When landmark structures are built to endure for generations, success depends as much on values and shared purpose as it does on engineering. The development of France’s first traditional stone Hindu temple – the Mandir Swaminarayan Hindou de Paris – stands as a milestone for cultural synthesis and community architecture across Western Europe. Behind complex developments like this lies the technical vision, hands-on guidance, and philanthropic spirit of Shashibhai Vekaria, Chairman of Vascroft Contractors Ltd.
Technical Expertise: From Planning to Execution
Shashibhai Vekaria gave his personal time, technical expertise, and extensive industry contacts to help guide the Paris temple’s construction from the initial planning phase right through to completion. Navigating the engineering and structural complexities of such a unique project required adaptable solutions:
- Planning & Advisory Support: Vekaria advised on the technical logistics and engineering challenges inherent in constructing a traditional stone mandir within European regulatory framework.
- Rapid-Response Resources: When the fast-moving programme hit critical junctures, Vekaria made Vascroft’s specialised joinery workshop resources available at short notice to keep construction on schedule.
- On-Site Collaboration: Partnering with main delivery contractors such as VINCI Construction, Vekaria actively inspected works on site – reviewing joinery details, door-frame fittings, and inspecting concrete superstructures from early-stage rooftop overviews.
A Culture of Mentorship and Humility
Beyond structural engineering, Vekaria’s involvement was characterised by a deep spirit of mentorship and personal care for the site team and community volunteers.
Akshar Patel, a BAPS volunteer who worked alongside him in Paris despite having little prior construction knowledge, noted that Vekaria treated everyone with genuine respect rather than as novices. Vekaria would patiently walk volunteers through complex engineering concepts as many times as needed, “leading with patience and a warm smile”.
“Seeing someone of his stature taking the time to pass his decades of know-how to volunteers of all ages shows why he has achieved so much in life. It reflects the deep humility, work ethic, and spirit of service behind everything he does.”
- Akshar Patel, BAPS Volunteer
His thoughtful approach extended to personal touches: when Patel found himself missing home comforts while working away in Paris, Vekaria characteristically brought him fresh mangoes.
The Broader Legacy of Service
For Shashibhai Vekaria, the Vekaria family, and Vascroft Contractors, supporting sacred and community spaces is an extension of a decades-long commitment to civic and spiritual welfare across the UK and internationally. Rather than treating construction purely as a commercial venture, Vascroft consistently blends architectural precision with community-first philanthropy:
- Bhaktivedanta Manor (Sri Krishna Haveli): Vascroft was selected as the main contractor to construct the landmark Sri Krishna Haveli at ISKCON’s Bhaktivedanta Manor in Watford. Blending traditional English timber, red brick, and hand-carved Indian teak accents, the complex serves thousands of worshippers, students, and visitors daily while housing community gathering halls, educational facilities, and pre-school spaces.
- BAPS Swaminarayan Mandirs Across the UK: Long before lending expertise to the BAPS Paris Mandir, Vascroft and the Vekaria family supported major structural, advisory, and building works for regional spiritual hubs like BAPS Manchester and BAPS Birmingham.
- Community Hubs & Diaspora Projects (SKLPC, SKSST, & SSKP): Deeply rooted in British Asian community development, Shashibhai Vekaria serves as a Patron for major diaspora organisations such as the Shree Kutch Leva Patel Community (SKLPC UK). Vascroft’s teams and joinery workshops regularly lend expertise and resources to grassroots community centers, including joinery support for the Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple (SKSST) in Kenton and broader initiatives across the Sorathia, Prajapati (SSKP), and Kutchi communities.
- The Vascroft Foundation: Established in 2004, the foundation actively funds healthcare, educational projects, and social initiatives. Among its key overseas commitments, the foundation supports the Shree Navchetan Andhjan Mandal in Gujarat, India – funding residential facilities, education, and vocational training for visually impaired, physically disabled, and orphaned children.
