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The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
1
This AGM issue is about to present to our members what
activities our organisation has been involved in during the
year 2013-2014.
It is also a form of record to pay gratitude & appreciation to
fellow office bearers, committee members & co- workers for
collectively working very hard during the year. In addition it
also contains an account of our financial status together with
reports & accounts of our community centre & trusts etc.
Once again we thank whole heartily to all the sponsors,
donors & advertisers in the Raghuvanshi magazine whose
valuable support did encourage us enormously indeed.
I should thank spot colour Ltd. For printing this AGM issue
in time and Ashokbhai Sodha for the hard work for verifying
and reporting on our financial statements.
Finally I would like to take this opportunity to wish the
incoming President & the new committee a very successful
year.
Dinesh Kotecha, Hon.Secretary
66 Old Church Lane,
Stanmore Middx HA7 2AR
LCNL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2013/2014
PRESIDENT
Deepakbhai Jatania
VICE PRESIDENT
Vinodbhai Thakrar
HON. SECRETARY
Dinesh Kotecha
HON. ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Deenesh Thakerar
HON. TREASURER
Pravinbhai Khangram
HON. ASSISTANT TREASURER
Yatin Dawada
SOCIAL SECRETARY
Pratapbhai Khagram
ASSISTANT SOCIAL SECRETARY
Pushpaben Karia
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
Kiritbhai Vithlani
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Dinesh Shonchhatra
Ashok Dattani
Jeet Ashvin Rughani
Rajnikant Sawjani
Rashmi Karia
Madhuben Popat
Sandeep Ruparelia
Vishal Sodha
Urmilaben Thakkar - MBE
Kantibhai Kakkad
BUILDING CHAIRPERSON
Amratlalbhai Radia
LCNL REPRESENTATIVES RCT TRUSTEES
Mansukhbhai Raichura
Dhirubhai Savani
LCNL REPRESENTATIVES LCF TRUSTEES
Manishbhai Sangani
Pratibhaben Lakhani
IMM. PAST PRESIDENT
Janubhai Kotecha
IMM. PAST SECRETARY
Vinodbhai Thakrar
REPRESENTATIVES OF LCNL MAHILA MANDAL
Sandhyaben Gandecha
Nutanben Jobanputra
Seemaben Devani
REPRESENTATIVE OF RCT
Ravi Tanna
Kamaleshbhai Kantaria
REPRESENTATIVES OF YLS
Reena Popat
Pooja Chotai
HON. AUDITORS
Ashokbhai M Sodha
Who will take my work! - Asked the setting sun.
“None” has the answer - In the whole world
An earthen lamp says humbly from a corner:
“I will my Lord, As best as I can”
Ravindranath Tagore
In that spirit of service and humility this bulletin has been
edited and compiled to provide the up to date reports
information and conclusion for the 2013/14 period
Mansukh Raichura
The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
2
Lohana Community north London
annuaL GeneraL meetinG 2014
notice
13th april 2014
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Community will be held on Sunday, 13th April
2014 at 3.00pm at GD Kantaria Hall, RCT Sports Ground, Headstone Lane, Harrow, Middlesex HA2 6NG.
aGenda1. Welcome by the President
2. Approval of the Minutes of the A.G.M. held on 28th March 2013.
3. Matters arising from the last A.G.M. 28th March 2013.
4. Report by the President
5. Report by the Hon. Secretary.
6. Report by the Treasurer – Presentation and approval of the Annual Accounts 2013/2014.
7. Report by the Social Secretary
8. Report by the Membership Secretary
9. Building Report 9b. Lohana Charitable Foundation
10. Reports by the Chairpersons / Convenors of sub-committees :
a) Affiliation b) Bereavement c) Business & Profession
d) Constitution e) Raghuvanshi Magazine f) Navratri
g) News & Events H) Family guidance i) Sports j) Website & E-news
11. Report by LCNL Mahila Chairperson
12. Report by RCT Chairperson
13. Report by Chairperson of Lohana Social Centre (Men & Women)
14. Report by YLS
15. The present committee to retire
16. Election of Office bearers and Executive Committee 2014/2015
17. Appointment of the Election Office / Reporting Accountant for the year 2014/2015
18. Any other business with the permission of the chair
dinesh Kotecha
Hon. Secretary (2013-14)
PLeaSe note:
As per the constitution nomination forms for the post of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer
must be filed not less than five (5) days before the date of the AGM and therefore must reach the Election Officer
by 3.00pm on 8th April 2014.
Nomination forms for all other officers, committee members and representative trustees can be directly submitted
to the Election Officer by Thursday 10th April 2014. Electronic transmission of the Nomination Form will be
acceptable to the Election Officer.
As per the constitution voting will be restricted to subscribing members only. Only paid members are eligible to
stand for elections.
Nomination forms are available from Hon. Secretary email : Dineshkotecha48@gmail.com or can be downloaded
from the website : www.lcnl.org
The LCNL A.G.M. 14th April 2013
3
Lohana Community north Londonminutes of the annual General meeting
held on Sunday 14th april 2013 at 3.00pm
at Gd Kantaria hall, headstone Lane,
harrow, middlesex, ha2 6nG
The meeting commenced at 3.40pm after the membership secretary confirmed that there was a quorum. The
meeting started with the prayers and a minute’s silence was observed for the departed souls during the year.
The Secretary, Bharatbhai Sodha, welcomed all the members at the AGM and announced that no further
nomination forms will be accepted by the election officer.
1 Welcome by the President
LCNL President, Deepakbhai Jatania formally welcomed the members to the AGM and requested the Secretary
to continue with the Agenda.
2 minutes approval
Before the previous AGM’s minutes were discussed the Secretary pointed out correction on page 1 of the 2013
AGM issue to read 2012/2013 and not 2011/2012. The previous AGM’s minutes were approved, proposed by
Chandubhai Rughani and seconded by Prabhudasbhai Thakrar .
3 matters arising
Dhanjibhai Tanna asked about the constitution amendment of LCNL as per last AGM’s minutes. Amratlalbhai
Radia commented that LCNL can recommend to the Trustees of LCF from LCNL, but cannot change the
constitution and will be amended as part of the review of the LCNL constitution to reflect all recent changes.
Dhanjibhai Tanna referred to page 7 and asked whether Nitinbhai Saujani was approached in respect of review
of the constitution and Amratlalbhai Radia replied in the negative.
4 President’s report
President’s report is on pages 11 & 12. Deepakbhai added that the last events, Natak and the music program were
both well organised and very successful and thanked Dineshbhai Sonchattra, Pratibhaben Lakhani and
Pratapbhai Khagram.
Senior ladies group, which was headed by Kokilaben Wasani has been taken over by Urmilaben Thakkar in July
2012 and with hard work has increased attendance quite a bit with the last function attracting between 200 and
300 ladies. The President praised Urmilaben & her team. Golf was one sport missing from the sports calendar.
Dhirubhai Savani and team did well at Golf and we now have Golf on the calendar. The bereavement committee
under Vinubhai Kotecha has continued to work hard and would like to thank them all. This year the Raghuvanshi
magazine reached record revenues compared with all the functions. Navratri at Chiswick went well with help
from youngsters like Ronak & team, mahilas and senior ladies. Business & Profession dinner was held in January
but with bad weather there was slightly lower attendance, however Barclays, our main sponsor, were pleased with
the function. Deepakbhai was pleased to inform that another bank had approached us with a view to sponsoring
a future event.
The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
4
The building project work has started and we do need more money to finance the refurbishment. The fund raising
team has already made more than 900 telephone calls to members requesting financial assistance. Deepakbhai
requested all the fellow community members to be generous with full support and be part of this project. Manubhai
Radia and Dineshbhai Kotecha are heading up the fund raising team and I’m glad to say that the building was
purchased without any loans, therefore is fully paid for. I thank all committee members for working as a team
throughout the year.
Incoming LCNL committee will work hard with few new young members to form a new youth body under the
umbrella of LCNL.
Lastly the Mahila Mandal had their AGM yesterday and Sandhyaben Gandecha is the new Chairperson with
Nutanben Jobanputra continuing as secretary and Seemaben Devani continuing as treasurer.
5 Secretary’s report Bharatbhai Sodha thanked the last AGM for his election and the executive committee for all the assistance
provided during the year. Secretary’s report is printed on page 13. Bharatbhai mentioned that because of work
commitments he will not be continuing as secretary in the New Year. Secretary’s report was approved, proposed
by Urmilaben Thakrar and seconded by Kiritbhai Karia
6 treasurer’s report Treasurer, Rohitbhai Morjaria, mentioned that his report was on page 37. Rohitbhai reviewed the events and the
amounts for each event, with page 38 showing the social events. Page 36 shows the debtors and creditors, with
virtually all debtors collected after year end like-wise with creditors mostly settled after year end.
£6,000 was proposed as contribution to RCT, this was duly approved, proposed by Chandubhai Rughani and
seconded by Dhirendrabhai Raja. The accounts were approved as presented, proposed by Shashibhai
Panchmatia and seconded by Dhirubhai Pau.
Dhanjibhai Tanna asked where the charity money was spent. Manishbhai Sangani explained that the amount has
been accrued for the last 5 years and normally the practice has been to donate to a Gaushala. This time we
should leave it for our own Trusts. Rohitbhai thanked Ashokbhai Sodha, the auditor, for his efforts. The president
thanked Rohitbhai Morjaria and team for their efforts during the year.
7 Social Secretary’s report Report is printed on page 14. Pratapbhai Khagram thanked everyone present and also the Executive committee
for all the help he received during the year.
8 membership Secretary Kiritbhai Vithlani informed all that during the year there were 38 new members as per his report and a further 4
members since then making a total of 42. Kiritbhai requested all to encourage the younger generation to become
life members.
9 Building Project
Manishbhai Sangani explained that we had received the planning permission and the refurbishment work would
take part is stages. Demolition works had started, the car park was resurfaced and the builders were going to be
there from 29th April. Stage 1 is expected to finish by end of July 2013 and is expected to cost £400,000.
Investigating if there was a way to recover the VAT on the cost and the accounts were being audited by KLSA
Accountants. Manishbhai stressed that the building was acquired without any debt and currently the fund raising
team was offering various schemes for donations. We hope to complete the refurbishment work in about 1 year’s
time.
The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
5
Affiliation Report
Mansukhbhi Raichura referred to his report on page 19. No questions asked. Mansukhbhai gave a brief summary
of his report and explained what affiliation means for LCNL.
11 Bereavement Report
Manubhai Radia thanked all the volunteers in the team for their dedicated service.
12 Business & Profession
Deepakbhai Jatania referred to the report on page 20 and mentioned that the team is now working on the next
B&P event.
13 Raghuvanshi Magazine
Vinodbhai Thakrar referred to his report on page 20. Vinodbhai stressed that this was the highest revenue project
for the community with revenue of about £50,000 and net income of about £35,000. He also received positive
comments from both sponsors and advertisers. Dhanjibhai Tanna congratulated the convenor and said that the
magazine should also contain good articles and not be just a fund raising project. The convenor expressed his
appreciation of all those who assisted him. And on News & Events the convenor asked for anyone who wants to
send articles to him for publication.
14 Navratri Report
Report is on page 21. Manubhai Radia raised a query as to why Navratri had become a loss making event. The
convenor, Janubhai Kotecha, explained that Navratri made a loss for the first time, Convenor explained that
community members attend navratri at other venues and not the one organised by LCNL, additionally costs have
gone up.
Janubhai Kotecha asked the AGM about what should be done for the next navratri. There were comments from
the floor to review where things were going wrong and how it could be improved. A number of members
commented that Navratri is a cultural event and should never be stopped, in fact should be encouraged to
continue. Chiswick navratri is talked about a lot, but seems that a lot of people who do attend are from outside
the community, a question raised was how do we increase Lohana participation?
There was talk of reducing the number of days to just the weekends to save costs, but the overall view was that
LCNL should host the Navratri for its full duration. Amratlalbhai Radia commented that the EC starts work on the
Navratri 5 to 6 weeks before the event whereas other communities start early. He recommended that we should
start work on the Navratri 3 to 4 months in advance. Dhanjibhai Tanna commented that Navratri is a religious
and social event and we should always keep it open. If the hall rent is high and this is a problem then maybe we
should work through Hindu Council and try and get a hall at subsidised rates. Dhanjibhai Tanna offered his help
to locate suitable venue for Navratri. Another suggestion was to organise Navratri in Harrow where a large part
of the community is based, there was a comment that Navratri should be kept under the social secretary.
The convenor explained that the idea of sharing profit and loss in joint sponsorship was explored in some detail,
however ultimately it was concluded that we did not want to share the community name with others and therefore
the idea was abandoned. Janubhai Kotecha said that the incoming committee will review the Navratri situation
bearing in mind the suggestions put forward in the AGM. Janubhai also commented that LCNL should keep the
booking at Chiswick while looking for other possible halls.
The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
6
15 News & events
Report is on page 21
16 Family Guidance
The convenor, Dineshbhai Kotecha, said the report was on page 32, he emphasized that organising a joint
program with other communities’ works well with the last event attracting 300 to 400 candidates. The next event
is on 9th June. An observation was made by a member that it would be good if we would organise a Lohana only
program for the candidates.
A question was asked on what the success rate was, Dineshbhai commented that it was difficult to say but
candidates have given positive comments. Prabhudasbhai Thakrar asked as to how many Lohana girls are
registered as candidates. Mansukhbhai Raichura replied that we maintain a list and have good records, in total
have about 600 candidates and there are more girls than boys.
17 Sports Report
Sports report is presented on pages 22 & 23
One of the members commented that in addition to other sports we should look into encouraging Bridge and
Chess at community level. Dhirubhai Savani, the convenor, said that the incoming committee will look into it.
Dhirubhai also pointed out the great progress our under-10 cricket team had made. Golf as an event was a big
success. On the cricket front Dhirubhai pointed out that our cricket club was affiliated with the ECB who were
organising classes for youngsters. Dhirubhai thanked Raghuvanshi Charitable Trust for the use of RCT grounds.
18 Website & E-News
The website has been overhauled and looks new, this was done with a new programmer who is assisting in
maintaining the website. We introduced E-News this year, this is LCNL news by email to members. This service
is only for members and I would urge all members to register one email address with the membership secretary.
Currently we have about 800 email addresses out of a membership of about 2,000. Some members indicated
that they had not received E-News email, so it was suggested that they check whether their email address has
been registered with the membership secretary. Ashokbhai Sodha suggested that when sending out emails it
would be good if standard email was used instead of personal email address, that is email should go out from
the LCNL domain.
19 Mahila Mandal Report
Mahila Chairperson, Sukeshiben Thakkar said her report was on pages 25 & 26. Sukeshiben thanked Janubhai
Kotecha and Deepakbhai Jatania for working with her during her time in Mahilas. However she was disappointed
that Nataks, which were the domain of Mahilas were now being organised by LCNL. This was discussed during
the EC meetings in the past and was confirmed that Nataks is one function that Mahilas should organise. But this
year LCNL has been organising them. There was some discussion on a particular Natak that was initially offered
to Mahilas by the promoter and it appears that the promoter might have played Mahila against LCNL for this
Natak. Deepakbhai Jatania said that LCNL & Mahilas are both working for the benefit of the community and
should work in a cooperative spirit.
20 Senior Men’s Social Centre Report
Chandubhai Rughani who heads the Senior Men’s Social Centre said his report was on page 30. Chandubhai
further added that their Christmas evening program was a big success, members’ spouse’s were invited and all
those who participated had an enjoyable evening. Social centre is providing a valuable venue for the community’s
elders. The general feeling is that senior members are in a happy mood after attending RCT Social Centre.
Chandubhai thanked Kantibhai Kakad, Kantibhai Hindocha and the management committee.
The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
7
21 Senior Ladies Group ReportUrmilaben Thakkar leads the senior ladies group, Urmilaben took over in July 2012 after Kokilaben Wasani & team
retired. Urmilaben clarified that the group charges a small fee to the ladies and this is taken as a contribution
towards expenses. If required to then Urmilaben is willing to provide full account of the charges and how they have
been utilised. The funds are used towards costs such as music bands, catering during events etc. The group is
working smoothly with 287+ ladies as members. Deepakbhai Jatania added that he has attended 3 functions
organised by the group and was impressed and thanked Urmilaben and her team for their efforts.
22 YLAThe YLA report is on page 31. Dineshbhai Shonchattra commented on the closure of YLA saying that one Sunday
he came to RCT premises and was impressed to see 80 to 90 youths coming for Soul Sounds bhajans. Ronak
Paw informed that Soul Sounds was started by YLANL, when it was started about 90% of the youth were Lohanas
and now the NEW Soul Sounds has about 25% Lohanas. Ronak went on to say that disagreement with some
individuals within Soul Sounds has made it difficult for YLANL. Ronak explained that YLANL organised Kids Club
which was very popular with about 60 kids participating, over the last 7 years YLA has donated a little over
£20,000 to charities but unfortunately no youth have come forward to take YLA over. Ronak raised the point that
New Soul Sounds is not associated with YLA however still seem to be using RCT hall at no charge, however there
was indication from the RCT that a charge was being made to Soul Sounds. Manubhai Radia insisted that YLA
should not close down. Janubhai Kotecha said that at the last AGM a request was made to all youngsters to
support and join YLA, it’s sad to see YLA ceasing. Janubhai said that we need to keep YLA alive and bring it under
LCNL as a youth wing. Ronak mentioned that he was there to help in any way possible. Rajnibhai Radia
commented that YLA was totally separate from LCNL, so does LCNL want to bring an autonomous body under
it ? That move does not sound right.
Dhanjbhai said that YLA’s report raises serious points such as lack of support from community and the E.C.,
YLA is a long standing institution with lots of potential. Dhanjibhai suggested that the EC should look into their
grievances and support them.
Shantibhai Davda asked why Ronak should be allowed to resign, if YLA is not currently functioning then should
we not ask Ronak to continue. Ronak indicated that YLANL had already closed down. Ronak also indicated that
he walked away from YLA because of difficulties with Soul Sounds and when it was decided to close down YLA
then Soul Sounds being part of YLA should have closed as well. Amratlalbhai Radia commented that Soul
Sounds is separate and if they are using RCT premises free of charge then it should stop, youth is very important.
Sukeshiben Thakkar commented that YLANL has been terrific and always supported Mahilas. Deepakbhai
Jatania said that YLA has provided good service over the last 7 years, the community needs the youth, and
Deepakbhai also mentioned that he will always support functions to do with the youth. The general view of the
AGM was that the new incoming committee should look into the matter. Dinesh Thakrar commented that as YLA
has closed down then LCNL should look into establishing a youth wing.
23 Before Existing Committee RetiringSecretary mentioned that the election officer had raised an issue on the notice period for nominations, the point
being that 3 days notice was not enough time for the election officer to prepare all ballot papers and organise
elections especially when all posts were being contested. The suggestion was to increase the notice period from
3 days to 5 days for the position of President, Secretary, Vice President & Treasurer. Members agreed for 5 days’
notice but also queried why only the 4 positions, after further discussion it was unanimously agreed that the 5 days’
notice should apply to all positions in the EC including committee members and with immediate effect. It was also
clarified that immediate effect means that that for elections at the next AGM the new rules will apply.
The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
8
Dhanjibhai Tanna raised the point that over time a number of amendments to the constitution have been agreed
at various AGMs, however not all have been reflected in the constitution. Additionally there needs to be clarity
on the framework covering LCNL, RCT & LCF and need for a proper constitution that reflects this. Should look
at the possibility of bringing the different bodies under one umbrella and work together. Dhanjbhai proposed that
LCNL should have a team starting from the drawing board and come up with a report and suggestions on how
this can be achieved. Dhanjibhai went on to propose some names for this team, however it was agreed that the
incoming Executive Committee will appoint a team to look into this. The proposal was unanimously agreed,
proposed by Dhanjibhai Tanna and seconded by Amratlalbhai Radia.
24 Existing Committee retiring
A vote of thanks was proposed to the retiring committee members with a standing ovation for all their efforts in
serving the community during the past year. The President formally dissolved the Executive Committee and
requested Ashokbhai Sodha as election officer to take control of the AGM and conduct the elections.
25 Election of the Office Bearers
The election officer, Ashokbhai Sodha, mentioned that he had received only 1 nomination form for each post
except for the post of Assistant Secretary for which there were 2 nominations, namely Madhuben Popat and
Dineshbhai Thakrar and therefore balloting will happen for that one position only. Dineshbhai Thakrar was
announced as the winner of that ballot.
The election officer read out the names of the following elected members :
Committee Members
President Deepak Jatania Ashok Dattani
Vice President Vinod Thakrar Dinesh Shonchhatra
Secretary Dinesh Kotecha Jeet Rughani
Asst Secretary Dinesh Thakrar Kantibhai Kakad
Treasurer Pravin Khagram Rajnikant Sawjani
Asst Treasurer Yatin Dawada Rashmi Karia
Social Secretary Pratap Khagram Sandip Ruparelia
Asst Social Secretary Pushpaben Karia Vishal Sodha
Membership Secretary Kirit Vithlani Urmailaben Thakkar
RCT Trustee Mansukhbhai Raichura
RCT Trustee Dhiru Savani
The election officer welcomed the newly elected President, Deepakbhai Jatania to take the chair and conduct the
meeting. As there are 10 positions for committee members and only 9 individuals elected there was 1 position
vacant. After some discussion Amratlalbhai Radia and Manishbhai Sangani suggested that the vacant place
should be offered to Madhuben Popat, she accepted and became the 10th committee member.
Appointment of the Hon. Auditor
Deepakbhai Jatania proposed and Janubhai Kotecha seconded the appointment of Ashokbhai Sodha as the
auditor for the year 2013-14. Ashokbhai Sodha was duly appointed.
Any Other Business
None.
There being no other business the meeting was concluded at 6.30pm
Minutes prepared by : Reviewed and agreed by :
Bharat Sodha Deepak Jatania
Hon. Secretary 2012-13 President 2012-13
The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
9
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Jai Jalaram
As we bid farewell to this current term I am pleased to report that the past year has been a busy and fruitful year,
compact with various religious, cultural and entertainment programs such as Hanuman Jayanti, the Hanuman
Charitra Katha, Krishna Janmashtmi, Navratri, Chopdapoojan, Jalaram Jayanti, the Gujarati drama, the Muktar
Shah and soon we will complete the year with Ramnavami. All the events were well attended and I thank all those
involved with organising and sponsoring these events for their dedication and hard work.
The Mahila Mandal have worked very closely with LCNL over the past year, and in particular held a Gujarati
natak together for the second year running. I offer my sincere thanks to the Chairperson Sandhyaben Gandecha
and her team for their efforts.
The bereavement committee through the chairmanship of Vinubhai Kotecha is as always doing an integral service
by helping and guiding people in their hours of need. Thank you to the team.
Lohana Social Centre continues to gather three times per week headed up by Chandubhai Rughani and we
thank them for their recent donation to the new Community Hall.
The LSC ladies meet once per month and provide an excellent service to elderly ladies. Thanks to Urmilaben
Thakkar MBE for her leadership.
The LCNL Annual Golf event has proved to be a great success over the last two years. The sponsors and players
have taken a keen interest and are looking to continue this event going forwards. I would like to offer a hearty
congratulations to its Chairman and the working committee for making it into such a success.
Despite it being their first official year, I am particularly proud of our newly formed Young Lohana Society (YLS)
for achieving so much in such little time. Amongst other events they hosted a Hanuman Chalisa and a Family
Fortunes quiz night at the RCT Hall. For me, it is very touching to see youngsters respecting and upholding our
culture and values. I would like to thank the Chairperson Reena Popat and her team for all their hard work and
enthusiasm. Being an integral part of LCNL they are also the key to our future and a wonderful platform for the
next generation of the community.
There has been a great focus on the membership portfolio of LCNL over the past year. The Lohana Community
North London membership increased from 1955 to 2020 families and this reflects the momentum in our
Community today. I give sincere thanks to Kiritibhai Vithlani who was responsible for monitoring this work and
regretfully announce his retirement after serving our community for so long. We thank him for all his hard work
and commitment.
One of our key successes this year is updating our Constitution in order to reflect today’s current working
mechanism of LCNL and to provide guidelines for the Committee going forwards. The entire Committee has
worked very hard indeed and in particular, I would like to thank Chairperson Deenesh Thakerar and his team who
spent innumerable hours to complete a first draft for our SGM meeting.
Our greatest achievement is of course our new Community Building. This has been a mammoth task and could
not have been completed without Pradip Dhamecha, Bhavesh Radia and Vimal Pau. The time, effort and
resources they have dedicated to this project and to the Community has been astounding, and I am truly grateful.
I would also like to thank Manish Sanghani, the LCF Chairman, and Amratlal Radia, the Building Chairman, for
their continued support and guidance throughout.
The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
10
I am extremely pleased to announce the building is approximately 80% complete, and we are expecting full
completion by July 2014. We have managed to collect in excess of £2.8 million from 400 community members
and I am grateful to each and every one of you. Of course, we still have to work hard to raise the remainder
£700,000 to achieve our goal of having a new Community Building absolutely debt free and we still welcome any
donations.
As I come to the end of my term as President I would like to share a few personal reflections with you all; I have
had the pleasure of getting to know and working along side such talented, humble and dedicated individuals and
it was due to these individuals and their hard work that enabled us to focus on and achieve such heights.
Projects such as our new Community Building, the formation of a new YLS and refreshing our constitution, will
all benefit our Community for future generations.
For these achievements and so many more, I would like to thank all my committee members, convenors and
friends for their continued support over the last two years. On a personal note, I would like to add that my strength
and inspiration was derived from my late father Dayalji Ramji Jatania and my late brother in law Vrajlal
Gordhandas Pau. Finally I would like to thank my family members my mother, my wife Premila and my children
for their understanding and support.
Deepak Jatania
President 2013-14
The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
11
SECRETARY’S REPORT
As the 2013/14 term fades away I reflect on the way this year ended and admittedly this is on high note
and that it happened fairly quickly.
I take this opportunity to thank the President and the entire Executive Committee team for their
confidence in me to carry out the Secretarial duties. The support from them has made my job easy and
interesting. Equally I would also like to have it registered that all the respective officers have carried out
their duties zealously and have worked hard to take LCNL to a very high standards.
Needless to say that the work on the Building has progressed very well as it can be seen from the LCF
report. I am quietly confident that it won’t be long for us all to celebrate the opening of the Building and
move into our OWN larger community hall to be proud of.
You will also of course notice from the reports that all our social events have gone very well and well
attended. In some cases it was also pleasing to note that fairly large sums have end collected and
dedicated to the building project. So, well done to the respective convenors.
As usual under the leadership our capable vice-President Vinod Thakrar the Raghuvanshi Magazine
once again was produced to a very high standard generating almost the same Income as last year.
Albeit, we could use some useful and good articles as suggested by Vinod.
I must truly record my gratitude and appreciation to Deenesh Thakerar my assistant who has undertaken
a lot of this work on my behalf and was also engaged in updating and revising the constitution. After
so many years of waiting we have finally seen “the proof of the pudding”. Equally in the same vein I must
also thank Mansukhbhai Raichura who has wholeheartedly and without any self-interest assisted me
throughout the year.
The Mahilas have also worked hard and efficiently. They are invariably always at the fore-front of all
requirements and produce timely reports and provide feedback to the main committee. Therefore, I
would like to thank them for working with us jointly at all times.
Navratri was well celebrated and the credit for this goes to the convenor and the team. Most importantly
not forgetting that there are many (particularly some ladies -whose names I cannot take in the fear that
I may miss out someone) who are the true unsung heroes as they work day and night selflessly to
honour the event and its objectives.
I also express my thanks to the newly formed YLS who have shown a tremendous cooperation and a
will to work together at all times including at Navratri and Sathi Samelan. (Speed dating programme).
The have excelled and have made a very good progress.
Finally, a note of thanks you to my wife Usha for her continued support and help.
Dinesh Kotecha
Hon. Secretary, LCNL – 2013/14
The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
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SOCIAL SECRETARY REPORT 2013/14
It has been an honour serving our community over the past two years as Social Secretary. This year, we
challenged ourselves to surpass the great work we had done last year and make all the events this year bigger
and better. It makes me extremely proud to know that with the support of our President Deepakbhai Jatania and
the executive committee members I have been able to successfully carry out my duties. My two years in the role
of Social Secretary have been extremely rewarding.
This year has been another exciting and eventful year and I’m pleased to announce we’ve excelled in organising
our social events. Although all 8 events have been referenced regularly in our News & Events, I provide a
summary of these successes in this report.
RAMNAVMI UTSAV – 19th April 2013
Amitbhai Kansara and group who are regular invitees to the LCNL events sang many harmonious bhajans with
Bhaava (feeling), Raaga (melody), and Thaala (rhythm) that immersed all those who were present. The event
ended with Aarti to Shree Ram and prashad of fresh fruits and dry fruits. My sincere gratitude to our main
manorathi Shree Arvindbhai Thakkar and Smt Induben Thakkar for sponsoring this event.
HANUMAN JAYANT – 28th April 2013
The event was attended by respectable Ram bappa and it was indeed amazing to see Ram bappa full of zeal
and energy constantly reciting Shree Hanuman Chalisa, which inspired all of those present to join in and recite
it loudly. The encouraging part of the event was to see lots of children and youngsters who were amongst the
active members participating in the utsav.
With the recitation of each Shree Hanuman Chalisa and more people joining in the chorus, the atmosphere within
the hall immediately turned divine and this electrifying experience lasted for more than 6 hours. The event ended
with an Aarti and delicious prashad. I sincerely thank Smt Hansaben Pau and family (our main manorathi family)
and our regular lohana well-wisher families for sponsoring this successful event. I also thank Bhartiben Kantaria
and Jignyasu Satsang Mandal that led the reciting of Shree Hanuman Chalisa along with music.
NATAK – “TWO IDIOTS” – 5th May 2013
This event was completely sold out. The award winning Natak with brand new, hilarious comedy, packed with fun
and laughter has all the audience rolling in stitches.
HANUMAN CHARITRA & SUNDER KAND NA PATH – 10th & 11th August 2013
Hanuman Charitra entailed seva of Hanumanji and helps us to towards bhakti/enlightenment. Hanumanji teaches
us how to overcome obstacles in our lives. The Sunder Kand which is a chapter in the 'Ram-Charit-Maanas' or
Tulsi Ramayana penned by Goswami Tulsidas is considered to be as auspicious to read, as it is to recite the
'Hanuman Chaalisa'. It is awarded as much importance as the Bhagavad Gita in the Mahabharata. A special
thanks goes to our sponsors Late Mr Jagdishbhai Tanna, Mrs Jyotiben, Dr Neha & Dr Nikhil Tanna.
NATAK – CHALTIKA NAAM GADI – 25th Aug 2013
This Natak was a hilarious comedy which reflected our daily lives in a light hearted manner. The event included
dinner in aid of LCNL building project and was completely sold out.
The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
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JANMASHTAMI – 28th Aug 2013
The Krishna Janmashtami festival which is also known as Gokul asthami marks the birth of Krishna, one of the
most popular Gods in the Hindu pantheon. The volunteers of LCNL had transformed the event hall into VRAJ with
many devotes in traditional dressing resembled like gopas and gopis. This was a record year where 1000+
vaishnavs joined in the celebration. I would sincerely like to thank to our kind sponsors Sachin, Daram, Shreemati
Ditiben and Shree Ketanbhai R Kotecha.
NAVRATRI – 5th October – 13th October 2013
Navaratri (nine nights) the traditional hindu religious festival is one of the greatest Hindu festivals. It symbolises
the triumph of good over evil. LCNL has been celebrating this event since the inception of LCNL community
organization – 1976. Events include celebration of Sharad Poonam and 108 Aarti on the eighth day.
DIWALI CHOPDA POOJAN – 3rd November 2013
Diwali is a festival of Hindus, on this day people with businesses will do Puja of their accounting books. This is
called the "Chopda Pujan”. Pujan is followed by a special prayer and worship before the idols of Lord Ganesha
and Goddess Lakshmi to earn their blessings.
JALARAM JAYANTI – 9th November 2013
Jalaram jayanti is the birth day of a famous and most known saint – Jalaram Bapa. Bapa was the great devotee
of lord Rama. Each of the years LCNL celebrates Jalaram Jayanti with sound of melodious music and bhjan’s
followed by delicious Bapa’s Prasadi and sweets. Our special thanks goes to Smt. Numuben Kotecha & Parivar
for sponsoring the event.
MUSICAL EVENING – MUKHTAR SHAH – 1st March 2014
This event was hugely successful with Mukhtar Shah portraying the voice of Mukesh. The evening was enjoyed
by all attendees who reminisced about the good old days. The event included dinner and soft drinks and was
completely sold out on the night.
My special thanks once again to our President Deepakbhai Jatania, to my assistant social secretary Pushpaben
Karia, and fellow committee members Pratibha Lakhani, Vishal Sodha, Pravinbhai Khagram, VinodThakrar,
Janubhai Kotecha, Dhirubhai Savani, Vinubhai Kotecha, Madhuben Popat, Urmilaben Thakkar, Kantibhai Kakad,
Yatin Dawada, Rajnikant Sawjani and Dineshbhai Shonchhatra. I would also like to extend my thanks to E.C
members, Mahilas, YLANL, RCT members, all the volunteers and senior ladies, all the donors and sponsors for
their kind support throughout the year.
Last but not least my sincere thanks and appreciation goes my wife Pravina and my family. Without the support
I’ve received from them, none of this would have been possible.
PRATAP KHAGRAM
LCNL SOCIAL SECRETARY
The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
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YOUNG LOHANA SOCIETY NORTH LONDON - YLS
The Young Lohana Society North London (YLS) is a youth organisation that LCNL was specially launched to
capture and cater for the younger generation. The YLS team aim to bring the Lohana youth together as well as
preserve and strengthen our sense of belonging within the community by promoting and encouraging the
participation of our youth to actively integrate and partake in community events.
Since our formation in July 2013, we have held four events to cater for a wide range of our community. In October
2013 we had the first YLS event, the Launch Networking Event, over 300 people attended a great night of catching
up with old friends and making new ones!
Our second event was a Speed Dating event, our first joint effort with LCNL and this was a real success. In
December we held a 108 Hanuman Chalisa at our RCT hall. This occasion was one that all attendees found
inspiring. it was refreshing to see so many youngsters at this event.
Our latest event was in fact a double event, the Family Fortunes Quiz followed by the Dessert Lounge and was
an amazing night. We received so much positive feedback. It is the first time we’ve had an event like this and
were glad to see the community having such a good time.
In the coming year we hope to capitalise on the success of our first four events by holding more community
based programmes including sports days, summer ball, mehfil night, parties and much more.
Our presence on social media is very strong, news of the YLS can be seen at www.ylsnl.com or
www.facebook.com/younglohanasociety and you can also follow us on Twitter @YLSNL.
The committee has a wide range of professions and so it makes sense to offer careers advice to our younger
members. Our committee is happy to help and if we can’t, we will surely put you in touch with someone within
the community who can. Details of the team can be found on our website along with contact details.
The LCNL motto is “we move forward together”, for the YLS it is simply a case of us all “growing up together”.
Whether you’re a young Lohana or whether you’ve been part of the LCNL for years we hope you’ll take an active
part in our future.
Reena Popat
Chairperson, YLS
BEREAVEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
LCNL bereavement subcommittee is continuing assist members to ensure that all the last religious rites are
gracefully organised for any Lohana bereaved family residing within the greater London but also occasionally far
beyond & within all parts of UK.
This selfless honorary service with sympathetic attitude particularly at such critical time and sad happening can
be real help to any community member.
The members of this subcommittee are always available on our S.O.S. call with prompt and cordial reply. I must
thank Rameshbhai Devani, Manubhai Radia, Kantibhai Chandarana, Rangdasbhai Unadkat, Pradipbhai Barai,
Rajnibhai Saujani, Dhirubhai Jobanputra, Girishbhai Morjaria,Natubhai Nathwani, Rameshbhai Modi, Dhirubhai
Pau, Rajnibhai Raichura, Ashwinbhai Raithatha,and Narenbhai Hathi for their help and to continue to do so in the
future. We also have 2 ladies Rashhmitaben Thakrar and Jyotiben Morjaria to help us on regular basis.
The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
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MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY’S REPORT
20 March 2014
Dear Committee Colleagues and Respected Members
We are approaching LCNL 2013/2014 year-end AGM fast and as customary a few words of update for the benefit
of the Committee and Members at large.
Since joining LCNL Committee in 2005, the moment has arrived to say farewell to you all after very challenging,
interesting, exciting and enjoyable nine years as a Committee Member to spend time with the family, friends and
explore the new horizons.
I had the privilege to work under various Presidents starting from Shree Amratlalbhai Radia, Dineshbhai Kotecha,
Sudhirbhai Karia, Pratibhaben Lakhani, Janubhai Kotecha and Deepakbhai Jatania. With their vast experience,
conviction and willingness to inspire, motivate and encourage novice like me made it possible to deliver the tasks
they delegated to me such as starting from Annual Mela, Gujarati School, Rejuvenating and Editing News &
Events, Launching of E-News and finally Membership Secretary.
I am extremely grateful to them and the Committee for showing belief in me when mine was starting to falter and
I hope I served you to your expectations and did justice to the Community at large.
Committee colleagues have been very supportive to me and since taking the task of Membership Secretary in
2009, collectively we have recruited 227 Life Members to date and the hard work continues. My deepest gratitude
to you all for the support, respect and wisdom shown to me at all times.
Last but not the least, I remain indebted to you all- the members for your eternal inspiration, good wishes,
guidance and reassurance. It was a pleasure, sheer delight and honour to serve you, to work with you and for
you.
Whilst writing, may I wish the incoming team every success in serving and enriching the Community.
I remain, ever yours-obedient Lohana Sevak.
Kirit Vithlani
Membership Secretary
kiritvithlani@btconnect.com
We also transmit sad new to registered members from bereavement@lcnl.org
Some members occasionally do not receive the transmission.
This is because of the following:
• Your Service provider sometimes blocks it
• Sometimes the mail goes in to the SPAM or Deleted box
• You need to validated our e-mail as safe mail
• Members unsubscribing by mistake. Once you unsubscribe ,it automatically stops transmissions
(Legal requirement)
• Your Antivirus programme blocks the mail
Members are requested to check all above and if you do not receive the mail then write to us at
bereavement@lcnl.org
I would like to thank LCNL President and E.C members for their support during the past year to
enable us to serve our community members.
LCNL Bereavement Convenor - Vinu Kotecha
The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
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LOHANA CENTRE BUILDING AND LCF REPORT
The year has been full of activity and the challenge was to complete our building project with the funds from the
membership. Our desire has been to complete the building without any external funding
We sent out an e-shot to the members in February 2014 showing our current financial position and our target
requirements. Reports are also posted on our website www.lcnl.org. We are publishing extract of our independent
audited final accounts in this bulletin.
We have always maintained that this is community project and we wish to have all community members to join
hands in donations and contributions to make this centre, a true community centre, whereby all Lohana members
can benefit. This will be a legacy we leave for our future generation
This year many members have joined hands with their donations for which we are very grateful. We wish to
highlight two areas of donations. Firstly from our Social Centre for men who made an appeal to their members
in March 2014 and with the unanimous support from around 100 members’ family, they collected around £12,000
excluding any gift aid benefit. In addition donation of £300,000 was secured from Dr Rasikbhai Kantaria and his
family members from Nairobi. This demonstrates that there is a strong support from the members on this project
both within UK and Overseas. We are thankful to everybody for their support. Dr Rasikbhai Kantaria and
Rameshbhai Kantaria have now become permanent trustees of LCF
Once our building is operational, we foresee our member’s activities increasing for many uses including
conferences, seminars, weddings, receptions, prayers, cultural programmes, social centres activities, yoga
classes, educational classes, music, language, spiritual classes, religious seminars, bhajans, youth activities,
training and much more
Our building project has progressed substantially this year and now we can see the horizon, we expect the
building to be completed in summer months, midyear. We however still need funding We have managed to raise
80% of the funds from 20% of the membership and now we appeal to the 80% of the members to join hands to
contribute remaining 20% of the requirement, around £700K
Please remember that this is community building and together we can achieve a lot. It is now the time for each
one of us to seriously think of the betterment of the community and what we as individually can do to support the
community. This can be financially, morally or in professional expertise
We have various donation schemes and are happy to discuss the project. We can arrange site visits so, please
contact any member of the Executive Committee or LCF Trustees.
Jai Shree Krishna
Manish Sangani Amratlal Radia
LCF Chairperson Building Chairperson
The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
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The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
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The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
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The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
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Charity Registration No. 1140408
The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
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AFFILLIATION COORDINATOR’S REPORT 2013-14We have continued to maintain our link with voluntary/community & statutory organisations for our mutual benefit.
We nominate, appoint or encourage the executive committee members to represent our community to various
bodies. We have also been affiliated to and have a working relationship with Brent Indian Association (BIA),
NCGO, Hindu council (Brent &Harrow), Hindu Forum UK.
At the UK level Pannaben Raja continued as the I.P.P. with Kiritbhai & Dhirubhai Pau as trustees of Lohana
Community United Kingdom. At the local level we continue engaging with NHS organisations (Brent &Harrow)
& Brent &Harrows’ local authorities meetings. I have continued as a member of Brent Health watch and take an
interest in matters relating to Health & social care services.
I would like to share some relevant information with our members.
The Parliament Week Partners’ Conference is an Annual event (the last one was in February 2014) and the
next one will be held between 14th -20th November 2014. It is an initiative of activities that inspire, engage &
connect with citizens to build greater awareness of Parliamentary democracy. There are currently over two
hundred partners across the country who support the week running events & activities to empower people to take
part in parliamentary democracy. New partners are welcome. The members of House of Commons & House of
Lords also take active part in this process. It was an ideal opportunity to interact with many voluntary/community
representatives attending these events. To date this year so far over hundred and fifty events have taken place
across the country.
HEALTH: Shaping a healthier Future is a clinically led programme to develop a vision for how health services
can be improved in N.W. London. Increasing care delivered closer to home will better coordinated services
&improves quality. Concentrating major emergency services on to fewer sites will ensure consistent senior
clinician support. SHF includes collaborative partnership of the whole system integrated care programme to
improve the quality of care for individual, careers &families, empowering, supporting , care coordinated around
individual with joined up health &social care. Multidisciplinary home team, with GPs will be at the centre of
organising &coordinating people’s care. Integrated system will be in stages to be fully implemented by 2018.
This means gradually ensuring to deliver better care for all 2 million people in NW London.
On 24 September 2013 a conference marked “New Era of Health and social care was held at City University
London. The aim of the seminar was to encourage debate & discussion on the opportunity & challenges on health
& Social care lead by leaders in the field health & social care with regulators & providers airing their views in to
new health & social care. The chair of Health & care council explained the role of the council as to set the
standards of care to safe guard the health 7 wellbeing of person using or needing these services. HCPC- Holding
to account 31,490 members registered from 6 professions.
The director of nursing Health education of England emphasised the right care, right time &right place with
integrated care of health &social care is absolute necessary. The issue of capacity & capability relating to
availability of resources (money) with what good quality care should be Health education director indicated the
whole care system needs to improve and may take 3to 5 or 10 years, multidiscipline or specialist clinicians to meet
future challenges.
Mansukh Raichura
Affilliation Coordinator
The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
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RAGHUVANSHI DIWALI MAGAzINE 2013
Once again this year the task of publishing our annual Raghuvanshi Diwali Magazine was entrusted on me by
our President Deepakbhai Jatania and the Executive committee
I am happy to report that with the assistance of experienced sub-committee members , Deepakbhai Jatania,
Amratlalbhai Radia, Janubhai Kotecha, Pratibhaben Lakhani , Mansukhbhai Raichura, Deeneshbhai Thakerar and
Dineshbhai Kotecha, we managed to surpass last year’s high quality and standard.
We were encouraged by many positive comments received from the members This magazine is traditionally a
high revenue contributor for LCNL. I am happy to report a net revenue of nearly £35,000 which is similar to that
of last year. The task of replacing advertising support is always challenging but through hard work of the team,
we managed to fulfil our objectives. The other positive side is that our treasurer, Pravinbhai Khagram has
managed to collect most of the monies and the remaining balance will be finalised soon
Our aim is to produce this magazine to a very high standard which includes informative articles both in English
and Gujrati. We also have blessing messages from Sant’s and Diwali greeting messages from our sponsors. We
have also enlisted many activities of all our operating bodies throughout the year. We will look at including
additional articles and informative material next year. I would encourage members to submit interesting material
for future publications
Postage and publication costs have gone up a lot. Therefore it will become more of a challenge to balance the
revenue streams but I am hopeful that we may be able to distribute this magazine by hand to the members from
our new building next year
I would like to acknowledge my sincere thanks to all the advertisers and contributors of various articles for this
Diwali bulletin .I would also like to thank the management and staff at Spot Colour, our printing press for their full
cooperation
Vinod thakrarChairperson of the Raghuvanshi Diwali Bulletin
2013-14
electronic media: e-news Letter
eneWS@LCnL.orG
E-News transmission is predominantly sent only to registered life members of LCNL. This media is quick, cost
effective and environmentally friendly and it is complementary to our News and Events magazine publication. The
number of registered members has grown this year by 50% to 1200 members.
Please remember that this database is only for the members and is separate from the bereavement database
that is transmitted to anybody upon request. Both of these LCNL databases are used to communicate with the
membership from time to time. All the members who have submitted their registration form for the LCNL Directory
will be recorded on the E-NEWS database.
I would like to thank Madhuben Popat, Ashokbhai Dattani, Kiritbhai Vithlani, President Deepakbhai Jatania and
Amit Chandarana of Net Creator for assisting me in transmission of the E-News.
Vinod thakrarE-News Officer
LCNL 2013-14
enews@lcnl.org
The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
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Website Report
WWW.LCNL.ORG
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our President Deepakbhai Jatania and the Executive Committee for
entrusting me with the website resposiblty.I am particularly thankful to Yatin Dawada,our Assistant Tresurer who
together with our external web designer Amit Chandarana has assisted me in maintaining and updating the site
as required.
Last year our website was redesigned and it gave us a facility to promote current events of LCNL and it’s
operating committees on the front page of the website. We have also uploaded Raghuvanshi Magazine,News
and Events Magazine and Building Report on the front screen which can be read in flip book format. Our
members have found this useful as a reference guide also as it is on the front screen at all times
Technology is forever changing rapidly and electronic media has become very important in our daily lives.
Therefore it is important for us to keep this under constant review. Our YLS team members have some new
fresh ideas on their website, i.e facebook, twitter, and user friendly website for Android phones. We intend to adopt
these for LCNL in the coming years.
The following key activity areas are tabulated for a quick reference point.
• Membership forms and information
• Operating Committee activities and information
Lcnl Executive Committee -Mahila Mandal - Social Centre Senior Men
Social Centre Senior Ladies -RCT - YLS
• Services
E News - News and Events - Marriage Introduction
Bereavement - Members Views - Business & Professional
Sports - Affiliation -
• Events Dairy
• Photo Gallery
• Contact Details
I would enclourage members to visit our website on a regular basis for referencing and for information on new
current programs. I am happy to welcome any constructive suggestions and members view points
Vinod Thakrar
Convenor 2013-14
Vinodthakrar@yahoo.co.uk
The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
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FAMILY GUIDANCE REPORTLCNL hit a milestone on the 7th of December, Overseeing the scenic Wembley Stadium,120 young Lohana’sgathered (60 Boys & 60 Girls), chatted, ate starters and commenced the speed date evening. The significanceof such an event is that the numbers, if permitted would have gone on to 200 plus, declaring the appetite for sucha localised community schedule.
An event like this needs planning, teamwork and energy; thus the involvement of the YLS (Young Lohana Society)with LCNL team was a great achievement. Due to the centralised ages of the candidates it was decided to allowall participants to speak to each other. This served mixed reactions initially, and then feedback suggested that itwas the best way to carry the evening. The speed date finished and then the dinner and networking commenced.Testimony to any event is when the crowd are still conversing away at midnight. We are currently looking atmaking this a regular event in the LCNL calendar. I would like to say thanks to some individuals to ensure thesuccess of the evening.
Jeet Rughani, Vinod Thakrar, Deepak Jatania Sheetal Popat, Tejas Kotecha (YLS), Seema Chande (YLS),Pratibhaben Lakhani (LCNL).Sandhyaben Gandecha (Mahila) & the YLS team that helped on the day We alsohad a Joint Speed Date Programme on 23rd February with Navnat Council of Vanik Association. We had about38 Lohana Boys & Girls. We are planning a joint event with 3 communities and this time Lohana Community willbe eading the event and will be under the banner of LCNL. The date and Venue is being looked for une//July2014 and also a Lohana only event jointly with YLS for November/ December.
We also maintain a database of the prospective matches; containing candidate details. This is updated regularlyby Mansukhbhai Raichure. Male and Female list are mailed to registered candidates on request. The familyguidance team members are Dinesh Kotecha, Dipak Jatania, Vinod Thakrar, Mansukhbhai Raichutre & PratibhaLakhani.
We look forward to your continued support.
Dinesh Kotecha - Family Guidance Chairperson
LCNL SPORTS REPORT
The annual LNCL golf tournament was held at the Essendon Country Club in Hatfield on Wednesday 3 July
2013. The event proved to be more successful than last year with 89 golfers who took part on the day and we
were forced to turn away over 20 late applicants. The whole day proved to be an immense success with all
participants enjoying not only the golf but also the BBQ in the evening. Can I start by thanking all of the
participants without who there would have been no golf day and also a thank you to those that attended the BBQ
in the evening. Can I also Club 2000 who provided the food for the BBQ in the evening. Judging by the feedback
that we have received, everyone who attended loved the venue and the food.
Our main sponsor for the event this year was Metro Bank to whom we are very grateful for their support and for
providing various goods to the participants. Again, Ramesh Radia sponsored the floating trophy which was
awarded to the winner of the event. Special thanks also to HT & Co Drinks for their generous sponsorship. Again,
we were able to acquire a number of sponsors for the event and can I thank them all for the generosity that they
showed in sponsoring our event. The sponsors for the holes were: igerHolidays.com, Sterling Accountants, Harold
Benjamin, Santok Group (who sponsored 2 holes), Harrow Service Centre, Kamsons Pharmacy, Newland Manor,
Maurya, SPEDAG INTERFREIGHT AG, Handsdale Limited and Westminster Homes.
Can I say a special thank you to the following team members for helping to organise the event and also for
ensuring that everything ran so smoothly on the day and without who the event would not have been possible;
Mahendra Ganatra, Ashok Sodha, Vinod Thakrar, Deepak Jatania, Janu Kotecha, Prakash Radia and Kantibhai
Kakad. All of these people played a major role in ensuring that the event was a success. Lastly, the Lohana
Cricket Club has gone from strength to strength. We have attracted more members and all the adult teams had
good seasons. In addition, the colts section has continued to grow with the high point of the season being the
under 13’s winning the Middlesex Indoor Championship. They now progress to the District Championship and we
have high hopes for them winning this – congratulations to all the boys!
Regards
Dhiru Savani - Conveyor
The LCNL A.G.M. 13th April 2014
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TREASURER’S REPORT
I would like to thank the President, the Executive Committee and the Lohana Community North London for
entrusting me with the finances and giving me the opportunity to serve the Community.
The Navratri function was held at our usual venue - Brentford Leisure Centre in Chiswick - and was well attended
during the week-ends but, as in previous years, we were well under capacity on the weekdays. With the generous
contributions of the donors and Yajmaans we were able to deliver a small profit on the event and I would like to
thank them for their generosity. I would also like to say a special thanks to the members of the Young Lohana
Society for their active involvement in the event.
The Golf Day’s popularity continues to grow and has good support which I hope will continue. Owing to the hard
work of Dhirubhai Savani and his team, the event produced a good net income.
The popular Raghuvanshi Diwali Magazine continues to be well received within the community. Once again it
produced very good income for the year and the majority of the outstanding amounts have been received with
no bad debts. I would like to thank all the advertisers for their continued support.
The News and Events magazine was also well produced and advertising revenue helped to subsidise the cost
and reduce the loss.
The two Gujarati plays were very successful and well attended and made a good contribution to the Community
funds.
The social functions included Chopda Pujan, Hanuman Chalisa, Ram Navami, Janmashtami and Jalaram Jayanti
and were well attended and well planned by the Social Secretary, Pratapbhai Khagram, and his team with the
support of the Committee members and community well-wishers.
As it did last year, the Executive Committee approved a contribution of £6,000 to Raghuvanshi Charitable Trust.
The loan to the Lohana Charitable Foundation was increased by a further £50,000 to £87,500. The Committee
also approved a donation from the General Charity Fund of £1,500 for a Gaushala and a further £1,500 to a UK
charitable organisation.
The support and co-operation of the President, Vice President and the Committee and the event organisers
assisted me to carry out my duty as Treasurer. I would like to say a special thank you to Yatin Dawda, the
Assistant Treasurer, for his help.
I would also like to express my gratitude to Ashokbhai Sodha and his team for their work as Independent
Accountants.
Pravin Khagram
Hon Treasurer
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LOHANA COMMUNITY NORTH LONDON
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2014
PRESIDENT: MR DEEPAKBHAI JATANIA
TREASURER: MR PRAVINBHAI KHAGRAM
ASHMANS
Chartered Accountants
Zone G Salamander Quay West, Park Lane Harefield Middlesex UB9 6NZ
CONTENTS
Statement of Executive Committee’s Responsibilities
Honorary Accountants Report
Statement of Affairs
Income & Expenditure Account
Notes to the accounts
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LCNL MAHILA MANDAL CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
Humbled, Proud and Grateful
I welcome you to this end of year Report. I am personally filled with awe and gratitude that the year has flown so
swiftly. This is with the collective efforts of all our Mahila Committee members, the President and the Executive
Committee of the LCNL, YLS and all the volunteers throughout the year. I am proud of the unwavering
commitment towards excellence from our sponsors and am thankful that despite the turns and blocks in the road,
we completed the year with the following successful events:
(1) Coach Trip to Birmingham to visit:
Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) & Ek Niwas mandirs; indulgence at the Cadbury World.
(2) Laughter Therapy Yoga (laughter exercises with yogic breathing)
(3) Rudri Pujan (Shravan Monday Lord Shiv puja in Rudra form)
(4) Navratri Ladies Afternoon Garbas with Mela style Stalls, highlight was 108 Aartis as it was Aatham.
(5) Tulsi Vivah Celebrations (the Divine wedding of Lord Krishna and Mata Tulsi Vranda celebrated with great
splendor with a genuine marriage-like atmosphere).
(6) Christmas Party for People with Disabilities with their Carers and Parents. Children from Harrow Mencap
and Ashiana Charitable Trust invited. Our Chief Guest the Deputy Worshipful Mayor of Harrow, Councillor
Camilla Bath and other dignitaries honoured the event.
Charities Supported: Saheli Gramya Vikas (welfare of two children) and Gauree Gai in Porbandar,
St Lukes Hospice in Kenton, The Mayor’s Charity, Ashiana Charitable Trust and Harrow Mencap. Surplus to
Lohana Charitable Foundation for the new Building Project.
On behalf of Mahila Parivar, I thank you all for your continued support. Be assured that your perennial
encouragement and generosity in Mahila’s future endeavours, is welcomed most appreciatively. May Lord Krishna
bless you and your families now and in the many happy years we spend together in the LCNL.
Jai Shree Krishna, Jai Jalarambapa.
Sandhya Gandecha
Mahila Chairperson 2013-2014
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REPORT OF THE CONSTITUTION COMMITTEE
This Committee was established to carry out the task of the long overdue overhaul of the Constitution which I
believe was first approved on or around 20th February 1983 (some 31 years ago). The principal objective was
to update the document in such a manner as to make it more user-friendly, comprehensive and practical.
As part of this process I collated a lot of information which included the background, earlier documentation,
sample constitutions/governing instruments and the views of many of those who have been closely associated
with the constitution and general operation of the community. Following this I began compiling the draft and my
team has been very helpful and cooperative in making all the necessary inputs and variations that we believed
were necessary.
A draft working instrument was placed before the Executive Committee in early February of this year and we
received some very helpful and constructive amendments/suggestions. Subject to that the draft was approved.
The changes and suggestions were adopted and further variations were made. Consequently, an SGM was
called on 5th April 2014 for the Community’s approval.
I have no doubt that by now you have all received the document and that you will note the changes that have
been made. In that context I would request you to bear in mind the following handicaps:
1. Although by profession I am a lawyer my speciality is more corporate/litigation rather than constitutional
work. It therefore took me a little longer than usual to make the changes;
2. The basis of our task was the update/revision of the current document and not a complete re-write (although
substantially it appears so);
3. We had no specific secretarial backup and most of the typing, administrative work and the like was
undertaken by Myself, Vinod Thakrar and Mansukhbhai Raichura (I am extremely grateful to both these
gentlemen for their continual input in all respects);
4. I also undertook some duties as an assistant Secretary of LCNL and therefore at the same time was involved
in writing minutes, letters and other attendances etc.
Having said that I must also balance it by admitting that it was a great pleasure and honour to work with my
whole team especially people like Amratlal Radia, Janubhai Kotecha, Manish Sangani and our president Deepak
Jatania.
It remains for me to thank our President for having the faith in me and the support of the whole Executive
committee both in my capacity as the Constitution Chairperson and Assistant Secretary, not forgetting Dinesh
Kotecha for giving me a freehand on the secretarial reigns.
I would be failing in my duty if I forgot to acknowledge with gratitude the support and encouragement given to me
by my dear wife Varsha.
Jai Sri Krishna
Deenesh Thakerar
Convenor, Constitution Committee, LCNL
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LOHANA SENIOR LADIES CENTRE’S ACTIVITY REPORT
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LOHANA SOCIAL CENTRE (MEN) ANNUAL REPORT
I have pleasure once again in submitting our Centre report for the year 2013/14. We held our AGM(Annual
Panchayat) on Wednesday the 24 July 2013. The President of LCNL Deepakbhai Jatania and two LCNL
representatives, Janubhai Kotecha and Vinodbhai Thakrar attended. The election was very effectively carried
out by the LCNL President Deepakbhai Jatania and he following were elected to run the affairs of the Centre.
Chairman: Secretary Treasurer
Chandubhai Rughani Kantibhai Hindocha Kantibhai Kakad
Committee Members: Kantibhai Davda,Vinod Morjaria, Kantibhai Karia, Kiran Sachdev, Rameshbhai
Thakkar,Vinod Nathwani
Ex-Officio Members: Ajitbhai Adatia (Immediate Past Chairman – LSC) Deepakbhai Jatania (President - LCNL)
LCNL Representatives to LSC- Vinod Thakrar (Vice President – LCNL) Janubhai Kotecha - Immediate Past
President - LCNL
I am very pleased to report that the current membership of the Centre is 109 people. The regular attendance of
our members three days a week during summer months has remained around 95 and 75 during the winter
months.
The following activities were organised during the year:
- A members social get together with their spouses was arranged on 14th June 2013 and was attended by 140
participants.After lunch a variety of entertainment items including a Bingo was played.As this programme has
become very popular,the spouses of the members hosted a reciprocal event on Friday the 16 August 2013 with
a view to returning the hospitality to the regular Centre members.
- A one-day picnic to Crowley temple and Brighton was arranged on Sunday the 7 July 2013.The weather turned
out to be very favourable and 49 members who participated enjoyed the picnic.
- Our ever popularAnnual Grand Diwali Dinner Celebrations programme was organised on Thursday the 24
October 2013 at Kadwa Patidar Samaj Hall.Once again the event was fully subscribed and the participants were
LSC members with their spouses and friends as well as senior members of our community at large.The event
was also supported by the President,Executive Committee Members and a number of LCNL members.The
trustees of RCT Board Members and members of YLS also attended the programme. In all more than 450
participants enjoyed the Diwali Dinner followed by melodious Music.At the courtesy of Shree Kantibhai Amlani
and family delicious Ice Cream was served to the participants.We are thankful to Amlani family.On Diwali day itself
we did Aarti at the Centre which was followed by Diwali lunch for the LSC regular members.
- The highlight of our event for the year took place on Tuesday the 3 December 2013 when 39 of our members
were given a guided tour of both the Houses Of Parliament on the invitation and arranged by LORD DOLAR
POPAT.After the guided tour we had more than half an hour quality time with Lord Popat in the Committee room
where he enlightened us on various subjects.After the tour ,Lord Popat had made lunch arrangement for the
participants of the tour and their spouses at Meera Village Restaurant.The lunch arrangement was very abley
supervised by our experienced Shree Manubhai Radia.On behalf of all members who took part in the guided tour,I
would like to take the opportunity once more to convey our heartfelt thanks to Lord Popat for such a unique tour
of Houses of Parliament.
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- On 3 March 2014,following the Management Committee's unanimous decision, an appeal was made to our
regular members to contribute our share towards the building of new Lohana Community Hall with a view to
showing our loyalty and solidarity to our mother organisation.The response of the members was very generous
resulting into raising a very handsome collection of £11,645.25p from our 95 regular members However,atleast
7 of our regular members were away on holiday when the appeal was made.I am confident that all of them will
contribute their share to the fund on their return. A social day has been arranged on Friday the 28 March
2014,where in the presence of our regular members' spouses, a cheque made up of the total collection will be
presented to LCNL President Deepakbhai Jatania.I would like to place on record my sincere and heartfelt
appreciation of our members for their very generous contribution.
The main regular Centre activities:
Regular Celebrations of Birthdays,Annivarsaries,Achievments of grand children etc.
Table Tennis and Pools competitions are organised followed by presentation of trophies to the winners and
runner-ups.More than 35 members regularly play both these sports.Playing Cards etc.
LSC members are fully involved in LCNL programmes and activities throughout the year.
It goes without saying that all these activities need every support and help from well wishers,sponsors and
volunteers,without their generosity and co-operation we cannot continue to function and for that I would like to
record my gratitude and thanks to:
All sponsors,well wishers and volunteers.
LCNL President Deepakbhai and the Executive Committee.
RCT Board of Trustees Chairman Ravi Tanna and RCT TRustees.
I would like to thank our Secretary Shree Kantibhai Hindocha,our Treasurer Shree Kantibhai Kakad and all elected
Committee members for their unconditional support and utmost co-operation during the year.I would also like to
thank all our vounteers and members for their suppport and confidence in me to lead the Centre.I sincerely hope
that I have discharged my responsibility and duties diligently and prudently keeping always in mind the
interest,welfare and progress of our Centre.
Finally I extend my sincere thanks to my wife Pushpa Rughani for her continuous support which enables me to
serve our Centre and the Community at large.
Jay Shree Krishna
Chandu Rughani
Chairman - Lohana Social Centre.
21 March 2014
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NEWS AND EVENTS REPORTS I am thankful to Deepakbhai Jatania and the Executive Committee for giving me the opportunity to be the editor
for the News and Events publication
It was a challenge for us to improve the standard and the quality of the publication. I am happy and thankful for
the positive & encouraging comments from the membership. This is a well read magazine because of its useful
contents. It is produced three times a year and contains details of the events, articles and activities of all the
operating bodies of LCNL. If members wish to submit any articles, then they can send it via info@lcnl.org. Latest
magazine is also posted on the front screen of our website in a flipbook format which members have found it useful
The committee members who assisted me are Jeet Rughani, Deenesh Thakerar and Dinesh Shonchhatra
Vinod Thakrar - News and Events magazine editor and officer (LCNL 2013-14)
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL REPORT 2014This year we have not had Business Dinner as the advance negotiation with one Institution failed to materialize
at well advance Stage and final answer came very late in Jan / Feb of 2014.
As soon as we knew of the answer from above sponsorer our search started for new sponsorer and Iam pleased
inform you that We are at advance stage with a New institution where verbally confirmed and document
confirmation will be with us shortly.Dates for the Dinner will be 3rd week of septeber 2014. We have propose to
the sponsoer that we use our new hall as the venue for the event, I will be able to confirm the date and venue at
the AGM.
Business and Professional convenor
Deepak Jatania
naVratri rePort
JAI AMBEE MATAJI TO ALL.
I am pleased to give you the following report in respect of our Navratri Festival for the year 2013.
I am pleased that once more our Navratri was held at Brentford Leisure Centre – Chiswick. Our community is
very fortunate to have such a venue for the last 18 years.
You all are fully aware that finance was a major issue after the 2012 Navratri. President and all E.C. Members
were fully aware of the loss of approximately £8,000. I am pleased to confirm that this time we have made small
profit.
Secondly, it is very sad to write that our own LCNL members are very happy to support other third party who
operate their Navratri – who makes money and are not accountable to LCNL. When it comes to LCNL there is
a very small support. LCNL members are urged to support your own Mahajan’s Navratri so that the profit is
retained only for our Mahajan benefit and it is accountable.
I would sincerely like to express my gratitude to all the sponsors of the festival and all the members of the LCNL
for all your whole hearted support. I would also like to thank the President, Pratapbhai Khagram and Madhuben
Popat (who were assistant convenors) and all the E.C. Members, YLS, Mahila, J. B. Security and Strings Music
Group for all their hard efforts and support.
On Behalf of LCNL my very special thanks to all the Yajmans for their generous support, without them our losses
would have been £8,000 or higher. Please kindly continue your support.
This was our last year for LCNL’s Navratri at CHISWICK. Last 18 years I have continually served LCNL for our
Navratri. Now I am happy to say that this year we will have our Navratri in our own Building and predominantly
for LCNL members.
JAI AMBEE MATAJI.
Janu KoteCha,
I.P. PRESIDENT/CONVENOR LCNL 2013 NAVRATRI.
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07956 810 647
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Lohana Community North London
Cordially invite you all to take part in the Recitation of 108 Hanuman Chalisa
For Information please contact:
Deepakbhai Jatania: 020 8950 2484 Dinesh Kotecha: 07816 813 239
Sandhyaben Gandecha: 07656 883 342
HanumanJayanti
On Saturday 19th April 2013
Programme Time:
Hanuman Chalisa
From 10.00am to 05.00pm
Prasad 05.30pm Onwards
Venue: Oakington Manor PrimarySchool (Large Sports Hall)
Oakington Manor Drive,
Middlesex, HA9 6NF
Sponsors
Late Shree Vrajlal Gordhandas Pau
& Family and
Our regular Well Wisher
Rambapa & Members of Jignasu
Mandal will grace the occasion
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