## **Dharma Mandir Newport** ## **RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS As at 31[st] December 2024** **Charity No: 1203325** 1 ## **Reference and Administrative Information** Charity Name: Dharma Mandir Newport Charity Registration Number: 1203325 Contact Address: Unit 4 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 2 ## **Trustees’ Annual Report** From 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 ## **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: 1. Advancement of Religion: Promoting the teachings and tenets of Hinduism (Sanatan Dharma) for the public benefit in Newport and the surrounding areas. 2. 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** Throughout 2024, Dharma Mandir Newport has continued to serve as a spiritual, cultural, and community hub for Hindus in South Wales. Our focus has remained on promoting Sanatan Dharma while creating opportunities for people of all ages to come together in prayer, celebration, and learning. Over the year, we celebrated many of the major Hindu festivals including Diwali, Navratri, Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Hanuman Jayanti, Pitru Paksha, Guru Purnima, Ram Navami, Makar Sankranti, and Maha Shivratri. One of the highlights has been our annual Kanya Puja, which has seen growing participation from families and children and continues to be our most popular gathering. 3 Alongside these major events, we have held monthly pujas at the mandir, supported by live streaming through Zoom and Facebook to ensure accessibility for those unable to attend in person. Each occasion combines prayer with cultural elements such as music, drama, meditation, yoga, and spiritual talks, always concluding with free community meals that embody the spirit of hospitality and sharing. In addition to festivals, the mandir has been a setting for important life events within our community. We have hosted weddings and conducted funeral memorial services, providing spiritual guidance and support at significant milestones in people’s lives. Our regular online programmes have continued, including weekly Saturday evening Satsangs and Thursday Bhagavad Gita discovery sessions aimed at youth engagement. These initiatives have helped deepen knowledge of Hindu teachings while strengthening connections across generations. We have also welcomed visits from local schools and maintained positive engagement with civic leaders, including MPs and councillors, reinforcing our commitment to education, interfaith dialogue, and public benefit. All of this has been possible thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, who have given their time and energy to ensure the smooth running of our events and activities. ## **Achievements and Performance** Building on the strong foundations of our inaugural year, 2024 has been another year of growth and meaningful engagement for Dharma Mandir Newport. Our activities have continued to attract widespread participation from the local community, while also drawing interest from civic leaders, schools, and cultural organisations. Our **Bhagavad Gita discovery sessions** remain a cornerstone of our youth development work. These classes continue to nurture confidence and spiritual understanding among young people, many of whom are now comfortable presenting during our weekly Zoom Satsangs. Their active involvement demonstrates how the next generation is becoming deeply engaged with Sanatan Dharma. Our **major religious and cultural celebrations** , including Diwali, Navratri, and Krishna Janmashtami, once again featured vibrant contributions from local and national talent. Dance schools and community groups specialising in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and classical music enriched our events with inspiring performances. In addition, singers and musicians from within and beyond Newport helped bring our festivals to life, further strengthening cultural appreciation and community pride. A key milestone this year has been the **growth in our charity membership** , which has now surpassed 200 registered members—double the figure recorded in 2023. This remarkable increase reflects the trust, enthusiasm, and commitment of our community to our vision and activities. 4 Overall, 2024 has confirmed Dharma Mandir Newport’s role as a thriving hub for worship, culture, and learning. With rising membership, strong youth participation, and vibrant cultural partnerships, we are well-positioned to continue expanding our impact in the years ahead. ## **Financial Review** The principal source of income are the donations received by Dharma Mandir Newport. Volunteers have helped to organise the activities of the charity and have enabled the charity to achieve its objectives during the year. During 2024, Dharma Mandir Newport has continued to benefit from a rent-free arrangement with our landlord, Well Investment Ltd., for which we remain deeply grateful. This support has allowed us to direct more of our resources towards community activities and cultural programmes. We recognise, however, that service charges and other associated costs may be introduced in the future. To ensure long-term sustainability, we are actively planning to raise funds through regular donations, membership contributions, and grant applications so that the mandir remains financially secure and able to serve the community. ## **Reserves Policy** At the year end, Dharma Mandir Newport held unrestricted cash funds of £11,285 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 10/10/2025 5 ## **Dharma Mandir Newport** ## Receipts and Payments Account Year ended 31 December 2024 (01/01/2024 to 31/12/2024) ||**Total 2024**|**Total 2023**| |---|---|---| |**Receipts**|**£**|**£**| |Donations|8,777|3,039| |Membership|-|-| |Activities for Generating|-|-| |Funds||| |Bank & Deposit Interest|-|-| |**Total Receipts**|**8,777**|**3,039**| |**Payments**||| |General Expense|134|397| |**Total Payments**|**134**|**397**| |**Net of**||| |**Receipts/(Payments)**|8,643|2,642| |**Transfers**|-|-| |**Opening Cash Funds**|2,642|0| |**Closing Cash Funds**|**11,285**|**2,642**| 6 ## **Dharma Mandir Newport** ## Statement of Balances |At 31 December 2024||| |---|---|---| |**Bank, Deposit &**|**Total 2024**|**Total 2023**| |**Cash Balances**|**£**|**£**| |Bank, deposit &|2,642|0| |cash balances||| |brought forward||| |**Movement in**||| |**year:**||| |Net of Receipts|8,643|2,642| |over Payments for||| |the year||| |Bank, deposit &||| |cash balances|**11,285**|**2,642**| |carried forward||| |**Assets**||| |Gift Aid|-|-| |Receivable||| |**Total Assets**|-|-| |**Liabilities**||| |Costs not yet billed|-|-| |**Total Liabilities**|-|-| The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 10/10/2025 For and on behalf of the trustees Armand Khusul Trustee Deputy Chair 7