The Project

Of all the major faiths of the World Hinduism is the only one not to have a place for Communal Worship in Oxfordshire. In the 2001 UK Census Oxfordshire had ~1843 people who had declared themselves as Hindus; a number similar in size to people of the Jewish faith. There are 2 operating synagogues in Oxford BUT no Hindu Temple.
While young Hindus have wholeheartedly adopted the British way of life and culture they still fill something lacking in their lives. This lack relates to not having full exposure to the Hindu religion and culture which their parents accepted and practised as part of their life. Their need to inculcate religious belief and culture among their children is even greater.
The older generation of Hindus also find it more and more difficult to go long distances – London, Birmingham etc..- to visit a temple for worship at various times in their lives.
A Community Centre would provide a central meeting place – luncheon clubs for the older generation and indoor activity for the younger ones – not exclusively for the Hindu Community, fostering good inter-faith relations.
From the inception of the Project we have built up a membership data base of 100 families (approximately 300 adults) who have attended one or more of our month

The Executive Committee

Our adopted Constitution requires the Project to be run by an Executive Committee of 15 members. An Inaugural General Meeting the membership of the Hindu Temple and Community Centre Project held on the 8th March 2009 elected the 12 nominated candidates to the Executive Committee of the Project. It was agreed that the elected Committee will co-opt 3 others to complete the quota in due course.
Each significant aspect of the Project will be addressed by a sub-group of at least 3 people led by a Committee member.

Current Activities

The series of monthly Communal Prayer Sessions is continue and is well supported by members of the Hindu Community – families with e generations represented regularly attend. The idea of building a Hindu Temple and Community Centre in the County is very much alive. As part of our aim, to celebrate the major Hindu Festivals, Holi 2009 was celebrated on the 14th March 2009 at the Lake Street Community Centre in Oxford. People of all faiths joined in the colourful fun tasting many Indian snacks from different regions of India.

Aims

The elected Executive Committee has promised to

• continue the vibrant programme of Monthly Communal Prayers
• register as a Charity with the Charity Commission
• launch a fund for the Temple & Community Centre
• hold celebrations for the main Hindu Festivals
• meet as many City, County and District Councillors as possible
• Be available for press, radio and TV interviews on matters relating to the Oxfordshire Hindu Community in particular and Hinduism in general.