VOLUNTEERS from a Hindu temple in Ashton-under-Lyne have been doing their bit to rejuvenate the local neighbourhood.
A group of hardy folk have taken to the streets to help clean up the area surrounding the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on Lees Road.
They filled more than 10 bags of litter as part of the Great British Spring Clean – a nationwide environmental campaign.
Thousands of bags of litter were collected around the country as part of the annual event organised by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.
The volunteers were joined by Ashton Hurst councillor Mohammed Karim, who was impressed by their drive to improve the area.
“I am grateful to the BAPS Mandir for all they do to help improve our ward and this initiative is just another example of all their tireless service to selflessly help local communities in Ashton Hurst,” commented Cllr Karim.
A lead community outreach volunteer at the temple said the initiative exemplified the community spirit between the temple and its neighbours.
Mayur Patel explained: “His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the global spiritual leader of the BAPS Hindu fellowship and the inspirer of the Mandir, teaches us to respect and care for the environment and to serve our local communities as a part of our social responsibility.
“Seeing so many volunteers come together for such a worthy cause is a testimony of the community spirit between the temple and its neighbours, and demonstrates the transformative power and impact of collective action.
“We would also like to thank Keep Britain Tidy for its tremendous work in helping keep our country cleaner and greener for more than 70 years. We look forward to continuing to support their valuable community work.”
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir provides various educational, community and spiritual activities for children, young people, families and elderly people. It is also a place of worship for hundreds of Hindus across Greater Manchester.
More information about the Mandir can be found at baps.org/manchester.
