Gujrati Classes

The Gujarati School in Hemel Hempstead was initiated by three volunteers: Arvind Brahmbatt, Sudha Brahmbatt, and Mr. Toparani, aiming to teach their children and the community their native language. Initially hosted at the Hemel Hempstead Baptist Church and later the Health Centre, the school eventually settled at Barncroft School in Grove Hill, thanks to Mr. Lan Harding from Hertfordshire County Council. With no rental fees, classes were held on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings. The school's leadership, including headmasters Mr. Day and Mr. Allen, were instrumental in its operations. They even offered Gujarati lessons to adults for a year.

Gujarati Classes by Mr. Toparani

Yoga Classes

Santoshni Perera, once a Community Development Officer, found her true calling through teaching yoga classes initiated by the DIS committee. Recognizing her yoga prowess, members like Manjari Patel encouraged Santoshni to lead classes at Gadebridge Community Centre. Witnessing the profound health benefits it brought to participants, Santoshni was inspired to pursue a yoga teacher training qualification. This journey not only deepened her understanding but also set her on a fulfilling path as a yoga instructor. Many original members from DIS remain her students. Retired from the Council and teaching yoga since 1998, Santoshni credits DIS for her transformative journey and wishes them continued success.

Indian vegetarian cookery course

Courses on Indian cookery techniques were held at community centres, select schools, and H M Prison The Mount. The primary objective was to inspire students with easily achievable ideas while focusing on simplicity and delicious outcomes. Participants experienced hands-on learning, familiarizing themselves with Indian spices and ingredients. The courses provided innovative methods for preparing beloved dishes, emphasizing the art of using spices and flavors. Through engaging recipes, students learned to creatively and delicately infuse traditional Indian tastes into their meals.

Gardning

Homefield Road Allotments, once overrun with weeds and brambles, underwent a transformation thanks to the efforts of the Karela Club. Meeting on Sundays, members turned the neglected plot into a thriving garden. With limited knowledge and resources, they learned about plants and secured grants for essential tools. The garden now boasts a tool shed, raised beds, and a polytunnel to shield plants from frost. Their dedication has produced healthy, organic crops, attracting local wildlife. This garden not only provides fresh produce but also serves as a serene escape from daily stresses, epitomizing the rewards of hard work and community effort.

Jewelry-Making Classes

For thousands of years humans have been adorning themselves wearing jewellery. Creating jewellery is fascinating and satisfying part time hobby. Being able to say proudly “ I made it with love” Regularly, Jasuben Patel and Ramila Patel taught jewellery-making technique to the old and young Indian community. Glass, semiprecious stones, cord and basic components like bolting ring, jumping rings, headpins, were used for making creative earrings, bracelets and necklaces. It was a fun for making jewellery and very rewarding thing to give someone a present. It gives great satisfaction seeing your relatives or friends wearing your hand made jewellery you have made with love.

Music Classes

My name is Anil Bhagwat and I teach Indian Music to members of our community in Heel Hempstead. I was given the privilege for this important task by Dacorum Indian Society in 2006 when in the past it was known as Eastern Cultural Society. I teach various Indian instruments, including Tabla, Bhangra Dhol, Dholak, Naal, Mridangam, Harmo-nium, Keyboard, and Sitar and I also teach Vocal music. Over the last six years I have had the opportunity of teaching more than 50 students in Hemel Hempstead and whose ages ranged from six years to sixty years. I teach all types of music, including Bollywood songs, classical music based on Ragas, Bhajans, Geets and Ghazals etc. Our main aim is to expose our cultural heritage to the children born in UK with the hope that they will maintain an interest in it long into future. We have achieved considerable success in producing some excellent musician, many of whom have participated in various shows in Hertfordshire.