About

The story of Jan-Kshatriya Sevak Mandal (UK), known as JKSM, began in the 1970s, when a group of like-minded people were forced to leave their homes in East Africa and build new lives in the United Kingdom.

Faced with a new country and culture, they came together to create a community that would help maintain their connection to their shared cultural and ancestral heritage.

Although some details from this period remain unconfirmed, it is understood that the first meeting took place on 13 September 1970. The meeting was initiated by Jayanti Vadher and attended by 21 members of the Mochi community. It was chaired by the late Monjibhai D. Vaghela at his home in Kilburn, North West London.

At this meeting, the members decided to form a group, or “Mandal”, and the foundations of our community were established.

The idea continued to develop over the following years, and in 1973, Jan-Kshatriya Sevak Mandal (UK) was officially established as a registered charity.

Our Community Today

JKSM continues to bring individuals and families together through cultural, social and charitable activities.

Our community takes great pride in its charitable work and commitment to preserving our shared heritage. Each year, JKSM holds a Diwali celebration that gives members an opportunity to come together, celebrate and strengthen community relationships.

Under the leadership of former president Nilesh Nagar, the committee invested in a property that was purchased in 2015. The property is a registered asset that generates income to help subsidise our community events. It is currently rented to a tenant in Strood, Kent.

The continued success of JKSM has only been possible through the collective efforts of the many committee members, volunteers and supporters who have dedicated their time and energy to keeping our community alive and thriving.

We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to JKSM’s journey.

Our Past Presidents

We recognise and thank our past and present presidents for their leadership and service:

Lalji Devshi Vadher, from 1973 to 19XX
Tulsibhai Nagar, from 19XX to 19XX
Naran Parmar, from 19XX to 19XX
Jayanti Vadher, from 19XX to 1999
Upendra Kalan, from 1999 to 2009
Vinod Nagar, from 2009 to 2014
Nilesh Nagar, from 2014 to 2026
Sanjay Jethwa, from 2026 to the present

JKSM has changed and developed over the years, but our core founding principles remain at the heart of everything we do.

JKSM Founding Principles

Protect – Standing up for who we are and what we believe in.

Preserve – Ensuring our shared identity, culture and heritage can be passed on.

Promote – Sharing and celebrating the great things we do as a community and as individuals.

Enhance – Constantly improving physically, mentally and spiritually.

Enrich – Helping those around us to become better.

Our History

1970

The first meeting was held on 13 September 1970 at the home of the late Mr Monjibhai D. Vaghela.

The meeting was attended by 21 members of the Mochi community, who decided to form a Mandal called Jan-Kshatriya Sevak Mandal (UK).

1973

Three years after the first meeting, Jan-Kshatriya Sevak Mandal (UK) was formally established as a registered charity.

This marked an important milestone in the development of the Mandal and provided a formal foundation for its charitable, cultural and community activities.

2015

The committee invested in a property that became a registered asset of the charity.

Income from the property helps subsidise JKSM’s events and supports the charity’s continuing activities.

2026

Following 12 years of leadership under Nilesh Nagar, Sanjay Jethwa became president of JKSM in 2026.

This marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Mandal’s history, while continuing the values and principles established by its founding members.

Future

More than five decades after its first meeting, JKSM remains committed to protecting, preserving and promoting our shared identity, culture and heritage.

As our community continues to evolve, we aim to honour the contributions of previous generations while creating opportunities for younger and future generations to connect, participate and carry JKSM’s legacy forward.