Dharma Mandir Newport
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS As at 31[st] December 2023
Charity No: 1203325
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Reference and Administrative Information
Charity Name:
Dharma Mandir Newport
Charity Registration Number:
1203325
Contact Address:
Unit 3 Oak House Vaughan Court Coedkernew Newport NP10 8BD
Trustees
Kessia Raghoonauth Armand Khusul Vyas Bikuntidat Sharma
Chair Deputy Chair Spiritual Leader
Bankers
The Co-operative Bank 1 Balloon Street Manchester M4 4BE
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Trustees’ Annual Report
From 31 May 2023 to 31 December 2023
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document
The Dharma Mandir is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, governed by the terms of its Constitution. The charity is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, with charity no. 1203325 on 31 May 2023.
Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees
Trustees are appointed for a three-year term and reappointed in accordance with the Constitution. New trustees can be nominated by the existing board members. On the appointment of each new trustee, induction is provided by the existing trustees as to the aims of the charities and the activities undertaken to achieve the objectives of the charity.
Organisational Structure
The management of the charity is the responsibility of the trustees, and the charity is also supported in its day-to-day activities by an executive committee of the core users of the charity and a number of volunteers. All trustees act on a voluntary basis with regards to the charity and received no remuneration or other benefits.
Objectives and Activities
The objectives of the Dharma Mandir Newport charity focus on two main areas:
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Advancement of Religion: Promoting the teachings and tenets of Hinduism (Sanatan Dharma) for the public benefit in Newport and the surrounding areas.
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Advancement of Education: Supporting public education in the Hindi and Sanskrit languages, as well as aspects of Hindu culture, philosophy, art, literature, music, and history.
These objectives aim to enhance community understanding and appreciation of Hinduism.
Activities
Dharma Mandir Newport was registered as a charity on 31 May 2023, our activities during the period leading to 31 December 2023 have been focused on promoting the teachings of Hinduism and enhancing community engagement through various cultural and spiritual events. In line with the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, we have taken care to ensure our activities are accessible and beneficial to all members of the community.
Our main activities have included in-person prayers (pujas) and cultural celebrations for significant Hindu festivals such as Diwali, Navratri, Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Hanuman Jayanti, Pitru Paksha, Guru Purnima, and Ram Navami. These events have attracted dignitaries and local MPs, further fostering community relations and awareness of our charity’s mission.
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At each event, we host prayers, performances, plays, drama, meditation, yoga, and spiritual talks, providing a diverse range of activities that cater to various interests and age groups. We also hold monthly pujas (prayers), conducted both in-person and virtually via Zoom and Facebook Live on the last Sunday of each month. At the end of each event food is offered to the community, free of charge. This embodies the spirit of community and sharing that we uphold.
In addition, our online initiatives include weekly Zoom Satsangs (gatherings in prayer) every Saturday at 5 pm and Bhagavad Gita discovery classes every Thursday at 6 pm, aimed at youths. These online sessions provide an inclusive platform for young people to engage with Hindu teachings and culture.
Our commitment to public benefit is reflected in our outreach efforts, which include broadcasting our events on major social media platforms, making them accessible to a wider audience. We have also welcomed visits from public schools seeking to enrich their understanding of Hinduism, fostering interfaith dialogue and educational opportunities.
We are deeply grateful for the support of our volunteers, whose contributions of time, energy, and expertise have been instrumental in organising and executing these activities. Without their dedication, we would not be able to fulfill our objectives and serve the community effectively.
In conclusion, our activities have aimed to foster a deeper appreciation for Sanatan Dharma, and provide a welcoming space for all, reinforcing our belief in the power of harmony, unity and community spirit.
Achievements and Performance
As our first year of operation since registering as a charity on 31 May 2023, Dharma Mandir Newport has successfully executed a range of events that have significantly contributed to our objectives and community engagement. The support from the local community have been remarkable, our activities have drawn the attention and participation of local MPs, schools, and nurseries, culminating in a letter of support from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the occasion of Diwali.
Our Bhagavad Gita discovery sessions have notably fostered youth development, leading to increased confidence among participants. Many youths have not only engaged in the virtual classroom but have also presented during our wider Zoom Satsang sessions on Saturdays, showcasing their growth and commitment.
Our larger religious and cultural events, such as Diwali and Krishna Janmashtami, have attracted local and national talent, including dance schools specialising in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and classical dancing. These performances have brought the community closer together, fostering a greater appreciation for cultural diversity and artistic expression.
By the end of the year, we are proud to report that our charity membership numbers, as recorded through completed membership forms, have surpassed 100. This growth reflects the increasing interest in our activities and the community’s support for our mission.
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Overall, our achievements in this inaugural year lay a solid foundation for continued service to the community.
Financial Review
The principal source of income are the donations received by Dharma Mandir Newport. A number of volunteers and supporters have helped to organise the activities of the charity and have enabled the charity to achieve its objectives during the year.
During this first reporting period, Dharma Mandir Newport has benefited from a rent-free arrangement with our landlord, Well Investment Ltd., which we greatly appreciate. While we await details on future service charges, we recognise the need to prepare for these expenses and plan to raise funds through additional donations and grants in the coming year to ensure our continued financial sustainability.
Reserves Policy
At the year end, Dharma Mandir Newport held unrestricted cash funds of £2,642 These funds are held to meet future expenditure that may occur. At present, the trustees aim to hold sufficient reserves to be able to meet the ongoing costs of the various activities organised by the charity.
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The office bearers and trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose at any time the financial position of the charity, and which enable them to fulfil their responsibility to prepare financial statements in compliance with the Charities Act 2011.
Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf,
Armand Khusul Trustee Deputy Chair
31 October 2024
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Dharma Mandir Newport
Receipts and Payments Account
Year ended 31 December 2023 (31/05/2023 to 31/12/2023)
| Receipts Donations Membership Activities for Generating Funds Bank & Deposit Interest Total Receipts Payments General Expense Total Payments Net of Receipts/(Payments) Transfers Opening Cash Funds Closing Cash Funds |
Unrestricted Funds 2023 £ 3,039 - - - 3,039 397 397 2,642 - 0 2.642 |
Total 2023 £ 3,039 - - - |
|---|---|---|
| 3,039 | ||
| 397 | ||
| 397 | ||
| 2,642 | ||
| - 0 |
||
| 2,642 |
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Dharma Mandir Newport
Statement of Balances
At 31 December 2023
| Bank, Deposit & Cash Balances Bank, deposit & cash balances brought forward Movement in year: Net of Receipts over Payments for the year Bank, deposit & cash balances carried forward Assets Gift Aid Receivable Total Assets Liabilities Costs not yet billed Total Liabilities |
Unrestricted Funds 2023 £ 0 2.642 2.642 - - - - |
Total 2023 £ 0 2.642 |
|---|---|---|
| 2.642 | ||
| - | ||
| - | ||
| - | ||
| - |
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 31 October 2024
For and on behalf of the trustees
Armand Khusul Trustee Deputy Chair
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Dharma Mandir Newport
Notes to the accounts
1. First period of accounts
As this is the first set of accounts for Dharma Mandir Newport, no prior year’s figures are available for comparison.
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