UK’s Hindu Association celebrate its Silver Jubilee

Ansar Ahmed Ullah
Contributing Editor, Shottobani

London: Bangladesh Hindu Association UK celebrated its Silver Jubilee, the 25th year of its founding, with a grand ceremony on Saturday, August 30, at the Ravidassia Community Centre in Manor Park, East London. The festival in London was attended by members from Birmingham, Bradford, Lougborough, Portsmouth, Hull, Sheffield, Leeds, and Coventry.

President Proshanta Purokayastha BEM presided, and General Secretary Sujith Chowdhury conducted the event. The programme started with the recitation of Sri Sri Bhagavad Gita, Sound from Conchshell (Shankha Dhwani) and Rabindra Sangeet.

The UK Minister for Works and Pensions, Sir Stephen Timms MP, was the chief guest and former MP Virendra Sharma was the special guest at the event.

The President unveiled the publication of the magazine *Roots* with the chief guests and special guests. Sir Stephen Timms MP was pleased to see the large turnout from various cities across the UK and commended BHAUK’s remarkable progress, social cohesion, and consensus.

Referring to the presence of the youth on the occasion, the minister said that the new generation will continue the activities of BHA in the future. Special guest former MP Virendra Sharma said that it is the responsibility of the new generation to carry forward the exemplary success achieved by BHA UK over the last 25 years. Mr Sharma said that the consensus and collective efforts of the Hindu community will further strengthen the bonds of peace and harmony in society.

Sujith Chowdhury, General Secretary of the organisation, presented the statistics of the advocacy, relief and humanitarian activities of the BHA since 2022. Treasurer Biswajit Dey presented the financial statements of the organisation’s biennial income and expenditure. Vice President Prashanta Dutta presented a documentary on the historical activities of BHA. Prominent social activist Bikram Banerjee organised an informative exhibition on Hindu genocide in the subcontinent.

In his speech, Youth Secretary Rajen Pal urged the members of the new generation to be involved in community activities to form a responsible, peaceful and harmonious society. The event witnessed a significant awareness of cultural heritage amongst the younger generation as many young people gathered from all over the United Kingdom.

Among the invited diverse community leaders of UK wide organisations, freedom fighter Dewan Gous Sultan, Mohammad Abdur Rakib, Ripa Sultana Rakib, former mayor Jyotsna Islam, councillor Puspita Gupta and cultural activist Rumi Haque, Sujon Barua, Mesbah Uddin Echo, Barrister M Q Hasan and journalist Batirul Haque Sardar were present on the occasion.

The delegates of BHA (UK) honoured the special guests and community leaders with uttorio, coat pins and flowers.

Independent observers Mukul Roy and Niranta Deb announced the names of forty one members of the newly elected committee, with President Proshanta Purokayastha, BEM, General Secretary Alok Chanda. BHA (UK) distributed outstanding Achievement Awards and a certificate of Appreciation to Arpita Chowdhury, Monalisa Saha, Suchishmita Saha, Madhuri Pal, Sarita Saha, Rajib Dhar, Debassmita Chowdhury and Arijit Saha. The special family award was awarded to the Mahamaya Seal family for promoting Sanatan culture nationwide. Cultural Secretary Mahamaya Seal conducted an attractive cultural programme with young girls, boys and adult performers. The event was presented by Krishna Shil and Ananya Chowdhury, promising youngsters of the new generation. President Proshanta Purkayastha expressed his gratitude to the BHA UK members for their dedication and tireless work over the past 25 years, with the support and cooperation of countless people from remote areas of the UK.