Universal Brotherhood Autumn Fair 2008

The Sant Nirankari Mission (West Midlands Branch) organised The Universal Brotherhood Autumn Fair on the 18th October 2008 at their centre in Wednesbury. The Fair being held during the period of Harvest brought together the local community both young and old  to inspire the theme of giving. The initiative was inspired by His Holiness Nirankari Baba Ji who has said that we should all work very closely with all local communities in order to create Universal Brotherhood. There had been weeks of preparation by numerous people and with the grace of Nirankar the unpredictable British weather also held out to make the day most enjoyable.

The Fair was declared open by his Worshipful Mayor of Sandwell Councillor Robert Price, who really appreciated the work of the Mission in holding the event in Wednesbury and inspiring the youth to raise valuable funds to provide a Mini-Van to transport the elderly or others who do not have accessibility to benefit from facilities at the Nirankari Satsang Bhawan.  Sukhjinder Singh the chair of the Management Committee of the Bhawan, also welcomed all the members of the community who were in attendance at the opening. As it was harvest time, a food hamper was presented to the Worshipful Mayor who accepted the gift from the Sant Nirankari Mission to be given to St Bartholomew Church congregation (a local church in Wednesbury) for their harvest celebrations.

There were over 20 different stalls laid out during the day which included the National Health Service (PCT) providing information on health matters, the British Army about recruitment into the forces, First Aid training activity, benefits of Cycling and Walking and much much more…. Members of the Mission had arranged a Tombola, Raffle Prize draw, an area for de-stressing with foot and head massages, nail art for children, creative cards sale….. There was food offered throughout the day, including freshly baked cakes organic apple crumble, samosas and onion bhajis, tea and coffee to name a few which had been prepared and donated by young and older members of the Nirankari Mission from within West Midlands and from Leicester, Rugby, and Leamington Spa to assist in the fundraising appeal To provide entertainment brothers Supreet Suri, Sunil Mehta, Raj Jassal and Aleem played live music outside for the benefit of the devotees and passing public. Events such as knock down the cans, name the teddy  and guess the weight of the pumpkin grown by the Nirankari Mission devotees in Leicester  were all well received.

The fire service also supported the event and brought along their engines for the young children to inspect. Charity football and volleyball matches planned by the youth were also enjoyed. Some of the members including professionals such as qualified lawyers helped with the Charity Car wash which was operational from morning to evening in support of the event. A photo studio named “Universal Studio,” was set up for all people to have their family portraits taken and also pictures with Baba Ji. An independent organisation from the Friar Park Millennium Centre, attended the Fair in order to film the event and will be creating a DVD newsletter for publication.

The day passed wonderfully and many people from the local community who came into the Satsang Bhawan to join in the fun filled day thoroughly enjoyed their experience. They were warmly welcomed in accordance with  the Nirankari tradition. All felt that they had a wonderful day and would definitely return. Baba Ji tells us that we are to create Universal Brotherhood through positive actions. Initiatives of this nature help communities to understand the message of the mission and it’s aims of unity and love amongst all people. Events such as these which by enable visitors to come to the Nirankari Centres can only be a positive move in this regard. Many thanks are submitted to the efforts of all the teams, local and from outside of the West Midlands who worked tirelessly in the organisation of this event and  thanks to Baba Ji for guiding the Nirankari Devotees  with the spirit of co-operation and team work,  which proved yet again to be the foundation of success.

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