(MOREPIC1) Raj Sadosh/Abohar.
Sushma Patel, a longstanding volunteer at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London has been selected as a ‘Coronation Champion’ for her outstanding commitment to volunteering.
The Coronation Champions Award for volunteers was launched by the Royal Voluntary Service in honour of Their Majesties’ service to the country.
Sushma has served as a National Coordinator for BAPS youth activities in the UK for 25 years. During this, she motivated women across the country to enhance their skills, community involvement, personal development, health and well-being. She also served the local community through the COVID vaccinations at her pharmacy and championed community work as a local business leader.
(SUBHEAD)Dr. Mayank Shah, a trustee at the Mandir, said, “Sushma is a role model to women. Despite being a full-time working mother who runs her own pharmacy business, she has dedicated time to developing young women to progress their volunteering and professional lives and start their own businesses.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, she encouraged her youth teams to raise funds for medical equipment and offered her pharmacy as a community hub for advice, support and vaccinations.
“Sushma also leads by personal example. Last year, she volunteered full-time for two weeks at the ‘Festival of Inspiration’ at the Mandir, ensuring the site, which was visited by thousands daily, was kept free of litter. We are grateful to the Royal Voluntary Service for recognising her dedication and commitment to serving others.”
Sushma said, “It is an honour to be selected as a Coronation Champion. I am immensely grateful to my guru Mahant Swami Maharaj for instilling the ethos of volunteerism and service.”
About 500 Coronation Champions will receive a specially designed pin and a signed certificate from His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen Consortin May.