Our Hindu Society started over 50 years ago with a group of ladies going house to house and conducting Hindu religious rituals and blessings in each other’s homes. This has grown to become a a mandir (temple) of worship, a community centre and charity (charity no: 265903) supporting our local community in Wandsworth with over 400 members.

We are proud to celebrate 50 years of Hindu Society in South London. The Society started in 1973 with only 15 members. A simple idea of getting together to socialise was put into practice by members who went to each others houses to perform Havans, Satsangs and other religious ceremonies.

Then came a period where a hall was hired in Tooting once every month to gather and perform a Havan.

More than 40 years ago initial funds for a deposit towards the purchase of the first Hindu Society Hall was raised by collections from Satsangs, Havans and generous donations from many members. I would like to mention that we may not have been able to proceed with the purchase of the Hall had it not been for the then President, Dr Mittal standing as personal guarantee for the purchase.

Hindu Society community centre catered for all members of the community by hosting Senior Citizens clubs, Hindi classes for children, music and kathak dance classes. Day trips were arranged to various UK attractions. Regular weekly yoga classes and luncheon clubs were held in the Hall. Annual Diwali functions were held in Wandsworth Town Hall with about 500 people attending.

Hindu Society takes pride in holding Navratra Poojas all nine days every year. Akhand Ramayan is an annual event. Both events are very well attended. Every Saturday, members gather to recite the Hanuman Chalisa.

About 20 years ago, the need to accommodate the increasing number of members initiated the move to our current premises on Garratt Lane. Recent renovations have resulted in small dreams of a Hindu Mandir in South London being realised. I would like to express my gratitude to our present Trustees whose ideas and joint efforts have got us a beautiful Mandir and Hall we can all enjoy with pride today.

With honesty, unity, discipline and hard work of all members and voluntary workers Hindu Society has gone from strength to strength to where we are today. I would like to remember our founding members and other members who are no longer with us today by paying respect to them and thanking them for their contribution.

Let us pray and hope that Hindu Society will continue to work with our local community to progress, develop, promote and celebrate Hindu culture. It is so lovely to see our younger generations join us. They make all our events beautiful. My best wishes to Hindu Society for a united journey ahead for years to come.

Usha Sood, former Hindu Society Vice-President and Founding Member