Annual General Meeting (AGM) Minutes 2025 -26

Date: 16 November 2025

Time: 2:30 -4:30pm

Platform: Online

1. Welcome Address

   The meeting began with chairman Sabu Sebastian Chundakattil welcoming all attendees. The founding chairman Shajan Skariah was also present, and his continued support was acknowledged.

2. Attendance

   The following members attended the AGM:

   Shajan Skariah, Sabu Sebastian Chundakattil, Manoj Mathew, Boney Chandy, Shaji Lukose, Greeshma Francis, Bindu Kalaraj, Resmi Prakash, Francis Antony, Ajimon Michael Edakkara, Prasanna Shine, Dominic palukunnel Chacko, Ansi Krishnan, Simon Jacob, Jimmy George, Shaijumon KR and Siby Mathew.

3. New Membership Updates

   It was noted that trustees Shinu Clare Mathews and Bij Thomas have stepped down from their positions.

   Ansi Krishnan and Dominic palukunnel Chacko have joined as new trustees.

4. Annual Reports

Secretary’s Report:

   General secretary Manoj Mathew presented the annual report, summarising the main activities and achievements of the year. This year marked a milestone in BMCF’s history as we crossed the £1.5 million threshold and reached an extraordinary cumulative total of £1.73 million raised for humanitarian service since our inception in 2012.

Treasurer’s Report:

Boney Chandy presented the financial report.

* A total of 19 appeals were supported this year.

* From the general fund, £1,000 was allocated to Open Hands Leicester and £2,000 to the Saroja appeal.

* Challenges with Gift Aid submissions were highlighted, with approximately £10,000 still pending due to previous rejections.

* Members were reminded about the importance of proper documentation for appeals, including email subject lines, enquiry forms, and decision-making records, which are essential for auditing.

5. Trustee Elections – 2025

   The following members were elected and confirmed in their roles for the upcoming year:

* Chairman: Sabu Sebastian Chundakattil

* Vice Chairperson: Prasanna Shine

* Secretary: Greeshma Francis

* Treasurer: Boney Chandy

* Acting Joint Treasurer: Dominic Palukunnel Chacko

* Joint Secretary: Bindu Kalaraj

* PRO: Manoj Mathew

* Charity Public Event Convenor: Francis Antony

* Charity Night Coordinator: Resmi Prakash

* Advisory Board Convenor: Ajimon Michael Edakkara

(legally approved by charity commission)

New trustees: Ansi Krishnan and Dominic Palukunnel Chacko

Trustees stepping down: Shinu Clare Mathews and Biji Thomas

Trustees for the year 2025 – 26

01. Chairman – Sabu Sebastian Chundakattil ( Manchester)

02. Vice chair – Prasanna Shine ( Bath)
03. Boney Chandey – Treasurer ( Leicester)
04. Greeshma Francis – Secretary (Derby)
05. Francis Antony – Trustee( Telford)
06. Augustine M.V- Trustee( London)
07. George Mathew – Trustee ( Leicester)
08. Shaji Lukose – Trustee ( Belfast)
10. Resmi Prakash ( Chelmsford)
11. Simon Jacob – Trustee ( Southampton)
12. Afsal Ali Arunhipurathu.( Croydon)
13. Manoj Mathew – Trustee & PRO ( Stoke on Trent)
14. Ansi Krishnan – New Trustee (Southampton)

15. Dominic Palukunnel Chacko – New trustee with additional responsibility for account works. ( Leicester)

There is no change in the signatories. Chairman Sabu and Treasurer Boney will continue as authorised signatories

6. Discussions and Proposals

* A charity night is planned for March 2026, with preparations to begin shortly.

* Prasanna Shine suggested that awards should also recognise and include more individuals who consistently support the foundation.

* Sabu outlined future plans including identifying new events and strengthening the appeals process.

* Ajimon emphasised the importance of involving younger members for new ideas, improved use of technology, and better social media presence.

* Advisory Board member Shaijumon mentioned the youth wing. Sabu responded that although a youth wing is still in place and approved by charity commission, it could not continue due to young members’ time constraints and will consider in the future.

7. Vote of Thanks

  Joint Treasurer Bindu Kalaraj delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to all trustees, volunteers, attendees, and supporters of BMCF.

Conclusion

The AGM concluded on a positive note, with members reaffirming their commitment to supporting the foundation’s charitable work and planning future initiatives.

Thanks & Regards,

Greeshma Francis

Secretary

BMCF

In the words of Dr. Muthukad himself, the event turned out to be a true “magical touch.” The charity walk titled “Walk with Muthukad – Change Lives through BMCF” commenced at 11:30 a.m. at Beacon Hill Park, Loughborough, flagged off by Deputy Mayor Councillor Hamilton.

Distinguished guests included Debbie Waxon, representative of Open Hands (a leading charity organisation in Loughborough), Dr. Gopinath Muthukad, and Shajans Scaria, founder chairman of BMCF. Manoj Mathew, BMCF Secretary, delivered the welcome address, while BMCF Chairman Sabu Chundakattil handed over a £1,000 donation to Open Hands representative Debbie Waxon, symbolising solidarity in community service.

Keralites from across the UK participated enthusiastically in the charity walk, which concluded around 1:00 p.m. Participants later gathered at Prajapathi Hall, where a delicious lunch was served by the Leicester Kerala Community’s catering service.

By 4:00 p.m., the hall was buzzing with excitement as more people arrived following the Diwali traffic delays. The crowd erupted in applause when it was announced that the initiative had raised ₹50 lakh (approx. £47,000) so far — a truly magical milestone.

During the official ceremony, top fundraisers and winners of the senior and junior walk categories were honoured. BMCF Chairman Sabu Chundakattil also introduced the trustees and advisory board members.

Senior Category Winners:

• Joseph Jacob (Peterborough) – £4,545

• Johnson Mani & Tessie Johnson – £3,370

• George Puthoor – £2,370

Junior Category Winners:

• Edwin Sabu (Manchester) – £1,330

• Gangotri Scaria – £1,319

• Shreya Koshy – £1,212

Special Mentions (Raised over £1,000):
Reji Thomas (£1,490), Shiju Chacko (£1,408), Lissy Unnikrishnan (£1,365), Sijimol Abraham (£1,340), Benny Paul (£1,195), Rashmi Prakash (£1,070), Abraham Lukose (£1,050), Libin, Daniel & Samuel Mathews (£1,040), Shinu Claire Mathews (£1,045), Jomon Mammootty (£1,025), Ajith & Annie Paliyet (£1,013), and Joy Shaju (£1,010).

The evening that followed was a blend of music, magic, and emotion. Dr. Gopinath Muthukad’s motivational talk deeply inspired the audience, while celebrated playback singers Athul Narukara and Swetha Asokh, along with violinist Vishnu Asokh, captivated everyone with their performances.

 The highlight of the evening was a heart-touching dance performance by Josuttan and Thomasutti, two talented differently-abled children, which received a standing ovation.

The event, part of BMCF’s M’Cube – Magic Moments of Muthukad, truly reflected the organisation’s commitment to spreading light through compassion, inclusion, and collective action.

Autumn has arrived in the UK after a good sunny summer, signalling the anticipatory arrival of bitter weather conditions of winter in a couple of months time. Amongst the lengthy stretch of British isles from north to the south, Scotland often bears the brunt of extreme winter weather due to its geographic location. Temperatures have started dipping down from double to single digits with the cold breeze emerging from the artic starting to embrace the Scottish islands. Although the bright summer days are began to fade , a few doctors in Scotland have come out with bright rays of hope for many disadvantaged children living thousands of miles away. Changing weather conditions are never a hindrance for these good Samaritans serving in different health boards there to take up an open road bike challenge for a noble cause . While leading busy professional lives, they have decided to dedicate some considerable time and efforts for the underprivileged by way of a 50 Kms bike ride challenge through ‘National Cycle Route 7’, a scenic traffic free cycle path from/to Glasgow Green to Loch Lomond on Sunday, 28th September 2025.

The project known as ” BMCF- Scot Indian Medics bike ride appeal to support DAC, Kerala, India” has been designed to raise crucial funds for the International Institute for differently abled Children at Kasaragod, Kerala, India – a world-class centre offering care, education and empowerment to differently abled children, initiated by humanitarian turned well known magician Mr. Gopinath Muthukad. This new centre is designed to offer developmental support opportunities for around 1000 affected children.

This bike ride challenge will undertake under the guidance of Mr Srihari Vallabhajousula- a Consultant general surgeon and a cycling enthusiast . Other participants include doctor couple Dr Geetika Sharma- general practictioner & her husband Mr Likhith Alakandy- a consultant neurosurgeon, Dr Susan Romel- Consultant SRH and Dr Rajmohan Padmanabhan- Consultant Anaesthetist .Taran Rajmohan- a Glasgow University student and Dr Rajmohan Padmanabhan’s son also will join them in this event.

The Indian medics came out with this idea in the firm belief that Mr. Muthukad’s initiative would go a long way in providing much needed support and progress in the societal lives of these beautiful children.

The fundraising is conducted in conjunction with British Malayali Charity Foundation, one of the largest community charity foundations in the UK- a voluntary collective, which has already distributed over £ 1.6 million in India, UK and internationally to various deserving causes . 

Please click onto the below link if you wish to donate:

https://www.kindlink.com/fundraising/British-Malayali-Charity-Foundation/glasgowindianmedics

Whilst donating , please do give consent to claim gift aid if eligible as every £ 1.00 you donate get enhanced to another £ 0.25 by doing so.

We ensure you that every penny you donate including gift aid will go directly to the cause after the dedication of 2 to 3% KindLink platform fee. BMCF is a 100% voluntary charity organisation without incurring any expenses to the fund raising and any other costs related to this. The trustees and advisory committee members are working voluntarily round the clock finding out extra time from their daily routine life and donating monthly by direct debits.

The Baby Abigail Appeal, launched on 30th August 2025, received an overwhelming response from the UK Malayali community, raising a total of £14,375 within just two days.

According to the British Malayali Charity Foundation, £10,985 was collected through Kindlink, with £1,967 added as Gift Aid. A further £1,790 was directly deposited into the charity’s bank account. After deducting the Kindlink fee of £385, and with an additional £18 contribution from the General Fund, the total amount handed over to Abigail’s family stands at £14,375.

Earlier, recognising the family’s urgent need for rent and basic support, the Foundation had already provided £1,000 from the General Fund as immediate relief.

https://www.kindlink.com/fundraising/British-Malayali-Charity-Foundation/abigail

The appeal saw contributions from over 450 donors, with several making large donations of £500, £200, and £100, which significantly boosted the fundraising efforts. Even before the formal launch of the appeal, members of the Leicester Malayali community had shared the Kindlink page widely, raising more than £2,000 in advance.

Baby Abigail, an angelic little girl, is battling Infantile Haemangiomas, a rare condition where abnormal blood vessels grow in the body, causing severe medical complications. With her parents’ student visas expired and no steady income to rely on, the family has been facing extreme financial hardship, at times forced to depend on food banks.

The situation worsened as Abigail’s recurring infections prevented the family from travelling back home, with airlines refusing permission until her health stabilises. Each medical appointment requires significant expenses, leaving the parents in despair.

Moved by their plight, the UK Malayali community came together in solidarity, extending both financial and emotional support. While the appeal has brought much-needed relief, the family continues to face ongoing challenges with Abigail’s treatment and uncertain future.

UK Malayali Community Gears Up for “Walk with Muthukad – Change Lives Through BMCF” & M-Cube Magic Moments

Glasgow: In a remarkable show of compassion, a group of Indian doctors and volunteers across Scotland are dedicating their time and efforts to support a noble cause back home in Kerala. The initiative, part of the British Malayali Charity Foundation (BMCF) campaign, aims to raise funds for magician Gopinath Muthukad’s dream project—an international centre in Kasaragod for differently-abled children, being built with an investment of ₹100 crore.

As part of this campaign, several prominent Indian doctors serving in Scotland supported the cause by completing a 50 km charity cycling challenge. The participants included:

Consultant Neurosurgeon Dr. Likhit Alakandi

General Practitioner Dr. Geetika Sharma

 SRH Consultant Dr. Susan Romal

Consultant Anaesthetist Dr. Rajmohan Padmanabhan

 University student Tharan Rajmohan

Meanwhile, around 100 volunteers have already registered to take part in the upcoming charity walk with Muthukad, which will be held at Beacon Hill Park, Leicester. This “Walk with Muthukad – Change Lives through BMCF” initiative has already helped raise over ₹15 lakhs, bringing fresh momentum to the campaign.

The fundraising drive will culminate in the grand cultural event M-Cube Magic Moments, scheduled for 19th October 2025, organised by the BMCF. The highlight of the evening will be the much-awaited performance by world-renowned magician Gopinath Muthukad, returning to the stage after a long break to support this life-changing project.

Adding to the excitement, the musical segment of the event will feature Atul Narang, a rising star, alongside playback singer Swetha Ashok, who captured hearts with her songs from the film Kaduva and her earlier success in TV reality shows. Together, they promise to create unforgettable musical magic in Leicester.

Another attraction will be the performance by Vishnu Ashok, a gifted violinist who has worked on Malayalam and Telugu film songs and captivated audiences with his popular over renditions. Performing in the UK for the first time, Vishnu is set to enchant the crowd with his violin.

With preparations already in full swing, the M-Cube Magic Moments promises to be a night to remember—an event where art, music, and community spirit come together to bring hope and transformation to countless differently-abled children in Kerala.

To book tickets for M-Cube Magic Moments, visit:

(https://fienta.com/m-cube)

British Malayali Charity Foundation has supported many local charities in UK from time to time as a token of solidarity and gratitude in their relentless efforts in assisting the most deserving people across the nation. Few of them are York Air ambulance, Diabetes UK, Antony Nolan Trust, DEC, Cancer Research UK, Llanberis Mountain Rescue, Southampton Sunday meals project, Mary’s Meal, Swindon & Wiltshire Deaf Children Society, Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, Manju Shahul Hameed Foundation, Covid relief appeal, St. Vincent de Paul & Clonard Ministry, Belfast, Alzheimer’s society UK.

This has done as per the policy of the foundation to support the local charities in UK, wherein the migrant community of Keralites, who are the main promoters and supporters of the foundation live and settled.

As such, the trustees have decided to support Open Hands Leicester, a leading local charity assisting many deserving people in and around Leicestershire. Open Hands Leicester has been supporting around 400 people a week from low income & unemployed families/individuals with food, accommodation, clothing etc. Also, they help the immigrants to integrate with the local community by facilitating English language classes. They also run a preschool for toddlers. 

The foundation has taken the above decision after careful consideration and assessment of a few local charities in and around Leicester looking at their charitable activities and spending performance.

Also, this local charity support is to mark the scheduled event of ” Walk with Muthukad; Change lives thru BMCF” & BMCF M’Cube Magic Moments” on Sunday 19th October 2025 as a special occasion. The events are gathering momentum with the large number of people coming forward to participate in the walk and also to the magic show.

BMCF aim to raise crucial funds for the International Institute for Children with Disabilities at Kasaragod, Kerala, India – a world-class centre offering care, education and empowerment to differently-abled children. The participants get an ample opportunity to walk and chat with a reputed and well known magician Mr. Gopinath Muthukad at 11 AM at Beacon Hill Park, Leicester along with the great participation to raise funds for a noble cause The walk trails through the park will be for around an hour.  

“BMCF M’Cube Magic Moments”

The charity walk in the morning sets the tone for a day dedicated to hope, culminating in the grand evening of magic moments with Mr. Gopinath Muthukad at Prajapati Hall, Leicester blending magic, music, and motivation at 4 PM.

This is not just a show — it’s a movement of love and change.