Dey, Mr Prosenjit K Paul, Mr Pankaj Ghosh, Mr Amlan Rakshit, Mr Dilip Halder, Mr Pappu Saha, Mr Pilton Dey, Mr Provangshu Majumder, Mr Manik Saha, Mr Amitave Banik and Mr Rupom Saha, expressed their appreciation for the organisation’s work and shared enthusiasm for becoming more involved in future community and charitable initiatives.
Mr Ajit Saha also announced the new working committee and trustee board. The AGM concluded with thanks to all volunteers, donors, members and supporters who continue to contribute to the growth and impact of Hindu Aid UK and its mission to support communities through service, compassion and collective action.