A vibrant and heartwarming community walk on Friday 10 April brought people of all ages together in support of North London Hospice, raising an incredible £2,500 for the charity.

Organised by members of the local Hindu community, the walk reflected an important principle within Hindu and Indian culture: seva, meaning selfless service and service to others. Seva encourages individuals to contribute to the wellbeing of society without seeking personal reward, and has long been expressed through charitable giving, volunteering and community action.

Over 100 participants from the Branch of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (UK) in Finchley and the Depala community took part, walking side by side with enthusiasm and a shared sense of purpose. Families, young people and older members of the community all came together, demonstrating how community service can bring people of different generations together around a common cause.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (UK) is a community organisation that supports people in developing strong values, a sense of social responsibility and a connection with Hindu culture and heritage. Through regular activities, community events and service initiatives, HSS (UK) encourages its members to contribute positively to wider British society while maintaining a connection with their cultural roots.

The walk was not simply about fundraising. It was also an opportunity to create connections and celebrate the warmth of Indian community life.

Thanks to the goodwill and support of Bhupendra Daves, participants were once again able to use the facilities at Finchley Victoria Bowling and Croquet Club. The venue provided a welcoming starting and finishing point for the event and helped create a relaxed atmosphere where participants could meet, talk and build friendships.

Along the route, walkers were treated to traditional Indian sweets and masala chai. These small touches added a distinctly Indian character to the event and reflected the importance of hospitality within Hindu and Indian culture. Sharing food and drink is often a way of strengthening relationships and welcoming others, making it a natural part of a community event centred on service.

The positive atmosphere throughout the day demonstrated the power of bringing people together for a shared purpose. By combining cultural traditions with a commitment to supporting a local hospice, the event showed how community organisations can contribute meaningfully to the wider society in which they live.

One of the most significant aspects of this year’s event was the opportunity it provided for younger members of the community to develop leadership, organisational and communication skills.

For HSS (UK), community events such as this are an important way of encouraging young people to take responsibility, work with others and gain practical experience. Rather than simply participating, Members of HSS (UK) are encouraged to develop the confidence and skills needed to organise activities, engage with external organisations and contribute to their communities.

This was particularly evident in the way Rikesh Depala took responsibility for the event’s logistics and developed his experience of working with an external organisation, North London Hospice. Managing practical arrangements, communicating with partners and helping coordinate a large community event provided valuable real-world experience.

Another highlight was 16-year-old Kiya Popatiya, who confidently delivered a motivational speech to an audience of around 100 people on the importance of community unity and service to others. Her contribution demonstrated how young people can play a meaningful role in community initiatives when given the opportunity and encouragement to do so.

For HSS (UK), this approach reflects the wider Hindu principle of developing individuals who are confident, responsible and willing to contribute to society. Leadership is not viewed simply as holding a position; it is about taking responsibility, supporting others and putting collective wellbeing ahead of personal interests.

The event was a powerful reminder that charitable work can take many forms. Whether through fundraising, volunteering, organising an event, supporting a local charity or simply giving time to others, everyone has the ability to make a positive contribution.

The success of the walk also demonstrated the impact that can be achieved when a community works together. More than 100 people participated, and together they raised £2,500 for North London Hospice, supporting the important work the charity carries out for patients and families across North London.

At the heart of the event was a simple Hindu principle:

“Service to others is the highest duty.”

This idea of selfless service is deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy and continues to inspire community action today. The Finchley walk brought that principle to life by combining cultural connection, intergenerational participation and practical support for a local cause.

It was a celebration not only of what a community can achieve financially, but also of what it can build through shared experiences: compassion, confidence, friendship, leadership and a lasting commitment to serving others.