Happy New Year.
We begin 2016 and Oshwal Association of the UK is now in its 48th year as a community organisation here in the UK. What an incredible journey that has been. Much of it was recounted in the recent exhibition charting our history as part of the Derasar 10th Anniversary celebrations.
Looking back on 2015, it is probably a landmark year for OAUK with so many major events throughout the year. Starting in January 2015 with the visit of HRH The Prince of Wales.
April saw the opening of the newly refurbished assembly halls with unprecedented numbers in attendance. A truly memorable day.
Summer was a busy time in preparation for the Derasar 10th Anniversary Celebrations which were held over 4 days in August. The celebrations once again saw the coming together of our community with a fabulous stage play Mayansundari.
The Adhar Abhishek ceremony was performed on the grounds and within the Derasar as well as lectures and discussions on Jainism.
A wonderful exhibition charted our history from Osia.
There was a video created which charted our history and was viewed by the many visitors to the exhibition. This video is now on YouTube. It has been viewed over 10,000 times (linked below). Alternatively, navigate to YouTube and and search for “Oshwal Experience August 2015”, to see it.
A stavan and garba night saw talent from within the community performing on stage, followed by garbas that could have gone on all night long. We concluded with the Dhaja ceremony (changing of the flag) on the last day. A very memorable event.
Paryushan was celebrated in all the Areas.
This was followed by a Savantsari Bhojan. Three areas North, North East & North West came together to host a Samu Sanantsari Bhojan on one day. A beautiful day saw almost 4000 members attend Oshwal Centre and enjoy an opportunity to catch up with friends and family.
Oshwal Business & Professional Network held the first business dinner at Oshwal Centre, a superb evening where Oshwal professionals & businesses came together to meet, network and get to know one another. With a guest speaker and a presentation on the vision of OBPN, the event was a tremendous success.
An SGM was held in October to present a resolution for approval to agree the disposal of South London Mahajanwadi with a view to acquiring a new site for the
South Area. The presentations and the Q&A that followed offered members present an opportunity to understand the background to the resolution. It was then put to a ballot and was duly approved.
Diwali was celebrated first in Trafalgar Square with OAUK a key partner in the organising committee.
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Thousands of Londoners came and once again our volunteers manned the Sari stall, dressing visitors in free saris. We held Chopra Pujan at Oshwal Centre on Diwali day and at the weekend all the Areas came together for the Diwali celebrations at Oshwal Centre. The theme this year was how New Year is celebrated throughout the world.
 |  | In November we held a Health Awareness day which was an exceptional event. It was very well received by those attending as well as the many health professionals offering advice and services. |
We concluded with the Oshwal 32nd Inter-area sports days. The Oshwal Centre was packed with young and old at the prize giving. This year North West were the overall winners, although competition was tough. The excitement and enthusiasm of all the participants was a sight to see.
In between all of this, we hosted all the major religious events, regular Friday Anand Yatra’s as well as numerous Area activities. We have had visits from Councillors, Local MP’s and many faith groups. All in all, a very full year. To those that were with us at the very many events held, we hope that you enjoyed them and we thank you for your support and enthusiasm which makes this all so worthwhile. To the many volunteers who are always there, nothing can be possible without your dedication and we thank you.
Jai Oshwal
Raaxeet Harakhchand Shah
Hon President
Oshwal Association of the UK
Email: president@oshwal.org
