Vinu Bhattessa, a longstanding trustee of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in the UK, has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Her Majesty The Queen in the Birthday Honours List for 2022.
The citation reads: Kishorkant Bhattessa (Vinu Bhattessa). For charitable and voluntary services, particularly during Covid-19.
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the civil service. It was established on 4 June 1917 by King George V.
Vinubhai has been serving BAPS for over 30 years and was a key figure during the construction of Neasden Temple, one of the first traditionally built Hindu temples outside of India.
Further to his contributions to BAPS, Vinubhai has managed one of the largest Shakespeare Festivals in the UK, helping maintain British culture and heritage. He has also worked closely with various charities, including The Springboard Charity that helps youth find employment and, most recently, supported the emergency appeal for India’s Covid crisis by arranging ventilators as well as supplying concierge services to the local community and supplies to key London hospitals. He is also a Founders Circle member of the British Asian Trust.
Congratulations to Vinubhai, his family, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and the entire Hindu community for inspiring thousands of volunteers to serve society under the visionary guidance of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the current inspiration of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.