About Us
History of Geeta Bhawan
Geeta Bhawan was established in July 1976 to cater for the religious, social, cultural and educational needs of the Punjabi Hindu Community. The first Satsang was held on Sunday, 26th July, 1976 at St. Peter Social Centre on Storer Road. For seven years, we held Satsangs there once a month. The place was very kindly let to us by David Paterson who was then the Priest there. During this time, in 1980 we bought a place in Green Close Lane to serve as premises for Geeta Bhawan. But as the parking facilities were not nearby, we didn’t get the planning permission. We did look at other venues but were not successful due to lack of sufficient funds. The present premises were leased to us by Leics. County Council for a period of 40 years in1983. The lease has since been renewed for a further period of 40 years. For this we are grateful to Mr Mike Jones for his efforts and support. Not only we got the premises but also a grant of £34,000 was given for the new roof, kitchen and toilet facilities.
For 25 years, the main hall was the only hall that served as the Temple for religious discourses as well as dining facilities and other community activities. The Worship Hall was built in 2007-8 and its opening took place on 14th December, 2008. Realisation of the dream of this hall took 22 years (exactly the time taken to build The Taj Mahal). To us it is not only bricks and mortar but it is also a symbol of unity and strength of Geeta Bhawan community. I am pleased to acknowledge the generous donations by the members of Geeta Bhawan community and other donors including old members who are no longer living in Loughborough. I am pleased to report that with the completion of this Hall, we have been granted a fresh lease of 40 years by the Leics. County Council. Mr Mike Jones was once again instrumental in securing second term of lease. With the new Hall in place, the stage was set to install the additional Deities of Ram Darbar and Goddess Durga as well as Shivling. All this was commissioned a year later and the installation day was celebrated on 14th Nov., 2009.
With the Worship Hall now complete in its all glory, we turned our attention to the Main Hall which saw the refurbishment of the Gents and Ladies toilets as well as the provision for the baby changing area and toilet facilities for the disabled. The ceiling was completely re-tiled and refurbished along with rewiring and LED lights fitting to lower our carbon footprint. At the same time Kitchen was extended with state of the art Gas Safe cooking facilities. I am pleased to report that we have scored 5 out of 5 two years running when our Kitchen was inspected by the Health and safety inspectorate of Borough of Charnwood. A year later, the cloak room was refurbished with new shoe racks. Also new upvc windows were fitted throughout the building. Last year we replaced the old florescent tube lights with the LED lights in the Worship Hall, entrance hall and cloak room. Lately, the provision of the CCTV camera safeguards the premises.
The cost of all the construction work, renovations and refurbishment etc. once again was met with the generous donations from the members of Geeta Bhawan community. Thanks are also recorded for the past and present Trustees and the members of managing committees. All were and are volunteers who have served Geeta Bhawan selflessly with their physical labour and monetary donations. Particular thanks go to our Ladies who have not only sung melodious ‘bhajans’ at every function but also have helped cooking food and maintaining kitchen facilities. We are also thankful to Pt. Nileshsh Shukla ji who is our standby priest to conduct pooja at various religious functions.
Geeta Bhawan is on the National Data Base as a registered Charity as a place of Worship and community Centre. We are represented on the Loughborough Council of Faiths, Human Rights and Equality Council, Leics. Council of Faiths and National Council of Hindu Temples to name a few.
On every function, the announcements are made to raise awareness for the Govt. Initiatives and other topical issues of interest and beneficial to our members. For the elderly members, this is the main source of information on current Govt. Legislations.
At the end I am very pleased to say Geeta Bhawan is a vibrant community comprising 100 plus dedicated Punjabi Hindu families. To-date we have 145 Life Members, the list of which is displayed on the Notice board. Prior to the day of Ruby Anniversary celebrations, short messages from all the members reflecting on their experience of Geeta Bhawan were invited. Around 50 messages were received. All messages were very complimentary of the religious and community work done at the centre. Messages from the younger generation is a clear testimony to the success of Geeta Bhawan’s objectives that we have successfully passed on our religious, social and cultural values to our younger generation for which this religious and community centre was set up. I am sure the future of Geeta Bhawan is bright and beautiful. We seek God’s blessings and your co-operation.
Dr S R Chhabra,
Hon. Secretary