Sri Matha Shruthi Laya Kshethrram
(Institute of Fine Arts) Trustees’ Narrative Impact Report
Financial Year: 1st August 2021 – 31st July 2022
Registered Address: 1st Floor, 25 High Street, Below Bar, Southampton, SO14 2DF Date: 29th August 2025
1. Introduction
Sri Matha Shruthi Laya Kshethrram (Institute of Fine Arts) is a registered charity dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and education of Indian classical music, dance, and Dharmic cultural traditions. Our mission is to nurture the next generation of artists, provide spiritual and cultural enrichment to the community, and serve as a centre for learning, practice, and celebration of our Vedic heritage.
2. Impact of COVID-19 on Our Activities
The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for our charity, as it did for many community-based organisations. Lockdowns and restrictions significantly disrupted our ability to host live performances, cultural events, and classroom-based training for our students. Our fundraising capacity was also severely impacted during this period, and we faced financial strain to sustain operational costs while continuing to support our learners, artists, and bereaved families.
3. Unique Location & Cultural Advantage
One of the unique strengths of our charity is the temple’s location, situated just a fiveminute walk from Southampton Sea Beach. This proximity has offered a rare cultural and spiritual advantage for the Hindu community, as it allows the immersion of ashes in accordance with traditional Vedic rites to be performed easily and satisfactorily. Families from Hampshire and other nearby counties have increasingly chosen our temple for these sacred rituals, recognising it as a trusted centre for spiritual support.
4. Integration of Students in Bhajans & Vedic Practices
During the financial year, our classical music students had the opportunity to actively participate in supporting bereaved families. They led devotional bhajans and prayers during rituals, which provided immense comfort to grieving families. For the students, this was a unique learning experience — enabling them to explore Vedic cultural practices beyond their formal training in music and percussion. This holistic exposure helped them understand the deeper spiritual dimensions of their art while serving the community.
5. Broader Community Impact
The temple has grown to become a cultural, educational, and spiritual anchor for the South Indian and wider Hindu community. Our activities blend music, ritual, and service, creating a meaningful environment where students, families, and devotees come together. By offering both artistic education and community services, we have strengthened connections between generations and preserved the integrity of Vedic traditions.
6. Looking Ahead
Looking forward, we aim to expand our support services for bereaved families, while offering more opportunities for our students to integrate their classical training with devotional practices and community service. We plan to organise more cultural programmes, collaborative workshops, and inclusive events that celebrate our Dharmic heritage while reaching wider audiences in Hampshire and surrounding regions.
7. Trustees’ Closing Statement
The trustees acknowledge the significant challenges faced during the year but are proud of the resilience and growth demonstrated by the charity. Our unique location, community trust, and integration of arts, culture, and spirituality have positioned Sri Matha Shruthi Laya Kshethrram as a beacon for cultural preservation and community service. We remain committed to supporting our learners, serving bereaved families, and nurturing the values of compassion, education, and spiritual enrichment.
Sri Matha Shruthi Laya Kshethrram
(Institute of Fine Arts) Notes to the Accounts
Financial Year: 1st August 2021 – 31st July 2022
Registered Address: 1st Floor, 25 High Street, Below Bar, Southampton, SO14 2DF
1. Accounting Policies
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity SORP (FRS 102) applicable to charities preparing their accounts on an accrual basis, and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK.
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Income Recognition: Income from donations, grants, and contributions is recognised when the charity has entitlement, receipt is probable, and the amount can be reliably measured.
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Expenditure Recognition: Expenditure is recognised when it is incurred and includes VAT where it is not recoverable.
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Depreciation of Assets: Furniture and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is charged at 25% straight-line basis annually.
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Cash at Bank: Cash deposits are held for operational purposes and are available for general charitable use.
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Basis of Preparation: The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
2. Analysis of Income
| 2. Analysis of Income | |
|---|---|
| Income Source | Amount (£) |
| Public Donations | 6,216.00 |
| Southampton City Council Grant | 18,900.00 |
| Lewisham Council Grant | 8,000.00 |
| Southampton City Council Small Grant | 3,176.00 |
| Other Small Grants | 1,425.00 |
| Contributions from Relatives & Bereaved | 19,554.00 |
| Families | |
| Total Income | 57,271.00 |
3. Analysis of Expenditure
| 3. Analysis of Expenditure | |
|---|---|
| Expenditure Category | Amount (£) |
| Professional Fees (Solicitors & Artists) | 9,281.00 |
| Learners’ Video Compensation | 7,515.34 |
| Workshops & Instruments | 1,222.00 |
| Accounting & Other Costs | 793.00 |
|---|---|
| Printing & Stationery | 2,100.00 |
| Rent | 19,200.00 |
| Refreshments | 6,874.00 |
| Utilities | 4,500.00 |
| Travel | 3,900.00 |
| Salaries & Wages | 1,200.00 |
| Web Development | 384.00 |
| Other Costs | 2,814.00 |
| Total Expenditure | 59,683.34 |
4. Grants Received
| 4. Grants Received | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grant Provider | Purpose | Amount (£) |
| Southampton City Council | Cultural/Arts Programme | 18,900.00 |
| Support | ||
| Lewisham Council | Arts Grant | 8,000.00 |
| Southampton City Council | Youth & Music Support | 3,176.00 |
| (Small Grant) | ||
| Other Small Grants | Workshops & Student | 1,425.00 |
| Support |
5. Related Party Transactions
There were no related party transactions involving trustees, key management personnel, or their close family members during the financial year.
6. Fixed Assets
Asset Opening Balance (£) Additions (£) Closing Balance (£) Furniture & 16,522.00 0.00 16,522.00
Equipment
7. Funds
All funds held by the charity during the financial year were unrestricted and used to further the charity’s objectives. There were no restricted grants or reserves carried forward.
8. Going Concern Statement
The trustees confirm that the charity has adequate resources to continue operating for the foreseeable future. Although the charity incurred a small net deficit of £2,412.34, ongoing grants and community support ensure sustainable operations.
9. COVID-19 Impact Note
The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges to the charity. Event cancellations, limited community gatherings, and reduced fundraising opportunities impacted operations and income. To adapt, we provided virtual learning for students, continued supporting bereaved families remotely, and carefully managed resources to minimise financial strain.
To whom so ever:
I Rathiya Karthikeyan gone through all the below documents and I approve all of the below reports and documents:
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Trustees’ Annual Report & Financial Statements (SOFA and Balance Sheet)
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Notes to the Accounts (SORP-aligned)
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Independent Examiner’s Report – template for
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completion
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Trustees’ Narrative Impact Report and Executive
Mrs. Rathiya Karthikeyan
Trustee
Rathiya.K
29/08/2025
Sri Matha Shruthi Laya Kshethrram (Institute of Fine Arts) Vinaayak P. Bharrath Vinaayak P. Bharrath Chair of the Trustee
29[th] /8 / 2025
Sri Matha Shruthi Laya Kshethrram (Institute of Fine Arts)