40th Ruby Celebrations
Ruby (40th) Anniversary Celebrations of Geeta Bhawan
Loughborough Echo News
Geeta Bhawan 40th Anniversary Messages
"We warmly thank and congratulate all our friends at Geeta Bhawan; also in
the Broader Punjabi Hindu community, on achieving forty years of splendid
service to the people of the Loughborough area.
The contribution you have made to the local area, in terms of its Economy,
Family Life and Harmonious relationships, is too great to be measured. Any
support that we have been able, indeed privileged, to give, has been
returned tenfold.
Can we also remember those in your community who have passed on, but who,
during their lives, gave many hours laying the foundations of what has been
achieved today.
May your celebrations be joyous and meaningful, and may your community
continue to thrive and prosper for many years to come.
With our very best regards,"
Honorary Freeman Mike Jones and Mrs Marj Jones.
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"Soon after I came to Loughborough as Vicar of Saint Peter’s, people arrived here from Panjab, and we offered friendship to our new citizens. Hindus and Sikhs, wanting a place to worship on Sundays, used Saint Peter’s recently-formed Community Centre while they were finding premises of their own. Many friendships were made across the three faiths, which are still strong to this day. Then the Hindus were offered the building in Fennel Street. The opening ceremony and installations of the deities were enjoyable, deeply moving occasions. Congratulations to everyone at Geeta Bhavan, Thank you for being such a valued part of our community."
David Paterson
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"Heartiest congratulations to Geeta Bhawan and all members of the Geeta Bhawan on the 40th anniversary from the Gurdwara Sahib and sikh community of Loughborough
I can recall the time when we used to share alternatively St. Peters Hall, Loughborough once a month for our religious functions and socials celebrations.
Sikh community has always had over the years the support of Geeta Bhawan and vice
versa. We had a very strong community relationship and have together many joint social functions, Geeta Bhawan has provided the religious and social facilities to the Hindu community and joined hands with other communities to have better understanding of each other and good community relations in Loughborough.
On behalf of the Gurdwara Sahib, Loughborugh, sikh community and myself I once again take this opportunity to congratulate Geeta Bhawan on their historic 40th anniversary and look forward to many more.
Many Many congrats again"
Lal Singh Assi on behalf of Gurdwara Sahib,Loughborough LE11 3RU
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"We have been in connection with Geeta Bhavan, its members and the Committee for a very long time, since our organisation, Brahma Kumaris started in Loughborough in 1978. We have attended many functions there. It is a place that welcomes everyone generously, with an open heart. The Committee and members have always been friendly and co-operative. With their support over the years, we have given talks there and used the building for ourselves. Situated in the heart of Loughborough, the atmosphere of the place is always warm, happy and accommodating.
All the Best for the future! Good wishes"
Brahma Kumaris, Loughborough
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"It gives me great pleasure to extend heartiest congratulations to the members, management committee and Hindu Punjabi and Hindu community as a whole for completing 40 glorious years successfully with commitment and sincerity. The community has proved to be worthy members of the local community and deserve recognition for valuable contributions to local faith matters.
Religion permeates the daily life of Indians in a way that is almost incomparable in any culture. There are prayers and rituals for every situation in life, however momentous and mundane. By tradition we have shrine in our homes but temple provides a place to be together and do communal worship and celebrate festivals. It provides the facility to get together, meet, discuss and provide religious education for younger members of the community.
Geeta is an epitome of all the scriptures. The essence of all the scriptures is found in it. It is called the storehouse of all spiritual knowledge. Geeta Bhawan by definition the house where Geeta resides is a very important place in any town or city. It is a good fortune for the residents of Loughborough to celebrate the 40th anniversary.
I wish you all the success for many more years and continuous representation of Hindu community in our local multi-faith matters i.e. promoting peace, harmony and friendliness with other faith communities.
I wish you all the best for the future many years to come. God bless you all.
Jai Shree Krishna"
Amrat Bava, Hindu Chaplin, Dept. Of Faith and Spirituality, Loughborough University.
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"I would like to congratulate Geeta Bhawan on 40 years of devoted service to your faith and to the town. I have known you since before you moved into your present premises and have enjoyed working with you over all those years, particularly through Loughborough Council of Faiths. I commend you for your support of all our inter faith activities.
I wish you all well over the years to come. May you continue to be a blessing to our town."
Daphne Beale
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"Geeta Bhawan has changed my aspect of thinking and how I live my life. Dr Chhabra always gives speeches about the significance of different festivals and how they came about. It's really satisfying to listen and learn new things about our religion. It is nice to meet new people there and the pritibhojan is always delicious and a joy to eat! I will continue to come to Geeta Bhawan as it is fun and I like learning new things. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this auspicious and amazing community."
Vipul Aggarwal, 2nd year MPharm student
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"Geeta Bhawan has been a part of my life for the last 40 years. I remember the days when the monthly Satsangs were held at St. Peter’s Hall on Storer Road. Recitation of Ramayan and the singing of devotional songs were so mesmerising that it encouraged me to visit again and again. Geeta Bhawan gives us a sense of belonging and has kept the Hindu Culture alive in our hearts and hope that it will continue to do so for the future generations. Over the years Geeta Bhawan has been visited by many learned Gurus who have showed us the path of righteousness. It is not only a place of Worship but also a Community Centre where many other activities take place. It is a place where members share their joys and sorrows alike. Today I am proud to be celebrating 40th Anniversary of Geeta Bhawan."
Anita Arora
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"Jai shree Krishna, Warm greetings to all the members of Geeta Bhawan.
I still remember the day when I first visited the temple with my husband and I didn't had any kids. We had just moved to Loughborough and everything was very much new to us. We were very much welcomed by the all the members at Geeta Bhawan and they announced our names with all lovely words. They also gifted us a blessings of goddess durga (India nav durga) photo which I have in my little temple at home.
My parents and in-laws are miles away from us in India and on my all the visits I have always felt as if I am meeting my family here in UK.
It has been always great pleasure to visit Geeta Bhawan and my kids, parents and in-laws have also been to temple.
All in all great going and my hearty congratulations on the anniversary of Mandir.
Best wishes,Jai shree Krishna,"
Mrs Rachana Bhatt
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"I have been attending the Geeta Bhawan since 2014. I am extremely proud to be a part of such a wonderful community who make you feel very welcome and shower you with love and affection. I have recently become a member of the Temple, and have witnessed many joyful occasions. The members associated with the mandir work extremely hard and this is reflected in the programmes that are run throughout the year. I have been fortunate to observe many festivals and traditions that were unknown to me. I now have the opportunity to understand these and widen my knowledge. Happy 40th Anniversary to the Mandir and here's to many more."
Mrs Dina Chhabra
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"The Geeta Bhawan Mandir has been an integral part of our lives. It is a very special place where all the community can get together to socialise and pray. We've been lucky to see how the Mandir has developed and how it provides so much to the community including karate lessons, dance and exercise classes. Also when we were younger, Hindi classes which will always be a memory to all who attended. The Mandir is a place where the doors are open for any faith and background and I hope to create some lovely memories in the future. Happy 40th Anniversary to the Geeta Bhawan!"
Rajiv Chhabra
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"Happy 40th Anniversary to Geeta Bhawan!
We have been members of Geeta Bhawan since it was established. In these 40 years while being part of Geeta Bhawan we have learned a lot about our own religion. We take part in singing prayers at all of the religious functions organised by the community and have had the pleasure to meet some wonderful community members, whom of which we have become very good friends with. We also take part in activities at the temple which are very enjoyable for all. God bless our Geeta Bhawan for many more years to come."
Satish and Kiran Chhabra
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"We and our three daughters, Sonia, Anu and Monica have been integral part of Geeta Bhawan since its establishment. We have witnessed its growth over the past 40 years and have the opportunity to contribute towards its built up. I am privileged and honoured to serve the community as an Honorary Secretary for the last 35 years and my wife is equally pleased to be part of the team that looks after the religious and cooking facilities at the Centre. Our children have been indoctrinated in Hindu way of life here and still love to visit Geeta Bhawan frequently even no longer living in Loughborough. For us, Geeta Bhawan community is our family and the Centre is our second home. We share and celebrate our happy moments here and also this is the place for us to seek solace and help in times of distress. May God give us strength and stamina to serve this great Centre for many years to come."
Dr and Mrs S R Chhabra
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"As a child I used to really look forward to coming to the Mandir. It was a chance to say my prayers but also catch up with friends and cousins. I remember how I used to love help serve the food made me feel all grown up. My happy memories are one of the yummy prasad that used to be made. I remember how we as children would look forward to karah (halwa).
Going for a jagrata was exciting. We would take our sleeping bags and sleep in the other room. There used to be so many of us and we all tried to stay awake. Coming to Geeta Bawan was a good way of learning about my religion it was fun. But also a chance to catch up with the community. I had many a happy times at Geeta Bawan. Now I'm married and have moved back from abroad it's nice that I can share the love of the Geeta Bawan community with my son."
Kam (Anju) Gohill (nee’ Sudhir)
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"We have always felt very fortunate to be a part of this wonderful temple. When many of us first came to this country, we left much of our family back in India. This gap in our lives was filled by the people in the Geeta Bhawan community. Not only has the Mandir given us a place to pray and worship, but also it has provided us with a community of life long friends that have provided support in times of need and with whom we have shared many happy occasions over the last 40 years. Thank you and happy anniversary, Geeta Bhawan!"
The Gumber family
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"The Geeta Bhawan mandir has been an important part of my upbringing where I have learned about Hinduism from a young age and this is reflected in my beliefs, values and behaviours. It has also shown me the importance of community that is there for you through the good times and the bad and I am very grateful for this continuous support from everyone. It is with great effort that Geeta Bhawan has been going for forty years and I hope it continues for more years to come and will endeavour to pass on Hinduism to the younger generation."
Veenu Gupta
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"I came to UK in 1982 from Singapore. I came to set up a business and after a year my family joined me. I did not know anybody in UK and then I got introduced to Geeta Bhawan, Loughborough. Geeta Bhawan gave me the opportunity to interact with other members and soon our family got to know a lot of people. In time, we have made many close and life long friends. All my close relatives are living far away all over the world. However, Geeta Bhawan members have now become our "family" who are always there in times of happiness or personal tragedies. The Geeta Bhawan community is a very closely knit community who are always available to help each other. As far as I know, this small but unique community is one of a kind in the whole of UK. Any outside guests who visit Geeta Bhawan are very surprised to see the dedication of its members and the selfless way they do their sewa. There is no hunger for power. The main reason for all this is the Managing Committee especially the posts of Treasurer and General Secretary. I would like to mention two outstanding people, Mr Kanwal Nain and Dr Chhabra who have been in these posts for decades and who have steered the community with their honesty, selfless dedication and hard work. It gives me great pleasure to send my heartfelt Best wishes and Heartiest Congratulations to Geeta Bhawan on its 40th Anniversary and wish it every success in the future."
Subash Jain BBA
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"I have the privilege and honour to be a life member of the Geeta Bhawan Loughborough and I visit the temple/community centre regularly. I enjoy the monthly Satsang, Mata ka jagrata/ckoki and all other religious celebrations and community activities. Geeta Bhawan plays a great role in providing great opportunities to interact with other members of the community to share our happiness and other experiences of life. On my personal level Geeta Bhawan has brought a sense of happiness, contentment, friendship and above all a clear prosperity in the community. I am delighted to send my heartfelt best wishes and heartiest congratulations to Geeta Bhawan Committee Members, Trustees and all the members of Geeta Bhawan and wish the Centre a great success in the future."
Ranjit Jalota (Trustee)
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"Geeta Bhawan has been an integral part of my life ever since I can remember. From the Independence Day celebrations including the fancy dress competitions and performance acts, to the Diwali festivities with the crazy fireworks, Mandir Sports Day, and not to forget the Jagrans aka sleepover for us kids! Later in life, I started to observe Karva Chauth fast and attend the rituals at the Mandir, and by 2008 I was engaged to Ricky at the very premises! Ricky was truly humbled by the warm hospitality of the community. It is this loving community that makes Geeta Bhawan the success it is today, and such a joy to be part of. Jai Mata Di."
Ruby and Ricky Kansagra
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"I go to the Mandir to see family and friends. I play games such as football with my cousins. I really enjoy this because I always meet new people. It also gives me a good opportunity to reunite with Uncles and Aunties I've not seen for a long time. I also like coming to the Mandir because the food is really good and tasty."
Aaron Korpal
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"The Geeta Bhawan is always a great place to go. Its a fantastic base for the surrounding community. You can be guaranteed tasty food and warm welcoming smiles."
Aaron Korpal
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"The Geeta Bhawan is always a great place to go. Its a fantastic base for the surrounding community. You can be guaranteed tasty food and warm welcoming smiles."
Jo Korpal
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"The Mandir is a great place to go to meet new people and express your religion. I have learnt lots and formed strong friendships there. We are so lucky to have a place like this in Loughborough. It is an important place where I can go to be surrounded by my family"
Maya Korpal
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"I have been a member of Geeta Bhawan for 39 years and have had the privilege of being involved in all religious events and community celebrations. It has been a pleasure to be part of such a wonderful congregation, which recently has welcomed my husband and In-Laws. I want to Congratulate Geeta Bhawan on 40 great years and look forward to being a part of it for many more years to come. God Bless & Best Wishes"
Monica & Gagan Korpal
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"For me the Mandir is and has always been the hub of the community. It is a place for all people of any race to meet, socialise and be involved in worship if they so choose. The family and I have been involved with the Mandir from the beginning and it was a natural transition to get my kids involved, they enjoy going down to meet other people, it introduces them to Hinduism and the concept of being part of a wider community. The Mandir also offers a place for social activities such as Yoga, Karate and Play School throughout the year. We are all grateful for the resources the Mandir has to offer to us and the wider community."
Ramman Korpal
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"I like the Geeta Bhawan because it has a nice and friendly environment. There are lots of activities to do like karati on certain days, also dancing but I do karati. Every year, the Mandir takes us on a trip. Also in the summer we have a play scheme for two weeks. In the Mandir programme, they help and serve delicious cooked food they make there. That is why like it. Jai Mata ki."
Ria Korpal, Age 10
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"I think the Mandir is a very nice place to go. I love going there because I get to see friends and family who I haven’t seen for a long time. I like the food because it is very tasty and healthy. The people are very friendly there and they let the children play in main Hall where there is a lot of space. I like when it is my birthday because everyone sings Happy birthday to me and I get a present and a birthday card. The people there let other people use the key for the Mandir so they can do activities like Karati, dancing and yoga/fitness class. Jai Mata ki."
Ryan Korpal, Age 8
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"I want to wish Geeta Bhawan a very happy 40th anniversary. Thank you for bringing our community together through Morning Satsangs, Mata Ki Chowkis and Jagratas, where we all join together in our worship of God. I have no doubt Geeta Bhawan will continue to unify all its members for many more years to come. Heartiest congratulations to all the members who have made Geeta Bhawan into such a fantastic community.
Thank you."
Naresh Maria
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"Geeta Bhawan is not just a temple, it is a fantastic thriving community in Loughborough. Bringing together all ages for activities ranging from religious satsangs to exercise classes, it really unites the whole of Loughborough and beyond. We are honoured to be a part of this community, and would like to give our heartiest congratulations on its 40th anniversary celebrations."
Manisha Sareen (BDS), Nikita Maria
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"I have the priviledge to be a member of Geeta Bhawan, Loughborough and has visited the Temple occasionally. I have enjoyed the monthly Satsangs, Mata ka Jagrata, Mata ki Choki, celebrations of religious functions. Apart from learning about Hinduism, Geeta Bhawan plays a great role in giving us the opportunity to interact with other members where we can share our happiness and other experiences of life. On my personal level, Geeta Bhawan has taught me to be united. At the end I am delighted to send my heartfelt Best wishes and Heartiest Congratulations to Geeta Bhawan on its 40th Anniversary and wish it every success in the future"
Swati Miglani MSc
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"I love Geeta Bhawan because I pray to God. I like listening to songs and playing musical instruments. We help uncle with counting money which is really fun. I also like when the children are given gifts and very tasty food. I get lots of sweets because I am a child. Geeta Bhawan is really nice place."
Anish Mistry Age 7
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"I love Geeta Bhawan because we do Karati there. In Geeta Bhawan I love the songs. There are some songs I know. I mostly play the tambourine. I also love when we run around the room. I do like the money counting. We also pray to God. When we come in we have to remove our shoes. We always get fruit. Some aunties give us sweets. We love that."
Avik Mistry Age 5
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"Since our association with Geeta Bhawan in 2008, the bond has become stronger and stronger. First we were members, then became life members. To us, Geeta Bhawan is a place where we get peace when we pray and the community here is like our family. Our children are like children of Geeta Bhawan too. They learn our culture and good manners here. Geeta Bhawan has become part of our life."
Dipak and Seema Mistry
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"We are honoured to have been a member of Geeta Bhawan for the last 38 years. Geeta Bhawan keeps us close to our community and helps us to share our experiences so that we never feel too far away from our home country. We have learned a lot about our religion and gained a lot of insight from our Secretary Dr Chhabra. I am pleased that the committee has had faith in me over the last 28 years to give me the role of treasurer and we wish Geeta Bhawan many more years of community spirit and success."
Mr and Mrs Kanwal Nain
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"My family has been part of Geeta Bhawan since the beginning and the community has become a second family to me. Geeta Bhawan has played a special role in bringing people together and providing a place for sharing religion, commemorative occasions and socials. It is great to see that the spirit of love, caring and community still stands today. I'll always have fond memories of the independence day celebrations and fancy dress competitions as well as the community singing bhajans late into the night. I wish every member all the best in celebrating 40 years and contributing to its success"
Trisha Nain
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"While being away from our home (Kerala, India), we were concerned about being out of touch with Hindu culture. Recently we became members of Geeta Bhawan and have enjoyed many programs like Satsang, Mata ki Choki and Independence Day celebrations 2015. Our new born baby, Pavan was blessed by Geeta Bhawan in one of the Satsangs. Our daughter Gowri (7 years old) commented one day after coming home from Geeta Bhavan that she enjoy attending the bhajans. Interacting with other members and attending the events make us feel that we are in India. We wish hearty congratulations for the 40th Anniversary of Geeta Bhawan and pray to God for good health, prosperity and success of its members."
Dr Ajith Pai and family
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"I am proud to be a Lifelong member of Geeta Bhawan Loughborough. I have been coming since I was 5 years old, so it's nearly 40 years for me as well! I have always enjoyed celebrations of religious functions, especially Maha Shivratri at the temple.
I take great pride in telling friends and family that I am part of the committee. We are also proud to hold karate classes and Yoga/fitness classes at Geeta Bhawan. All the members feel like they are part of my Loughborough family. When we have guests even from as far as India and they visit the temple, they are surprised how everyone helps each other and that there is a real sense of caring and sharing in the community.
I am delighted to congratulate Geeta Bhawan on its 40th Anniversary and wish it every success in the future."
Hans Rana
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"Over the years I have been going to Mandir, in fact from my childhood. This journey has continued through GEETA BHAVAN although with trying different paths to salvation. In the end I decided BHAKTI MARG is the only one suitable to me. Lord Krishna has mentioned many way to salvation in Gita. Trying to follow the paths shown by Great Indian Saints such as, Mira Bai, Tuka Ram, Sarjo Bai, Guru Nanak, Guru Amar Das, Tulsi Das, etc , I tried to follow the path by SIMRIN. It involves controlling the mind, body and
senses to concentrate on God. for that you need your ISHT DEV'S image in front of you.
For that purpose the MOORTI'S of your favourite comes to mind, that is where Mandir's moortis help us to concentrate.
It is important to love God and taste His sweetness. He is the sweetness, and the devotee is its enjoyer. God is the lotus, and the devotee is the bee. As the devotee cannot live without God, so also God cannot live without His devotee. Then the devotee becomes the lotus, and God the bee.
This is the significance of the Radha and Krishna's murthis in mandir and the life of all great saints. This, in a nutshell, is my humble opinion of the great saints of India.
With kind regards"
Gurbax Rai Saini
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"I am privileged to have visited the Geeta Bhawan on my first ever visit to Loughborough, nearly 30 years ago, on day of my registered wedding. Ever since, then the temple has continuously provided divine inspiration to me and my family, a joyful opportunity to be with our community, and commend the selfless services of volunteers who look after the temple. The Geeta Bhawan brings best out of our community - mutual respect, standing with each other in happiness & sorrow and provide an example of the community cohesion. I wish Geeta Bhawan to remain a beacon of guidance for generations to come."
Gopal Sharma JP MBA CITP
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"Birth of societal institutions and the homo-sapiens have an uncannily identical pathway from conception to fruition .Just as human life begins with conception to embryonic , foetal , birth , infancy ,adolescence , youth that gallops through thirties and eventually reaching the mile stone of 40 characterized by oft repeated cliche "LIFE BEGINS AT FORTY "
The above analogy is aptly applicable the " GEETA BHAWAN " the idea of which was conceived by its FOUNDING FATHERS forty years ago and having gone through all the stages mentioned above ---has reached its prime .
Isn't time that the "BHAWAN "----apart from serving its present purpose explores new avenues in the service of the community ?"
Manohar Lal Sharma
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"Geeta Bhawan is my local mandir. The mandir celebrates lots of different religious festivals such as -Diwali, Holi, Janamashtmi and lord Shiva’s birthday. It holds many different activities too , like dance classes, exercise and karate classes also the play scheme and i like to attend most of them. We are also lucky enough to go on trips sometimes like going to Hare Krishna temple and Elvaston castle.
I like Geeta Bhawan because it’s a religious and sociable place. I also like the mandir because the people who go there are polite and kind hearted. Another reason I like the mandir is for the food and after playing for an hour with my friends you need nice food. My favourite reason for going to the mandir is to meet my friends and play with them. I love our mandir. Happy 40th birthday Geeta Bhawan !!"
Ryan G Sharma Age 10
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"We have been life long members of Geeta Bhawan, trying to always attend functions and ceremonies at the temple with our children. Rakesh and I have always encouraged our children to attend and participate in functions within the community despite leading very busy and dynamic lifestyles. Being members of Geeta Bhawan has taught me that the Loughborough community is unique to any other as it always pulls together in good and bad times, we feel privileged to be part of such a strong, diverse and supporting group of people. We have treasured many memories, for example holding a haven ceremony, inviting friends and family from near and far to the mandir to celebrate our parents 50th wedding anniversary. This day was only possible with the help and support of the community and the members of the mandir."
Rakesh Sharma (BA Hons), Sunita Sharma (BA Hons)
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"Over the last 40 years the Geeta Bhawan has become an integral part of the Loughborough Hindu Community. The Geeta Bhawan community has always welcomed people from all walks of life. Having first attended the Geeta Bhawan in 1985, I truly feel part of an extended family. The numerous religious events and activities have helped me in not only learning about Hinduism but reinforced its values in me. To me the Geeta Bhawan community is unique; anyone regardless how often they attend immediately becomes a member of a large, loving, caring, sharing and most helpful family. I can't imagine Loughborough without the Geeta Bhawan. I would also like to praise the committee on their immense dedication and hard work that has made the Geeta Bhawan the wonderful, vibrant and thriving temple that it is today and wish the Geeta Bhawan continued success in the future."
Vijay Sharma
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"My association with Geeta Bhawan over the years has very much changed with the cycle of life. As a young child Geeta Bhawan was a place where me and my cousins would often meet at weekends at monthly programs , during summer holidays for great sports days and the jagrata sleepovers we loved. As a teenager / young adult it was a place of identity and community, as a parent a place where I can bring my daughter to ensure she understands our culture and religion and as a son a place where I know my parents will continue to be active in their later years. One thing that stands out for me is the spirit of Geeta Bhawan, the spirit to mobilise people for a common cause in a small town to achieve truly amazing results! God bless
Best wishes"
Rajesh Sudhir & Family
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"I have the privilege and honour to be a life member of the Geeta Bhawan Loughborough and I visit the temple/community centre regularly. I enjoy the monthly Satsang, Mata ka jagrata/ckoki and all other religious celebrations and community activities. Geeta Bhawan plays a great role in providing great opportunities to interact with other I remember as a child in the 70's going to Geeta Bhawan with my Mum and Dad when it was first at St Peters hall on Storer Road. It was the start of an amazing community that I have had the privilege to grow up in. I learnt to play the harmonium and dholki so I could join in with the satsangs and children were encouraged to take part on special occasions: dressing up for Independence Day celebrations, doing readings at Diwali and singing Bhajans. My fondest memories are the Diwali celebrations... Fireworks, raffle, treats and celebrating with the community. The community have become my extended family. Even though we now live a long way away, my husband and I are are lifelong members of Geeta Bhawan and I want my children to grow up with the same sense of belonging, the faith and values that I was lucky enough to have. Happy 40th Anniversary Geeta Bhawan and thank you to all the members that keep it going."
Anu Short (nee’ Chhabra)
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"I have been conducting prayers at Geeta Bhawan since 1992 in my capacity as a priest as and when required. Geeta Bhawan ensures all cultural, social, vedic religious and traditional occasions are celebrated at the Centre. It also runs various activities at the Centre which are open to everyone and these activities provide excellent examples of multicultural education. It unites all communities together and everyone is able to participate in the series of programmed activities. Management Committee has always been very hard working and ensures the Centre provides opportunity for everyone to participate without any barriers.
My heartiest best wishes to Geeta Bhawan on its 40th anniversary and a prayer from the bottom of my heart that the Centre achieves all its desired goals and provide more and more healthy, stimulating, educational and Vedanta based activities to all."
Pundit Nilesh Shukla
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"We have the privilege to be members of Geeta Bhawan Loughborough and have been visiting the temple regularly from a young age. We have always enjoyed visiting the temple and have many fond memories over the years such as receiving presents on birthdays, growing up with other children learning about Hinduism and participating in family events such as sports days, diwali and independence day celebrations. We always feel welcome even though life has now taken us to different parts of the country. We feel honoured and proud to be part of Geeta Bhawan and send our heartfelt best wishes on its 40th Anniversary and wish many more years to come."
Priya Taggar BSc(Hons) MIBMS PgC , Reena Sharma MRPharmS MPharm PGDipCommPharm IP , Shivani Mahandru LLB
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"Geeta Bhawan, what does it mean to me? Dad wanted a place where we Hindus could support both old and new families. If you wanted some cooking pots or floor sheets or to celebrate a special day. St Peters Hall was the start where we would rent the hall for a Sunday morning and load the speakers, amplifiers, floor sheets, pictures at 9 o’clock on a Sunday into the boots of the cars and setup the hall, cook the food at home.
From there we moved here. We used to come and play pool, badminton and table tennis as youngsters and it’s great to see it’s still used in the evenings and throughout the week.
We have come a long way. It’s great that after all these years it continues to prosper and we continue to support each other and the Geeta Bhawan plays a central part in all of our lives.
With the generous support of the community we have a building we can still use for those special occasions and should be proud of."
Rakesh Tiwari
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"Being part of Geeta Bhawan wasn’t just about prayer, but about belonging to an extended family; a constant in our lives, where I recall looking forward to meeting friends and always being greeted with kindness and smiles from the Aunties and Uncles. I truly believe I owe my core values, morals and beliefs to GB, which has made me more considerate, tolerant and respectful. With so many role models to guide us, one could never feel alone with the GB Community. In particular, I am in debt to the wonderful members that keep my parents and family close to their hearts."
Sonia Turner (nee’ Chhabra)