The Wellingborough District Hindu Association (WDHA) had the honour of welcoming
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal on Thursday, 17 July 2025. This visit marked a
special day for the organisation as it celebrated its achievements and ongoing service
to the community.
The highlight of the day was the formal recognition of WDHA’s impact through the
presentation of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS). This is the highest award
given to volunteer groups across the UK. WDHA received this prestigious honour in
2023, and the Royal visit helped highlight the generations of volunteers whose
dedication made this possible.
WDHA was started by a group of community volunteers in early 1970s. Subsequently
a building was purchased with funds from the community and volunteers. The Sanatan
Hindu Mandir has continued to serve the community in Wellingborough and across
Northamptonshire for over 50 years, hosting numerous religious, community
engagement events, educational and sports programmes for children, families and
local schools supporting thousands of individuals in that time.
Her Royal Highness was welcomed by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire,
James Saunders Watson Esq, alongside WDHA Chair Mr. Vinod Patel and several local
dignitaries. The Princess Royal experienced traditional Hindu customs, including a
garland ceremony, before meeting volunteers from various WDHA groups. These
groups focus on education, health and social care, community outreach programmes,
cultural and religious celebrations, catering and youth engagement, all contributing to
WDHA’s ongoing success.
As part of the celebrations, guests enjoyed a traditional folk-dance performance,
highlighting the rich cultural traditions from various states across India. The Royal visit
concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion and
the formal presentation of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service to WDHA.
The success of WDHA is centred around the willingness of the community to offer their
professional skills and time through voluntary support, from trusteeship, fund raising,
accounting, educational initiatives, community outreach, celebrating religious and
cultural events to social and health care programmes; aimed at benefitting the whole
community.
Volunteers are an integral part of our success, and this award is in recognition of the
valuable contribution made by volunteers over the last 50 years.
Wellingborough District Hindu Association (WDHA)
