Young British Muslims gather in Surrey for national Ijtema
Young British Muslims gather in Surrey for national Ijtema
By Mahesh LiloriyaSep 23, 2025
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association UK (MKA UK), one of Britain’s oldest and largest Muslim youth organisations, successfully hosted its annual National Ijtema 2025 from 19–21 September at Hook Lane, Puttenham, Guildford.
More than 6,000 young British Muslims from across the country attended the three-day gathering, which combined academic competitions, sports, discussions, and faith-inspiring talks. The event reaffirmed MKA UK’s commitment to serving Britain and humanity through charitable initiatives including blood drives, food donations, and community projects.
The Ijtema highlighted Islam’s values of peace, loyalty, and service to one’s country, offering young people a supportive platform to address questions of faith and identity.
The highlight of the event was the keynote address by His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, delivered on the final day and broadcast globally.
Venuka Wickramaarachchi reflects on his journey from Sri Lanka to the UK and the evolution of his design career.
His Sri Lankan heritage continues to shape his work in fashion and costume design.
He has contributed to award-winning films and showcased collections in London, Milan, and Kazakhstan.
His brand Diamaté focuses on sustainability and cultural storytelling.
Designer’s journey from Sri Lanka to the UK
Venuka Wickramaarachchi, a fashion and costume designer originally from Sri Lanka, has built an international career that spans cinema, fashion weeks, and brand development. Now based in the UK, he credits his early experiences in Sri Lanka for inspiring his interest in costume design. Although he once considered a career in medicine, his passion for design led him to pursue formal education in fashion, culminating in a master’s degree in the UK.
Cultural influences and cinematic work
Venuka’s designs are deeply rooted in Sri Lankan culture. He draws inspiration from traditional dance costumes, temple architecture, and wood carvings. His approach is not to replicate heritage but to reinterpret it for modern audiences. This philosophy has guided his work in cinema, where he has designed costumes for six films, including the award-winning Kusa Baba and Pattini. His designs have earned him recognition at the Lux Film Awards and the Presidential Awards.
He credits his early experiences in Sri Lanka for inspiring his interest in costume designVenuka
International showcases and brand launch
Venuka’s international debut came at Kazakhstan’s Aspara Fashion Week in 2013. He later presented collections at London Graduate Fashion Week and Milan’s Ferrari Aqua Fashion Show. These events helped establish his reputation as a designer who blends cultural depth with contemporary style.
Following his success in Milan, Venuka launched Diamaté, a women’s wear brand that offers workwear, evening wear, and casual collections. The brand name, meaning diamond in Spanish, reflects his vision of helping women shine through fashion.
Focus on sustainability
These events helped establish his reputation as a designer who blends cultural depth with contemporary styleVenuka
Diamaté is gradually shifting toward sustainable practices. Venuka’s upcoming Christmas collection will feature 80 per cent natural fabrics, with plans to increase that percentage over time. He acknowledges the challenges of affordability and accessibility in sustainable fashion, especially in Asian markets, and believes brands must take the lead in making eco-friendly options viable for consumers.
Balancing Sri Lankan roots with UK life
Living in the UK has exposed Venuka to European fashion trends, but he remains committed to his Sri Lankan identity. His designs often merge Eastern and Western aesthetics, creating a unique fusion that resonates with global audiences. He sees South Asian designers as key contributors to the future of fashion and encourages a shift from imitation to innovation.
Looking ahead
Venuka plans to expand Diamaté while continuing to tell stories through design. He views his brand as more than a clothing label, aiming to build a platform that celebrates heritage, sustainability, and individuality.
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Lifestyle factors linked with psychological distress
Persistent psychological distress up to 12 months post-heart attack can raise risk of recurrence by nearly 1.3 times.
Between one-third and half of survivors experience depression, anxiety or PTSD.
Interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy, medication and stress-reduction can improve recovery and quality of life.
Psychological distress and heart health
Persistent psychological distress following a heart attack could increase the risk of another cardiac event by nearly 1.3 times, researchers have found.
A review by the American Heart Association (AHA) reported that 33–50 per cent of heart attack survivors suffer symptoms such as depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These mental health issues, the researchers said, can significantly affect both physical recovery and long-term health outcomes.
Findings from the review
The team analysed previous studies on myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, depression, stress and PTSD.
“After a mean follow-up of 4.7 years, moderate psychological distress was associated with a 28 per cent increased risk of future myocardial infarction, while high or very high distress was linked to a 60 per cent increase compared with low distress,” the authors wrote in the journal Circulation.
Professor Glenn N Levine of Baylor College of Medicine, who chaired the writing group, said psychological distress was often overlooked. “We often focus on the physical aspects of heart disease, yet psychological health is linked to physical health, so when a major cardiac event like a heart attack occurs, emotional recovery is just as important,” he noted.
Why mental distress matters
The researchers explained that damage to the heart muscle can trigger inflammation, hormonal changes and chemical shifts in the brain that contribute to depression, anxiety or PTSD. Acute stress may also narrow coronary arteries, reduce blood flow and cause irregular rhythms, even in people without prior heart disease.
Lifestyle factors linked with psychological distress – such as reduced physical activity, smoking, alcohol use, poor diet, disturbed sleep, weak social support and low medication adherence – can further increase the risk of a recurrent cardiac event. A history of chronic illness or mental health conditions adds to this vulnerability.
Scope of the problem
According to the AHA, anxiety and stress may affect up to 50 per cent of heart attack patients during hospitalisation, and continue in 20–30 per cent of cases for months after discharge.
The authors stressed that while more research is required to confirm a direct causal link, the association is clear: “Up to half of patients after myocardial infarction may experience psychological distress, and this has been associated with a higher risk of future cardiac events.”
Addressing psychological recovery
Experts recommend interventions including cognitive behavioural therapy, antidepressants and stress-reduction techniques. These can help reduce distress, improve emotional wellbeing, and enhance quality of life for heart attack survivors.
The International Siddhashram Shakti Centre launched its Traditional Navratri Garba on Monday at Harrow Leisure Centre, Byron Hall. The opening night was in full swing, filled with devotion, rhythm and traditional garba, uplifting both physical and mental health.
Metropolitan Police officers and Harrow Interfaith members attended on the first day, underlining the festival’s spirit of unity. Evenings feature live performances by Yutika Barot, Disha Patel and Kiran Patel, alongside cultural stalls and authentic cuisine. The celebrations, running from 22 September to 2 October, will conclude with a grand finale on 5 October. Proceeds will support the charitable causes of Gou Seva.
Adding a spiritual dimension, Pujya Shri Aniruddhacharya Ji Maharaj will present a seven-day Shrimad Bhagwat Katha from 24–30 September, daily from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm. This year’s events by Siddhashram also mark the 60th anniversary of Harrow Council.
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The forum underscored the Indian value of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'
Two-day Multi-Faith Advisory Workshop (MFACC) held at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh.
Organised by the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance in partnership with UNICEF India.
Faith leaders and development partners united for children’s health, nutrition, and climate resilience.
Occasion coincided with Vishwakarma Jayanti and Prime Minister Modi’s 75th birthday.
Collective commitment made towards dialogue, compassion, and sustainable development.
Workshop overview
A two-day workshop of the Multi-Faith Action Coordinating Committee (MFACC) concluded at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, on 17–18 September. The gathering marked the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and coincided with Vishwakarma Jayanti, making the event symbolically significant.
Convened by the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA) with UNICEF India, the workshop brought together diverse faith leaders, interreligious councils, civil society organisations, and academic institutions. Participants included representatives from Parmarth Niketan, the Brahma Kumaris, the Swaminarayan Gurukul Parivar, the Global Peace Foundation, Caritas India, Harijan Sevak Sangh, Delhi Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Punjab University, and the Divine Shakti Foundation, among others.
The forum underscored the Indian value of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family – while addressing priorities such as child nutrition, education, health, and climate resilience.
Leaders pledged to combine prayer with practical solutionsParmarth Niketan
Symbolism and timing
The inauguration coincided with Vishwakarma Jayanti, a festival that honours artisans and their tools. Drawing from this symbolism, organisers emphasised dialogue as the most powerful tool for faith leaders to unite communities.
The opening day also marked Prime Minister Modi’s 75th birthday, where participants offered their commitment to building a resilient, sustainable, and compassionate India as a collective gift to the nation’s leader.
Focus on climate and community resilience
At a time when severe floods have impacted parts of the Himalayas and Punjab, the workshop rededicated itself to climate action. Leaders pledged to combine prayer with practical solutions, reinforcing their responsibility towards protecting the planet and future generations.
Faith leaders and development partners united for children’s health, nutrition, and climate resilienceParmarth Niketan
Voices from the gathering
Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji, Co-Founder and Chair of GIWA, highlighted dialogue as the faith leaders’ greatest tool, saying that a “healthy, harmonious nation” would be the most meaningful tribute to the Prime Minister.
Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati Ji, Secretary-General of GIWA, described MFACC as a national advisory group where faith leaders could guide government and partners through “Mind-Heart Dialogue.” She emphasised vegetarianism as a powerful step towards better nutrition, planetary health, and compassionate living.
Sylvie Chamois, Nutrition Specialist at UNICEF India, pointed out that faith leaders hold deep trust within communities. She stressed that “good nutrition begins at home” through practices such as exclusive breastfeeding, timely introduction of diverse foods, and greater attention to the nutritional needs of women and girls.
Two-day agenda
The workshop agenda combined prayer, dialogue, and strategy development.
Day 1: Inaugural blessings, an introduction to MFACC’s guiding principles, and plenary sessions on the role of faith in health, education, and climate resilience.
Day 2: Training on social and behaviour change communication, mapping community assets, and developing joint action plans. The workshop closed with collective commitments.
Nutrition and lifestyle messages
A special session on family health and nutrition shared six core messages for communities:
Eat home-cooked, seasonal food; avoid packaged or sugary items.
Share meals together, ensuring women and girls are not left behind.
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
Introduce soft, home-cooked foods alongside breastmilk from six months.
Provide special diets for undernourished children, teenagers, and mothers.
Encourage daily play, exercise, and reduced screen time.
About MFACC
The Multi-Faith Action Coordinating Committee is a voluntary advisory body established by GIWA and UNICEF India. It functions as a think tank and coordination platform, combining spiritual wisdom with technical expertise to advance national development goals.
MFACC’s objectives include:
Advising government and partners on integrating faith perspectives into policy.
Supporting collective action and joint planning by diverse faith organisations.
Promoting inclusion of underrepresented faith voices.
Mobilising communities to reach vulnerable populations.
Building evidence on culturally grounded approaches for behaviour change.
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The young tapasvis seated during the community celebration
THE Jain community in London came together for a historic celebration, honouring five teenagers who successfully completed the eight-day Athai Tap fast, one of the most respected spiritual practices in Jainism.
The children – Moksh Shah, Labdhi Mehta, Mithil Shah, Svara Gandhi, and Dylan Shah – each from different families, were recognised for their discipline, devotion, and inner strength. Athai Tap involves abstaining from food for eight continuous days, a test of both body and spirit, undertaken as a way of seeking spiritual progress and self-control, according to a statement.
More than 300 members of the community gathered at the Potters Bar Derasar to mark the milestone earlier this month. The event began with the teenagers arriving in a limousine before walking down a red carpet, where they were greeted with cheers, blessings, and warm embraces.
The programme reflected the joy and unity of the occasion. Mothers of the tapasvis performed a graceful welcome dance, siblings gave heartfelt and creative introductions, while fathers joined together in a lively stage act. Devotional Jain songs were played, before the celebration concluded with a spirited Raas Garba dance that saw people of all ages joining in with colour and energy.
For many in attendance, the event was more than a celebration of fasting. It was a reminder of the strength of faith, the value of cultural roots, and the inspiration that young people can provide when they commit to tradition and spirituality, the statement added.
Attendees described the event as a proud moment for London’s Jain community.