Interview: Venilal Vaghela - a trip down memory lane
If the history of Hindus in the United Kingdom was to be written, Venilal Vaghela would be listed as a pioneer in many ways. He was amongst the earliest African-Indian immigrants to Britain and was instrumental in providing many hitherto unfulfilled needs of the Hindu community as it grew during the ’70s and ’80s. He now works for the Brent Hindu Council. Hindu Voice UK caught up with Mr Vaghela in the Brent Hindu Council offices, for a trip down memory lane.
May 18th, 2006 at 10:21 am
Venilal Vaghela says he is R E T I R E D ! He is NOT. He is RE-TYRED that is to say he has got new tyres fitted out to his system and he is speeding UPHILL !! The best years of his life are ahead of him!!! wE HAVE AT LEAST ONE SINCERE LEADER IN OUR COMMUNITY !!!!!
May 18th, 2006 at 11:23 am
Jai shree krishna.
I don’t know Mr Vaghela personally, though reading his background makes me feel proud that there people like him continue to work for the betterment of Hindu Dharma. If Hindu drama is followed and practiced then this will have more positive impact on the rest of the world population. Keep up the good work and help create other people like yourself..selfless service is the moto of Hindu people.
May 18th, 2006 at 6:43 pm
Respect to a rare person who is actual in the role of a community leader for the service of the community rather than for their own social status. I’ve met him on a couple of occasions, and he was always humble and willing to listen to what a young person like me had to say. He understood that us young people who actually grew up here and know the scenes can tell them things that they need to know. This is a rare quality for a Hindu community leader. I’m sorry to say, most community leaders are totally arrogant think they know it alls who ain’t got a clue about the real world. And they spend their free time bootlicking the establishment.
May 19th, 2006 at 5:06 pm
I have known Venibhai for some three years and in fact he played a role in my getting involved in our community. Venibhai’s discussions will always end up with the statement ‘ interesting, so what are YOU going to do for your community’. He is probably one of the most unassuming but forceful speakers of Hindu faith and one of the giants of our Hindu samaj. His contribution is often forgotten but i have to say that if any of you get a chance to speak to him he is absolutely brilliant. UK Hinduism history would not be complete without him.
I just hope that his wise counsel will always be with us. It’s a priviledge to know Venibhai !!!!