Amrita Hall was filled with celebration on Saturday 3 October as the expanded and redesigned venue was officially reopened by the Deputy Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Dr. Sunil Gupta. The ribbon cutting marked a new chapter for M.A. Centre UK, inspired by global spiritual and humanitarian leader Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma), whose message of compassion and service lies at its heart.
The Deputy Mayor was joined by Mr Kartik Pande, Deputy High Commissioner of India; Councillor Manju Shahul-Hameed; and Swami Shubamritananda Puri, Director of M.A. Centres in Europe, alongside members of the community, supporters and volunteers.
The transformation includes an expanded hall and dining area, commercial kitchen and café. A new upper storey houses a conference room, meeting room and therapy room.
Speaking at the welcome ceremony, Deputy Mayor Councillor Dr. Sunil Gupta said:
“Amrita Hall is much more than a newly transformed facility – it is a welcoming space where people can come together, build meaningful connections, support one another and turn compassion into action. At a time when tackling loneliness and isolation is so important, spaces like this have a vital role to play in creating a stronger, more connected Bromley. I warmly welcome this exciting new chapter and look forward to seeing Amrita Hall become a place for the whole community, bringing local residents, charities, organisations and groups together in the spirit of service, friendship and belonging.”
Mr Pande spoke of bringing people together through shared values, while Swami Shubamritananda Puri described community as a city’s “invisible infrastructure” and the need for spaces where people can grow from “I” to “We.”
The joyful day included the traditional lighting of the lamp, lunch and a homemade birthday cake from one of the Centre’s volunteers for Dr. Gupta. The late Sue Vimala Dawkins was also honoured for her generous donation towards the new kitchen and dining area, with her family unveiling a plaque in her memory.
Since opening in Bromley in 2019, the volunteer-run Centre has put service into action through its Befriending Programme, a Carers’ Day with Bromley Well, collecting and wrapping gifts for local families with Bromley Brighter Beginnings. It also offers meditation and wellbeing programmes, including within the NHS and criminal justice system, and ecological initiatives such as seed swaps.
And now, we would love to open our arms even wider to all of Bromley. Our wish is for Amrita Hall to be not simply a place inthe community, but a place for the community, welcoming local organisations, charities and groups that share our values of compassion and service.
Whether you are looking for a space for a conference, meeting, workshop, therapy, community gathering or event, would like to explore a partnership, or are simply curious to see what is behind our doors, you are warmly invited to visit.