SIR: Members of Asian Elders' Initiative joined their relatives along with invited guests, including Euro MP Gary Titley, local councillors and council officials, to celebrate the end of year 2051 (Hindu religious year). The celebration known as "Diwali" (Festival of Lights) is an important event for Hindu communities. AEI being an important and recognised organisation for local Asian Communities offered a full day of activities, cultural entertainment a festival meal and an informative display of its services. I would like to express my special thanks to the Mayor and Mayoress, leader of the council and other elected members and officers who could not attend but offered their good wishes. Such positive support has helped us a lot to develop and progress continuously.
Project Manager Ish Patel said; "It was a very important, happy and successful event which was full of fun and informations. The best part of the celebration was the successful involvement of other communities including Muslim, Bangladeshi and Punjabi communities. It is a great achievement for our Project like AEI as integration of the communities is one of our main aims."
By organising events of this nature AEI is working towards increasing cultural and religious awareness of the indigenous communities. The positive response and participation of the many individuals and organisation like Age Concern, Social Services Department, Councillors, MPs and officers from various departments of the local council who attended helped ensure a successful celebration. Mr Iswar M Mistry AEI chairman said: "We are not only a successful Project providing valuable services, we are also a Project which has successfully promoted the Asian cultural and religious values to other local communities". He also conveyed the message of "Happy Diwali" and a 'Prosperous New Year" to all the members of local Hindu Communities and the residents of Bolton.
Mr F Kala
Secretary of Asian Elders' Initiative
c/o Lilian Hamer House
Deane Road, Bolton
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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