It’s been a historic visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to UK and Maher Community has been proud to be a part of this history.
Maher Raas Group, lead by Rambhai Modhvadia met with PM Narendra Modi, UK PM David Cameron and his wife.
Maher Raas Group performed the world famous Maher Traditional Dandia Raas in front of packed Wembley Stadium.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed his country’s “special relationship” with the UK as he addressed a Wembley Stadium rally.
Speaking at an event marking the Indian diaspora’s contribution to the UK, he said it was “a historic day for a great partnership between two great nations”.
He had been greeted by huge cheers from the 60,000-strong crowd as he arrived on stage with UK PM David Cameron.
Earlier, Mr Modi had lunch with the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
His three-day visit was the first to the UK by an Indian PM in a decade.
Watch entire ceremony here
Maher Community Welcomes Shri Narendra Modi
Learning to be a Winner….
Learning to be a Winner….
The day of Sunday 9thSeptember 2015 was a very beautiful autumn day in England and it will be remembered forever by the Maher Girls Raas group living in Leicester. We had entered the 38th annual Gujarati Hindu Association Raas Garba competition. The Maher Girls group won the 1st prize for the Senior Raas; the 1stprize for senior costumes; and the 2nd prize for Junior Garba.
Winning the competition was not an easy task and as with all journeys to success ours too was presented with many hurdles. The preparations for this journey ending in a Win had begun Six weeks earlier. As part of the preparations, we had to train new group members, choreograph the Raas, organise the costumes for both groups and select the music for competition performances. Added complication to this was the fact that it was English summer-time and many of the members of the group were away on holidays and therefore we were not able to practice regularly as a whole group.
With just over two weeks left before the competition, we began putting together Raas for Senior Group. With the rough cut of the music, started adding steps to the lyrics and within two days Raas was complete. The remaining time was spent perfecting each step and transition. While putting together the Raas, aim was to keep traditional steps intact and at the same time, enact the lyrics through our steps. This Raas for the competition was completely different to any we have done in the past and therefore, it was that extra bit special.
At the same time, our Junior Group was spending practice time perfecting their steps, to a traditional Mehrani Rasro, which I believe is regularly performed by Maher women living in villages. Being one of our characteristic community dance, we had decided to use is for junior girls Garbo. Some of the girls were as young as seven years old and amazingly had picked up the steps within such a short period of time. One of the main aims of the Maher Raas Group was to showcase Maher Culture and Heritage, through this competition entry; and therefore a main purpose for using a Rasro for the junior group.
Winning the competition is a true testimony to the hard work, commitment and energy of the girls. This Win wouldn’t have been possible without each and every single girl displaying endearing enthusiasm and selfless service to group performance.
The help, support and good wishes of the parents, relatives as well as well-wishers had allowed us to triumph and overcome every hurdle that had to be negotiated. We would like to thank the parents of all the Girls in the Maher Raas Group for their continuous support throughout the years and specially leading up to the competition. Some special thanks go to Santokben Odedra and Hiraben Modhwadia who had transformed my rough sketch into a prize winning costume for the senior group.
We, being the Maher Raas Group girls, pray that good wishes will continue to reach us and blessing from all our supporters will continue to motivate us for even better innovative dance performances in the future.
As with all events in life, this competition and wins for both groups will soon turn into a distant past memory. However, the friendships developed between the girls and families who participated in the event will continue to prosper for a long time to come and whenever they meet they will continue to remind each other how beautifully they had worked together before and during the competition.
From a personal point of view, preparing for the competition presented me with an opportunity to improve my cultural and social understanding of the Maher community and learn about the character of the all diligent Mahers. Today I can proudly say that this character is made up of Humility, Excellence, Kindness, Courage, Action and Wisdom and there is no doubt these qualities will inspire us to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. In short, having done all this I feel mentally and morally a richer Mehrani.
I look forward to continuing to serve the Maher community by helping the girls to enrich their lives, put smiles on their loved ones faces and earn good wishes of Mahers at large.
Jai Lirbai Maa
by Krishma Dhirubhai Modhvadia (Leicester, UK)
Arjan Savdas Ranmal passed away
It is with sadness to inform you all that Arjan Savdas Ranmal, of London has passed away on Tuesday 3 November 2015.
Name: Arjan Savdas Ranmal
Please pass this message on within the community.
Raju Karsanbhai Karavadra gets Private Pilots Licence
MAHER TOURNAMENT London 2015
MAHER TOURNAMENT London 2015
Date: Sunday 25th October 2015
ENTER BY: 19TH OCTOBER 2015 LATE ENTRIES WILL BE CHARGED AN ADDITIONAL 30%
Luton Navratri and Diwali celebrations 2015
LUTON & DUNSTABLE MAHER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Dear Maher Brothers and Sisters living in Luton, Dunstable and surrounding areas,
We take great pleasure in inviting you to celebrate the following festivals –
Navratri
Dates and times are as follows:
15-10-2015 Thursday 7:00pm to 1:00am
16-10-2015 Friday 7:00pm to 1:00am
17-10-2015 Saturday 7:00pm to 1:00am
18-10-2015 Sunday 7:00pm to 1:00am
To be celebrated at:
Lewsey Farm Learning Centre, 92 Tomlinson Avenue, Luton, LU4 0QQ
All brothers and sisters are invited to attend this festival to help make it a joyous occasion.
Sharad Poonam
Date and time is: 31-10-2015 Saturday 7:00pm to 1:00am
To be celebrated at: Lewsey Farm Learning Centre, 92 Tomlinson Avenue, Luton, LU4 0QQ
This event follows on from last years success, we hope that all brothers and sisters will attend and help make this a joyous occasion that we continue to have for many years to come.
The traditional dress code for this festival is Red/White, but this is optional.
Diwali and New Years Party
Date and time is: 14-11-2015 Saturday 7:00pm till 1:00am
To be celebrated at: Lewsey Farm Learning Centre, 92 Tomlinson Avenue, Luton, LU4 0QQ
Food will be served
N.B. All parents are asked to look after their children whilst attending the festivities. By doing so you will ensure that the samaj does not need to pay for any damages caused by the children.
Childrens Christmas Party 2015
Christmas party for children aged 16 and under on Saturday 5th December 2015 from 3pm until 7pm at Maher Centre, 15 Ravensbridge Drive, Leicester, LE4 OBZ
Navratri 2015 at Maher Centre
– Jai Mataji –
Dearest Gnati Brothers and Sisters
We hope this letter finds you in good health and spirit. The LMCA team have been very busy preparing for this year’s forthcoming celebrations and events. Please find details of the events and festivities:
Event Date
Navratri Tuesday 13th October – Wednesday 21st October
Sharad Purnima Saturday 24th October: 7pm onwards
Diwali Gathering and Sneh Milan Saturday 14th November : 6pm onwards
Children’s Christmas Party Saturday 5th December: 3pm onwards
Please do come along with your family members. Further information will be available on our community website www.maheronline.org
Festive Celebrations
Navratri 2015: Tuesday 13th October – Wednesday 21st October (for Mahers only)
Singers: Jeet Keshwala, Parbatbhai Ranavaya, Tejal Erda, and group
Timescales: 7pm to 12am prompt – Garba for ladies will begin at 7.30pm
Agenda: Arti, Garba, Dandia-Raas, 3-Tadi, Heech, Ranjanyu, Sanedo
Fancy Dress: Friday 16th October @ 8pm promptly
Competition is open to boys and girls 14 years of age and under. We request participants to be in proper costumes. Judges will be looking for unique concepts and effort.
Arti Plate Design: Friday 16th October @ 8pm promptly
Competition is open to children and adults. We would like to request our Elders to particularly encourage children to take part in decorating an Arti plate.
Traditional Dress Code: Saturday 17th October
We encourage everyone to wear Maher traditional clothes on this evening. Ladies will have an opportunity to perform a customary Raasado and the Gents can play Dandia-Raas to the dhol.
Dance and Dress Competition: Saturday 17th October
Following last year’s success, there will be an opportunity for everyone to take part in a healthy competition. Please note, the competition will be for one day only on Saturday 17th October. Participants must be wearing traditional Maher clothing.
Sharad Purnima: Saturday 24th October @ 7pm till late (open to all communities)
Agenda: Arti, Garba, Dandia-Raas, 3-Tadi, Heech, Ranjanyu, Sanedo (Mix)
Dress Code: Red/White Traditional (Optional)
Tickets: £5.00 per person
We recommend for tickets to be purchased in advance due to popularity of the music group and to avoid disappointment on the day. Tickets can be purchased from the following places:
1) The Maher Centre, 15 Ravensbridge Drive, Leicester Tel: 0116 2425360
2) Radia’s Superstore, 121-129 Melton Road, Leicester Tel: 0116 2669409
3) Shree Hindu Mandir, St Barnabas Road, Leicester Tel: 0116 2464590
Diwali: Saturday 14th November @ 6pm (for Mahers only)
This year, we will be hosting a social evening gathering with music and a buffet dinner. Further information of
this even will be made available during Navratri and updated on www.maheronline.org
Children’s Christmas Party: Saturday 5th December @ 3pm
Open to children under the age of 16. Please come along and help kick start the festive season. There will be plenty of food and drinks, music, games, and activities for all to enjoy.
Important Information
We anticipate you will have organised a photo ID card for you and members of your family. The photo ID card will be required by anyone over the age of 18 for access during Navratri. However, if you or a family member still require a photo ID card, please find below details of how to organise one. Note, you must apply by no later than Sunday 11th October 2015 to receive your ID cards in time for Navratri.
To apply, you simply need to provide a passport size photo for each member requiring ID card together with copy identification and address proof.
Please note, we will not need to retain your identification. To apply for photo ID card, you have two options:
1) Apply in person at the Maher Centre either by attending the centre or one family member may attend on behalf of other members in the household; or
2) By posting copy ID and address proof together with passport sized photos for each application (ensure to write full name on back of photos). Do not send original documents to us in the post as this is not required and we will not be held liable for loss and/or misplacement.
- Everyone in the community will require either a photo ID card or Navratri access pass
- Each shareholder will get a free photo ID card with his/her membership details allowing him/her free
- entry into Navratri
- Each household with at least 1 shareholder will be entitled to free Navratri passes for their IMMEDIATE
- family members living in the same household
- Everybody over the age of 18 who is not a shareholder, living away or is not entitled to have a free
- access pass will be required to purchase tickets for entry as follows:
- £5.00 per day (per person)
- £30.00 for a 9 day pass for individuals
- Exemptions / concessions only apply to under 18s, OAPS/60+, people with a disability who will not require a pass or a ticket
Available from: The Maher Centre, 15 Ravensbridge Drive, Leicester, LE4 2BZ
Contact: info@mahercentre.org or 0116 242 5360
Open: Mondays – Fridays 5pm till 9pm
There is a request to everyone who has not yet purchased the available shares to do so. Upon the purchase of the £300 membership share, discounted venue bookings will be offered as well as community events such as Navratri being free. Membership will also become restrictive in the near future. Further information, payment options and application forms are available at our centre.
For your own safety, please be advised to follow instructions carefully in the car park. Children should be supervised at all times. The security staff will not hesitate to remove anyone from the premises under the influence of alcohol or any intoxicating substances. Please be aware, these events are cultural and we should avoid generating any negative impression in front of children.
There are many local businesses that are supporting this year’s Navratri. Should you wish to sponsor any of the events and/or include information about your business/trade, please contact the centre leaving your name and number, and we will get back to you.
Volunteers / Engaging the Youth / Community Talent
We are often approached by individuals with ideas and suggestions to better engage the Samaj. We value your input and would like to deliver your expectations. We have a team of dedicated volunteers who do their utmost best to organise activities and events, however, there is still more that can be done. We request anyone wishing to volunteer or help in any form with their time, expertise or financially to contact us.
There are many talented individuals within our community who
have a portfolio of achievements. Please do contact us should you wish to share any information about academia, careers or personal achievements that maybe of inspiration to our Samaj.
On behalf of The Leicester Maher Community Association, our sincere thanks and we look forward to seeing you very soon!
Nagajanbhai Bapodara
Bhayabhai Maldevbhai Ratiya
A Man who clapped with one hand – Late Bhayabhai Ratiya
Article by Krunal Odedra (New Delhi)
In the 2nd decade of the 19th century, on 06/09/1921, Late Bhaya Bhai Ratiya was born in a small village called Maal Gaam in the Kutiyana District of Gujarat State. He left us all on 15/04/2015 at the age of 94 for good leaving great memories. He was fondly called “Bapu” and “Ratiya Saheb” by everyone. I would like to take this opportunity and share a few stories about him.
Today we have lost such a great human being in Bapu, who not only served and worked tirelessly for our Maher Community but helped the poor and everyone with all his physical, mental and material resources. Under his guidance, he showed everyone the correct path to follow in life. He motivated all with his positive and powerful thoughts all the time.
A renowned lawyer, a hard-working farmer, an intellectual businessman, a social executive but above all, he was a very simple human being with his own main beliefs. His main concern was to help the poor.
Born to a local farmer Late Maldevbhai and Late Valiben Ratiya in Maal Gaam, Bapu had four other siblings in the family. An elder brother Late Karshan bhai, An elder sister Late Veji ben, younger sister Puri Aai and Jivi Aai who reside in Junagadh city today.
Bapu was only 6-7 years old, when while playing with his fellow mates, sat on a horse and started riding it. For some reason, the horse started running at a very fast pace. Bapu lost his balance and fell off the horse fracturing his left hand. This must’ve been a terrible disaster for him and his family then. The villagers treated him with some local treatment which again turned out to be a nightmare for him. He somehow managed to show the wounded hand to a doctor and he advised that Bapu’s hand be cut from the elbow and therefore they cut it. Imagine this incident took place 89-90 years back, imagine one’s life without a hand throughout his life, imagine how painful that local treatment would’ve been in those days and imagine those sudden upsetting events that occurred to the family and Bapu himself. Thinking about this disturbing even, anyone would get Goosebumps.
To lose a hand forever, at this young age is like losing a precious asset forever. But his nature was such that without losing patience or temper, he must’ve accepted the reality with an innocent smile. Coming back to the family situation then, his father was a farmer and Bhaya aata (Bapu) had lost a precious hand and without it, one cannot work in the field. Thus after a long discussion, his father agreed and told him to study further and a young Bapu got admitted to an English medium school in the neighboring city of Kutiyana. He once told me that he had seen days when there was no electricity he would roam around the town and look for some light so that he could revise what was taught in school earlier that day. Imagine and put yourself in that situation. Imagine the hardships he faced then. He had only one hand, he had no money, he couldn’t work in the field with his father, he couldn’t play like a normal child with his friends, he didn’t know what to do further in life but without losing hope, he looked for opportunities then.
I myself had met with a terrible accident while driving from my village Visavada to Porbandar and rammed head-on against a truck thus landing up on a bed-rest for 2 months breaking my right knee-cap. I went to Junagadh for a better treatment compared to what I got at Porbandar. Bapu used to come visit me every day and motivate me. I looked at his one hand and thought, for my broken leg, I have a huge family support, I am resting in an A/c room, I have good medical treatment and good food here. My Bapu had none of the above and this itself gave me a lot of strength to stay in that bed for the coming 2-3 months.
While speaking to him about his early life, he told me that he got in touch with the Father of our community, Pujya Maldev Rana Keshwala and he thought that this lad with one hand can do miracles if we help him somehow. Bhaya aata was allowed to stay at Maher Samaj to study further and after passing his school with flying colors, he decided to study Law. In the year 1944, when he was going to Amdavad for his university, Pujya Maldev Bapu personally went to drop him at Porbandar Railway Station. Many in our community are unaware of this historical moment. Bhaya aata then finished studying Law with first class distinction.
Mahant Vijaydas ji was a renowned politician from our community then called Bapu to Junagadh city and he thus started his career as an income-tax advisor. Growing up in a village and being a farmer’s son, Bapu bought an agricultural land and took deep interest in farming. This is how he became a lawyer, a farmer and a businessman simultaneously.
(Bapu when he became a Lawyer)
One thing he was very proud of and that was that Bhaya aata was one of the few men who travelled along with Pujya Maldev Bapu to Bhopal in 1955 to attend the Maher Sammelan where Maher brothers and sisters had gathered from the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
To call Bapu an old man would be something very inappropriate. This is because the way he lived and led his life. A young individual like me would never be able to live the way he did. His energy and strength to do work under a systematic time-schedule he managed for over 7 decades is itself a motivation for us. He would wake up at 5am and go for an early morning walk. He would then perform yoga followed by reading newspapers, have nutritious breakfast and get ready (he wore a suit everyday) and leave for office at 10am. He would then come home and be on the table at 1:30 sharp for lunch. In the afternoon, he would read and sleep for a while and then spend time with the family and again leave for the farm and check the livestock. He was a pure vegetarian, never touched alcohol, never smoked a cigarette but did smoke the local hookah for a few years but having a strong mind, he left that too. Mount Girnar is the tallest mountain in Gujarat with around 10,000 steps to reach the main temple at its peak. Bapu climbed it several times and used to go and stay there for weeks. He was very fond of reading books and one can find hundreds of them in his Junagadh and Baroda houses.
(Bapu at the Taj Mahal, Agra in his 30’s)
Bapu was very fond of travelling. From the Scenic coast of Porbandar in the west of India to the lovely hill station of Darjeeling in the eastern side of India, from the temple town of Rameshwaram in the south of India to the beautiful state of Kashmir in the North, Bapu travelled everywhere. He also went to East Africa to see family in the year 1984 and to England, Scotland, Switzerland and other countries to name a few.
(Bapu at Madam Tussauds, London in 1984)
Bapu never asked for any kind of help even at the age of 95. He would do all his work himself and that he would want to do it also his way. He therefore lived his life in true sense. I must say, these people from the villages are very strong physically and mentally. Bhaya aata is one of the examples.
Everyone in India knew about Bapu’s social work, his immense interest to take the Maher community further in the field of education. An idea struck his mind many years back that there should be a Maher Samaj Bhawan in Junagadh. With the help of many Maher brothers then, a trust was formed and under the leadership and hardwork of Bapu as the president for more than 40 years, Junagadh Maher Community saw many developments and in the recent years, one more Maher Samaj with modern facilities was formed. This was also Bhaya aata’s dream.
Bapu was always worried about the quality of education given in the villages then and his main concern was that a girl child should be equally educated and taken care of as a boy child. He then built a boarding school where young girls from remote villages get good quality education with minimal fees. Bapu gave and donated money for the betterment of the society not to gain name or fame in the society but because he had immense trust in his own positive work towards the welfare of our community.
Hard to believe but Bapu had no health issues even at the age of 95. If he thought of doing something, he would definitely do it without a thought. Once Bhaya aata was standing on the famous Harki Pauri pool in the holy town of Haridwar, a thought to jump over the fast flowing ganges struck his mind and so he did. After swimming in the river for more than 3-4 kilometers, Bapu reached the other side of the river safely. Likewise during his trip to Mombasa, Kenya, he was swimming in the Indian Ocean and the local Africans thought that a dead body of someone is floating there but Bhaya aata was actually floating still.
(Bapu at Mombasa, Kenya on 10/07/1980)
Now in Kadachh village, there was a very big issue of drinking water. Bapu reached the village and with his knowledge and interest got the support of the villagers and the then government, stayed in the village for months so that a lake could be built where rain water can be collected and used for drinking and cooking purposes. Today that lake gives water to the local people throughout the year.
Bapu’s life story is an inspiration altogether. He never spoke against anyone but inspired and gave good positive thoughts. He never thought of competing with anyone, was never insecure about anyone or anything in life. He always inspired everyone to do good things in life. He always said that the biggest strength is to live in a big family. One’s attitude and intention should always be clear and of a positive mind and thus anything can be conquered.
Whoever worked with Bapu, they were always with him for years. Shri Anandbhai is one of them. He drove Bapu’s car for 49years and is still with the Ratiya family even today. He vowed that he will serve this family till his last breathe.
Shri Anand Bhai
Today I would like to thank two living beings on behalf of my huge family. One is that horse from which my beloved Bapu fell and broke his left hand. Had he not fallen off it then, he would’ve never thought of studying further nor would his family support him to go to school. Second is Pujya Maldev Rana Keshwala who gave full support to educate Bhaya aata. If these two historical incidents didn’t happen then, Bhaya aata would’ve never been known as “Bapu” or “Ratiya Saheb”.
(Bapu riding a horse at his farm in the year 1970)
Bapu used to ride a horse even after losing one hand while riding it when he was 6 years old. He had 2 mares and a filly at his farm in Junagadh and was very fond of them.
Sometimes we are all unable to pass one full day. Either we are lazy, bored or something or the other is happening. Our Bapu with one hand, a smile on his face passed 34,450 days without cribbing, crying or wasting any time to whatever life gave him.
(Bapu during Diwali at his house Junagadh in 2012)
As Bhaya aata went to Bhopal with Pujya Maldev Bapu for a Maher Sammelan 60 years back, I was lucky and am proud to say that I along with Bhaya aata, my elder brother and uncles, went to Bhopal to attend Pujya Maldev Bapu’s 128th birth anniversary program on 04/08/2012.
(Bapu on the 49th death anniversary of Pujya Maldev Rana Keshwala on 01/01/2015 at Porbandar)
(Rina Sida with Bapu on 04/08/2012 at Bhopal)
Any individual can clap with both hands. Our Bapu, through his life achievements I consider clapped with one hand and left us all with great memories. Bapu wherever you are today, please give us all the strength and positive thoughts to move further in life. Please motivate us. Please show us the correct path. Please bless us all.
Today I bow infront of you Bapu and fold my hands in due respect. Your life story is definitely a Rags to Riches one. An example of self-discipline, you inspired many, lived and worked tirelessly for the poor. You saw 9.5 decades in your lifetime which is truly motivational. We are all proud of you. I am going to miss you forever Bapu. I salute you for your achievements and am extremely proud to be your grandson Bapu. Rest In Peace.
Late Bhaya Bhai Maldev Bhai Ratiya
*1921-2015*
On behalf of the entire Ratiya fam
ily, Odedra family, Sutreja family, Ranavaya family, Bhutiya family, Godhaniya family, Khunti family, I pay tributes to a great soul. Bapu and Baa has a huge family with 3 Sons and 3 Daughters, 3 Son-in-laws along with their loving grandchildren and great-grand children.
(Bapu and Baa’s big family on 26/03/2012)
Krunal Odedra (New Delhi)
+91-990-990-0011
Click here to watch Bhaya bhai Ratiya interview on YouTube.
Professor Kamlesh Khunti named in the top 10 diabetes experts globally
Professor Kamlesh Khunti named in the top 10 diabetes experts globally
Professor Kamlesh Khunti (pictured) have been named in the top 10 diabetes experts globally on a list published at the American Diabetes Association meeting in Boston, USA this week.
The data are compiled by Expertscape using a matrix based on nearly 100,000 articles published since 2005.
The Leicester Diabetes Centre, a leading Centre in diabetes research and education, is led by Professor Kamlesh Khunti from the University of Leicester and Leicester’s Hospitals. The Leicester Diabetes Centre is an alliance between the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (Leicester’s Hospitals), the University of Leicester, the local community and Primary Care and is located at Leicester General Hospital.
Professor Khunti said: “This was a real surprise to us but we are absolutely honored to be recognised in this list of some of the top researchers in the world. This is recognition of the work being conducted by our Leicester Diabetes Team from the University of Leicester over the past 15 years.”
This is a great achievement by Professor Kamlesh Khunti who has put the Maher Community on global map. Maheronline congratulates and hopes that other Mahers can follow on his foot steps in the future.
For more information click on this links
http://www2.le.ac.uk/news/blog/2015-archive-1/june/leicester-professors-named-in-the-top-10-diabetes-experts-globally
The link to the league table is : http://www.expertscape.com/ex/diabetes+mellitus/p/earth
Well wishes and Messages
Dear Kamleshbhai,
I learnt of your great achievement today. To be named as one of the top 10 diabetes experts globally is no mean feat. Such recognition comes only with tremendous passion, unwavering commitment and true dedication, all of which you have shown in abundance. Your mission to make a change in Diabetes care and to work towards changing the fate of a disease that is all too often a silent killer will change the lives of many today and in the years to come. I am truly proud of your work and achievements. Hearty congratulations from myself, my family and the Maher community, a community whom you have made very proud on a global level. May you continue to flourish and do the inspirational work that you do.
Blessings & Best Wishes
Dr. Bhimabhai Odedra