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SANDESHMilton Keynes To Preserve & Promote Hindu Culture Issue 50, June 2017 Charity Registration: 802344

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Editor’s Contentsmessage P4 President’s messageNamaste! P6 Events hosted by MKHA in 2016 & 2017 P12 Hindu Calendar 2017The Sandesh team here at Milton Keynes Hindu Association (MKHA) P13 Milton Keynes Hindu Communityare highly motivated and have worked tirelessly to put together this P17 Educationbumper edition, not only to commemorate 50 years of our beloved P18 Celebrating 50 Years!town, but also to celebrate the 50th edition of Sandesh. P20 Join us for a fun packed day P22 Business DirectoryIn this edition you will find photographs of past events hosted by P24 Shona Bollywood dance journeyMKHA over the last 40 years, and details of forthcoming events and P26 Wellbeingactivities planned for the months ahead, which the current executive P28 Recipescommittee are busy organising. Do remember to add these dates to P30 40 years of MKHAyour diaries and come and enjoy the fun! P36 Changes to membershipWe have updates on the building project which I am pleased to say Contact detailswill get underway later this year along with puzzles, recipes andhealth & wellbeing. Also details of a new online membership portal Address: MKHA Community Centre,which will make renewing your membership a lot easier. Ferry Meadows Close, Broughton, Milton Keynes MK10 9QYWe really do hope you enjoy this edition of Sandesh and keep it as a souvenir for generations to come.On behalf of the Sandesh team I would like to take this opportunityto thank you all for your help and support and look forward to seeingyou at our forthcoming [email protected] Telephone: 0300 365 1008 Email addresses: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Follow us on social media www.mkha.org Milton Keynes Hindu Association @mkhindus Advertising If you would like to advertise in the next issue of the Sandesh please contact: [email protected] P3

President’s message Greetings and Namaste that with the dedication and support from each member of the community, we have raised our profile in the wider community. As you are aware, this year Milton Keynes has been celebrating its 50th Birthday and so it gives me great pleasure to inform you that I would like us all to reflect back on all the activities that have helped MKHA has joined hands in the celebrations by hosting a fantastic to strengthen MKHA community. summer Mela which will include colour, stalls and a special performance from Navin Kundra. Co-incidentally, this also happens to As the people of Milton Keynes celebrate 50 years of success, so be our 50th issue of Sandesh so it is a double celebration for MKHA. the MKHA committee plan on making 2017 a huge and memorable year. We aim to hold a ground breaking ceremony of the first phase of Looking back at the history of Hindus in MK, it seems that MKHA the building project soon. Our biggest goal will be to ensure that the has been known under various other names. Before 1984, this was prayer hall is completed this year as the Architects have already got the Hindu Cultural Association. The organisation then became the the ball rolling. We now ask for your help and support for this dream Sanatan Dharma Vedant Mandir. The Milton Keynes Hindu to be finally fulfilled. Association evolved around 1996. I would like to thank all the associations and especially the past Presidents and committees The MKHA committee work together to serve the community and it who have contributed to the success of MKHA over the years. gives us tremendous encouragement when we receive positive It must also be noted that there were attempts to create a temple feedback from the community so please let us know your thoughts. going back to 1990, but unfortunately due to obstacles, this did not We welcome any new ideas and always appreciate your support materialise. However, it is now time for MKHA to make a permanent whether it is through donations or other assistance. Working together, mark in the community by finally building the long awaited Hindu com- we promise to perform even better in 2017. munity centre in Broughton. President MKHA In the last 2 years the MKHA committee has worked extremely hard in organising various activities for all Hindus in MK. One of these was the Shiv Katha which took place last year and was a huge success, bringing everyone together in the true community spirit. This proved MKHA building project update The good news is that building work is expected to start during 2017 We are making progress with the application to Natural England, now submitted and are expecting a response early June. Once approved the specialist company will start their work. We would also like to announce that our architects are now finalising the design and costings for the building and are working with MKHA to start work on site in the Autumn. Watch out for further announcements. The community will have opportunity to obtain further information during events planned in the summer. In the meantime thank you for your continued support and patience.P4

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Events hosted by MKHA in 2016 & 2017Shiv Katha Shiv KathaJanmashtami Janmashtami Nand Utsav & MelaNand Utsav & Mela Navratri Navratri Annakut Annakut Diwali showP6

Pre Christmas Party Pre Christmas Party ShivratriShivratri Lohri HoliHoli Ram Navmi & Hanuman Jayanthi Ram Navmi & Hanuman JayanthiLadies dinner and dance Ladies dinner and dance Ladies dinner and dance P7

Our grateful thanks!! Former MKHA president Roshanlal Bhabutta MKHA trustees and committee together with all our members would wish to say a big thank you to our former president Roshanlal Bhabutta who served the charity selflessly over many years. His tireless and comitted dedication is much applauded and appreciated by all. With thanks also to Pushpaji Bhabutta who was always at his side assisting over the years. Former MKHA trustee Ashok Tosar To Ashok Tosar, (Chair of Trustees), who after 20 years of dedicated and loyal service to MKHA, now wishes upon retirement to take time out and pursue all those things one can only really do once retired!! Ashok joined MKHA initially as committee member, then took up the treasurer post and latterly as Trustee Chair. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in drafting the current Constitution, charity governance issues and chaired the building project. In addition he gave guidance in all manner of issues that arose from time to time. His calm, reassuring manner, his pragmatism, his wisdom and professionalism in his conduct throughout his time at MKHA are attributes which will be sorely missed by all . That said, MKHA is delighted that Ashok will continue to guide and assist not only with the building project, but will ‘lend a hand’ whenever the need arises!! New trustee Sunil Gandhi Having lived in Milton Keynes for over 30 years, and as a former president of MKHA, I feel passionate about the Association and what it stands for. MKHA has done a great deal of good work over the years, and I look forward to making my contribution in the future. ... and our apologies In compiling this edition of Sandesh we will no doubt have inadvertently omitted to thank individuals and organisations deserving of acknowledgement for their valued contribution over the years. Even as the issue goes to press we recall names, events and anecdotes worthy of mention, but there is simply no time to include them! To all those we offer our sincere thanks and hope for their continued participation in the future.P8

Francesca Skelton’sthank you messageDear Darshana Please also convey my thanks to the dedicated and hard working team who organised this lovely evening and to the splendid men whoThank you for inviting me to the Milton Keynes Hindu Association La- looked after us, serving the delicious food.dies Dinner and Dance. I enjoyed it so much. Thank you for the warmwelcome, good food, great music and marvellous dancing. As Chair of the Arts and Heritage Alliance Milton Keynes I can testifyI was full of admiration for all the gorgeous colours and decorated to how the Hindu Community enriches our culture in Milton Keynes,fabrics everyone was wearing and I loved the whole, vibrant and it is excellent to experience this so powerfully in our 50th birthdayatmosphere. How positive the Hindu community is, gathering together year, when we come together to celebrate all that is good into celebrate and dance across the generations. It was a privilege to Milton Keynes.be amongst you. Thank youI am normally very reserved and awkward about dancing and preferto be an observer but, the spirit of the room, so relaxed and joyful, Chair AHA-MKthe compelling singing, the great band, and the good, welcomingcompany of the ‘Hindu Ladies’ inspired me and got me up on the floorvery happily, so astounding myself!Many thanks to your colleagues, the Trustees and Executive Board ofthe Milton Keynes Hindu Association, for the honour of their invitation.Sweets & Eggless Cakes Mistry Mehndi for every occasion Stress free luxuryUnique creations for special events. Asha MistryContact Veena to discuss your requirements. 07903 953960 [email protected] t: 01908 230254 m: 07803 166524 www.facebook.com/mistrymehndi e: [email protected] P9www.veenascakes.com

MKHA Mandir Ferry Meadows Close, Broughton, MK10 9QY Bhajan & Aarti Sri Siddhi Vinayak Deity Pooja, Bhajans and Aarti Every Sunday 7pm - 8pm Aarti at 7.30pm Every Saturday 5pm - 6pm Pooja preparation See updated mandir times 6pm - 6.45pm Kalasa pooja, Abishekam on MKHA Website 6.45pm - 7:30pm Alankaram, Bhajans For pooja, darshan and other special occasions why not visit the mandir Contact MKHA on: 0300 365 1008 | [email protected] | www.mkha.orgP10

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Hindu Calendar 2017 Check Facebook and website for updates JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER 4th Molakat Vrat starts 7th Raksha Bandhan Navratri (21st – 29th) 6th Jaya Parvati Vrat starts 15th Krishna Janmashtami 8th Molakat Jagran 21st – 23th At Stantonbury 9th Guru Purnima (Save the date and check website for updates) 11th Jaya Parvati Jagran 7.30pm - Midnight 25th Ganesh Chaturthi 24th At Stantonbury 4pm - 8pm 25th – 27th At MKHA Mandir 28th – 29th At Stantonbury 7.30pm - Midnight (Aatham is on 28th) Stantonbury Address: Sports Hall, Stantonbury Leisure Centre, Stantonbury, Milton Keynes, MK14 6BN OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER 7th Sharad Poonam 1st Tulsi Vivah 25th Christmas Day 26th Boxing Day At Stantonbury 5th Diwali Show 7.30pm - Midnight (Save the date and check website for updates) 17th Dhan Teras 18th Kali Chaudas 19th Diwali / Lakshmi Pooja 20th Annakut New yearP12

Milton Keynes Hindu CommunityBhagvad Gita & Hare Krishna PongalResearchers have found that we process 50,000 thoughts daily- On Saturday 14 January 2017, the Tamil community of Miltonso our minds have a lot of traffic. Keynes celebrated Ponggal (the Harvest Festival) with a grand show of dances, drama and debate at the Stantonbury LeisureThis makes it difficult to make decisions and often we sacrifice Centre. The event, organised jointly by the Milton Keynesour family and time for things that don’t really matter. Tamil Forum, the Milton Keynes Murugan Temple Trust, the Milton Keynes Tamil Academy, and the Thaayakam SportsCan we be happier in our short time here? Club, was supported by funding from the Milton Keynes Community Foundation.Can our sacred texts provide practical insights? The Mayor, Councillor Steve Coventry, and the Mayoress wereFor further details Contact: the Chief Guests. Several other local dignitaries (including fromShyam Kakkad the MK Hindu Association) also attended the five-hour event07940130335 which involved more than 120 young artistes. The Mayor, in his speech to the gathering, said in Tamil “Thai piranthaal, valli pirakum”, meaning the birth of January, brings a path to betterment. Needless to say, this was well-received by the audience. There was a delicious range of food and drink on sale, and a Raffle with the First Prize being a gold chain. Thaayakam Sports Club presented all the guests with free, very tasty ponggal (sweet rice made with milk, jag- gery, raisins and nuts) and chundal (brown chick peas with coconut pieces, mustard seeds and other spices) and this was much appreciated by everyone. P13

30 years of Shiv Shakha Milton Keynes 1985 1989 2007 Start Shiv Shakha Virat Hindu Raksha Bandhan Milton Keynes Samalan Rakhi for the mayor Shiv Shakha has been in existence in Milton Keynes since 1985. Krishna Janmashtami We meet at Stantonbury Campus on Sunday mornings 2006 between 10am - 12pm. National Sewa Day Shakha aims and main activities: 2014 • To emphasise the building of character and self-discipline in individuals • Physical activities include exercises, yoga, ball games (football, cricket, baseball), Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Ring • Celebration of Hindu festivals • Educate our youth in the Hindu ideals and way of life • Day outings and camping weekends • Create harmonious and healthy relations within the society • Provide services to society and charitable causes For further information contact: Vinod Mistry 07976 295652P14

2014 2015 2016First SEWA day in International day 30 years Milton Keynes of yoga CelebrationsHindu Sanghathan Raksha Bandhan 150 Years Swami Diwas 2006 2007 Vivekananda Birth Centenary 2013Inaugural International Milton Keynes Shiv Shakha National Khel Day of Yoga 30 years celebration Pratiyogita 2015 2016 2017 P15

Mrs Jaya RowArticulate, effective and engaging, Mrs Jaya Row brings alive the • World Economic Forum, Davoswisdom of the Vedas in a modern context. Combining her experience • Google, Californiain corporate life with 40 years of study and research of Vedanta she • Intel, Californiaprovides useful insights to life. • MasterCard, New York • World Bank, Washington DCCharming oration which transforms complex Vedic principles into • Deutsche Bank, New Yorkbrilliant management mantras is the hallmark of Mrs Row’s • Stockholm School of Economicsdiscourses. Her clarity, wit and zeal have captivated audiences far • Princeton University, New Jerseyand wide and inspired people from all walks of life. • Shell UK, London • Coca Cola Company, AtlantaMrs Row has the rare gift of being able to connect with and address • Young Presidents’ Organizationthe concerns of a wide range of people from varied walks of life – • Maersk Liner Graduate Programmefrom CEOs, corporate executives and policy makers to industrialists,scientists & doctors, lawyers, academicians, homemakers and Mrs Row has specially designed world-class educational programsuniversity students. on basic human values for school children and the youth. She has published books on life values for 5 to 8 year olds.Apart from her popular discourses in India, she is a well loved speak-er in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and other Profile of the perfect person by Mrs Jaya Rowcountries for the last several years. She has been invited to speak Sunday 25th June 2017, 11.30am -12.30pmat prestigious organisations such as: Shenley Brook End School, Walbank Grove, Shenley Brook End, Milton Keynes, MK5 7ZT OCCASIONS HAIRSTYLES For that special event…. Various styles of plaits and braids – French, Dutch, fish, fountain, single, double, part, side... Prices starting from £7. Milton Keynes appointments only. Contact Varsha for further details. Email: [email protected] Tel: 0789 646 0633 IT CONSULTANCY SERVICE supporting your business from start to finish! OUR SERVICES IT MANAGEMENT & SOLUTIONS | GRAPHIC DESIGN | WEBSITE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT MOBILE APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT | MARKETING & COMMUNICATION IT SUPPORT & MAINTENANCE SERVICES IT Infrastructure Management Data Migration & Conversion Business & Logo Branding Marketing Product Design Bespoke CMS Websites E commerce Solutions Blog & Content Writing Website Re-designing & development Hardware & Software Support Hosting & Domain Service Search Engine Optimisation Social Media Optimisation Pay Per Click Organic Page Research GET IN TOUCH NOW:074 2524 7932 [email protected]

Education For futher details contact MKHA on: 0300 365 1008 MKHA Classes Every FridayGUJARATI CLASSES [email protected] Venue www.mkha.org From age 3 to G.C.S.E The Hazeley Academy, MKHA TEACHERS TRAINING Emperor Drive, Hazeley, Milton Keynes, MK8 0PT “MKHA have been operating for over 40 years in Milton Keynes providing Gujarati lessons to children. Irem Syed and I were invited to assist the Term Dates: teachers in formalising the use of lesson plans. For a good, well established supplementary school lesson planning is vital to provide Summer Term - Apr - Jul 2017 evidence and record of the teaching, as well as demonstrating the Autumn Term - Sep - Dec 2017 differentiation within the class. Several different styles of lesson plans were shown to the teachers and volunteers in attendance and details on Preschool classes - For ages 3yrs to 5yrs, Friday 6.30pm to 7.30pm how to complete the lesson plan were shared with the staff. Lesson plans should be used to show the lesson aims. Advance classes - For ages 5yrs to G.C.S.E level, Friday 6.30pm to 8.30pm By planning a lesson in advance time management can be considered and also notes can be added to show what worked well or what did not. Our Aims This provides a permanent record of what was taught and can be utilised • To enable children to feel happy and confident. • An ethos of support, challenge and encouragement year after year as a basic for the lessons and developed as required. The staff took this idea on board and demonstrated their knowledge, to succeed. commitment and dedication by agreeing to trial the plans and their desire • A learning partnership between school, home and the to improve the standards at MKHA Gujarati school to be able to expand Hindu community. the school and ensure it continues to thrive and grow. The lessons at the school are already vibrant and engaging. Now the staff can demonstrate • Encourage to learn prayers, songs and celebrate Hindu festivals throughout the year. this through more detailed records and plans.” Lisa Boyd *Book a Free Trial session today* Supplementary Schools Mentor HARMONIUM CLASSES BOLLYWOOD CLASSES Adult Classes Children Bollywood Classes (Age 4 -18) Monday, 7pm to 8pm (term time only) Every Saturday morning (term time only) Children’s Classes First Trial lesson Free!!!Monday, 6pm to 7pm (during summer break) Term dates: April - July 2017 / September - December 2017 £5 per session Venue Venue Hazeley school, Emperor Drive, Hazeley, Milton Keynes, MK8 0PT(To be payable at the first MKHA Mandir, Ferry Meadow Close,session for block booking) Broughton, MK10 9QY P17

Celebrating 50 Years! Namaste, We also wish our chair of trustees, Ashok Tosar farewell, but definitely not a ‘goodbye’, for the exemplary service he has given Hoping that you are enjoying our Souvenir edition of Sandesh – to MKHA over the past 20 years. a true credit to our dedicated Sandesh team. Our thanks also to the former editor of Sandesh, Ashok Cham- MKHA is proud to be the umbrella Hindu organisation of Milton paneri whose commitment and efforts have brought the maga- Keynes. A charity that is well recognised and respected within zine to where it is today. Vijay Kaliaperumal joins us as a volun- Milton Keynes and nationwide. We welcome all Hindus and teer to undertake Hinduism classes for our youngsters. indeed others, to join our membership. We are pleased to note We thank Vijayji for coming forward and will support him and his that our membership boasts Hindus from the four corners of students in every way possible. India, hence we benefit from the rich heritage and culture this unity brings to MKHA. 2017 is noteworthy for MKHA as the ground -breaking ceremony for its long awaited community centre will be taking place soon. We value immensely our close links with the various other local Hindu organisations and the mutual support provided by each Finally, on behalf of the trustees, I wish to thank all the to the other. Though our language and dialects may be different, committee members and the numerous volunteers without the common thread of Hinduism and the varied forms of worship whose time and effort none of our functions nor indeed the that bind us are obvious. compilation of this souvenir edition would have been possible. As we celebrate the 50th birthday of Milton Keynes, 2017 is also Please do let us have your feedback on this edition and indeed special in that it sees the appointment of the very first Hindu generally, in relation to the various activities organised by us. High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire. Our congratulations to Mr Peter Kara who took up the post in April. Trustee 2017 sees a new trustee joining MKHA. We are delighted to welcome Sunil Gandhi, a name many of you will be familiar with as he is of course a former president of MKHA. A very warm welcome back.P18

MK Celebrating 50 years of MK MelaMKHA is proud to present&Saturday 8th July Campbell Park, Navin Silbury Blvd Kundra Milton Keynes Live on MK9 4AD Stage Mela - 12pm to 7pmColour Fest - 3pm to 5pmFOOD - DANCE - MUSIC - DJ - STALLS - COLOUR THROWING Colour Tokens £5 ( £4 in advance) Prepare to be covered Spectacular Head to Toe in Vibrant Colour FREEPerformances ADMISSION Delicious Food on Stage Stalls selling all types of Indian Goods MelaMK & MKHA (Registered Charity No: 802344) www.mkha.org • 0300 365 1008 • [email protected] P19

Join us for a fun packed day on July 8th 2017 in Campbell Park Milton Keynes The MK Mela and Colour Fest will be the highlight of MKHA’s Stall holders from across the UK will be selling all types of Indian celebration of Milton Keynes’ 50th Birthday and will bring together Goods and Wares. Beauticians and artists will allow you to transform the various communities of MK, celebrating with Music, Dance, yourself into a Bollywood Queen or Hero – preparing you for the Food and Colour! highlight of the day – the Colour Fest. A Mela is a Fair/Fete – with added Indian Flair! Based on the festival of Holi, the Colour Fest is an event definitely not to be missed – let yourself go and immerse yourself in a carnival The main stage will be hosting a variety of dazzling performances and atmosphere with Music, Dancing and lots and lots of Colour Throwing! demonstrations through out the day, with a DJ ensuring a summer Be prepared to be covered head to toe in vibrant colour! party atmosphere. Keep checking back on our website as we release details of the Navin Kundra will be perfoming Live on Stage! programme over the coming weeks, and join in the discussion on our Facebook events page: Emmets will be bringing all of the fun of the fair! Facebook: Milton Keynes Hindu Association Website: www.mkha.orgP20

NavinKundra Colour FestNavin Kundra is a British singer/songwriter, who writes, composes Based on the festival of Holi, the Colour Fest is an event definitelyand performs songs in Hindi, Punjabi and English. With a fan base not to be missed – as recently seen in the TV programmeof over 3 million people and growing, Navin has achieved six number “The Good Karma Hospital”, let yourself go and immerse yourselfone singles in the Asian Charts, and won the 2013 ‘Entertainer of the in a carnival atmosphere with Music, Dancing and lots and lots ofYear’ Award in the Houses Of Parliament. In 2011, he became an Colour Throwing!ambassador for the British Asian Trust, founded by HRH The PrinceOf Wales and used his music to break a Guinness World Record Be prepared to be covered head to toe in vibrant colour!raising £10,000 for the Trust. In 2012, Navin was appointedambassador of the diabetes charity, Silver Star, founded by Keith Where do I get the colour from?Vaz MP whose patrons include Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchanand Shilpa Shetty. Since becoming one of their ambassadors, Navin Colour will be available for purchase on the day.has helped the charity raise in excess of £10,000 by performing atfundraising events across the UK. As a popular youth icon, Navin also 5 Bags for £5 Tokenuses his position as a role model to inspire the youth and delivers anumber of talks at youth conferences across the UK. In October 2013, (Tokens will be on sale in the MKHA marquee).Navin became the first British Asian singer to be invited to St James’Palace to perform for TRH Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, To avoid disappointment and guarantee your colour,Duchess of Cornwall along with other distinguished guests in you can buy your tokens on our website in advance forNovember 2015, Navin was a headline performer at WembleyStadium in London, England for the historic visit of the PM of India, £4 saving yourself 20%!Shri Narendra Modi Advance Sales close on 20th June 2017.From Wikipedia P21

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Fun pageMKHA MANDIR BLETCHLEY PARK HOCKEY STADIUMTHE POINT XSCAPE WILLEN LAKE THE HUB ROUNDABOUTS INTU MILTON KEYNES NATIONAL BOWL CONCRETE COWS THE OPEN UNIVERSITYPEACE PAGODA MK DONS P23

Shona’s Bollywooddance journey My Bollywood dance journey began after I attended my first I would like to take this opportunity to thank MKHA for introducing me Bollywood dance workshop organised by MKHA at the age of 7. to Bollywood dance and giving me the chance to perform and teach Although I had never seen a Bollywood film, I was blown away by at so many amazing events. I would also like to thank my parents for the elegance and vibrancy of Bollywood dance and forced my mother being my managers, taxi drivers and my biggest supporters. to enrol me for classes on the spot. Fortunately, I have had excellent dance teachers throughout my life. By Shona Shah Once I progressed to the adult class, I began assisting the younger group. From this I developed a love for teaching and ran my first solo workshops from the age of 12. In 2013, I opened Shona Shah’s School of Dance through which I aimed to introduce beginners to the joys of Bollywood dancing. I have used my workshops to raise money for charities including Barnardo’s, Willen Hospice and Scope which are all extremely worthwhile causes. Throughout my dance career I have represented MKHA at numerous events. My first solo performance was at the MKHA Diwali show, for which I remember auditioning in my horse-riding clothing, but I loved the feeling of being on stage and sharing my passion for dance with an audience. Particular highlights include performing at MK theatre for Milton Keynes’ 40th birthday and reaching the final of the UK Bollywood Dance Championships in 2008. For my achievements in the world of dance and my charity work I have been awarded the MK Pride Award, Bhabhutta Cup and Aviva Star Award. In the future I would like to continue to share my passion for dance, help people have fun and improve people’s confidence.P24

Local schools visitMKHA Community CentrePadbury School Unfortunately, time passed too quickly and it was soon time to get back on the coach and return to school. On the way home theLast week, I was fortunate enough to accompany a class of year 3 children chatted excitedly about the things they had seen, heard andand 4 children on a visit to the Milton Keynes Hindu Association Cen- experienced during their visit. They repeated things they had heardtre in Broughton, Milton Keynes. from Manjula, commented on the beauty of the shrine and talked about which of the Gods and Goddesses they would like to learnWe were greeted at the door by Manjula who welcomed us into the more about.Mandir and proceeded to bring alive the Hindu religion to our groupof 7 and 8 year olds. This was a truly enjoyable and enriching experience, made all the more special by our amazing host, Manjula. We cannot thank herManjula sat with the children in front of the beautiful shrine area and enough for the effort she put into our visit and for making us all feelcaptured their attention with descriptions of some of the many Hindu so welcome. Visits to the places of worship of other religions is such aGods and Goddesses and with other fascinating details about Hindu- worthwhile and valuable experience for many reasons. Not only doesism, it’s traditions, customs and beliefs. it open children’s eyes to the wonders of other religions but it also ensures our children grow up with an understanding, appreciation andThe children had come prepared with many questions and they were tolerance for the wonderful variety of life.clearly keen to add to their existing knowledge of Hinduism. Manjulaanswered all their questions with impressive detail thus ensuring the Liann Sheldrick (Padbury School Teacher)children would go back to school armed with lots of information to usein their follow-up lessons. MKHA team would like to thank Padbury School for their kind donation of £25 towards the building project.The children were then allowed to explore the centre and to play aselection of Hindu instruments, draw pictures of Hindu Gods andGoddesses and make rangoli patterns. Much fun was had by all andthe children really appreciated this time to ‘explore’ the activities onoffer. In this way, their learning was made more meaningful and thewhole experience was more memorable for them. Buckingham School “Thank you for making our trip to MKHA Mandir exciting and educational. Manjula put in a lot of effort in organising and planning for our trip, all the children enjoyed learning about Hinduism and loved doing the Rangoli patterns. Some of the students even had a go at playing traditional musical instruments. Thank you again for a letting us visit. The children are still talking about it and referring back to.” Many thanks, Sarah (Buckingham School) P25

Wellbeing Bowel Cancer With the increase in stress levels today, as well as our bad diets and lifestyle, bowel cancer is on the increase. Ayurveda recommends the following as a prevention to bowel cancer 1 Start the morning with half a glass of water that has been soaked in a copper vessel overnight. 2 Include ginger and turmeric in your diet. 3 Eat the leaves of the drumstick plant at least once a week 4 Do not overload the stomach 5 Follow a gut cleansing regime regularly. 6 Keep stress away. 7 Meditate daily 8 Drink 8 glasses of water daily 9 Always be happy By Vani Moodley Yoga classes Yoga class for Ladies Every Thursday 6.45pm to 7.45pm Germander Park School Conniburrow Milton Keynes MK14 7DU Yoga Class Mixed Every Fridays 6.15pm to 7.15pm Germander Park School Conniburrow Milton Keynes MK14 7DUP26

Chocolate Fountain:Layout 1 19/07/2012 13:26 Page 1Chocolate Fountain HireBedfordshire • Buckinghamshire • Hertfordshire • CambridgeshireNorthamptonshire • Warwickshire • Leicestershire • Midlands.When you hire a chocolate fountain from Chocolatier Fountains you get to taste the finest Belgianchocolate with a superior service.A chocolate fountain is perfect for christenings, engagement parties, weddings, birthday parties, garden parties, anniversary parties, house warmings, corporate events and much more. Whatever your event, we can provide a chocolate fountain centre piece to make mouth’s water.We have provided chocolate fountains to many establishments, including Goldman Sachs,The Mail on Sunday, Sony and many others. Even the odd celebrity has dipped in (Myleene Klass, Lee Ryan from Blue). Contact: T: 07879 623111 E: [email protected] W. www.chocolatierfountains.co.ukChampagne Fountain Candy Floss Machine Popcorn Machine Pick & Mix Chocolate Fountains P27

Adult recipes Channa paneer veggies kebab Ingredients: Method: Kiranben Somaia Veenaben Pankhania 1 cup soaked and cooked chick • Mix together all the ingredients and mix into peas drained a smooth dough. ¼ cup Grated carrot, • Heat the oil for deep frying and shape 1 ¼ cup Cabbage kebab and fry in hot oil. ¼ cup Onion • If it does not fry well you will need to add ½ cup Boiled and mashed potatoes more breadcrumbs. I say this because the 1 cup Grated paneer. frying depends on the quality of the potato To taste Green chillies (finely chopped) used and also the chick peas. To taste Coriander (finely chopped) To taste Mint leaves (finely chopped) Tangy sauce (mix together to taste): To taste Crated ginger (finely chopped) 1 tsp Garam masala powder • Ketchup, mustard, chilli sauce, honey A pinch Cumin seeds and lemon juice A pinch Cumin powder • Add to this chopped onions, A pinch Turmeric powder coriander leaves, and green chillies To taste Salt and pepper to taste 2 tbsp lime juice 4-5 tbsp breadcrumbs or more if you need it To cook Oil for deep frying Ferari Cake (Suitable for Fasting) Ingredients: Wet ingredients 6oz Ferari flour (from Asian foodstores) • Heat the butter in a saucepan. 4oz Milk Powder • Add condensed milk and stir 2oz Coconut flour (desiccated coconut) until properly mixed 3oz Unsalted butter • Add warm water and then 300ml Condensed milk (3/4 can) vanilla essence. 250ml Warm water 1.5 tsp Bicarbonate soda Dry ingredients 1 tsp Vanilla essence Handful Raisins or nuts (optional) • Mix together the ferari flour, milk powder and coconut. Method • Add bicarbonate soda. • Mix wet mixture to dry ingredients. • Preheat oven to 150 degree centigrade • Batter should be smooth but (fan oven) slightly more runny than normal • Line 8 inch square cake tin with cake mix consistency. greaseproof paper or grease the tin • Bake in the middle of the oven for with a little melted butter 30 minutes until golden brown. • Turnover on a cooling rack and cut into slices when cool. • Enjoy cake..…even when fastingP28

Fun recipes for kids Karan Odedra, 17 Janki Pankhaniya, 16Strawberry Smoothie P29Ingredients:4/5 Big fresh strawberries.1 Fresh banana, peeled.1 cup Almond or soya milk1 tbsp Honey, if needed to sweeten.2 tsp Chia (Takmoria) seeds soaked in water.Method:• Add all ingredients to a blender, except chia (Tukmoria) seeds• Blend until smooth• Pour the smoothie into cups• Spread soaked chia (Takmoria) seeds on top• Serve immediately.Vegetable pastaIngredients: Method:2 tbsp Sunflower oil • Put the pasta on to boil.1 Small onion • Chop the onions and garlic.2 cloves Garlic • Wash and chop the mushrooms.4 Mushrooms (optional) • Heat the oil in a sauce pan.1/2 tin Sweetcorn (small tin) • Add the onions, garlic, mushrooms and 200g Pasta Simmer until brown.½ tsp Salt • Blend the tomatoes until smooth and½ tsp Lasan wari chutney add to the saucepan.1 tsp Dhana jeeru • Season with salt, lasan wari chutney, ¼ tsp Hardar dhana jeeru, hardar and simmerBlock Cheese (small black) for 5-7 minutes. • Add the sweetcorn.Tips: • Check the pasta is cooked, then drain and add to the pasta sauce and mix well. • Use whole wheat pasta as a Heat through for 5 minutes. healthier option. • Top with some grated cheese.• Add any vegetables you like: • Serve with a side of salad. courgettes, peppers, etc. • Enjoy!• Enjoy this as a meal or a lunchbox item.

40 years of MKHA1996 / 1997 1997 1997 / 19981997 / 1998 1997 / 1998 1997 / 19981999 2000 2000 2001 2001 2001P30

2002 2002 20032003 20032004 2004 20032005 2005 2005 2005 P31

40 years of MKHA 2005 2005 2005 2007 2007 2006 2007 2008 2009 2009 2007 2008P32

2009 2009 20102010 20112012 2013 20112014 2014 2013 2015 P33

Our saviours MKHA Volunteers Thank you to the 3 ladies Jyotsnaben Patel, Urvashiben Patel and Binaben Patel as for last 2 years for Navratri have done few buckets of prashad which entails roasting and cutting nuts as well as mixing. They also did the same for Shiv Katha over 7 days. They are happy to do same for future events too. Shakha Seva Day A huge thank you to the Shakha Group who have given the community centre a new lease of life as part of Seva day! Despite a late night the day before with Sharad Poonam and the heavy rain in the morning - the team and their families gave up their Sunday and started at 9am, giving the community centre a deep clean and new coats of paint! Please join us in congratulating the team and thanking them for their efforts! A thank you to Subway @MK Rail Station - who kindly provided much needed fuel for the team. A call for volunteers MKHA requests persons of any age and skill set to activities for all age groups. If you can help, we would volunteer by performing selfless acts for the good of love to hear from you! the community. All that is required is some of your time and a smile. Please contact the secretary on 0300 365 1008 The Association is striving to serve the Hindu com- “Your time - every minute, every munity by actively organising events and fund raising hour, you give makes a difference”P34

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Changes to membership We are pleased to announce that we are upgrading our membership system and going digital! Membership Administration What Happens Next: Up until recently, MKHA membership management has been a man- We are currently updating the online portal with details of all current ual process, with paper forms needed to be completed by members and past members. If you have not already, you will shortly receive and payments made by cash or cheque. This meant that practically, an email with details of how to access your membership details. we could only offer membership renewals once a year at Navratri. If you do not hear from us by 1st August 2017 then please email This discouraged new members from joining at other times of the [email protected] with your membership details. year as they would be paying the same amount but getting a smaller membership period. Once you receive your email, please log in and check that we have your correct address, email address and other details. These will be We are now moving to an online database which will: used to send our your membership cards – which you will need to show at events to benefit from the special members only prices. • Allow you to renew and join online • Allow you to amend/view your details at any time Please also indicate where you wish to continue to receive Sandesh • Allow membership to run for one full calendar year from the date by post or where you would prefer an online digital copy. of joining • Provide automatic renewal reminders To help us in the transition to the online portal – please email • Provide members with a physical membership card with a unique [email protected] with your latest details and membership QR code which can be scanned at events to unlock discounts number (if known) so that we can ensure you start benefitting and benefits straight away! • Allow members to opt in/out to receive Sandesh by post or digitally Membership rates £2001 Membership Benefits £101 Patron £12 Under the old system, it was not easy to allow us to provide unique Life Memebership (Individual) £5 benefits to members – something which members have been Annual (Over 18) Free asking for! Annual (Over 65 +) Annual (Under 18) From 1st August, members will be guaranteed the following benefits: • Minimum of 20% off ticket prices for all MKHA events • Minimum of 10% off fees for educational classes • Minimum of 10% off venue hire • Minimum of 10% off all other chargeable items – ie stall fees at functions, Sandesh advertising etc • Receive a printed copy of Sandesh in the post if requested (Non members will only be able to view Sandesh online on our website)P36

Notice is hereby given that the Annual generalMeeting of Milton Keynes Association will be held on Sunday 3rd September 2017 at 3:00pm At MKHA Community Centre, Ferry Meadows Close, Broughton, Milton Keynes, MK10 9QYAGENDA The following positions1 Welcome are open for election:2 Apologies • President3 Minutes of the previous AGM • Vice President4 Presentation of Accounts • Secretary5 Appointment of Auditors • Assistant Secretary6 Presentation of the • Treasurer Annual Report • Assistant Treasurer7 Election of the Management • 10 Executive Committee Committee Members’ posts8 AOB9 Closing remarksTerms and Conditions The following persons are disqualified fromIn accordance with our Constitution (clause 17.4)nomination for election to the Executive Committee nomination;can only be made by persons who are members of the A Those who have been convicted of any offence Charity. Members must be 18 years or over and have involving dishonesty or deceptionpaid full annual, life or patron based subscriptions. B Those who have been adjusted bankrupt or have had The nominations must be supported by two nominees a sequestration of their estate and (in neither) they who must be current paid up members of MKHA, andposted or emailed to the secretary of the executive have not been dischargedcommittee (Mr Rikesh Raichura) at least seven days C Those who have made a composition or arrangement before the Annual General Meeting (27th August 2017). with or granted a trust deed for, their creditors and Postal address: The Secretary, Milton Keynes Hindu have not been discharged in respect of itAssociation, Community Centre, Ferry Meadows D Those who have been removed from the office of any Close, Broughton, Milton Keynes, MK10 9QY organisation trustee or trustee for an organisation by Email address: [email protected] an order administration of the organisation for which they were responsible or to which they were privy or which they by their conduct contributed to or facilitated E Those who have been subject to a disqualification order under the company directors disqualification act 1986 or to an order made under section 429(2) (b) of the Insolvency act (failure to pay under country court cdministration order) P37

30 years in Milton Keynes Dear friends Jai Shree Krishna, We moved to Milton Keynes on Friday 1st May 1987. I feel like it was With her support I joined SDVM in July 1987. Special thanks to Bhavna yesterday, how time flies, I have got older but my memory is still fresh. and my children Tejal & Nakul for supporting me all these years. I would like to share some of it with you. The name of the organisation changed to Milton Keynes Hindu We knew only two families in Milton Keynes when we moved here. Association (MKHA) during the early 1990s. I remained as a committee I remember two ladies from Sanatan Dharma Vedant Mandir (SDVM) member and served the MKHA all these years voluntarily. came to my House in Stantonbury one Sunday morning during July 1987 to ask me if I could conduct and organise religious activities for The MKHA has come a long way since then. We have now acquired SDVM voluntarily. land for the community centre and a temporary Mandir (TCC), which I opened every Wednesday evening for three years. It was a big responsibility as my daughter was only one month old and The journey to this point has not come without its challenges however I I was travelling to London every day for work. I discussed it with my wish all the best to MKHA committee and hope we will have our Mandir wife, Bhavna, because it was not only my commitment but all my fam- and community centre soon. ily would become involved in organising the religious events. Bhavna convinced me that we are doing it for community and God and she was happy to support me. MKHA five-a-side football Since February 2017, a football session has been held at For further details please contact Stantonbury fields every Tuesday night at 8.30pm. So far the Ketan Mistry attendance and interest has been very good with approx. 16-18 peo- [email protected] ple playing, from ages between 25-40. It has been a great way 07966 392571 to meet new people within the community, whilst keeping active.P38

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