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Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From: 1[st] April 2023 Period start date To: 31[st] March 2024 Period end date Charity name: Mohanji Foundation UK
Charity registration number: 1177264
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference |
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| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | To advance the Sanatana Dharma Universal religion for the benefit of the public in accordance with the teachings of Brahmarishi Mohanji by: a) conducting services (satsang) that promote physical and mental wellbeing, in particular through the practice of meditation, yoga and breathing techniques, b) conducting classes on meditation, yoga and breathing techniques, c) providing classes, programs, seminars, retreats, workshops, books, videos and other educational materials, d) establishing and maintaining ashrams, temples, prayer halls, and meditation halls, e) co-operating with government bodies, non- governmental organisations and other registered charities for the furtherance of the charity’s objects, f) soliciting, collecting, receiving acquiring, holding and investing funds and property received by gift, donation, contribution or bequest for the furtherance of the charity’s objects, g) applying the proceeds, income and rents derived from any property of the charity for the furtherance of the charity’s objects, i) doing all such things as may be necessary or conducive to further the objects of the charity, as permitted by the laws of England & Wales |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES FOR MOHANJI FOUNDATION UK FROM APRIL 2023 to MARCH 2024 CONDUCTED FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT |
| public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Main Highlights:The main highlight was the development of the Mohanji centre of Benevolence which was acquired in Feb 2023, the opening of the centre in June 2023 and the programmes with Mohanji. Mohanji visited the UKtwicein 2023. The first visit for the opening ceremony andPranaprathistaevents at the MCB, Scotland. The second visit saw Mohanji spend a longer period at the MCB where the centre’s first retreat,Rise & Revivewas conducted. Mohanji also attended a programme atBournemouth University. Retreat programmes at the MCB • Pranaprathista & Temple Inauguration with Mohanji at the MCB in June. • Rise & Revive with Mohanji at the MCB in September. Festivals and special events at the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence: The key festivals and celebrations associated with the Sanatana dharma tradition were celebrated at the centre. These included: 1) Mahasivarathri 2) Guru Purnima 3) Krishna Jayanti 4) Ganesh Chaturti 5) Navarathri 6) Diwali 7) Shivalinga and Yoni consecration One-day programmes outside the MCB • Purity in Benevolence programme with Mohanji in London in May 2023. • Bournemouth University Programme with Mohanji in Bournemouth in September. • The Rhythm of Prana: A Joyous Journey with Devi Mohan in Reading in December. • Mohanji’s birthday celebrations • Acharya programmes Other regular programmes The on-line activities included: - Weekly meditation sessions - Weekly online Kriya sessions - Weekly Book reading - Testimonial reading - Weekly group satsang/discussion - Special chanting events - Special fundraising events - Online and in person Mai-Tri sessions These regular programmes are open to the general public and the vast majority of programmes conducted free of cost unless there is a substantial cost element |
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| such as accommodation, hire transport). Any programmes with a cost were either discounted or offered free of cost depending on the circumstances so that cost is not a barrier to attendance. These programmes are open to all with no man-made barriers of nationality, religion, caste, colour or sexual orientation Mai Tri Method - Distant Mai-Tri sessions 500+ sessions Blogs, books and publications Blogs:- Various testimonials written and proofread by UK testimonials team for publishing on public forums and social media Books: Co-ordinate write ups, proofread and support with printing of new publications: Guru Leela new books. Books/blogs Translation - Ongoing translation of Mohanji books and blogs into other languages such as Tamil, Singhalese, Oria, Chinese and Marathi Facebook translation: Ongoing translation of Facebook pages into Tamil. Marathi, Oria, Punjabi and Sinhalese. Physical in person meditation sessions:The team continued in person meditation sessions in Woodley and Rayners Lane. Outreach/Awareness events • Houses of Parliament events • Four Houses of Parliament events • Seva for Humanity with Mohanji in May at the House of Lords • Diwali programme at the House of Commons • Diwali programme hosted by the Speaker of the House of commons. |
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| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | Public benefit statement The Trustees fully understand the guidance from the charity commission regarding the public benefit and pay regard to this requirement in planning its activities. All of the following programmes were conducted to advance the objectives of the charity. They all meet the public benefit criteria, being charitable in nature, open to the general public and the vast majority of programmes conducted free of cost (except for those with a significant cost element such as accommodation, hire transport). Any programmes with a cost were either discounted or offered free of cost depending on the circumstances so that cost is not a barrier to attendance. These programmes are open to all with no man-made barriers of nationality, religion, caste, colour or sexual orientation. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| SORP reference | ||
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| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | All approaches from grants are considered by the Trustees at a Trustee meeting after which, if the project is considered to be promoting the objectives of the Foundation it is considered in light of the financial situation. After this, a ‘Funding application form’ is sent to the applicants for further information before deciding to allocate any funds. |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | The charity has an Investment Policy but has not invested significantly in this area this year due to the focus on the development of the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence to focus on meeting it’s charitable objectives. |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | The volunteers are the backbone of the charity. We have a team of 8 Trustees of Mohanji Foundation UK supported by approximately 40 key volunteers. Key Volunteers • 38 Active volunteers • 8 Trustees • 9 Mohanji Acharyas • 2 Apprentice Acharyas • 2 Trainee apprentice Acharyas • 15 Mai-Tri method practitioners • 1 MTM (Mohanji Transformation) practitioner • 13 Meditation coordinators • 9 Mohanji Energy Transfer practitioners Funds for the MCB purchase and refurbishment were raised by donations from volunteers along with interest free loans of various lengths from 18 months to 10 years. All of the activities have been undertaken by dedicated unpaid volunteers. The number of volunteers has increased over the reporting period and the scope of activities has also increased, in particular Mai-Tri practitioners and yoga activities. We have three permanent full-time volunteers based at the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence in Scotland to look after the property, perform the daily worship and to welcome volunteers. We are looking to increase the number of full-time residents at the property in due course as we expand our activities. |
The key areas of activities of our volunteers include the following areas:
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1) Conducting programmes
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a. Kriya
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b. Mai Tri
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c. Meditations
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d. Satsangs/ Book reading
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e. Day programmes
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f. Acharya programmes
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2) Conducting retreats
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3) Conducting on line programmes
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4) Supporting global teams for book translations and other Mohanji Foundations worldwide
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5) Duties as Trustees
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6) Social media
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7) Financial support
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8) Fundraising
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9) Development of the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence
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10) Gardening and maintenance 11) Temple duties 12) Outreach programmes 13) Operating the Ahimsa store 14) Food preparation support at retreats
Other
Achievements and Performance
SORP reference Purchasing the Mohanji centre of Benevolence (MCB)
Summary of the main Para 1.20 achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.
The year 2023 was a landmark year for Mohanji Foundation UK. A long-awaited dream of establishing a Mohanji Centre of Benevolence in the UK was achieved after a long and persistent search across the UK for a suitable property.
We found a beautiful 14-acre farmhouse with barns and a riding school in Aberdeenshire, North Scotland. The property is just one hour away from Aberdeen, nestled amongst nature in the most beautiful surroundings. The property was purchased in Feb 2023 but most of the development happened from March 2023 during the period of this report.
Creation of temple spaces within the MCB and house refurbishment The key developments of the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence in Scotland were the creation of two temples:
1) Temple of Shirdi Sai Baba along with Lord Ganesh. An existing barn was internally decorated and refurbished to create a temple space. The idols of Shirdi Sai Baba and Lord Ganesh were installed 2) A conservatory style summer house was installed in the gardens to create a temple for Lord Dattatreya (the presiding deity of nature). All the sides and roof were made of glass so Datta could be in nature. 3) The main house was decorated internally with a coat of paint and some refurbishment of the bedrooms for the key volunteers and Mohanji to stay. The aim of this acquisition and creation of the temple spaces was to create the headquarters for the Foundation in the UK and to advance the Sanatana Dharma universal religion by promoting the public benefit activities of the Foundation such as yoga, meditation, temple worship, prayers, talks and creating the peaceful natural environment for people to live in harmony with nature at the MCB. This created a lot of engagement with people from Aberdeen and the local community Local Community Engagement at the MCB As we establish our presence in Scotland with a new centre, our goal, vision and deep desire is to add value to the community in all ways possible. And in 2023, we took initiatives to begin this process of engaging with the community and helping in various ways to support the needy in Huntly, Aberdeenshire. In collaboration with ACT Foundation, we donated food items to the Huntly Food Pod, where we struck up a great community connection, friendship, and discussed plans on how we can work together to use our space to establish a gardening and nature hub. This would be a place for community volunteers and those who want to enjoy nature to grow and harvest the vegetables. This organic food can be shared back in the Huntley Food Pod for those in need Ahimsa Store The Ahimsa Store was established at the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence. This is an
online shop created by the MCB to provide merchandise related to Mohanji and his platforms that can be purchased by browsing their website http://ahimsastore.uk. Items include books, bracelets, pendants, malas, statues and much more.
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | The key objective was to procure and develop the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence and to increase the volume and scope of activities. These were fully achieved. Please see above for details. |
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| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | The key fundraising objectives was to raise funds for the procurement, development and sustaining the MCB. This was achieved through appeals in person and on line through a mixture of donations and interest free loans, |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | The main investment objective was to invest in the development of the MCB which was fully achieved. There were no income generating investments this year. |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | Cash balance brought forward from previous period: £25,806 Income 1/4/23 to 31/3/24: £223,511 Expenditure 1/4/23 to 31/3/24: £244,941 Cash balance at end of period: £4,376 Please see accounts for full details of income and expenditure. |
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| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | The charity seeks to operate at all times with a positive balance of funds and works within its means to achieve and maintain this. Currently the charity is holding some funds for the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence in India and in Slovenia when these are needed. In addition, the Foundation is starting a major fundraising drive to pay back loans and meet the costs of the running of the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence in Scotland |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | The charity does not hold a reserve. The reserves are just the surplus cash balance. |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | The charity does not have a separate reserve account but always aims to have a positive cash balance. |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | None |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | There are no uncertainties at the moment, but the charity has several interest free loans to the value of £538,000 that are due to be paid back within 18 months to 10 years, but these are all from supporters. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | The charity as of 31/03/2024 has received interest free loans from volunteers and supporters of £538,000 over terms ranging from 18 months to 10 years in order to procure the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence. The principal set of funds is mainly donations from individuals and supporters plus: - Interest free loans from volunteers/supporters of £538,000 over terms from 18 months to 10 years for purchase of the MCB. - Donations of about £127,000 mainly for the purchase and refurbishment of the MCB |
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| - Retreat Programmes conducted in the MCB and London with Mohanji - Retreat programme in June - Donations sourced locally through one off contributions or regular monthly donations. - Auction of Mohanji articles - Donation during one day programmes - Sale of books and merchandise - Incomes generating activities such, one day programmes. - Fundraising programmes such as Xmas wrapping and food stalls. |
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| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | Investment policy Currently the charity has only the MCB property as its headquarters along with the assets in the property. Apart from that there are currently no other investments. However, when the charity is in a position to invest, the policy for investments will be based on ethical investments which is very much in keeping with the objectives of the charity. The charity has an Investment Policy but has not invested significantly in this area this year due to the focus on the development of the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence to focus on meeting it’s charitable objectives. |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | The Foundation is fully covered for existing activities both within and outside the MCB by obtaining appropriate insurance with Zurich insurance company. The Foundation has also set up a limited company called MCB Enterprises Ltd to minimise exposure to risk, in particular for non-primary purpose trading activities of the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence. In light of the purchase of a property in Scotland, the health and safety policy has been updated. Financial risks: The charity has obtained loans of £538,000 in order to purchase the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence but has mitigated the financial risk by raising these loans from supporters on an interest free basis over terms from 18 months to 10 years. |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
None | |
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| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Constitution |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | CIO (Foundation Model) |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | The board of Trustees considers options for new / additional Trustees which may be proposed by any of the Trustees or key volunteers and votes on whether the proposed trustee is considered suitable. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | Charity commission guidelines and publications are used such as ‘The Essential Trustee’ and the Trustee declaration form. |
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | The charity has a board of Trustees but also engages regularly with key volunteers for ideas, feedback, support and execution. |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | We are working more Collaboratively with other Mohanji Foundations in the world with the same of similar objectives to us such as Serbia, India, Netherlands and Slovenia. as well as engaging with the work of other Mohanji platforms which are consistent with the objectives of Mohanji Foundation UK along with ACT Foundation UK for fundraising efforts which are being conducted jointly. Net income generated is being shared. |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Mohanji Foundation UK |
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| Other name the charity uses | MF UK |
| Registered charity number | 1177264 |
| Charity’s principal address | 28 Beaulieu Drive, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 1NG Changed to Mohanji Centre of Benevolence in Aberdeenshire in subsequent reporting period. |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole **year ** |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
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| Mohan Pathirisseri | Founder | Whole Year to 31/03/2024 | Mohanji Foundation UK Board | |
| Vijay Ramanaidoo | Chair | Whole Year to 31/03/2024 | Mohanji Foundation UK Board | |
| Subhasree Thottungal |
Vice Chair | Whole Year to 31/03/2024 | Mohanji Foundation UK Board | |
| Hemant Panda | Treasurer | Whole Year to 31/03/2024 | Mohanji Foundation UK Board | |
| Vigneshwaran Swaminathan |
Assistant Treasurer | Whole Year to 31/03/2024 | Mohanji Foundation UK Board | |
| Shyama Jeyaseelan | Secretary | Whole Year to 31/03/2024 | Mohanji Foundation UK Board | |
| Sudha Thakur | Assistant Secretary | Whole Year to 31/03/2024 | Mohanji Foundation UK Board | |
| Christopher Greenwood |
Trustee | Whole Year to 31/03/2024 | Mohanji Foundation UK Board | |
| Jack Barrat | Trustee (resigned 23/3/2024) |
Part Year to 23/03/2024 | Mohanji Foundation UK Board | |
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name None
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
| Trustee name | Dates acted if not for whole year | |
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| None | ||
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets None held in this capacity Name and objects of the Not applicable charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for Not applicable safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Type of adviser Name Address |
Type of adviser Name Address |
Type of adviser Name Address |
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| None | N/A | N/A |
| Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information) | ||
| Not applicable |
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Not applicable
Other optional information
None
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
| Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date |
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| Vijay Anand Ramanaidoo | Subhasree Thottungal | |
Chairperson |
Vice Chairperson | |
| 28/01/2025 | ||
| 28/01/2025 |
| Mohanji Foundation |
Mohanji Foundation |
Mohanji Foundation |
Mohanji Foundation |
CC16a | |
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| For the period from |
Period start date 4/1/2023 |
To |
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| Section A Receipts and payments | |||||
| A1 Receipts Donations 79,623 Loans - Gift Aid 9,224 Merchandise 842 MCB regular/monthlydonations 6,583 Events 61,467 Other income 11,413 169,152 Land - - Sub total - Total receipts 169,152 Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ Sub total(Gross income for AR) A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). |
to the nearest £ 54,359 - - - - - 54,359 - - - 54,359 Restricted funds |
to the nearest £ Endowment funds |
Total funds to the nearest £ |
Last year to the nearest £ |
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79,623 54,359 9,224 842 6,583 61,467 11,413 223,511 |
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A3 Payments
| Temple expenses | 3,174 | - - - - - - - - - |
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3,174 2,728 7,042 5,319 947 20,990 1,965 1,080 13,860 2,205 53,264 204 3,204 2,059 270 14,825 10,000 77,587 11,664 9,694 2,860 |
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| Council tax | 2,728 | - | ||||
| Gas & Electricity | 7,042 | - | ||||
| Insurance | 5,319 | - | ||||
| Telephone & TV | 947 | - | ||||
| MCB livingexpences | 20,990 | - | ||||
| Toilet Hire | 1,965 | |||||
| Management services | 1,080 | - | ||||
| Building& Garden Maintenance | 13,860 | - | ||||
| Vehicle Maintenance Events costs Subscription Publicity Car Hire Bank Charges Others Loan repayment Capital works Furniture Equipment & Marquee Vehicle **Sub total ** |
2,205 | |||||
| 53,264 | ||||||
| 204 | ||||||
| 3,204 | ||||||
| 2,059 | ||||||
| 270 | ||||||
| 14,825 | - | |||||
| 10,000 | ||||||
| 77,587 | ||||||
| 11,664 | ||||||
| 9,694 | ||||||
| 2,860 | ||||||
| 234,941 | 10,000 | 244,941 | - | |||
| Land - Sub total - Total payments 234,941 Net of receipts/(payments) - 65,789 A5 Transfers between funds - A6 Cash funds last year end 25,806 Cash funds this year end - 39,983 A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) |
- - - 10,000 44,359 - - 44,359 |
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- 21,430 - 25,806 4,376 |
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Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| Categories B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B3 Investment assets B5 Liabilities B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees |
Details Details Details Details Building Car Details loans Signature Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) |
to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - 39,983 44,359 - 39,983 44,359 OK OK to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Cost (optional) - - - - - Cost (optional) 630000 - 2500 - - - - - - - - 44358 - - - - - Print Name Vigneswaran Swaminathan Hemant Panda Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Fund to which asset belongs Fund to which asset belongs Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) |
to nearest £ Endowment funds |
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| to nearest £ Endowment funds |
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| Date of approval |
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| 1/30/2025 | |||
| Hemant Panda | 1/30/2025 |
(HARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Sectlon A Independent Examln•r'8 Report Report to the trusteesl members of Mohanji Foundation Uk Charity no (if any) On accounts for the year ended 31103124 1177264 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ("the Trusf,) for the year ended 3110312024. As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the ACV). Responsibilities and basis of report I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statsment come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements Conrning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fairf view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Dats: Name: Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): A CA*LA Address: F6 6 2 IER Oct 2018