The long-cherished desire of the members of the Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan NZ Inc moved towards reality when they approved purchase of an existing property in Onehunga at their Special Meeting held on September 29.
The 2975 Sq m plot, with built-up area of 1960 Sq m (located on at 12-18 Princes Street) would require modifications before it could be occupied.
Sansthan President Hari Gangisetty and Secretary Bhaskar Reddy Duvvuru said the property was the most suitable for members and was within affordable limits.
“The existing structure, used as a warehouse, would require modifications and further construction to suit our needs. The facilities would include a Mandir for Baba, a Community Hall, an Office and accommodation for the Temple Priest. The approval would enable us to proceed with the relative tasks,” they said.
Mr Gangisetty said Sansthan architect Manoj Dutta was working on the relevant formalities including Resource Consent from the City Council.
“It would be a great dream come true for our Members. The Sansthan has been growing in membership and stature and the need for a Temple with other facilities was pronounced,” he said.
The Sansthan has been blessed with members who are cooperative and understanding, ready to provide cash donations. According to Mr Duvvuru, regular weekly and other periodic remittances and collections received at special events had taken the Sansthan’s cash reserves to about $750,000.
“Increased quantum of remittances by members and devotees would help in achieving the objective of completing the Temple project within a year,” he said.
Remittances can be made to ASB Bank Account Number 12-3137-0047268-00
Meanwhile, the Mata Chowki Pooja held on October 3 at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Eden Terrace accrued a net income of more than $30,000.
About 1200 members and devotees attending the event which included hymns and prayers led by Pramod and Indu Kapur.
The Sansthan will conduct its Niryan Day on October 17 at the Lynfield Recreation and Youth Centre in Hillsborough.
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Photo :
1. Pramod and Indu Kapur lead the prayers at Mata Chowki Pooja
2. Members and Devotees of the Sansthan at the event
