We, the Members of Oshwal Association of the UK (OAUK), wish the Executive Committee (EC) to adopt the following policy as regards to the use of Oshwal Centre, Potters Bar halls and house (OC).

"Every year for three weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from the start date of the Paryushan Festival Period and on any Bank Holiday occurring during or immediately after this period, the OC will not be available for private hire so that Area Committees can have priority of use. During this period, the EC will permit, facilitate and assist any Area Committee to organise their annual Swami Vatsalya Bhojan (SVB) in whichever way they determine will serve their members."

Background

EC announced a Policy to hold only one SVB event annually at OC, enabling them to hire out the hall externally to generate income.

This has created friction between EC and Area Committees, since historically all Areas held separate SVBs on separate days at OC. In recent years, there has been one combined event, which has suffered declining attendance. The disagreement between EC and the Areas has resulted in a number of resignations from key committee members. At Area AGMs, Members have pleaded for separate SVB and Area Teams promised to discuss, witnessed by EC Trustees.

This year, EC granted permission for Areas to hold their own SVBs, so the NE Area Committee booked OC. Subsequently, EC ruled that Areas cannot use OC for their own SVB. Instead, EC said that separate SVBs can only be held at another Venue, despite the cost. This also means it is likely that the Area Team would have to prepare the meal in a non-vegetarian kitchen.

It is proving difficult, if not impossible, to find a suitable alternative venue. This problem is likely to continue in the future. Furthermore, Areas which do not have local OAUK-owned venues would be at a disadvantage.

OAUK has been built on the efforts and donations from its Members and Volunteers. SVB is a key event in the annual calendar to uphold the strong bonds built over many years among Area Members - both old and young.

What we want

OAUK should remain a religion-driven rather than commercially-driven Charity and the undersigned members urge the EC to strongly support the following demands:

1. Every year for three weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from the start date of the Paryushan Festival Period and on any Bank Holiday occurring during or immediately after this period, the OC will not be available for private hire so that Area Committees can have priority of use.
2. During this period, the EC will permit, facilitate and assist any Area Committee to organise their annual Swami Vatsalya Bhojan (SVB) in whichever way they determine will serve their members.

Thank you.