LCUK E-Newsletter April 2009


	Hope you had an enjoyable and restful Easter break. The LCUK have had a successful Variety Show and Easter Sports Weekend. Thanks for your support for these projects and for the continued support for LCUK eNews - please get your Lohana friends and family to subscribe free at www.Lohana.info



	Community News & Events

	LCUK Directory Project Update
	We have had very good response for our main mailshot and the reminder one. The date for the return of the entry forms has been extended to 30th April 2009. There is also still time to publish your company advert or personal message. We are on target to print the LCUK Directory in June 2009. More details and news on the LCUK website as we have it at www.LCUK.org.uk

	Lohana Professional Network Website Updated
	Visit the newly updated website to register interest and to view news and interesting articles - www.LohanaProfessionals.org.uk. A job placement section has been started and we are happy to announce opportunities for gap year work experience in Customer Services in Mumbai for 1 year and we also have an opportunity for a full time placement for a Webmaster in Kent. See the website for more details.



	Other Events

	Jalaram Mandir Greenford April 2009 newsletter
	Click here to see the first newsletter from the new committee of Trustees, which was elected on 19th October 2008. It includes details of finances and news of the Mandir and is expected to be produced quarterly by the Trustees. A new website is also being developed for the Mandir - watch this space for more details in the next eNews.

	The 2nd Dow Jones India Summit
	This is taking place at The London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square from 19 to 20th May 2009 will be the leading European conference focused on India in 2009. With the risks in the global economy continuing to mount and many economies entering recession, India's growth is continues to be forecast at well over 5%. The India Summit 2009 will provide a rare learning and business networking experience for those interested in doing business in or with this huge and dynamic market. World class speakers will share their experiences and knowledge on key sectors and subjects including case studies, keynote interviews and interactive panel discussions.

	"Baa Ne Gher Babo Aavyo"
	The very hilarious new comedy natak starring Pallavi Pradhan & Pratap Sachdev is being held on Saturday 30th May 2009 at 8:00pm at the Watersmeet Theatre in Rickmansworth. Contact Deepa Unadkat on 07947 561 947 to reserve your tickets for £20.00 or £15.00 (including food). This event is being held to raise funds for the Oxford Centre For Hindu Studies (Registered Charity: 1074458).

	Pujya Rambapa's 89th Birthday Dhoon
	Jignyasu Satsang Mandal warmly invite you and your family to celebrate Pujya Rambapa's 89th Birthday with a continuous nine hour Ram Dhoon Maha Yagna on Sunday 31st May, 2009 from 9.00am to 6:00pm at Oakington Manor Primary School, Oakington Manor Drive, Wembley, HA9 6NF followed by Langar Prashadi.



	Second Uganda Medical Mission
	The 2nd Uganda Medical Mission is to be hosted by Southern Range Nyanza Limited (NYTIL) from 3rd to 14th August 2009. For more information, please call / contact Vasantbhai Lakhani, #202-1644 Mcguire Ave North, Vancouver BC, Canada V7P 3B1. Telephone (H) (604) 987-1925 (C) (604) 318 - 4743 Email: vasantlakhani@gmail.com. Vasantbhai was also part of the Bharat Seva Sangh project in Dadiyapada, Gujarat which was hosted on Feb 1, 2009. Twenty physicians travelled to Dadiyapada from Anklehswer. There were pediaticians, gynacologists, family physicians, an ophthamoligist, a dentist, an orthopeadic surgeon and opticians. They provided free services to 1500 patients and scheduled about 150 surgeries of various nature and 60 cataract surgeries at Ankleshwer Hospital at no cost to patients. Also 150 children received polio vaccine and 200 Patients were tested for Sickle Cell disease.

	Opening Of Sanatan Mandir In Crawley Near Gatwick Airport
	Trustees of Crawley Mandir are proud to announce that our much awaited new Community Centre: 'Apple Tree Centre' will be formally inaugurated and opened on Wednesday 19th August 2009 under the support and guidance of Pujya Bhai Shree Rameshbhai Oza and many important local and international dignitaries. Click here to see details of the event.

	Laxmi Narayan Yagna
	History in the making taking place on 16th to 24th August 2009 on a 9-day cruise through Europe to perform the World's first Laxmi Narayan Yagna. Please look at the website www.laxminarayan.org.uk for more details.

	Achievements

	Cycling For Children Charity
	Our congrats to Subhashbhai V Thakrar of North London who completed the 300-kilometre Agra to Jaipur gruelling cycling challenge! It started on 29th December 2008 at Taj Khema in Agra (with a spectacular back-drop of The Taj Mahal) and ended in Jaipur after five days of cycling. There were a total of 155 cyclists.

	The event was organised by Veerayatan with Cycling for Children Charity. Veerayatan is involved in setting up educational centres for under-privileged in rural India. It is estimated that a gross amount of over £250,000 will be finally raised under this initiative for the benefit of the under-privileged and disabled children of the world. This excludes all sponsorship money which was used for all the costs of the event. Thus, 100% of all contributions/pledges will be used for charitable purpose of setting up educational and vocational training centres in rural India and other childrens' charities.The route was of mixed terrain. It had rough roads, highways, back roads, muddy roads, sandy roads, mountains, lakes and valleys.

	Lohana Bestowed With MBE
	A Newcastle dentist has been made an MBE for his services to NHS Dentistry. Shiv Pabary, 48, a general dental practitioner and a dental advisor for Gateshead and South Tyneside Primary Care Trusts, said he was delighted when he found out about his appearance in the Queen's New Year's Honours list. He qualified in 1985 from Newcastle Dental School and, after vocational training, worked as an associate for two years. He became a principal in 1988 and now works between three NHS practices. He is also a part-time Dental Adviser to two primary care trusts and is chairman of the General Dental Practitioners professional conduct committee.

	Shiv has held a part-time teaching post at Newcastle Dental Hospital in the Conservation Department since 1993. He obtained his Membership of the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners in 1992. He has been a member of the British Dental Association's General Dental Practice Committee since 1996 and sits on the education sub-committee and is also vice chair of the British Dental Guild. Shiv has been a Vocational Trainer for 12 years and has been a postgraduate dental tutor since 1995 and is currently the Tutor in Clinical Governance for the Northern Deanery and past Chairman of the Oral Health Improvement Group in Newcastle. He has been a lay magistrate since 1995 and holds a Law Degree (LLB Hons.) from Northumbria University. Our congratulations to Shiv and his family on his many achievements.

	Lohana Lady Honoured At No 10
	Ashni Sedani, a young Lohana volunteer who supports Community Link Up's Literacy Project, "Write Here, Write Now" has been honoured at No 10 Downing Street after winning one of the UK National Year of Reading 'Hero' awards. Ashni, one of just 30 Reading Heroes, was presented with her award by the Prime Minister's wife, Sarah Brown, at a special ceremony which took place at 10 Downing Street on Thursday 26th February 2009 marking the culmination of The National Year of Reading 2008. Co-incidentally, this project was launched by Mrs. Ranu Mehta-Radia to support children with special needs and the two IT tutors are Mrs Pravina Ashok Dattani and Mrs Rabika Radia. This certainly proves that when Lohana ladies have shared vision and goals, together they achieve great heights!

	80-year-old Jaswantiben Jamnadas Popat Defies Her Age
	She seems more agile and active than her grandchildren. "I don't want to stop working," she says with youthful determination. Mrs Popat is the only survivor of a group of semi-literate Gujarati housewives who founded Lijjat Papad 50 years ago. She celebrated the Lijjat golden jubilee on 15th March 2009 with 45,000 other women who are part of the women-only co-operative in Mumbai. Mrs Popat cannot believe that what started as a desperate move to "supplement the family income" 50 years ago has come so far.



	Readers Contributions

	Enjoy Reading Gujarati
	Some great websites for those who love to read Gujarati. See www.ReadGujarati.com - a website dedicated to Gujarati literature, it is updated daily and provides excellent reading for lovers of old classics and newer and emerging writers. Also visit www.tahuko.com - a unique website run from USA dedicated to gujarati poetry and music, with alphabetical listings of poets and their poems, contains text versions of famous poetry set to music, as well as audio versions of most of the songs by various singers.

	Bhagwadgomandal
	This is the most powerful dictionary and encyclopedia in Gujarati language, is now just a click away. One can term Bhagwadgomandal as the 'Encyclopedia Britannica' of Gujarati. The extensivey researched encyclopaedia and dictionary of the Gujarati language. Now you can look up meaning of any word in Gujarati. See www.bhagawadgomandal.com

	The Ultimate Guide To Gujarati Weddings
	"Gujarati Lagna ni vidhi tatha rivajo". The guide is published by Pravinaben Gokani of North London and provides bullet points for various Hindu wedding ceremonies like Sagaai ceremony and the preparations to keep in mind, Chuni ceremony, Sanjee, Mala ceremony, Mandvo ceremony etc. through to the coming home ceremony. The book is available for £3.50 including postage from Pavinaben - contact her at home on 01895 473773, mobile 07958 643 310 or email her at pravinagokani@hotmail.com.

	Ten percent of the proceeds will be donated to The Hirjibapa School in Dwarka which runs under the auspicious of Shree Sanatan Seva Mandal, a Registered Charity in UK and India and which solely depends upon goodwill and charity of Hindus. They do not organise fund raising events but well wishers are welcome to help. Popatbhai Ruparelia of North London is one of the Trustees of this institution.

	Mumbai Airport To Levy Development Fee
	Mumbai airport became the fourth airport in the country to be allowed to levy a development fee from passengers to bridge the shortfall in funds for modernising the facility. The government approved collection of Rs 100 from outbound domestic passengers and Rs 600 from international passengers from 1st April 2009. The fee would be in force for four years, but will be reviewed after six months.

	The Real Slumdog Millionaire!
	A street kid in Bombay who sells peacock feathers to tourists - in their native language!!! French, Italian, German, Arabic, Japanese ! Quite astonishing. Worth a watch - Click here.

	Dance India Dance - Auditions - Amazing !!!
	Absolutely Amazing ... The true Gujrati spirit ...Click here...

	Playing Your Part In Public Life
	The Public Appointments process is described in this Press Release from the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA) - shows the Government's commitment to encouraging and valuing diversity in public life. Click here to view the Press Release.

	Gujarati Anthem Sung By 25 Celebrity Gujarati Singers
	"Jityu hamesha Gujarat" - the "anthem's" lyrics reflect the unshakable spirit of Gujarat in good times of current era and even during not-so-good times like invasions, rules by foreigners, fall of industries and trade, natural calamities like earthquakes etc. It also reinforces the fact that true Gujarati spirit is still alive and kicking and will always be like that. No wonder Gujarat has produced world leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabbhai Patel. Click here and turn on the speakers!

	Swahili Bhangra
	Click here to listen to this lovely number regina from Africa

	Einstein, The Absolutely Fabulous African Grey Parrot
	You have to see this amazingly well spoken parrot to believe it. Click here to see the video - don't forget to turn up the sound!

	The Future Here And Now
	Pranav Mistry from MIT in USA is the genius behind Sixth Sense, a wearable device that enables new interactions between the real world and the world of data. Click here to see the fascinating video

	Narendra Modi Being Stopped From Coming To UK
	British Indian Muslims have urged the British Government to declare Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi persona non grata and refuse him visa to enter into Britain. Accusing Modi of allowing the ethnic cleansing of Muslims in the state as its Chief Minister in 2002, the Council of Indian Muslims, UK, said Modi has reportedly accepted an invitation to address "India Summit 2009" being organised by Dow Jones Financial News in London in May this year. In a letter addressed to British Home Secretary Ms Jacqui Smith, Chairman of the Council of Indian Muslims, K, Mohammad Munaf Zeena said Modi was responsible for Gujarat genocide and posed danger to inter-communal relations in the UK. Citing the revocation of Modi's visa by the US in 2005 as an example the letter read: "... It is widely believed that following US example in 2005 the British Government had also advised the Indian government to cancel Modi's trip to London."

	Huge Rangolis Slide Show
	Some are as big as 20,000 sq feet - rangolis as a true art form in Mumbai over the years! Click here to see the amazing powerpoint presentation on the huge rangolis - amazing.

	The Long Awaited 10 Rupee Coin Is Now In Circulation
	As announced by the Reserve Bank of India

	GrandPa In Japan
	Watch this Japanese illusionist / street magician at work. Apparently he's a young guy who disguises himself as an elderly man. But he is incredible - I don't know how he does the lean . . . and wait until the end - there are two different scenarios! Click here to see the amazing video.

	Gujarati Drama: 3-Act Play "Patta ni Jod"
	Click here to see the 2 hour drama on YouTube

	Super Brain Yoga
	Superbrain Yoga® is a simple and effective technique to energise and recharge the brain. It is based on the principles of subtle energy and ear acupuncture. This powerful technique is explained in Master Choa Kok Sui's latest book Superbrain Yoga®. In the old days in India and east Africa we were punished this way as kids...especially when you forget to do things. Now this is good for the brains? Click here to see the video

	Tell Me Why
	A lovely and passionate song by a young singer questioning the many current issues in the world. Click here to see the video.

	Six Year Old Indian Genius
	Turn on your speakers and click here to watch Pranav Veera, the little genius for about 3 minutes! He is truly amazing!!

	Government of India has an online Grievance forum
	Yes this is now happening in India. The goverment wants people to use this tool to highlight the problems they faced while dealing with Government officials or departments at http://www.pgportal.gov.in. Departments include railways, post offices, telecoms, civil aviation, tourism, public sector banks, universities, health setors, etc. So use this grievance forum and educate others who don't know about this facility. This way we can at least raise our concerns instead of just talking about the 'System' and problems in India. Invite your friends to contribute for any such happenings.

	Mohammed Rafi Live 24th December 1924
	Enjoy the special moments!! Click here to see the video.

	If You Ever Want To Write An Email In Gujarati
	Or any other Indian language..... Click on this link: http://quillpad.in/gujarati. When it opens start typing in English e.g. Namaste. From then on you'll all figure out what happens. You'll be amazed by what it does....

	This Will Not happen again for a thousand years
	At five minutes and six seconds after 4:00am on the 8th of July this year, the time and date will be -- 04:05:06 07/08/09.

	Articles from our Readers are hosted on the www.Lohana.info website. If you have any interesting articles then email them to eNews@LCUK.org.uk - please let us know if you have got the articles from another website so we can acknowledge them. Any comments and feedback welcome for all these articles - write to Feedback@LCUK.org.uk.

	Community Announcements

	Weddings
	Nili Pabari, daughter of Bipinbhai & Eilaben Pabari, got engaged to Dr Amit Mistry, son of Naginbhai & Prabhaben Mistry, on 7th Dec 2008 and both were married on Sunday 22nd March 2009. Our congrats to the newly wedded couple and their families.

	Bereavements
	Condolences to the families of all the bereaved on behalf of the LCUK Executive, Trustees and Central Council members. May the souls of the sadly departed rest in peace. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti .......

	Nishma Raithatha aged 15 died after falling from St George's Shopping Centre in Harrow. She died of multiple injuries on Tuesday April 7th following the tumble from the roof car park of the centre in St Ann's Road, Harrow. Nishma, of Imperial Drive, South Harrow, is believed to be the sister of Jeshma Raithatha, who was raped and murdered aged 17 in May 2006.

	Shree Rameshbhai Karsandas Popat of Forest Gate, East London (formerly Blantyre - Malawi) passed away on 22nd April aged 59.

	Shree Damjibhai Narshidas Dattani of Leicester (formerly Kamuli, Kampala) passed away on 21st April aged 66 years.

	Smt. Veejyadevi J. Radia (wife of Late Shri Jagjivan (Jagubhai) Kakubhai Radia of Kampala, Uganda) passed away on 21st April aged 81 years, at her home in Ahmedabad, India.

	Smt. Shobhnaben d/o Laxmidasbhai Bharania of Neasden (formerly Soroti) passed away on 17th April at the age of 60 years

	Shree Mahendrabhai Harilal Poojara of Finchley (formely Kampala, Uganda) passed away at the age of 79 years

	Shree Shantilal Karsandas Mulji Dattani of Harrow (formerly Soroti) passed away on 7th April at the age of 79 years

	Shree Purshottambhai Ramji Sota of Leicester (formerly Jinja, Uganda) passed away on 4th April, aged 66.

	Smt. Manjuben (Sardaben) D/O Narandasbhai Gokaldas Popat of Sudbury (formerly Nairobi) passed away on 3rd april aged 68

	Shree Dhirajbhai Kamarshi Khagram of Watford (formerly Kampala) passed away on 1st April at the age of 63 years

	Smt. Kanchanben Ramniklal Teli of Barkingside (formerly Nairobi) passed away on 1st April at the age 74 years

	Shree Dilip Vithaldas Gokani (age 52) son of Vithaldas Purshottam Gokani & Savitaben Vithaldas Gokani of Leicester (formerly Uganda) sadly passed away at Leicester Royal Infirmary on Monday 23rd March 2009.

	Smt. Shantaben Gokaldas Chandarana (wife of Gokaldas Pitamber Chandarana), of Leicester, UK (formerly from Kabale, Uganda) passed away on 24th March at the age of 83 years.

	Shree Virbhandra Devchand Adatia of Southall (formerly Kampala) passed away on 22nd March at the age of 88 years.

	Smt. Maniben Devji Lakhani of Wembley (Formerly Kampala) passed away on 17th March at the age of 83 years

	Smt. Ushaben Shantilal Radia (Pitamber Jesang) of Eldoret (Kenya) passed away on 16th March at the age of 70 years

	Smt. Narmadaben Keshavlal Davda of Leicester (formerly Iganga, Uganda) who passed away peacefully on 12th March at the age of 81 years

	Smt. Rambhaben Magalji Thakrar, aged 86, (formerly of Thyolo, Malawi) passed away peacefully in Birmingham on 12th March 2009.

	Smt. Muktaben Lalji (Majithia) of Kenton (formally of Mozambique) passed away on 16th March at the age of 77 years

	Shree Avinashbhai Amratlal Mehta aged 61 years, son of late A.G. Mehta and Savitaben Mehta passed away peacefully in Winnipeg, Canada on 12th March.

	Smt. Pratibhaben Pravinbhai Karia d/o Bhagwanjibhai Mulji Gadhia of Kisumu passed away on 11th March aged 59 years.

	Shree Rameshbhai Dalal, passed away aged 68 years on 6th March in Leicester.

	Smt. Jayaben Suryakant Ruparellia of Heston (formerly Iganga, Uganda) passed away on 28th February aged 63 years

	Smt. Arunaben Rajnikant Paun (formerly Of Jinja now residing in Toronto, Canada) daughter-in-law of Jagjivanbhai V.Paun & daughter of Kalidas Jinabhai Kotecha passed away on 23rd February

	Shree Natwarlal Mathuradas Mehta (formerly of Kisumu) passed away at the age of 82 years on 19th February

	Smt. Kamlaben Jayantilal Ruparelia of Kenton (formerly Lakekatwe, Uganda) passed away at the age of 70 years on 18th February

	Smt. Savitaben Chotalal Manek, sister of late Narandasbhai and Surendrabhai Ruparelia, passed away at the age of 79 years on 19th February

	Shree Rasikbhai Monji Lakhani of Rayners Lane(formerly Mombasa) passed away on 14th February aged 82 years

	Smt. Champaben Chunilal Raja of Hamilton, Leicester (formerly Mabale, Uganda) passed away on 6th February aged 70 years

	Shree Girishbhai Harjiwan Majithia passed away in Minden, Ontario on February 8th.

	Shree Jamnadasbhai Savjibhai Hindocha of Greenford, Middlesex (Formerly of Tororo) passed away on 7th February aged 85 years.

	Smt. Muktaben Bhailalbhai Thakar of Kenton (formerly Soroti/ Mbale) passed away on 5th February aged 75 years

	Shree Mineshbhai Harilal Gokani passed away in Leicester on 22nd January aged 43 years.

	Shree Vinodrai Narandas Nathwani (Date of Birth: 14/11/1943) passed away on 3rd February

	Shree Prataprai Gokaldas Raichoora of Mombasa, Kenya passed away in London on 31st January aged 78 years

	Shree Hargovindbhai Lalji Chandarana of Nairobi, Kenya passed away on 31st January aged 81 years.

	Shree Harjivanbhai T Mavani of Leicester passed away on 30th January

	Dr. Shree Laxmikantbhai Bhagwanji (Bankwalla) Thakrar (Lakhubhai) passed away in Nairobi, Kenya on 28th January aged 78 years.

	Shree Shirishbhai Shantilal Nathwani of Canada (formerly Jinja) passed away on 11th January.

	Shree Natwarlal Dayalji Purshotam Dattani of Bombay (formerly Mombasa, Nairobi and Tanga) passed away on 25th January aged 86 years.

	Smt. Narabdaben Manilal Nathwani of Rickmansworth (formerly Mombasa) passed away on 25th January aged 89 years.

	Contributions & Feedback

	If you have any contributions to make to our next e-newsletter, please email all relevant details / articles to enews@lcuk.org.uk. News items provided will be included if relevant and with space permitting. The eNews Editorial team reserves the right to make amendments if and as necessary

	Similarly, if you have any feedback to give us on this e-newsletter please email the Convenor Ajay Jobanputra on feedback@lcuk.org.uk - thank you for your time and support.