Ashford Dharmik
& Cultural Society

A registered Hindu charitable society in Ashford, Kent, preserving culture, building community, and celebrating heritage for all ages.

Cultural Society

Community Events

Diwali | Holi | Navratri

200+

Community members

5-8

Events Every Year

31

Registered Members

Free

Entry – Always

Who We Are

Building Community Through Culture, Service & Togetherness

ADCS was established in 2021 by residents of Ashford who recognised the need to strengthen community connections, reduce social isolation, and create opportunities for people to come together in a positive and welcoming environment. Inspired by the values of compassion, respect, service, and inclusivity, ADCS seeks to enrich community life through cultural, educational, social, and spiritual activities that are open to everyone.

We believe that strong communities are built through connection, understanding, and shared experiences. Our programmes and events bring together people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs, creating opportunities to learn, celebrate, and support one another. Through cultural festivals, community gatherings, yoga and meditation sessions, spiritual learning and reflection, we promote community wellbeing, social inclusion, lifelong learning, personal growth, and stronger community relationships for the benefit of the wider public. A key part of our work is creating opportunities for young people to participate actively in community life by showcasing their talents, developing confidence, and building leadership skills. Our welcoming spaces also bring older members of the community together, helping to reduce loneliness, build friendships, and encourage participation in meaningful social activities. By bringing generations together, we strengthen community bonds and promote mutual understanding and respect.

At every event, free meals and refreshments are provided through the generosity of our sponsors who support our mission of bringing people together. Sharing food helps remove barriers to participation and is an important part of our ethos, reflecting the values of hospitality, service, and community care that underpin our work. Our events are generally free to attend and operate with an open-door approach, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate regardless of background or circumstance. Inspired by Hindu values of compassion, selfless service, respect, and kindness, ADCS welcomes people of every faith, belief, culture, ethnicity, age, and background. We are committed to creating an environment where diversity is celebrated, friendships are formed, and people feel valued, respected, and connected to their community.

Our Vision

A Place to Connect, Learn, Celebrate & Belong

Our vision is to establish a permanent community and cultural hub in Ashford, including a mandir (Hindu temple) and community centre. This dedicated space will provide a welcoming environment for cultural, educational, social, and spiritual activities, serving people of all ages and backgrounds.

The hub will provide facilities for community events, educational programmes, youth engagement, volunteering opportunities, yoga and meditation sessions, cultural celebrations, spiritual reflection, and activities that support mental wellbeing and social connection. It will serve as a vibrant centre where individuals and families can come together to learn, grow, celebrate, and contribute to community life. More than a place of worship, we envision a community resource that promotes understanding, inclusivity, and service.

It will be a place where people can build meaningful relationships, strengthen community ties, preserve cultural heritage, and contribute positively to the wider Ashford community for generations to come.

“Ashford is home to a growing and vibrant multicultural community. Our goal is to create a permanent, accessible space that serves everyone.”

Our Long-Term Mission

Creating a Legacy of Service, Inclusion & Community

ADCS is committed to advancing community wellbeing, strengthening social cohesion, celebrating diversity, and creating opportunities for lifelong learning, volunteering, and community participation. Through our activities, we aim to encourage healthier lifestyles, improve social connections, support mental wellbeing, and promote active citizenship.

As we continue to grow, our long-term mission is to establish a sustainable and inclusive community organisation that serves both current and future generations across Ashford and Kent. By building partnerships, encouraging volunteerism, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting shared values of compassion, service, and respect, we aim to contribute to a stronger, more connected, and resilient society.

We aspire to create a lasting legacy where people from all backgrounds feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to participate in community life, helping to build a more harmonious and inclusive future for all.

Promoting Community Wellbeing and Inclusion for everyone

Celebrating Cultural Diversity and Community Harmony

Encouraging Youth Participation and Volunteering

Supporting Vulnerable and Socially Isolated Individuals

Contributing Positively to the Wider Ashford Community

Organise Charitable Fundraising for Temple and Permanent Hub

What We Provide

A Community Space in Ashford That Will...

Spiritual Wellbeing

Provide a welcoming place for worship, reflection, and spiritual wellbeing

Culture & Festivals

Preserve and celebrate cultural traditions and festivals

Youth & Heritage

Support younger generations in learning about heritage and values

Social Inclusion

Reduce social isolation within the community

Community Empowerment

Create opportunities for volunteering, education, and wellbeing activities

Community Harmony

Bring together people from diverse backgrounds through shared community engagement

What We Stand For

Our Values

Inclusivity

Respect

Community Spirit

Education & Culture

Wellbeing

THE PEOPLE BEHIND ADCS

Our Leaders & Trustees

Professionals from different backgrounds, selflessly dedicating their time to serve the Ashford community.

Kapil Sharma

Trustee

Primary organiser and community leader driving ADCS events across Ashford since 2022.

Dr. Shaveta Mulla

Trustee

Primary organiser and community leader driving ADCS events across Ashford since 2022.

Kalpana Thakur

Trustee

Primary organiser and community leader driving ADCS events across Ashford since 2022.

Ruby Khaira

Trustee

Primary organiser and community leader driving ADCS events across Ashford since 2022.

Jyoti Sharma

Trustee

Primary organiser and community leader driving ADCS events across Ashford since 2022.

Dr. O Akinnawonu

Trustee

Primary organiser and community leader driving ADCS events across Ashford since 2022.

Our Members

Gurmeet Singh

Member

Priya Patel

Member

Parul Chhabra

Member

Neeru Jain

Member

Parul Vats

Member

Uditi Jain

Member

Parul Dubey

Member

Dr. Sunanda sharma

Member

Ashish Srivastava

Member

Vani Shrivastav

Member

Megha Bharti

Member

Siddhant Kaplish

Member

Manohar Rawat

Member

Manish Mangarhe

Member

Pragya Mangarhe

Member

Rituparna Paul

Member

Richa Sharma

Member

Dr Chaiti Basu

Member

Yeka Balaji

Member

Sunil Gaire

Member

Mukesh Mewara

Member

Dr. Kanwal Chand

Member

Chako P

Member

Dr. S Kowlur

Member

Vishal Patil

Member

Dr Gautam Reddy

Member

Hitesh Mehta

Member

Community Voices

What People Say

Become Part of Our Story

Join Our Growing Community in Ashford

Whether you want to volunteer your time, support us with a donation, or simply attend one of our free events, you are always welcome.