Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

SKLPC (UK) initiates construction of £20 million India gardens project in Northolt

Founded 50 years ago as an independent charitable organisation, SKLPC (UK) aims to enrich the lives of its members through education, sports, and culture

SKLPC (UK) initiates construction of £20 million India gardens project in Northolt

The Shree Kutch Leva Patel Community UK (SKLPC (UK), a prominent Hindu community in Ealing, London, recently commemorated a significant milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony. The event, which took place on Wednesday, 17 May 2023, marked the beginning of the construction of their state-of-the-art sports and community centre.

Located at West End Road, Northolt, Middlesex UB5 6RE, the centre is a self-funded £20 million project, a press release said.


Founded 50 years ago as an independent charitable organisation, SKLPC (UK) aims to enrich the lives of its members through education, sports, and culture.

With a current membership of over 25,000 individuals, the community has become an integral part of British society, contributing significantly to business, enterprise, community, and politics.

The construction project, named India Gardens, reflects SKLPC (UK)'s commitment to unity and improving the lives of its members and the local community.

The complex is designed to be a central hub for sports and community events, featuring modern facilities that inspire and nurture the sporting abilities of youth.

The community already boasts a well-established cricket club and hosts various tournaments and cultural festivals.

India Gardens will cater to people of all age groups, promoting health, mental well-being, and cultural preservation.

President Mavji Dhanji Jadva Vekaria 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."

According to the press release, the centre will offer social activities for the elderly, a child-friendly environment with a playground and café for young families, and enhanced facilities for sports such as badminton, volleyball, and football.

The construction project has been meticulously planned to blend harmoniously with the surrounding 18-acre green belt site.

Additionally, the London Borough of Ealing's head of planning has expressed enthusiasm for the project, anticipating an award-winning centre that will become a local landmark and a place where the wider community can gather and enjoy its exceptional facilities.

The foundation stone laying ceremony, known as the Shilanyas ceremony, a sacred Hindu ritual, will inaugurate the project, stated the press release.

Esteemed guests, including the High Commissioner of India, ministers, local MPs, mayors, councillors, community members, and generous SKLPC (UK) member donors, are expected to attend the ceremony.

On Monday, May 29 2023, the SKLPC (UK) community will come together to perform the Shilanyas pooja, and each member attending will have the opportunity to lay a brick in the foundation of the new complex.

Speaking about the achievement of the organisation, Ravi Dhanji Varsani, the General Secretary of SKLPC (UK) said, "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. This centre will truly be a testament to the values and spirit of our community."

SKLPC (UK) traces its origins back to the Kutch region in Gujarat, India. The community acquired its initial community centre situated in West Hendon, London. However, as the community flourished and grew, the need for a more spacious facility became evident and in 1996, the community acquired its current expansive 18-acre green belt site in Northolt, London.

More For You

british-muslims-iStock

The study noted that this identification was not due to any doctrinal obligation but was influenced by the perception that many Muslims do not feel fully accepted as British. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Majority of British Muslims identify by faith first, study finds

A STUDY by the Institute for the Impact of Faith in Life (IIFL) has found that most British Muslims identify primarily with their religion rather than their nationality.

The research, based on a survey of 815 British Muslim adults by Whitestone Insight, revealed that 71 per cent of respondents identified as Muslim first, while 27 per cent identified as British, English, or Scottish first.

Keep ReadingShow less
Car Tax Changes: EV Owners Now Required to Pay for the First Time

Owners of electric vehicles registered on or after 1 April 2025 will pay £10 for the first year, followed by the standard VED rate of £195 from the second year. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Car tax changes take effect: EV owners to pay for first time

FROM today, 1 April 2025, electric cars, vans, and motorcycles in the UK will be subject to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for the first time.

The change, introduced in the 2022 Autumn Statement by former Conservative Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, aims to make motoring taxation fairer.

Keep ReadingShow less
scotland-minimum-wages-iStock

Full-time workers on the National Living Wage will receive an annual pay increase of £1,400 in real terms. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Wage increase takes effect for thousands of workers in Scotland

HUNDREDS of thousands of workers in Scotland will see a pay increase as new National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates take effect from Tuesday.

The changes will benefit approximately 220,000 people, according to STV News.

Keep ReadingShow less
uk-energy-bill-iStock

Water bills, energy prices, and council tax are rising, while the minimum wage has also increased (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

April bill increases put financial strain on single parents

A RANGE of essential household bills are increasing from April, with Citizens Advice warning that single parents will be among the hardest hit.

Water bills, energy prices, and council tax are rising, while the minimum wage has also increased, BBC reported.

Keep ReadingShow less
Netflix drama Adolescence to be screened in UK schools
Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper in 'Adolescence'
Netflix

Netflix drama Adolescence to be screened in UK schools

THE NETFLIX drama Adolescence will be shown in UK secondary schools as part of efforts to address harmful online influences on young boys, officials announced on Monday.

The show has sparked debate over the impact of toxic and misogynistic content on the internet. Prime minister Keir Starmer met the show's creators, charities, and young people at Downing Street, calling the initiative an important step in starting discussions about the content teenagers are exposed to online.

Keep ReadingShow less