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Welcome to Aantarik - Bengali Association of Bromley
The one stop hangout for all probashi bengalis living in Bromley borough of London, UK
About Us
Who we are
We are a community-based organization focused on helping make the world around us a little better, and a happier place for over 4 years now. Especially, for our children and next generation of British Bengali disapora. Our core values are "friendship, commitment, tolerance, rootedness, mutual respect, and international peace. We are as much proud of our eastern heritage as we are of our Britain. How close we are is more important to us than how big we are as a group and our name "Aantarik" signifies that. We are all about celebrating and propagating the richness of Bengali and Indian culture within the wider context of humanity and globality. We are motivated by 'giving' and 'living'. As our Nobel Laureate poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore said: "we live in this world when we love it" - we stay ever inspired. Namaskar!
Our story
Aantarik- Bengali Association of Bromley was created in 2015, initially with a group of my friends who live in and around Bromley. As founding member of the group my vision was to plan get togethers, addas, and events in order to enjoy golpo adda and khabar dabaar but more importantly to introduce and pass down the rich heritage of Bengali culture to our next generation. It has grown from strength to strength, several key events including Saraswati Pujo, Bijoya Sammilani, Dol Khela etc. have been organised over the years. Membership has been growing as are deep friendships and bonds. - Minu Mukherjee on behalf of Aantarik- Bengali Association of Bromley
Get Involved
Are you passionate about what we're doing? Let us know! There are two ways you can help us: 1) Become a member of our Facebook group - just send a request! 2) Donate - your donations will help us increase the quality of our events and make a bigger impact on the cultural wealth of the local community here in Bromley. We're excited to have you join the team!
Our Preamble
- Aantarik believes in diversity - although most members are Bengali Hindus and we deeply care about protecting and retaining originality and authenticity, we welcome and encourage participation of all members of our local community in UK regardless of place of origin, race, gender, religion etc.
- At least 3 events will be organised every year... perhaps Saraswa Puja, RabibdraJayanti and Durga Puja. But this is not set in stone and may change depending on what the community needs and members want. Effort must be made to try to hold these events as per 'tithi' whenever possible.
- Events must be held at venues that are within 3 miles of Orpington and ideally in Orpington
- Focus of all events is to produce high quality experiences for visitors and patrons and to expose and pass down our rich cultural heritage to next generation
- All events are organised on no profit no loss basis - where there is a surplus, we retain this in our organisation's official bank account and can only be used for a) charitable activities b) partially fund future events c) regular organisational maintenance expenses or d) one off investments in equipment/utensils/ idols etc. as may be necessary from time to time
- Income and expense statements will be created for all events and transparency be maintained
- For events to get organised successfully it is understood that some of the members will need to volunteer and come forward to plan ahead and execute activities needed prior to and on the day of the event - it is not possible or ever intended for only one or two families to bear all the load all the time. Success of Aantarik events depends on level of participation and commitment of our community members and all credit therefore rightfully belongs to them
- Where possible, Aantarik will try to broadcast live events online
- All public communications and promotions will be made from 'team Aantarik' no matter who is posting the poster / flyer/ information
- Any Aantarik member can become eligible to apply for a Director position in the organisation after actively volunteering for Durga Puja celebration for at least two consecutive years
- Aantarik will adhere to and comply with all applicable regulations and official govt. advice at all times
- The above principles of the preamble are rather non-negotiable. In case there is violation or wilful attempt to violation resulting in high risk to the very existence of Aantarik as a selfless welfare minded social organisation, the founder may need to exercise veto power in the larger interest of all members and community