OshwalNewsI - Oshwal Centre

E. C REPORTS ...
Diwali At Trafalgar Square
Oshwal Association of the UK was fully involved in the Diwali
Celebrations at Trafalgar Square on Sunday 15 th October
2006. The event was jointly organised by the Mayor of
London and DIL (Diwali in London) Committee in association
with BMI, B4U and Sunrise Radio. I had the honour of
representing OAUK and it was a great experience to work
with other community organisations. The square was lit up
with light displays and floating lanterns in the fountains and a
true spirit of Diwali was experienced by all those present there.
The event running in its 6 th Year now is getting bigger
and better. Various community organisations such as
Jains, Hindus and Sikhs were invited to represent their
community at the Square and to convey a Diwali
message to the gathered audience.
Each community organisation was invited to perform
two stage items based on a theme of Diwali. OAUK
was not able to participate on stage this year, for 2007
we will be definitely be represented in all areas. Each
year the event attracts huge number of spectators
40,000 pack the Square
from all across the UK and this year an estimated
40,000 attended the event. Apart from performances from various Communities, the event also
had Raghav, Hunterz and Kalakaar as main artists on the stage.
Volunteers from various community organisations arrived at the Square from mid-day onwards to
help in the packing of 10,000 Prasad bags for distribution to the general public gathered at the
Square. The bags were beautifully designed bearing the logos of each community organisations
including OAUK and was packed with goodies such as mathai, savouries & drinks, all donated by
various community organisations and businesses.
Ashwinbhai delivering his Diwali
message at the Square
Our President Ashwinbhai had the honour of
delivering a Diwali message on behalf of
Oshwal Association of the UK and all the
Jains. In his message he highlighted how
Jains celebrate Diwali and conveyed a
goodwill message to all.
Planning ahead to 2007 Diwali Celebrations,
which is already underway, I would like to
invite any young Oshwal groups who would be
interested in performing in front of more than
30,000 spectators to contact me by 31 st
January 2007. Auditions will be held in
March/April 2007. Email me your group
details at : sailesh@oshwal.org If you require
further information or would like to volunteer
your time for 2007 celebrations, then why not contact me at the above email address.
Report complied by Sailesh Shah - External & Public Relations
“A person who embodies humility will make the effort to listen to and accept others. The greater the
acceptance of others, the more that person will be held in high esteem, and the more that person will be
listened to. One word spoken in humility has the significance of thousand words”
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Oshwal News - Winter 2006 & New Year’s Issue
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