(3 June 2009)

Bharti Tailor, an equality and diversity consultant, is the first Asian woman to become Secretary General of the Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB), the largest representative body for British Hindus with over 300 member organisations from different regions around the country. The HFB announced the new management committee following it's Annual General Meeting held on 31 May 2009. After five years both Ishwer Tailor and Ramesh Kallidai have stepped down from their positions and are replaced by Arjan Vekaria and Bharti Tailor as President and Secretary General, respectively.

Vekaria, who is joint head of construction firm Vascroft and President of the Shree Kutch Leva Patel Community Association, was unanimously voted in to lead the HFB into the next stage of development. Speaking after his election, Arjan Vekaria said: “It is a great honour to be appointed to this very important position and I will do my best to serve the British Hindu. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank both Ishwer and Ramesh for their tireless efforts and dedication. As a result the HFB has developed from a virtually unknown organisation, five years ago, to become one of the premiere umbrella bodies in the UK. The new Team has a lot to live up to.”

Tailor a member of the Hindu Samiti Gravesend, is an equality and diversity consultant and was previously Chair of the Forum’s Chaplaincy committee. She is also the first female to hold such a senior position in any national Hindu organisation and one of a very few women in the faith arena. She said, “Since its formation the HFB has been at the forefront of raising the profile of the Hindu community in the UK and is often the first port of call for the Government, media, multi-faith communities and Parliament. However, now using the significant experience and talents of the whole Executive the challenge is to move to the next level."

"The Forum needs to work smarter become a more responsive and effective operation if it is to continue to address the many issues that are still outstanding. For example, increasing Hindu civic engagement, ensuring cohesion includes all communities, challenging inequalities within Hindu communities as well as capitalising on the experience and successes of Hindus in Britain. I know that the whole team will be working to provide fresh ideas, energy and impetus to the achieving the goals of the HFB.”

The AGM also appointed Gulzari Babber as treasurer and regional vice-presidents, who are: Trupti Patel - North, Rickie Sehgal - South, Sanjay Mistry - West and Jit Jethwa - East.

About the Hindu Forum of Britain

The Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB) is the largest representative body for British Hindus with over 300 member organisations from different regions around the country. HFB’s activities are broadly divided into three areas: public affairs and community consultation; capacity building and project development; and interfaith co-operation and relations to help build a cohesive and inclusive Britain.

The HFB has been involved in a number of major campaigns on behalf of the Hindu community, from defending the use of the Swastika, to campaigns to save Shambo and Gangotri, as well as launching major reports into Hindu Identity and the Caste system. The Forum has hosted many high profile events, advised Government bodies and provided consultation and feedback on several matters of public policy.

For more information visit www.hfb.org.uk.