Shree Kutch Bharasar Mitra Seva Mandal (S.K.B.M.S. Mandal) was formed in Nairobi (Kenya) in 1942.  Our elders left Kutch and the shores of India for East Africa in order to better themselves and their families.  Whilst broadening their horizons, the needs of people living back in India were never forgotten.

In 1945/46, S.K.B.M.S. Mandal undertook its first major project: the building of a bridge across the river to the outskirts of Bharasar on the way to Naranpur and Mandvi.  Ox carts carrying fodder and grains had to descend a steep bank and climb up the opposite side with great difficulty.  The project was greeted with much enthusiasm by members and the residents of Bharasar, young and old alike.  A tremendous sense of elation was felt amongst all on completion of the bridge six to eight months later.

Following the success of the first bridge, a similar bridge was built half a mile away on the way to our Talav.  This too was a welcome addition to the development of Bharasar.  In today’s world of motorways and flyovers, little bridges over a dry river may seem trivial.  However, sixty years ago these improvements were regarded as major achievements in their own way.

Another burning ambition of the members to build a school for the girls in Bharasar was fulfilled in the late forties.  The quality of life in Bharasar was beginning to significantly improve with the incredible moral and financial support provided from Nairobi.

This support continued to grow in 1964, when a branch of S.K.B.M.S. Mandal was established in London with the introduction of life membership.  At this point, the previously built girls’ school was proving to be too small.  Enlarging the school, building a nursery school and the addition of a library were a few of the options that were considered.

The Year 1968 saw the purchase of more land next to the girls’ school, and a brand new school was built for the girls of Bharasar.  On the 25th of May 1969, an open day was organised to celebrate the building of Shree Bharasar Sarasvati Kanya Vidhalay (property of S.K.B.M.S. Mandal).  Since then, we in London have been meeting on an annual basis to mark this huge achievement.

Education was further improved in 1970 when a secondary school was constructed in Manukva.  The Mandal donated funds to build one classroom, specifically for the tuition of children from our village. 

In 1971, the purchasing of land behind the girls’ school led to the subsequent formation of a new nursery school.  Construction started in 1974 and the opening of the nursery was celebrated on the 25th of May 1975.

Whilst the Mandal concentrated on its first major project in 1945/46, Shree Madhavlal Makenji Bhatt simulataneously carried out a project of his own.  Bharasar was very fortunate in that Shree Madhavlal Makenji Bhatt, a resident of Bombay, loved Kutch and in particular Bharasar, so much so, that he built and donated a primary school to the people of Bharasar.  The layout and planning of this school was of an exceptional standard and was the envy of our compatriot villages in Kutch.

Thirty six years later, the school was too small to provide for our growing village: S.K.B.M.S. Mandal carried out the task of enlarging the school.  The completion of the school, Madhu Vidhyalay, was celebrated on the 29th May 1983.  

January 2001 brought much devastation and tragedy into the lives of many in the form of an earthquake.  This changed many lives and the village was in need of much support.  Bharasar received funding of £15,000 from SKLP (UK) which aided the rebuilding of schools in Bharasar, repair of the Talav and many other recovery projects.

Bharasar received a huge donation in the sum of £10,000 from dedicated businessmen of the village in 2003.  This contribution was used for the extension of our Talav increasing the capacity of the Talav to double its former size together with a children’s playground and a park for those hot, summer days.

Year 2007 will mark 200 years since the establishment of Bharasar in 1807, with much to celebrate.  One hopes that forthcoming generations follow the passion, generosity and dedication demonstrated by previous members of the Mandal to continually improve Bharasar, and support its growth from strength to strength.     

BHARASAR MITRA SEVA MANDAL