2018 was the 50th Anniversary year for Oshwal Association of the UK. Here is a quick summary of some of the highlights from the year!
January 2018
The 50th Anniversary year started with Siddhachakra Poojan on 1st Jan at Oshwal Centre. Jayeshbhai led the prayers on this auspicious day.
January also saw the regular monthly treks taking place with more and more trekkers joining in!
Young professional Oshwals, led the Optom Seminar, with over 50 people attending ranging from Optometrists, Dispensing Opticians, Contact Lens Specialists, to Pre-Registration students and anyone interested in a career in Optics.
February 2018
February marked Oshwal’s 50th year with a bang, with two huge projects – the Oshwal Medial Camp in Jamnagar, India as well as the foundation stone laying for the Oshwal Primary School in Maachu Beraja. There was also a trip to Palitana led by Jayeshbhai.
These events represented the best of Oshwal, with many people travelling from UK to volunteer at the Medial Camp along side our Oshwal brother and sisters in India. It was a wonderful way to mark the 50th year, helping those less fortunately then ourselves.
Back in the UK West Area put together a fabulous Masquerade Murder Mystery event for all ages to enjoy!
March 2018
March saw many events take place, with Holi celebrations at Oshwal Centre, as well as the Racquet Sports Tournament and Ayambil.
March also saw the start of the annual Area AGMs, with new Area committees being elected.
April 2018
April saw the first of the briefing sessions for the Everest Trek take place, as well as the remaining Area AGMs.
April ended with the EC AGM and the election of a new President – Nileshbhai Bhagwanji Shah, as Tusharbhai’s term as President came to an end.
May 2018
In May we had many great events by Areas, such as the Live Music and Dinner 50+ Night by West Area and fun filled Scavenger Hunt game in the City by the Youth team.
June 2018
In June we a variety of Area events, including Jain Prathsala Classes led by Jayeshbhai at Oshwal Centre. As well as North Area Gujarati School Open Day, Summer Bhukhar Competition by Northampton Area and a trek to Snowdonia by the Oshwal Trekkers!
July 2018
Along with many regular events by Areas, July saw the start of the first of the series of talks by Oshwal Achievers – Prof. Sirish Shah all the way from Canada!
August 2018
August was a jam packed month of 50th Anniversary celebration events including Baar Baar Dekhon Gujarati Natak, Raksha Bandhan with the Armed Services Representatives, Children’s Tea Party, Presentation on History of Oshwal and 50th Anniversary Raas Garba.
The month ended with the Inauguration of the Ekta Centre Ghar Derasar!
September 2018
In September, we had Paryushan followed by Dhaja Din and Swamivatsalya Bhojan.
October 2018
In October, 30 Oshwal trekkers set off to climb Everest Base Camp and raise over £30,000 funds for a School in Nepal, as part of the continued charity work young Oshwals do to help the less fortunate.
October also saw the second Ayambil of the year take place, as well as variety of events like the Children’s Halloween Party by West Area, Shakti Centre’s 5th Birthday and Diwali in London.
November 2018
In November we celebrated Diwali at Oshwal Centre and locally in Areas. Leicester Area led an environmental project to plant 75 trees in New Forest in partnership with National Trust. The event was well attended by all generations and again showed the best of Oshwal.
The Enabling Network team held a Charity Gala Dinner in November helping to raise awareness about many special needs such as Alzheimer.
Also, in November, we sadly said goodbye to Ashok Mulchand Shah, who was a serving Trustee and a past President. Ashokbhai had been Chairman of North West Area and served on the Executive committee for many years. He was the only Trustee who had hold the four positions of Officers Bearers Position on Executive committee i.e. President, Vice President, Secretary and the Treasurer. We will be dearly missed by all.
December 2018
December saw various Areas hold Christmas themed parties for members as well as a new event designed for single Oshwals – KismetConnect – took place and was well received with over 60 people attending.
North Area won the Oshwal Sports Day overall in 2018.
It has been am amazing year for our Association and 2019 is going to be a bigger and better year for everyone! There is going to be lots happening, so stay in touch with your Community through the normal website and social media channels and get involved!
Website – www.oshwal.org.uk
Facebook – www.facebook.com/oshwaluk/
Twitter – @Oshwal_uk
Instagram – oshwal_uk
Vimeo – vimeo.com/oshwal
