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by
undertaking activities such as collective celebration of
functions. They want to promote and maintain the cultural,
religious and traditional heritage amongst the youth settled in
U.K. in order to keep them from being overly absorbed into the
Western World Culture when they live far away from India-the
country of their ancestry.
The climatic conditions, social environment and the people
living far apart lead to a feeling of loneliness. This is the
only common meeting venue where they can get together and enjoy
all the social religious, cultural events with their families
and friends. It had its first friendly Diwali gathering in Shri
Ram Mandir and Shri Prabhudas Kanabar, Shri Vithaldas Ruparelia,
Shri Odhavjibhai Raikundalia, Shri Chandubhai Sodha, Shri
Jivrajbhai Kotecha, Shri Champakbhai Kotecha and Shri
Jayantibhai Desani were the foundation pioneer
pillars of Lohana Community in Southall.
But before it could flourish its roots deeper, it was absorbed
by Lohana Union Greater London in order to have a common Lohana
Union Organization. And after a couple of years, due to increase
in membership 4 regions of Lohana Community were
established in East, West, North and South London with an aim to
function better.
Thus Lohana Community West London was
founded on 27th, February 1977 under the Presidentship of Shri
Prabhudasbhai Kanabar, Shri Chandubhai Sodha as Vice President,
Shri Ramesbhai Morjaria as Secretary, Shri Vithaldas Ruaparelia
as Treasurer and other members in the managing team.
L.C.W.L. played a major role in L.C.U.K.
where Shree Dhirubhai Vadera successfully made a tradition of
the event of Sant Shree Jalarambapa Jayanti celebrations.
L.C.W.L. also organises open Raas-Garba Charity
programmes in aid of Saurastra Relief Fund and raised a
substantial amount for the welfare.
One of the proud achievements is
establishment of Gujarati classes of 80-100 children by
Smt. Nishaben Thakerar, which has been running this course
without charging any fees to the students.
Sports, Dancing, and other cultural activities are organised at
a regular basis and taken part with great enthusiasm by all
members, Badminton and Table Tennis being favourites in Sports
and Semi Classical and Folk dances in the curriculum. Other
major activities are successful running Gujarati classes, Advice
on Social Services and Welfare Rights, Legal Advice, The British
Institute of Management Participation.
They achieved a longstanding dream by
organizing the unique Dance Ballet "Jesal Toral"
under the special project committee
L.C.W.L. is now on strong footing. Besides
the above accomplishments, they have regularly been holding
events like Bhajan Nights, Coach Trips, Easter Dinner Music,
Navratri, Diwali and donating funds every year to various worthy
& deserving organizations not only in U.K. but outside U.K.
and in various Indian organizations.
Backed by dedicated committee members and volunteers,
LCWL strives to keep the traditional
values alive and for that purpose organises events ranging from
Navratri to musical nights, festive gatherings to knowledge and
wisdom filled saptahs. It takes pride in the active role played
by their Young Lohana Association, a subsidiary both at local
and national level.
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