Coventry: BOPA’s work for environmental care was recognised when they were nominated to receive the “King’s Award for Voluntary Service” for 2023-24.
BOPA volunteers were invited by the Office of the Lord Lieutenant to receive a certificate and a crystal presented by Sir John Crabtree on behalf of H.M. King Charles III at the Hippodrome in Birmingham on Sunday, 14th April 2024.
Dr. Rakesh Sachdev, President, and Mr. Davinder Prasad JP MJF, General Secretary, were invited to Buckingham Palace for a garden party on 21st May 2024. In order to express their gratitude, BOPA celebrated H.M. King Charles III’s birthday, officially celebrated on 15th June 2024, by organising a celebration and multifaith prayers for his long reign on Sunday, 30th June at the Peace Garden in Coventry Canal Basin.
The celebration was supported by the Lord Lieutenancy, the Lord Mayor of Coventry, local councillors, business, community, and faith leaders. Davinder Prasad gave a presentation describing the story of the Peace Garden and highlighting the project as a King’s Award winner. Ms. Milla McGee, Miss England 2024, also spoke about the role of Miss England in their mission called Beauty for Purpose.
Davinder Prasad JP, General Secretary, noted that BOPA has always held events to celebrate the birthday of the monarch and invited the British Armed Forces to these events. Mrs. Fleur Saxton, Deputy Lieutenant for West Midlands, represented the Lord Lieutenant. The British Army was represented by Major John Lam and Senior Warrant Officer Ashok Chauhan. The Royal Air Force sent Flt Lt Sarah Duffy, Padre John Chaplain, and Sgt Shiv Chand, among others. Police Officer Rani also participated in the celebration.
The event was opened by Mr. Davinder Prasad, who asked attendees to stand for the British National Anthem. Mrs. Fleur Saxton, Deputy Lieutenant, gave a speech. Multifaith prayers were led by Padre John of the Royal Air Force, Mrs. Nutan Desai who read a Hindu prayer, Mr. Ravinder Singh Kundra who read the Sikh Ardas, and Mr. Irfan Tahir who read the Islamic prayer for the long reign of King Charles III. Lion Iryna King and her colleagues from the Organisation of Ukrainian Women also said a prayer from the Ukrainian Church and sang a melodious chorus.
Miss Mary Jenning, Miss Lincolnshire, read a poem about H.M. King Charles III that glorified the monarch. Major John Lam spoke on behalf of the Armed Forces about the increasing number of British Asians joining the forces.
The program concluded with an energetic and powerful street dance by Crew Girls from the local community, which was the climax of the event.
All guests and performers were invited to “Masala Jacks” restaurant for lunch, where a small entertainment program was enjoyed by everyone. Davinder Prasad, General Secretary, remarked that this year’s celebration was special because it was held at their prestigious environmental project, which has been nominated for the King’s Award.
Report by S M Irfan Tahir Photojournalist / Member National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Great Britain.
