Neighbours Appreciation Day, London, UK
150+ local residents • 3 local schools • 33+ years of neighbourhood friendship
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London has fostered a strong sense of community spirit since its inauguration in August 1995.
As part of the Mandir’s 20th anniversary celebrations, more than 150 local residents were hosted at the Mandir on Thursday 21 May 2015.
The guests included representatives from three local schools, businesses including IKEA, Tesco and Europcar, staff from the nearby health centre, clergy from local churches and members of the neighbourhood police.
Each guest was warmly welcomed and personally looked after by a team of dedicated volunteers. Upon arrival, visitors had their photograph taken with the Mandir as a backdrop, which was later presented to them as a memento of their visit.
The visitors then enjoyed a special guided tour of the Mandir, including an exhibition showcasing the wide range of activities organised by the Mandir. They also watched a video explaining the Mandir’s construction and its continuing role as a hub for community services.
The Board of Trustees expressed their appreciation to the neighbours for their years of support and friendship, with some relationships extending back more than 33 years.
Girish Patel, one of the Mandir volunteers, explained that although the Mandir had welcomed royalty, heads of state and celebrities over the years, it had never lost sight of one of its most important supporters – its neighbours.
A sumptuous vegetarian meal followed, during which the neighbours shared their personal experiences of living near the ‘Neasden Temple’.
The evening gave local residents a greater understanding of the Mandir’s local, national and international contributions, while strengthening their sense of connection with the Mandir and appreciation for its role within the neighbourhood.
One resident later expressed their appreciation, saying, “Thank you for a wonderful evening. You made us all feel very special and part of your community. Everyone we met could not do enough for us and appeared happy that we were with you all. The Mandir is an amazing place, one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.”