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2025-08-24-accounts

VRINDAVANAM

Charity Number: 1204487 Annual Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 24 August 2025

1. Reference and Administrative Information

Charity Name: VRINDAVANAM

Charity Number: 1204487

Charity Type: Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)

Date of Incorporation: 25 August 2023

Governing Document: Constitution adopted on 25 August 2023

Registered Address: 263 Lady Margaret Road, SOUTHALL, Middlesex, UB1 2PX

Trustees Serving During the Year:

Prashant Sharma (Chair)

Anil Kumar Sharma

Amit Agarwal

Meenu Bhardwaj

Sanjeev Kumar Verma

2. Structure, Governance and Management

VRINDAVANAM is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) , established on 25 August 2023 and governed by a constitution that complies with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 . The CIO structure provides the charity with legal personality and limited liability while ensuring flexibility and simplicity in governance, appropriate for a faith-based community initiative.

Governing Document

The charity operates under a written constitution adopted at inception, which sets out the charity’s objects, powers, and governance arrangements. It ensures the trustees act lawfully, in furtherance of the charity’s public benefit objectives, and provides the framework for financial controls, safeguarding, and decisionmaking.

Trustee Board

The charity is overseen by a Board of Trustees , who are the charity’s only voting members. The board is responsible for:

New trustees are appointed in accordance with the procedures outlined in the constitution. The board seeks individuals with relevant skills and lived commitment to the charity’s vision, and provides all trustees with ongoing support, including induction and access to sector guidance.

Meetings and Delegation

The trustees meet regularly throughout the year to review programme progress, financial management, and future planning. While day-to-day activities may be delegated to volunteers or sub-groups, ultimate accountability remains with the board.

Safeguarding and Risk Management

Trustees maintain oversight of the charity’s safeguarding duties and have begun to implement a basic safeguarding framework tailored to the charity’s scale and community context. A more formal safeguarding policy and named safeguarding lead will be designated in the coming year.

3. Charitable Objectives

The fundamental purpose of VRINDAVANAM , as outlined in its constitution, is to advance the Hindu religion for the public benefit , in accordance with the teachings of sacred scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita , Srimad Bhagavatam , and other revered texts of the Sanatan Dharma tradition. Our objectives are not merely philosophical but deeply practical — designed to serve individuals, families, and communities by providing spiritual enrichment, cultural education, and compassionate outreach.

We believe that spiritual knowledge, cultural rootedness, and compassionate action form the triad of a fulfilled and balanced life. To that end, our charity pursues its aims through a broad and inclusive range of activities:

4. Chair’s Statement

It brings me great joy and spiritual fulfilment to present the inaugural annual report of VRINDAVANAM . Since our formal inception in 2023, we have been blessed to witness the transformative power of seva (selfless service), shraddha (faith), and sangha (community). What began as a heartfelt desire to share the eternal wisdom of the Hindu scriptures has blossomed into a vibrant spiritual and humanitarian movement — modest in its material means, yet profound in its intention and impact.

Our journey began not with fanfare, but with purpose: to create a sacred space — physical, digital, and emotional — where people of all backgrounds can connect with the life-affirming philosophy of the Vedas, experience the joy of bhakti (devotion), and participate in practical acts of compassion. Over the past year, we have hosted devotional gatherings in London, distributed hot meals to struggling families in Vrindavan, empowered youth with cultural education, and built a growing digital presence that makes the timeless teachings of our tradition accessible to all.

These accomplishments are not ours alone. They belong to the volunteers who offer their time without expectation , to the donors who give with love , and to the spiritual elders and guides who bless our journey. Each moment of contribution, whether it’s packing a food parcel or leading a kirtan, becomes a strand in the fabric of a movement that is as ancient as it is urgently needed.

But let us be clear — this is only the beginning.

As we look to the future, we see a horizon filled with opportunity. The need for spiritual grounding in a fragmented world has never been greater. The hunger for belonging, for meaning, and for service calls out not only in the temples of India, but in the heart of every city, every home, and every soul.

In the coming years, we aspire to create a dedicated devotional and educational centre in London, deepen our impact in India through food and educational support, and expand our digital footprint to reach seekers and communities across the globe. Most importantly, we aim to keep our hearts open and our mission anchored in humility and service.

I thank every member of our growing family — from the youngest participant in a music class to the elders offering their blessings. You are not just supporters of VRINDAVANAM; you are VRINDAVANAM.

Let us walk forward together — not only in remembrance of Vrindavan as a sacred geography, but in the awakening of Vrindavan in every heart.

With gratitude and prayer,

Prashant Sharma

Chair of Trustees

5. Activities and Achievements

During the financial year 2024–25, VRINDAVANAM continued to expand its charitable activities, delivering a broad programme of spiritual, educational, cultural, and community-focused initiatives in furtherance of its charitable objectives.

• Organised regular monthly satsangs, devotional kirtans, and spiritual gatherings across London and through online platforms. These events attracted participants from diverse backgrounds and provided opportunities for congregational chanting, scriptural discussions, and spiritual association.

• Conducted weekly online classes and study groups focused on the Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, Chaitanya Charitamrita, and other Vedic scriptures. These sessions remained accessible to participants throughout the UK and internationally, supporting continuous spiritual learning and personal development.

• Expanded youth engagement activities, including harmonium, tabla, devotional music, and Sanskrit learning programmes. These initiatives helped preserve traditional cultural values while encouraging active participation among younger generations.

• Distributed sanctified vegetarian meals (prasadam) during festivals, community gatherings, and outreach programmes. The initiative was supported by volunteers and aimed to promote community welfare, hospitality, and the charitable principles of sharing food without discrimination.

• Celebrated major Hindu festivals including Janmashtami, Diwali, Gaura Purnima, Rama Navami, and Govardhan Puja through public events featuring worship, devotional music, cultural performances, educational presentations, and community feasts. These events strengthened community cohesion and encouraged wider public participation.

• Enhanced the charity’s digital outreach through regular updates to its website, online broadcasts, social media engagement, and publication of educational content. This enabled broader access to spiritual resources and increased public awareness of the charity’s activities.

• Continued interfaith and community engagement initiatives by participating in discussions and collaborative events with local faith groups, community organisations, and civic institutions. These activities promoted mutual respect, social inclusion, and understanding between people of different faiths and backgrounds.

• Supported volunteer development by providing opportunities for individuals to contribute to event organisation, educational programmes, food distribution, and community outreach activities, thereby fostering skills development and community service.

• Provided pastoral care and spiritual counselling to individuals and families seeking guidance, encouragement, and support in their personal and spiritual lives.

• Continued to strengthen the charity’s governance, operational procedures, and volunteer network to ensure the effective delivery of charitable activities and the long-term sustainability of its mission.

This version is suitable for inclusion in a charity trustees' annual report and reads in a more formal style expected by the UK charity regulators and funders.

6. Public Benefit Statement

In accordance with the Charities Act 2011 , the trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in all aspects of the charity’s planning, decision-making, and delivery of services.

The activities undertaken by VRINDAVANAM during the year have directly contributed to the advancement of its charitable objectives while delivering demonstrable benefits to the public. These benefits have been inclusive, accessible, and relevant to a wide range of individuals and communities, both in the UK and abroad.

Key Areas of Public Benefit:

Through these actions, VRINDAVANAM ensures that its work is not only religious in nature but clearly contributes to the spiritual, cultural, and social upliftment of the wider public .

7. Volunteering and Community Engagement

At the heart of VRINDAVANAM’s growth and impact is a vibrant community of dedicated volunteers who bring the charity’s vision to life. Their contributions are not only essential to delivering programmes and events, but also deeply aligned with the ethos of selfless service (seva) , which underpins our spiritual mission.

During the reporting period, volunteers collectively contributed over 500 hours . Their service reflects a unique blend of compassion, faith, and professionalism.

We actively encourage a participatory culture , where individuals feel inspired to engage meaningfully with our mission. All new volunteers receive informal orientation, access to senior mentors, and opportunities to deepen their understanding of devotional service through experience and dialogue.

Core Areas of Volunteer Involvement:

• Event coordination and logistics

Volunteers assist with venue setup, seating, audio-visual arrangements, prasad preparation, and post-event cleanup for satsangs and public festivals.

• Teaching and mentoring

Experienced volunteers support the delivery of classes in music, philosophy, and youth engagement, often bringing their own expertise to enhance learning.

• Digital communications and outreach

Roles include social media management, website updates, video editing, and email newsletters — allowing us to reach a global audience with daily wisdom and news.

• Administrative support

Volunteers assist with bookkeeping, donation tracking, procurement coordination, and records management — ensuring transparency and compliance.

• Food distribution and aid logistics

In India, local volunteers help identify families in need, coordinate bulk food purchase, and oversee safe and respectful delivery of meals and supplies.

As a young charity, VRINDAVANAM’s strength lies in the devotion and energy of its supporters. We are committed to growing this volunteer base and formalising a Volunteer Development Pathway in the coming year to recruit, train, and retain individuals who wish to serve in alignment with our values.

8. Digital Outreach and Communication

Recognising the importance of technology in contemporary spiritual engagement, VRINDAVANAM has made significant strides in building a robust and accessible digital presence . Our aim is to ensure that the timeless teachings of Sanatan Dharma can be shared not only within local communities, but also with seekers across the globe, regardless of geographic or physical barriers.

In our first year of operation, our digital outreach strategy has focused on education, accessibility, and community-building . Through a blend of social media, mobile communication, virtual classes, and digital resources, we have created a vibrant online ecosystem that complements our physical activities.

Highlights of Digital Engagement:

• Live and recorded virtual classes via Zoom

Throughout the year, we delivered over 20 virtual sessions , including Bhagavad Gita study, devotional music tutorials, and Q&A satsangs.

These digital efforts have allowed us to scale impact efficiently, engage diaspora communities , and remain accessible to those who may not be able to attend physical events due to health, location, or scheduling constraints. We consider digital outreach to be a permanent and growing pillar of our mission delivery strategy.

9. Financial Statements

VRINDAVANAM Detailed Income and Expenditure Account For The Year Ended 25 August 2025

2025
£
Income
Donations (Unrestricted)
GROSS SURPLUS

Administrative Expenses
Rent
789
Computer and IT repairs and maintenance
172
Advertising and marketing costs
2,105
Bank charges
79
Other office costs
152
Sundry expenses
1,325
Food and Kitchen Expenses
1,502
OPERATING SURPLUS AND SURPLUS FOR THE
FINANCIAL YEAR		 2024
£
£
£
12,791
11,728
12,791
11,728
5,490
361
1,585
25
175
1,584
1,942
(6,124 )
(11,162 )
6,667
566

VRINDAVANAM Balance Sheet As at 25 August 2025


FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: Amounts Falling Due
Within One Year
NET CURRENT ASSETS
(LIABILITIES)
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
Income and Expenditure Account
TOTAL NET SURPLUS		 2025
£
35
7,370
7,405
(755)		 £
583
583
6,650
7,233
7,233
7,233
7,233		 2024
£
£

583
583
35
704
739
(756 )
(17 )
566
566
566
566		 2024
£
£

583
583
35
704
739
(756 )
(17 )
566
566
566
566

566
566
566
566

10. Future Plans and Strategic Direction

– Future Plans and Strategic Direction (2025 2026)

As VRINDAVANAM enters its third year of operation, the trustees remain focused on strengthening the charity's foundations while expanding its reach and impact. Building on the success of previous programmes, our plans for 2025–2026 aim to enhance spiritual education, community engagement, youth development, and organisational sustainability.

The trustees are committed to ensuring that all future initiatives remain aligned with the charity's core objectives of advancing spiritual well-being, preserving cultural heritage, promoting community cohesion, and supporting personal development through devotional practice.

Strategic Priorities for 2025 – 2026

• Establish a Regular Community Hub

Following continued growth in attendance at satsangs and educational programmes, the charity aims to secure a more consistent venue arrangement to provide stability for weekly gatherings, children's classes, youth activities, and cultural workshops.

• Expand Youth and Children's Programmes

We plan to introduce a structured curriculum for children and young people, incorporating devotional values, cultural education, leadership development, music, drama, and community service opportunities.

• Strengthen Digital Outreach and Online Learning

Building upon our existing online activities, we aim to expand our digital presence through enhanced livestreaming, recorded educational content, podcasts, and interactive online study groups accessible to participants across the UK and internationally.

• Organise a National Devotional Conference

The trustees intend to host a larger-scale devotional gathering bringing together practitioners, speakers, volunteers, and families from different regions. The event will provide opportunities for learning, networking, kirtan, and community building.

• Enhance Volunteer Development and Leadership Training

A key priority is the implementation of formal volunteer induction, safeguarding awareness, leadership training, and recognition programmes to support long-term volunteer engagement and organisational resilience.

• Develop Community Welfare Initiatives

The charity plans to explore additional welfare-focused activities, including food distribution, wellbeing workshops, family support programmes, and outreach initiatives aimed at reducing social isolation and strengthening community connections.

• Build Strategic Partnerships

We will continue developing relationships with temples, community groups, educational institutions, and interfaith organisations to deliver collaborative programmes and maximise the positive impact of our activities.

• Improve Governance and Organisational Capacity

The trustees will review governance procedures, policies, risk management systems, and financial controls to ensure continued compliance, transparency, and effective stewardship of charitable resources.

• Increase Fundraising and Financial Sustainability

Efforts will be made to diversify income streams through community fundraising events, donor engagement, grant applications, sponsorship opportunities, and regular giving initiatives to support the charity's long-term growth.

Looking Ahead

The trustees are optimistic about the year ahead and believe that these priorities will enable VRINDAVANAM to deepen its service to beneficiaries while maintaining strong governance and financial sustainability. Through continued volunteer commitment, community participation, and strategic development, the charity aims to create lasting spiritual, educational, and social benefits for all those it serves.

11. Safeguarding and Inclusion

The trustees of VRINDAVANAM are fully committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all individuals involved in the charity’s activities — including participants, volunteers, trustees, and members of the wider public. While the charity does not regularly provide services to children or vulnerable adults, we acknowledge the potential risks that can arise in faith-based, community-facing environments and the corresponding duty of care.

We believe safeguarding is not simply a matter of compliance, but a fundamental reflection of our dharmic values of respect, non-violence (ahimsa), and integrity .

Safeguarding Measures Implemented During the Year:

• Volunteer awareness and oversight

All volunteers who are involved in youth-facing roles (e.g. music teaching or event assistance) are personally known to the trustees and are supervised during activities. Informal vetting and referrals are part of our internal process.

• Code of conduct communication

We have introduced basic expectations of conduct for all volunteers and event participants — covering respectful communication, non-discrimination, and boundaries in both physical and online spaces.

• Initial safeguarding policy adopted

A preliminary safeguarding policy has been drafted using templates and guidance from the Charity Commission. It outlines reporting procedures, whistleblowing guidance, and expected behaviours. This policy will be reviewed and expanded as the charity grows.

• Safeguarding oversight commitment

The trustees have pledged to appoint a named safeguarding trustee in the next financial year. This individual will be responsible for leading safeguarding training, updating policies, and liaising with external experts where necessary.

In the year ahead, we will continue to strengthen our safeguarding framework in proportion to the scale of our operations — with a particular focus on training, documentation, and safe recruitment.

12. Related Party Transactions

None.

13. Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved this trustees’ report and financial statements. It has been signed below by the Chair on behalf of all trustees.

SIGN Signed:

Name: Prashant Sharma (Chair)

Date: 24/06/2026

14. Chair’s Vision: Three-Year Outlook

As Chair of VRINDAVANAM , I hold a deep conviction that our charity can serve as a nationally recognised beacon of Hindu spirituality and community service in the UK and beyond. Our first year laid the groundwork; the years ahead offer an opportunity to scale our impact while remaining rooted in humility, tradition, and shared purpose.

The challenges facing the world — from loneliness and moral confusion to material hardship and spiritual disconnection — call for a response that is not only charitable, but transformative . I believe our dharmic values, when expressed through modern and inclusive means, can provide that response.

In the next three years, our strategic vision is centered on building infrastructure, leadership, and longterm sustainability . The trustees and I hope to pursue the following milestones:

A physical center in London will allow us to hold weekly satsangs, youth programmes, interfaith gatherings, and cultural workshops in a sacred, welcoming space that belongs to the community.

• Expand operations in India

In partnership with trusted local NGOs, we aim to launch medical camps , offer education scholarships , and increase our food relief coverage — extending our reach to thousands in rural North India.

• Publish devotional resources

Each year, we will publish two educational and devotional booklets — one in English, one in Hindi — designed for youth, families, and seekers new to Hindu practice. Topics may include daily practices, scriptural insights, ethical living, and stories from the epics.

• Create a volunteer academy

Our vision includes a structured Volunteer Academy , where dedicated individuals will be trained and certified in specific roles such as youth teaching, devotional music, and event facilitation — enhancing the quality and sustainability of our offerings.

• Host an annual diaspora leadership summit

We plan to initiate an Annual Spiritual Leadership Conference for Hindu voices across the UK and Europe. This forum will offer thought leadership, collaboration, and collective vision-building for the next generation of dharmic service.

Through these initiatives, we aspire not merely to grow in scale, but to deepen in sincerity, integrity, and public benefit . VRINDAVANAM will continue to stand as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern relevance — rooted in scripture, active in service, and open to all.

16. Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

At VRINDAVANAM , we recognise that sustainable impact is rarely achieved in isolation. The spirit of collaboration is deeply embedded in the Hindu worldview — one that honors shared purpose (sahadharma) , collective learning, and mutual service. As such, we actively seek to engage with like-minded individuals and organisations to amplify our mission and enrich the communities we serve.

During our first year of operation, we established a number of informal yet meaningful collaborations with both faithbased and secular partners, in the UK and India. These engagements have strengthened our delivery capacity, cultural richness, and community reach.

Key Engagements During the Year:

We partnered with established Hindu temples to co-host devotional events and collaborative food drives , allowing us to reach wider audiences and strengthen cultural unity.

On the ground in India, we worked alongside trusted grassroots organisations to manage logistics, family identification, and distribution for our food relief programme. These relationships ensured local cultural sensitivity and operational accountability.

VRINDAVANAM collaborated with talented musicians, dancers, and language instructors to deliver engaging youth workshops in harmonium, tabla, and devotional arts — making learning joyful and interactive.

• Digital service platforms

We utilised tools such as Zoom, YouTube, and Canva to disseminate teachings, promote events, and connect with dispersed supporters globally. These platforms have been instrumental in establishing a professional digital identity.

Vision for Future Collaborations; Looking ahead, the trustees plan to develop formal Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with key partner organisations. These agreements will define roles, expectations, and shared outcomes — enabling:

We believe partnerships are not only operationally beneficial but spiritually aligned with our ethos — a reminder that the highest service is often done together, in unity and humility.