Members of the Shri Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan of New Zealand Inc elected an Executive Committee (with a mix of existing and new officials) for the 2011-2012 ‘Saibaba Year’ at their Annual General Meeting held on April 16.
Hari Gangisetty decided to stay away from the Committee this year, apparently to accord opportunity of the office to others. The General Body elected Bhaskar Reddy Duvvuru, who was Secretary in the previous Committee, to the post of President.
Thulasi Krishna remained in the post of Vice-President, while Hameed Mohammed took the office of Secretary. Murugesu Ramanathan is the Treasurer for the year.
Laxman Sunkari, Rajesh Ramanujam, Rajiv Keth, Rakesh Sharma, Ravi Pondicherry, Ravi Vemulapalli, Sainath Nethula, Sam Swaminathan, Shivani Arora, Surendra Narayana and Suvidha Gangisetty are among the other members of the Committee elected at the Annual General Meeting.
Mr Duvvuru said while the new Committee will continue to pursue weekly, monthly and annual activities, its priority this year would be to mobilise substantial funds to construct a Temple for Shirdi Saibaba at the property purchased in Onehunga in Auckland.
“As well as seeking $1.08 million from 108 donors (each contributing $10,000), we propose to raise $500,500 through 500 non-interest bearing redeemable debentures of $1001 each (Indian Newslink May 1).
He said the 2975 Sq M plot, purchased at 12 Princess Street in Onehunga at $2.65 million, will be converted into a Complex at the core of which would be a Temple for Shirdi Saibaba and seven other Deities.
The organisation needs to raise an additional $2 million to complete the Project, which would include a Community Hall and other facilities.
“We welcome donations from members and other devotees of Shirdi Saibaba at their convenience. These can be through weekly, fortnightly or monthly automatic payments made to our Account at the ASB Bank (Account Number 12- 3137-0047268-00). The Swift Code for overseas remittances is ASBBNZ2A – ASB Bank, Two Double Seven Branch, New Market, Auckland,” Mr Duvvuru said.
The Sansthan has also opened an account with Bank of Baroda Auckland branch. Account Number 021-2730-022170-001 Swift Code: BARBNZ2A.
Mr Mohammed said that people from India can remit up to $US 200,000 under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme through Bank of Baroda in India.
“They should fill an application (A2) form, submit PAN Card details and contact any branch of Bank of Baroda for details including terms and conditions,” he said.
