Dharmaj Society of London (DHASOL) hosted the members’ annual gathering and dinner with CGNM at Sattavis Patidar Centre, Wembley on 23 July 2023 in the presence of special guests viz. former Mayor of Harrow Cllr Nitinbhai Parek, former Mayoress Hitaben Parek and C B Patel of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar.
Proceedings commenced with a welcome by DHASOL Secretary Rashmiben K Patel. The programme proceeded with the “Maru Dharmaj” song for which compelled the audience to stand up, applaud and cheer. DHASOL President, Mukundbhai Patel welcomed the guests and introduced the Chha Gam Presidents assembled on the stage: Bhadran Bandu Samaj – Bimalbhai Patel, Karamsad Samaj –Mahendrabhai Patel, Nadiad Nagrik Mandal – Jayshreeben Patel, Sojitra Samaj – Bhadreshbhai Patel, Vaso Nagrik Mandal – Pravinbhai Amin.
Introducing Mukundbhai explained, “Each of these organisations had been established here for over 50 years, with a view to keeping in touch with and retaining the original identity of rich culture & heritage inherited tracking back to their roots.”
As an acting Chairman, he updated the members on progress at CGNM and upcoming events for individual village associations and thanked the past CGNM Chairman, Dharmesh Desai for his contributions.
Mukundbhai announced that DHASOL trustees and committee members had authorised for the payment of £501.00 towards the Mayor’s favourite charity RITA, a dementia appeal at Northwick Park Hospital.
The President in his DHASOL report further mentioned, “In common with other similar charities and organisations, Covid-19 imposed considerable limitations in our usual activities and ability to raise donations for good causes. DHASOL team’s principal effort recently has been engaged in bringing up to the standard our little property acquired during the Covid-19 period – named Nat Nandi at 188-190 Kenton Road, Kenton, Harrow HA3 8BL.
“We have established modern facilities here with regular and community needs very much in focus, offering a subsidised platform to self-help community groups, set up to promote improved social wellbeing through regular activity promoting culture and improved lifestyles etc. i.e. Senior Ladies Group, Retired Members Group, Yoga classes.
“These activities are beginning to take off now and we encourage more to participate and indeed set up groups focused on community engagement. Our Nat Nandi Seniors Citizen Club celebrated its first anniversary in June with a packed house and is continuing to progress further since then. Here we have established a platform to enable seniors to meet once a month and socialise with light meals and entertainment for a nominal charge – a service heavily subsidised by DHASOL. Behind our success lies the dedication of our volunteering team comprising members from all CGNM gams and beyond setting an example of teamwork.
“Our sincere gratitude in particular to non-DHASOL members helping us in the establishment of NNSCC: Chandrakantbhai and Renukaben - KS, Jayrajbhai and Devikaben -BBS, Thakorbhai and Umaben – Sojitra.
“Special thanks to Umaben, Devikaben and Renukaben who have throughout worked very hard in the Kitchen in association with DHASOL ladies to serve freshly cooked food in plenty on the day.
"Also special thanks to DHASOL ladies and gents – Pushpaben, Ilaben, Ansuyaben, Nilaben, Malaben, Sonaliben, Jyotiben, Induben and others chipping in on a regular basis.
“We look forward to members’ ongoing support to make it a truly memorable DHASOL legacy for future generations in memory of our pioneers’ DHASOL spirits.”
Cllr Nitinbhai Parek emphasised for the community to work together and the need to encourage the younger generation to join and develop community self-help groups aimed at addressing issues faced by the elderly. He praises, “This was the first time he had come across a village having its own song”.
C B Patel, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar thanked for being invited to DHASOL Annual Gathering adding how he was proud of being connected to Dharmaj, it being his mum’s village (Mossar) and always considered himself to be 50% Dharmajian.
He applauded DHASOL for hosting an event incorporating the Chha Gam Nagrik Mandal at Sattavis Gam Patidar Centre. He recalled the early formation of Dharmaj Society around 1968 and in particular visiting the founding members, then residing at Trinity Road, Tooting Bec. He said that he also felt that DHASOL has achieved the most compared to any other village organisation and done the most amount of charitable work and contributed the most in the progress of their roots- village and vicinity.
Secretary Rashmiben introduced the trustees and committee to the members. In recognition of long dedicated service to DHASOL, Saurabhbhai Patel read out a tribute to Manharbhai H Patel, Managing Trustee ahead of the presentation of the shawl presented by Bhupebdrabhai and Dinubhai, fellow trustees.
