LONDON: India Gardens, an empowering new state-of-the-art hub for culture, heritage, wellbeing, growth and lasting legacy, is well on its way as the British Hindu charity behind this ambitious project held an auspicious ground-breaking ceremony for it recently.
It marked a significant milestone for the London-based Shree Kutch Leva Patel Community (SKLPC) UK, which has been spearheading the £20-million sports and community centre to be created in Northolt, Middlesex.
India Gardens, which will take approximately three years to construct, will feature modern facilities designed to inspire and nurture youth sporting abilities.
Sports facilities: SKLPC (UK) already boasts a well-established cricket club with seven teams participating in county leagues and over 125 colts in the training academy. It also hosts the largest Asian Five-A-Side football tournament every year, engaging more than 50 teams from juniors to seniors.
Their badminton league and volleyball tournament will also be enriched with enhanced facilities and increased youth training opportunities. The community also hosts the largest Navratri festival in Europe with over 3,000 attendees daily.
Mavji Dhanji Jadva Vekaria, President of SKLPC (UK), said: “India Gardens represents a culmination of our community’s growth and aspirations. We are immensely grateful for the support and dedication of our members, whose generosity has made this project possible.
“India Gardens will serve as a beacon of unity, offering a wide range of opportunities, covering sports and education to cultural activities, benefiting not only our members but also the wider community.”
Shilanyas held: The foundation-stone laying ceremony was attended last week by representatives from the High Commission of India in London, local politicians and community members. Ravi Dhanji Varsani, General Secretary of SKLPC (UK), noted: “The ceremony of India Gardens signifies a new chapter in our community’s journey.
We are thrilled to witness the realisation of our vision, providing our youth with modern facilities to develop their talents, and creating a nurturing environment for all age groups.
India Gardens will cater to the needs of all age groups, promoting health, mental wellbeing, and cultural preservation. The elderly members of the community will have the opportunity to enjoy social activities that celebrate their heritage, while families will benefit from a childfriendly environment complete with a playground and a café.
The SKLPC (UK) was established in the UK 50 years ago as an independently financed charitable organisation, aiming to enrich the lives of its members through education, sports, and culture.
With a membership of over 25,000 individuals, the SKLPC (UK) is seen as an integral part of British society, making valuable contributions in the realms of business, enterprise, community, and politics.
