Photos courtesy of About Tameside
SHREE Bharatiya Mandal, Indian Association, has proudly marked 60 years of serving the community in Tameside.
The charity, officially registered as Shree Bharatiya Mandal, was established in 1964.
The special anniversary celebration in Ashton-under-Lyne, was attended by distinguished guests, including MP and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Civic Mayor Cllr Betty Affleck, and Consort Declan Fitzpatrick.
During the 1950s and 1960s, Tameside saw a significant influx of Indian migrants from India and East Africa, many of whom sought employment in the local mills and eventually settled in the area.
As the Indian community grew, so did the need for a dedicated space where members could come together. This necessity was met in 1972 with the purchase of a retired Catholic Primary School, which became a central hub for the Indian community.
Over the decades, Shree Bharatiya Mandal continued to expand its reach and engagement with local authorities and voluntary groups. In 1999, the charity secured funding from the National Lottery, supplemented by donations from the community and well-wishers.
This led to the construction of a new Ambaji temple and community centre, which has since become a focal point for Hindu and Indian cultural activities in Tameside and Greater Manchester.
The centre has played a key role in hosting major Hindu festivals and spearheading various charitable initiatives, including fundraising campaigns for cancer awareness and muscular dystrophy.
Many of the charity’s projects are volunteer-led, such as the long-running Meals on Wheels service, which provides warm Gujarati meals, and a luncheon club for the elderly and socially vulnerable that has been operating for over two decades.
Additionally, the centre hosts a variety of weekly classes and groups, covering subjects such as Gujarati language, music, yoga, youth engagement, neighbourhood action, and Kumon.
Beyond its local impact, Shree Bharatiya Mandal has been an active benefactor to national organisations such as Hindu Council UK – North and the Hindu Forum of Britain. Through these collaborations, the charity continues to promote Hindu values and raise awareness of issues affecting the Hindu and Indian communities in the UK.
With a rich history of service and dedication, Shree Bharatiya Mandal remains a cornerstone of the community, thanks to the efforts of its volunteers. The charity invites members of the public to visit the temple, take part in its activities, and contribute to its ongoing community initiatives.