Volunteers from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, popularly referred to as ‘Neasden Temple’, came out onto the streets over the Easter bank holiday weekend to clean up and rejuvenate the local neighbourhood.
The volunteers filled more than 13 bags containing various items of litter, significantly improving the surrounding environment.
The initiative was part of the Great British Spring Clean, the nation’s largest mass-action environmental campaign in which thousands of individuals, groups and schools come together around the country to participate.
The annual event is organised by Keep Britain Tidy, a leading independent environmental charity that works to inspire, educate and enable everyone in the country to value the environment on their doorstep. Keep Britain Tidy is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.
Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, commented, “I am delighted to see the British Hindu fellowship at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir actively participating in the Great British Spring Clean. This initiative not only benefits the environment but also strengthens the bonds between the temple and the wider Stonebridge community in Brent. It’s a wonderful example of putting faith into action and fostering a spirit of collective responsibility. Well done to all involved and I hope to join you in the future.”
The volunteers also received several appreciative comments from the local residents.
Rakesh Shah, a community outreach volunteer at the Mandir, explained, “His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj 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 Mandir and its neighbours.
“We would also like to congratulate Keep Britain Tidy for its tremendous work over the past 70 years and look forward to supporting their community projects in the future.”