{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"Chris James, Head of Brand and Ambassadors","standfirst":"We find out what happened when one County, Greater London Middlesex West, tried something new and staged a Diwali with a difference.","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EWhat happens when you bring together people from across the community for a celebration of friendship, food and fireworks? An amazing opportunity to showcase the best of Scouts, attract new volunteers and reach out to new communities.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/18841/dsc_8369_mmp.jpg","width":7360,"height":4912,"altText":"A group of Scouts, some dressed in traditional Diwali clothing and some wearing Scouts neckers, all smiling at the camera","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EAll the signs are good. It\u2019s a sun-dappled Sunday night in Harrow (more like late summer than mid-autumn). Down a narrow, leafy lane, a large marquee emerges, suggesting a wedding has taken place \u2013 or perhaps is about to. In fact, this\u2019ll be home to a hugely joyful Scout Diwali celebration, bringing together over 200 members of the local community.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe event is the brainchild of County Commissioner, Richard Williams, and his amazing team at Greater London Middlesex West, notably UK Commissioner for Perception (and local comms lead) Nisha Patel and Deputy County Commissioner, Sanjay Chandarana. Kris Murali, Director of Finance and Resources at UK Scouts, also provided vital encouragement and support along the way.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/18836/dsc_8184_mmp.jpg","width":5856,"height":2648,"altText":"Cubs from 8th and 19th Harrow tell the story of Diwali with their own props","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EWanting to reach out to different communities in the area, they struck on the idea of an evening of fun, food and fireworks, a combination anyone can enjoy. It\u2019s an opportunity to show the best of what we offer in Scouts, and for people to meet and ask questions.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EThe spark of an idea\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u2018We had this idea at \u003Ca href=\u0022#\u0022 title=\u0022Basecamp 22\u0022\u003EBasecamp22\u003C/a\u003E, the Scouts\u2019 conference back in May,\u2019 says Richard. \u2018What if we created a big moment, inviting people from across the community? What if we invited 200 people and asked each one to suggest volunteering for Scouts to just one other person?\u0027\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0027If we had just 20 people who step forward or recommend someone to volunteer, then it\u2019ll be more than worth the effort. And if that happens, we can take our County membership from 8,500 to 10,000 members. It\u2019s great for inclusion and growth.\u2019\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/18835/dsc_8175_mmp.jpg","width":7360,"height":4912,"altText":"UK Commissioner for Perception, Nisha Patel, smiles while holding a microphone and wearing traditional Diwali clothing","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EAs the guests gather in a dazzling array of traditional costume, the atmosphere is buzzing, and it certainly looks like the plan is working. Chad, the County Chairman agrees: \u2018This is exactly the right thing to do in a multicultural area like this. It\u2019s important to try something different and create a bit of interest with the local community.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u2018Because Diwali is celebrated by different faith communities \u2013 including Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists \u2013 it\u2019s the ideal opportunity to bring people together.\u2019 \u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESikhs celebrate Diwali on the same day as the Hindu community.\u00A0They celebrate it as Liberation Day: \u2018bandhi chor diwas.\u2019\u00A0They dedicate this celebration to their Sixth Guru (Prophet) Guru Hargobind Ji who was released from captivity being held by Moghul Emperor Jahangir.\u00A0On the day of Diwali Guru Hargobind Ji reached Harmander Sahib \u2013 The Golden Temple in Punjab India.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EDrumming up support\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe evening begins in raucous style with a hypnotic Dhol drumming display from Tanveer Singh Panesar (a Scout at 13th Southall) and Paramveer Singh Bansal, and some phenomenal Bhangra dancing from Baljinder Singh and Pardeep Kaur.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI learn from them that the dance originated in the fields of the Punjab where workers would dance to keep themselves entertained and their spirits up. Some of the moves mirror the flow of crops in the field for example, and I discover the secret of great Bhangra dancing is \u2018all in the shoulders\u2019.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/18834/dsc_8157_mmp.jpg","width":7360,"height":4912,"altText":"Two Scouts perform Bhangra dancing, in front of two other Scouts drumming. The dancers look at each other with their arms reaching out, wearing traditional Diwali clothing","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003ENo sooner have they finished that we\u2019re treated to a play by 8th/19th Harrow Cubs. With a little help from their leader, June Harris, and Nisha, they tell the story of Diwali in an incredibly vivid way, complete with bow and arrows and cuddly toys.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENot only did they bring their own props, they also brought their own Asian clothing. It\u2019s a beautiful and inclusive moment as the embrace the festival and story at such a young age.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s also a brilliant way of making the evening youth-led, showing the skills and confidence of these young people. They\u2019re rewarded with special badges from CJ Ledger, Deputy UK Chief Commissioner. It\u2019s followed by an informative talk on the origins and background behind the festival from Navtej Kaur Smith (Rani).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOver dinner, teams collaborated on beautiful Rangoli \u2013 artworks made up of colourful natural patterns, which are a significant part of Diwali. There was stiff competition between tables to create the best ones, but it inspired a spirit moment of togetherness as the guests worked on these.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/18833/diwali.jpg","width":904,"height":672,"altText":"Colourful Diwali artwork called Rangoli created by Scouts using coloured pencils","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EReaching new communities\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe local District Commissioner, Tyler (in a sensational teal kurta) looks on proudly. \u2018This is a big area,\u2019 he says, \u2018and we need more leaders and more Scout groups to cater for the demand, at the same time offering Scouts to communities we\u2019re not currently reaching.\u2019\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe County is clearly not short of talent. The next showcase is a duet of \u2018Rather Be\u2019 between the County\u2019s Youth Commissioner, Claire Muxlow, and Viya Sajh. The two are best friends who\u2019ve grown up together in Scouts since they were Beavers.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETogether, they show once again the power of Scouts to inspire new skills and friendships. For Viya, \u2018the best thing about Scouts is the people, who always help out when they\u2019re needed. They\u2019ve helped me gain \u003Ca href=\u0022/about-us/strategy/\u0022 title=\u0022Skills for Life\u0022\u003Eskills for life\u003C/a\u003E, which got me my first job. Scouts is a brilliant thing to have on your CV.\u2019\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EOne of the County\u2019s shining lights\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOne of the highlights of the night is Richard\u2019s interview with Rishi Varodaria, who\u2019s presented with his \u003Ca href=\u0022/top-awards/kings-scout-award/\u0022 title=\u0022Queen\u2019s Scout Award\u0022\u003EQueen\u2019s Scout Award\u003C/a\u003E certificate. Rishi is one of the County\u2019s true shining lights \u2013 a young man who has come up through the movement and is now on the County Executive team.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERishi says, \u2018A night like this is a chance to bring lots of different people together to show people outside Scouts what a family we are. I\u2019ve had so many opportunities, I wanted to give those opportunities to others. Recently, I was part of the team supporting the queue at our late \u003Ca href=\u0022/news/2022/september/scouts-volunteer-at-lying-in-state/\u0022 title=\u0022Scouts volunteer at Lying in State\u0022\u003EHM The Queen\u2019s Lying in State\u003C/a\u003E. It was so good for Scouts to be seen serving the community and serving the nation.\u2019\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u2018For me, earning my Queen\u2019s Scout Award was genuinely life changing. For my physical challenge, I got into kayaking, sailing and even power boating. I was then able to teach skills to younger Scouts, passing on what I\u2019ve learned. In Scouts, you meet so many inspirational people along the path, and they stick with you.\u2019\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERishi also talks powerfully about the impact of Scouts on his family. \u2018Scouts is not just good for young people. It helps parents too. My mum came to help out, and volunteering has given her so much confidence.\u2019\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EDoing things differently\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe celebrations and conversations continue over dinner, where old friendships are rekindled, and new friendships are made. Carl Hankinson, UK Chief Commissioner was the special guest speaker who thanked the team and guests for attending.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHe also helped crystallise the theme of the day: \u2018Our passion in Scouts is to be reflective of UK society. And to do that, yes, we try to do things differently. That\u2019s because we want the best for all young people, and the best for society. We need to make sure young people get the future they deserve.\u2019\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003ELighting up the sky\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe grand finale is a dazzling fireworks display, reminding us that Diwali is the festival of lights. As he watches on, Sanjay, who has done so much to make this event happen is in reflective mood.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESanjay says, \u2018I\u2019m relaxed now it\u2019s all going to plan. That happened halfway through dinner! Obviously it\u2019s the culmination of a lot of work, but actually there\u2019s a simple principle behind reaching out to new people and communities.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0027It\u2019s mainly about picking up the phone and speaking to people. We knew Diwali was a great opportunity for a celebration and to bring people together in a spirit of friendship to show the difference Scouts can make.\u2019\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/18840/dsc_8359_mmp.jpg","width":7360,"height":4912,"altText":"Scouts stand outside in the dark watching colourful fireworks light up the night sky. The photo shows the back of their heads as they look upwards at the fireworks.","caption":"","link":null}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"17 October 2022","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[{"caption":"","title":"Celebrate the festival of light","url":"/activities/make-a-diya-lamp/","newWindow":false},{"caption":"","title":"Race equity","url":"/volunteers/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/race-and-ethnicity/race-equity/","newWindow":false}],"relatedLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"Faith events","url":"/volunteers/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/faiths-and-beliefs/supporting-members-around-faiths-and-beliefs/","newWindow":false},{"caption":"","title":"Cubs Our World Challenge Award","url":"/cubs/awards/our-world/","newWindow":false},{"caption":"","title":"Squirrels Let\u0027s Celebrate Activity Badge","url":"/squirrels/activity-badges/let-s-celebrate/","newWindow":false}],"id":48720,"nodeName":"Shining lights: How Scouts is reaching out to new communities","title":"Shining lights \u2013 how Scouts is reaching out to new communities ","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/18841/dsc_8369_mmp.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1d9becd22228100","caption":"DSC 8369 MMP","type":"jpg","size":9233776,"width":7360,"height":4912,"altText":""},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Shining lights \u2013 how Scouts is reaching out to new communities ","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"Diwali, the festival of lights, is just around the corner. This year, one Scout County staged a Diwali with a difference.","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80ODcyMCJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2022/october/shining-lights-how-scouts-is-reaching-out-to-new-communities/"}