ANNUAL REPORT AT GENERAL BODY MEETING 1998
Suman G. Kashyap, Chair, Board of Trustees
Welcome. Introduction of Board members.
1998 has been a very important year for our Temple. We had the Maha Prana Pratishtha (MPP) festival under the leadership of Dr. C. Adinarayana Reddy, Dr. Sudhakar Kulkarni, and Mr. Manohar Naga. It was a 5-day event, June 10 to 14, 1998. Various committees were formed and over a hundred volunteers worked very hard, specially from Jan-June '98. Six shilpis arrived from Chennai in February and essentially worked day and night to complete the sanctum for MPP. The whole community was enthusiastic and energized. For me personally, as I am sure for you too, it was an unforgettable event.
During the year, the Temple celebrated all major festivals including Pongal, Shiva-ratri, Ram Navami, Janmashtami, Ganesh and Durga festivals and, just recently, the Gita Jayanti. We had one youth camp in July. The two monthly events, Satsang and Arya Samaj Havan, are well established, under the guidance of Mrs. Meena Sharma & Mr. Jai Jaglan, respectively. In collaboration with ICS, we had two Red Cross blood drives at the Temple. Recently we had a clothes drive conducted by Dr. Padmani Karma. Fund raising events were done jointly with ICS and India Council. Another successful community project is the monthly soup kitchen under the guidance of Mrs. Smita Rajadhyaksha. Balvihar for young children is gaining strength, thanks to Mrs. Ruby Ghosh & Dr. Sripada Raju. Daily prayers, abhisheks, and Personal Archaras are being conducted by devotees not only of the Lansing area, but also by a large number of devotees from surrounding communities. Yoga classes are conducted twice a week. Gita and Vishnu Sahasranama classes are also continuing. Attendance at the Saturday AM Yoga class is very small, just a reminder.
On the construction side: The first half of the year was busy in construction of the main sanctum – a tremendous task with great results. We were successful in getting a rezoning of the Temple premises. The lot west of the priest house generously donated by the Naga family was paved as an overflow parking lot. A new landscape was designed. New Mahadwara at entrance and a temple sign was added. We also installed Saraswati Murthi in the Temple library. It took tremendous effort on the part of Mr. Naga and Mr. Trilok Kakar to get the Shikhars constructed, buy Kalashas from India and get them installed in such a short time. A lot of effort was put in choice of material to stand the rough Michigan weather. The Kalashas are made of copper but had to be treated and sent to Detroit for a special coating. The top is made of gold leaf. In essence, we were able to complete construction of phase 2 before cold weather sets in – a very satisfying experience.
About a year ago, the Jain community had approached the Board to include the plan for the Jain Mandir in the room adjacent to the main sanctum. I am very happy to report that it was approved unanimously by the Board. The construction is already underway with moving of the furnace, skylights & platform. This is also being done under supervision of Shriman Muthiah Stapathi.
The six Shilpis who have been with us since February '98 will be going back to India sometime near the end of February '99. We hope to complete the Jain sanctum by then. They have worked long hours, with great personal sacrifice, including health problems for two requiring hospitalization; making this temple their home for one year. On behalf of the Board and the community, I would like to thank them.
As you can see, this year has been one of great accomplishments. Our priests have been here for a year now and are feeling settled. Sharmaji had his family join him recently. Altogether they did about 100 Pujas or services at devotees' homes (about every third day!) This, I believe, is a great service we are able to provide to the mid-Michigan area. This service is invaluable. Obviously we are able to provide this only because we have two priests.
NOW about the future. With the completion to the Temple & MPP, I would like to share my goals for the next year.
1. My first goal–as our objective, to preserve the Hindu identity through religion, culture, and tradition. As we now have a roof to worship under, we need to reaffirm our spirituality, values and devotion. During MPP, several groups of devotees started a learning process for group chanting – to get personal benefit from the event of MPP. It was personally rewarding. We need more of that kind.
2. My second goal is to strive forward towards our goal of making the temple debt free in the next three years. I believe, with your continued support, this is a realistic goal. We need you ideas for fund-raising and make the Temple debt-free. We need you ideas on how to meet the monthly operational budget. We recently opened a custodial account where you can donate your stocks to the Temple for a mutual benefit. You must have recently received a pledge card. Please put it in your "to do" list.
3. Thirdly, we would like to attempt to increase community services with establishment of "Aadhar" Crisis Support Group; Senior Citizen Group; expanding Balvihar to involve older children; small camps during school breaks, etc.. Any suggestions are welcome. Of course the Temple thrives 100% on volunteer support. Pass your ideas to a Board member or come to a Board meeting.
Meeting with the life members twice a year.
On Dec. 1 Board meeting, we were presented with a proposal from some members to extend the due date for membership from March to June. The idea was discussed and the Board is in agreement; that is what the members want. However, there are some technicalities involved in changing the Constitution; I have requested Dr. Kulkarni to discuss them after my report. I also regret that due to our decision to strictly adhere to current by-laws, some of our devotees have not yet been able to vote, in spite of their donations. I hope you will understand. We have also made a commitment to take extra steps to make devotees aware of membership policies. It is my hope that the first check of the year is made to the Temple. You may also write checks now for Temple membership.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Board members who volunteer time on a daily basis for smooth operation of the Temple. I would like to thank Lakshmi Subramanian, who is finishing her term after serving on the Board for 3 years. She also served as Secretary this year; those newsletters were great! I would also like to thank Mr. Naga. He is finishing his second term, after serving six years as Chairman of the Temple Board. His leadership and dedication in getting things done have been invaluable. Beginning with making a Constitution, facilitating loans and Township approvals, getting the visas for Shilpis, and donating the large piece of land. He helped us in getting so many things for MPP, being here day in and day out, and finally the Shikar project. His vision helped the Board to make financially bold decisions. I am very happy that he has accepted the offer to be the Chief Financial Officer for three years so that we can reduce our debt, meet our operational costs, become debt free, and move on to further projects. I would also like to take the opportunity to give an extra special thanks to one of our Board members, Mr. Minesh Mody, our Treasurer. I am not sure if people appreciate what a tremendous job he does, with great dedication, in spite of being busy in his family life and career. The tasks he has spearheaded in getting all of the financial data is remarkable. Thanks.
At this time, I would like to invite Dr. Kulkarni to introduce the proposal and process to amend the Constitution. He is one of our original founder members from the Constitution and By-Law Committee. After that, I would like Minesh Mody to give the Treasurer's report. Subsequently, we would be glad to answer any questions you might have. Finally, I am delighted to see the active role the community members have now started to show in actively participating in the election process. Regardless of the results of the election, I hope that the enthusiasm will continue to grow. I know that each one of you will feel the obligation to serve on the Board sooner or later. On a personal note, it is a privilege to be a part of this growing institution. Thank you.